American Idol Recap: 3-18-2008
by Deb Porter-Jones
Well, this evening we’re down to eleven contestants and this week the performances are based on the Beatles theme again. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or not. While it’s true the Beatles’ music is timeless, they’re also difficult for these young people to perform.
Amanda Overmyer performed “Back in the USSR” ,and she did alright; albeit a little predictable for her. While I’m sure Amanda is probably not going to be the next American Idol because her style and performances are so unique, she’s definitely something special when she’s in her element. Of course, no one seems to get her and this week was no different. Randy and Paula both thought she was good, but Simon thought she was bordering on predictable. I give her a B.
Kristie Lee Cook sang “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”. Kiss of death: when Paula talks about your outfit, it means you sucked. Randy and Paula both thought she played it way too safe. Simon called a spade a spade, and told her that basically she was super boring when she performed and is risking not being memorable enough. He likened her to “musical wallpaper,” fading into the background. I have to admit; he’s right. I can never remember what song she performs from one week to the next. She’s good; mind you, just not fabulous. I give her a C.
David Archuleta sang “The Long and Winding Road”. Randy thought David “brought the hotness back”, Paula thought it was great and Simon thought his performance was “amazing”. He also thought “last week was a complete mess” and that it was so “important that you sell a song”. I think David did a good job with a difficult song to sell. But I have to admit, I wasn’t blown away. His saving grace is that he performs brilliantly for a 17-year-old. I give him a B.
Michael Johns’ performance of “A Day in the Life” wasn’t one of his best, in my opinion. Even Randy said it wasn’t one of his best performances and that he needs to try a Beatles song that allows you to hear the “big old voice” that he has. Simon thought his performance was “a mess”: he didn’t hit the right notes, and that the song was all over the place. He’s got to “nail the song” if he expects to stay another week. Paula thought he was wearing an earpiece which can take some getting used to as a new performer. Turns out, he wasn’t wearing one, so Paula told him to “step up his game.” I don’t know the song that he sang, but whatever it was, I thought his performance was a hot mess. I give him a C, only because I know he can do better and I hope he gets an opportunity.
Brooke White performed “Here Comes the Sun”. Randy thought the performance was awkward, and Paula thought Brooke played it safe with this song. Simon thought the performance was “terrible from the horrible dancing to the absolute lack of conviction”. She actually did look out of place without a piano in front of her like when she sang last week’s “Let It Be,” which she performed spectacularly. Brooke says next week she’ll be back to what she’s comfortable doing. I hope she gets that chance. I give her a C.
Next up was David Cook performing “Day Tripper”. He also played guitar during the song and did a great job, which is predictable for David. What wasn’t predictable was the use of a talk box, which was pretty cool. David’s consistently excellent and I always love his performances. Randy wasn’t sure if it was his best performance but felt it was another solid performance. Paula thinks he’s ready now to go sell records. Simon thought it “wasn’t as good as David thought it was”. Amazingly, Simon thought his performance “was a bit predictable”. Even with the talk box thingy? I usually agree with Simon, but not this time. I think David’s performance was great tonight and I love that he always tries to do something different. There seems to be no end to this guy’s talent and willingness to try new things. I give him an A.
Carly Smithson performed “Blackbird”. Randy thought it was a great performance. Paula thought it was an excellent performance, and Simon didn’t like the choice of song at all. Carly explained that she chose the song because she feels like they’re “all little birds trying to make it in this industry.” I think it was an okay performance. She’s got a great voice and she’s usually pretty good consistently. I give her a B.
Jason Castro performed “Michelle”. He did a pretty good job;sensitive and sweet as usual for him. Randy thought it was a little subdued and he doesn’t know if he really, really got it. Paula thinks he is so charming and the ladies love him. She also noticed that he was a little disconnected without his guitar. Simon thought it was “a bit strange.” Simon thought he was lucky because Jason’s face sold the song and as we know, he’s got a great face. I give him a B.
Syesha Mercado performed “Yesterday”. Her performance was excellent. It was touching and sensitive. Randy thought it was a “very, very, very good performance”, Paula thought it was a beautiful job; showing her vulnerability, although she could have connected more with the audience. Simon thought it was her best performance so far. I give her a well-deserved A+.
Chikezie performed the song “I’ve Just Seen a Face”. The arrangement was a little strange, went from a slow ballad to a harmonica solo, to a kind of country bluegrass, hoe-down song. Wow, it was just weird. I must admit, I didn’t get it. But it’s Chikezie and I like him, so I’ll give him a pass. Randy thought the harmonica was strange but the arrangement was interesting, Paula loved it. Simon thought the harmonica was atrocious and the song turned into “Achy Breaky Heart”, that it wasn’t as good as last week and was gimmicky. I give him a C, because I like him.
Ramiele Malubay performed “I Should’ve Known Better”, an up-tempo song. Her performance was just okay. I like Ramiele as a person, I think she’s a really sweet girl.
I just don’t think she has the chops for this competition and probably won’t make it. Randy thought the performance was alright; she did her thing. Paula thought it was definitely better than last week but she needs to pick the right song. Simon thought it sounded like Chikezie was on the microphone, the track sounded terrible, very amateurish but she chose a really mediocre song. And Simon’s right, of course. I give her a C.
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