The American Idol Weekly Rundown

So here we are in the umpteenth season of American Idol. Has the show played out? Probably. But here I am again, sitting every Tuesday and Wenesday night in front my tv, gawking in horror at the 'best in America' as they limp thru the classics and prove to us, yet again, that for the most part- there is a reason they haven't been discovered yet.

So here is my take on last night's show. FOr those of you not in the AI 'know', there are currently twenty contestants. Last week, four left and tomorrow night, four more will leave. Until there is an even 12 to 'wow' the world w/ live performances that are far too extravagant for their own good. Big Name 'guests' will assist in the judging and every show is 'themed' so that the players aren't able to stick to one comfy genre.

Last Night's Theme: The Seventies (and of course, there were very few surprises in the song choices.)

THE BEST:

1.Chikezie-After a heavy handed lounge performance (complete w/ tangerine colored leisure suit) last week, Chikezie came back with a great one. I don't know the Donnie Hathaway song he sang...so sue me. But he did a great job of delivering it and also throwing some levity around, as he teased Simon for not remembering how to pronounce his name. It was great.

THE GOOD:

2.David Archuleta- He was the judge's favorite last night. He sang John Lennon's Imagine and did not butcher it. It was lovely. However I can't help but wonder WHEN is something going to be said about this kid having already WON Star Search when he was 12? We're supposed to believe that he's this seasoned a performer by chance? At least acknowledge the facts here! David Archuleta won Star Search JR at the age of 12 and looked very much like a tiny politician. Youtube it.

3.Jason Castro- I like him. He did a Bee Gees song that wasnt quite right with the guitar accompaniament he offered, but I still like watching/hearing him. Does anybody else think he looks like a young John Travolta with dreads? I can't help but see Vinnie Barbarino when I look at him...only prettier. With perfect teeth.

4.Danny Noriega- The sweetest thing outside of Project Runway, Danny croons into the camera and makes bedroom eyes at the tv audience like a pro. I like his voice and his performance of The Carpenters was pretty good. But it's his skinny jeans and diva attitude that will take him to the top 12.

5.David Hernandez- was really good both weeks, for me. I liked his version of 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' quite a lot. He's definitely comfortable onstage and has no problem stretching his vocals to swing a few votes.

6.David Cook-The other resident 'rocker' did 'Allright Now' and accompanied himself with his guitar. He sang it well and played adequately. While I liked the fact that he mugged his way around the stage like he owned it, and gave props to the band for their help, his confidence (and lack of charisma) will hurt him unless he pulls in the reigns a bit. People do listen to Simon.

THE BAD:

7.Michael Johns- Austrailian Import has a nice rock vocal but keeps choosing the wrong song. Last night he did "You Can Go Your Own Way", by Fleetwood Mac and it was very yawny.

8.Luke Menard- Steeped in musical theater obviously. His version of Killer Queen sounded like it came straight from the live production of High School Musical. On key? Sure. But this ain't Jesus Christ Superstar.


THE UGLY:

10.Robbie Carrico- So boring. 'Hot Blooded' by Foreigner is a catchy track but it is cheesy...so singing it on AI is inevitably going to sound like karaoke. I'm ready to see the back of him...heh heh.

11.Jason Yaegar-You just can't sing 'Without Love' unless you're fortunaate enough to have the doobies backing you up. It was so bad I cringed. The dancing, the cocky smiles at the camera, it was all so...eeeewww.

Tomorow: The girls!