Reality Roll Call

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s focus is “inspirational themes” and Michael Johns is up first!

His is an inspirational story in that he is from another country and has come to America in search of the American Dream. So far, it seems like he’s close to finding it. He sings “Dream On” by Aerosmith and boy, does he rock it! He even attempted a really high falsetto portion of the song; even though Randy thought he had “some pitch problems”, typical Randy critique. I think he clinched it, and so did Paula. She thought it was a perfect song; she also thought he sounded “as good as he looks”. Simon thought it was “a very good performance.” He also slightly agrees with Randy, but he thought it was a “little bit wannabe-ish,” and he thinks Michael’s really a bluesy singer, not so much a rocker. I think Michael Johns rocks no matter what genre of music he tries his hand at. Great performance. I give him an A.

Next up is Syesha Mercado. The inspirational song she chooses is “I Believe” by Fantasia. Syesha did a really good job with this song. I had never heard the song before and while I’m certain Fantasia sang the hell out of it, Syesha really did a good job, too. Randy and Simon both thought she did a really good job, but she didn’t do as well as Fantasia, of course. Paula was a bit more realistic and felt that she did a great job and in some ways her performance tonight was much better than last week. I thought Syesha did a great job, but I don’t know why she insists on choosing songs that will cause everyone to compare her to phenomenal singers. I think she deserves a B.

Jason Castro attempted the impossible tonight: Jason played a ukulele while singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. It was perfect for him, very simplistic and pure. Really interesting choice of instrument, but this is Jason we’re talking about. I’m surprised he didn’t play the ukulele in his skivvies and barefoot. For Jason, it was a good performance, he did a good job, but I’ll say it again: he’s out of his league. He won’t make it to the final three but he’s a good performer. I give him a B.

Kristie Lee Cook sang “Sing It Anyway” by Martina McBride and I thought it was a good performance for her. Still, not at the level of a David Cook or Michael Johns, but good. All of the judges thought her performance was very, very good. Worlds better than she usually performs. I agree, she deserves a B.

David Cook sang “Innocent” by Our Lady of Peace. I don’t know this song either, but I’m a huge fan of this guy. While I think it may not have been his best performance (the last 3 weeks’ awesome performances truly must be difficult for him to duplicate), I still think he rocks. All of the judges felt the same way, but I think he rates a B+.

Carly Smithson sang “The Show Must Go On”. She did a great job; it was a really big song for her, but it was unanimous that she really didn’t connect with this song. She performed it well enough, but it just wasn’t her best performance. Simon even thought she should be worried after this performance and thought she seemed angry. I give her a B.

David Archuleta sang “Angels” and played piano, too. David did an exceptional job with this song. His voice was pure and sweet and so innocent. Randy thought it was “blazing hot”, Paula thought it was “fantastic” and Simon thought it was “amazing” but somehow not his best vocal, but he would, nonetheless, “sail through to the next round”. David did a phenomenal job and he deserves an A+.

Brooke White sings “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. She did a really good job with this song and it was a typical “Brooke” performance. Randy thought it was “okay, not his best”. Paula thought she was “definitive” and Simon thought it was “a pleasant walk in the park, nice, and pleasant”. I feel so sorry for Brooke; she always looks so beaten, like she’s anticipating getting kicked in the head every time she performs. Poor thing. Anyway, I think she did a good job with this song; it was rather safe and easy, again, she’s not in the same league as a Michael Johns and a David Cook. But she held her own. I give her a B.

The elimination show on Wednesday includes footage from “Idol Gives Back” and airs a half hour earlier at 7:30 pm EST. We look forward to seeing who makes it past tomorrow night!