AMERICAN IDOL Recap: 3-04-08
By Deb Porter-Jones
Tonight Luke Mennard sang “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! Dull, dull, dull. Randy thought it was corny, Paula liked his performance and, Simon didn’t. Simon thought it was, “weak, a bit girly” and there was “no chance he would make it through to the final twelve”. Sorry, I agree. I give him a C-.
David Archuleta (such a cutie!) played piano and sang “Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Collins. Randy thought it didn’t show off his vocal prowess and said it was,“nice”. Paula thought it was “perfect, but not perfect”. Simon thought it was a depressing performance, he needs to lighten up a bit. David was drawn to singing this particular song about homelessness because it brings attention to people around the world who don’t have homes. I agree. B+.
Danny Noriega sang “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell and boy, was he awful. Randy seemed to like his performance but thought it was a “little shy” in the beginning of the song and seemed to gain confidence through the song. Paula liked his performance and Simon thought it was “horrible, absolutely useless”, hated the arrangement, performance, vocals, everything.” I’m sorry, but I agree. Simon’s mean, but he’s right. Danny’s performance was a hot mess. D-.
David Hernandez, who has been outed by the media for being a stripper, sang “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” by Meatloaf. I think his performance was okay, but a bit too controlled for David and maybe had a few pitch problems. Randy thought it was a good song choice for him. Paula thought he was “finding his niche” and is becoming a really good performer with some of the best vocals in the competition. Simon felt that it wasn’t as good as last week; he prefers the soul songs that David usually performs but he has more than secured a place in the finals. I give him a B.
Michael Johns sang “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds and I think he did a great job. He’s such an eighties guy that this song was perfect for him. All of the judges loved his performance and feel certain that he’s going to make it to the final few. He’s really authentic, and just so darn likable. B+
David Cook was having some guitar problems and he ended up switching spots with Michael Johns, who was supposed to perform after David. He sang “Hello” by Lionel Richie and he did a great job. He changed the arrangement, slowed it down, rocked it out: He totally killed it! He played guitar simultaneously and didn’t miss a beat. I love this guy … except for his hair; I wish he’d snip off that little tail in the back. Anyway, back to his performance; David is so effortlessly talented and doesn’t appear to be having any problems trying to figure out which niche he belongs in. He’s strictly rock and he’s comfortable there. Randy thought it was “brilliant”, Paula thought it was “fabulous, and it would be a hit today”. Simon thought it was “a very brave thing to do and he loved it.” David is the bomb! This dude gets a very deserving A+.
Jason Castro sang “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Does anyone notice the strange resemblance to a certain man who ascended to Heaven? And hello; I don’t think his song choice is a coincidence either he’s Jesus, people! He’s got a very sweet, good and strangely androgynous look about him. He’s just beautiful in a very male/female sort of way with the dreads and the beautiful eyes. Anyway, his performance was good, but in my opinion, I’m sorry to say, nothing special. Randy and Paula thought he did a great job, kudos to him for singing without the guitar, his security blanket. Simon thought his performance was absolutely brilliant and that he’s “getting better and better and better”. I guess he has to get extra points for being Jesus. Jesus gets an A+, because I’m no fool.
Chikezie sang “She Fills Me Up”, a song by Whitney Houston but he flipped the script for his purposes. I don’t like it when people change the gender of a song to suit their purposes; I can’t get used to that. Randy and Paula loved it, they loved his vocals, loved that he changed the song; blah, blah, blah. Simon hated it and felt that it “didn’t work”. I’m sorry, I agree. He gets a B-, because I’m feeling charitable.
Wrap Up
Who’s the one to watch? David Cook, for sure. Who’s going home? I think most probably, Luke, Danny and Chikezie. No worries predicted for David Cook and of course David Archuleta, and possibly even David Hernandez. Shoot, Jesus may even be around a little longer…
Stay tuned, folks!
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