This week, I'm switching it up, reviewing the performances in order instead of grouped by performer. Each Idol got three songs, one they picked themselves, one chosen by a judge and one chosen by an unknown producer. Who choose wisely?
Judges Pick
David Archuleta was handed Billy Joel's "So It Goes" by Paula. I know I bust on Lil' Archie a lot, so I want to start with a compliment. He does have a beautiful instrument. He just doesn't always use it right. Tonight his voice was tender and sweet, not saccharine or cloying. But he was also a little stiff on stage, and it was a little boring. Randy chose one of my favorite songs, "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, for Syesha Mercado. Like Simon said, she didn't take it anywhere new however it was a solid performance, though, and her vocals were good. The organ in the background was rather distracting. Simon almost always picks brilliant songs for his Judges Pick choices, he gave Vonzell "On The Radio" in season four and one of Katherine McPhee's only two amazing performances, "Over The Rainbow" was his pick also. So I knew he would give David Cook a hot one, and "First time Ever I Saw Your Face" was a bold, and ultimately wise, choice. David used a soft falsetto through much of it, before belting at the end. It was tender, gorgeous and moving. Most importantly, it proved what shouldn't have needed proving after "Music Of The Night", the boy can sing, not just rock. Round 1 Winner: David Cook.
Contestent's Choice
Archie was smart to pick a song currently on the Billboard charts, to prove he can be current. A smarter choice would have been to sing it well. (Oh snap!)It sounded like he was at a karaoke bar and he was goaded by his buddies to sing "With You" by Chris Brown to impress some girl. He forgot words, he seemed rushed to keep up with the music and he just seemed awkward. It didn't fit him at all, but the little girls squealing with fangirly fervor will ensure he doesn't leave tonight. Syesha's choice was a complete opposite, skewing old with a vampy version of "Fever" by Peggy Lee. It was kinda hot, but in a very theatrical way, like she was playing "Sexy Jazz Singer #2" in a movie. Or, perhaps a flattering comparison, like she was playing in revival of Chicago. Which I think is her aim anyway. My beloved Cookie went with another favorite of mine, "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot. I guess I need to hit the Xanax, because I'm agreeing with Paula! It seemed cut off at the end, a noticeable side effect of the minute-thirty rule. David also seemed a little hoarse, and didn't seem to be following the melody correctly. Round 2 Winner: Syesha
Producer's Choice
This used to be Clive Davis's round, he hasn't done it since season five. I think a better round would be viewer's choice. Have an online poll to chose the song the contestants sing for a group of five. I think we would've done a better job than this unnamed producer. David A. was given "Longer" and he sucked. It was boring, he looked geeky and I couldn't have cared less about a top three performance since Taylor Hicks. Oh god, and he won. Damn! Syesha was sabotaged by this producer fellow. "Hit Me Up" is a crappy pop song that I only know from a Wheat Thins commercial, although it is apparently in the film "Happy Feet" and so not a Syesha song. But she snag OK, seeming to be very uncomfortable with the song. And to cap it off, Randy compares her to Rihanna? I love some Rihanna, but Syesha has vastly superior vocal skills. David C. got a song he could work with, Aerosmith's monster power ballad "Don't Want To Miss A Thing" and work with it he did. He made a smart choice to not imitate Steven Tyler's signature yowly vocals, but he did still pale in comparison. It was still a very hot performance, once again! Round 3 winner: David Cook.
David Archuleta should go home, but we all know he won't So poor Syesha will pack her bags and, if she's smart, go straight to Broadway. Oh, and can we do video packages to intro each song again? Going straight from interview to performance felt very high school talent show.
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