The American Idol Weekly Rundown-Top Ten

American Idol at its best...a great show. The performers had to sing a song from the year they were born and it made me feel very old...but I digress.



The Best:

David Cook-Never thought he'd impress me like this. His version of Billie Jean was instantly appealing and extremely marketable. Making it a Rock Ballad was one of the most brilliant choices I've ever seen anyone make on any season of this show. He also sang the heck out of it. Though his voice isnt necessarily the best, he definitely has the best grasp on today's pop audience. Chris Daughtry has officially been replaced...Thank Gawd.

***Edit***Just found out that this is a cover of a version that Chris Cornell did first...so, like Chris Daughtry with 'Ring Of Fire', he has fooled us (temporarily) into thinking this was an original take on the song when it is ,in fact, stolen. So I felt the Chris Cornell clip (which is friggin beautiful) should replace David Cook at the top of the page. And in my opinion, top honors for last night's show now go to Michael Johns.

The Good:

Carly-Blow me down, that was a great one! Contrary to stupid Randy's opinion, I absolutely loved her version of 'Turn Around'. It was just great...loved the tempo, loved the performance, loved the drive...loved the final note, even. I think Carly knows that it's necessary to belt a note at the end in order to leave an impression on America. Sad but true. 'Not in key' my foot.

Jason Castro-Sting's'Fragile' was never sung by a prettier mouth...haha. Yes it was safe and a bit drowsy but I loved it.

Michael Johns-Finally the Aussie ROcker has made the grade. He sang 'We Will ROck You/ We are the Champions' without going flat or predictable on us. It was really energetic and strong. Great Song Choice.

Syesha- -A very loosey-goosey version of 'If I Was Your Woman'. Her pitch was perfect throughout, though the high registers aren't as pleasing to the ears as the low. It was much less torchy and far more modern than the original and she definitely had a 'moment'. Plus, she's cute as a button. All in all, it was far and away her best performance.

Ramiele-chose to really take a chance and sing Heart's 'Alone', which Carrie Underwood really hit out of the park a few seasons ago. So it was very brave for Ramiele, whose voice is not nearly as strong, to attempt the song. I thought it was good...a million times better than last week for sure. She was a little flat on the high notes but the rest was on key and she put an original spin on it that I found impressive.

Chikezie-Regardless of how dated you think it was, the guy has a great voice. I didnt recognize the song but I think Paula mentioned that Luther Vandross sang it-which stands to reason since that is very much the type of artist I think Chikezie wants to shadow. I don't think that is as bad a thing as Simon does, evidently.

The Bad:

David Archuleta-I faintly remember this song from easy listening radio and also remember disliking it intensely. Can't recall the name or the artist but I'm sure it would be easy to figure out if I weren't so lazy. Anyhoo...I hated this. It sounded and looked just like a performance on some type of local 'benefit' or county fair. He hit some very bad notes also. And go figure: Randy liked this one? He needs to clean the wax out, methinks.

Brooke-'Every Breath You Take' has a bad history on this show. Chris Sligh, last season, really messed it up by reworking the tempo and even his stellar vocals couldnt save the performance. Brooke made the same mistake. Starting off at the piano was promising, as was the first part of the song. But when she hit the chorus and the band kicked in, it sounded rushed. She sounded as if she were shouting and we lost most of her smoky-sweet presence. Too bad.

The Ugly:

Kristy-I don't care if she sang 'God Bless the USA' well or not. I couldnt help but think of how disappointed I was last year when I went to Vegas to see the Bellagio fountain show, only to discover it had been set to that same obnoxious piece of patriotic sap. I detested it then and I despised it last night. Blech.

I am wondering after last night's show, which of the pretty boys has the most pull w/the screaming girls. I thought it was Castro until Archuleta finished up...the screams were nauseating.

My guess to go home is Chikezie though I don't think he deserves it, by any means. I am so ready to get rid of Kristy but Simon gave her high prasie (darn him) so she'll be around to serenade us for another week, it seems.