Tonight’s show includes more footage from various stars’ visits to Africa last year. We begin with Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, best known for his phenomenal portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Whitaker is joined by his wife, Keisha, in Rwanda where they visited the family of a man who was blinded by a land mine. This man lives as a beggar on the streets of Rwanda, and is assisted by his 6-year-old son as they walk through the streets begging for coins on a daily basis to pay for food to feed the family. Whitaker and his wife were invited into the home of this man and his family, three children in all, who sleep in a hut on a dirty mattress. Whitaker and his wife also visited an orphanage where not enough children are taken in, children who have been orphaned by the ravages of HIV/AIDS. The people who run the orphanage are angels who have made it their life’s work to make a difference in the lives of children who would have ended up lost. Idol fans were again encouraged to donate in an effort to also make a difference in the lives of people who are in such great need.
Idol fans were also treated to a special treat tonight. Chart-topping R&B youngster Chris Brown performed a duet with last season’s American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. They performed a song currently running up the charts, “No Air”, and I must say, if I didn’t know better, I’d think there was a more than just a little chemistry there! Of course, I don’t know better, so, was there something there? Either Jordin is a pretty good actress, or I’d say she was a little smitten with Chris – but who could blame her? He’s cute as a button, ultra-talented and, I believe, not dating anyone right now… Go, Jordin!
On to the eliminations: Unfortunately, our bottom three this week makes no sense. The three performers with the least amount of votes include Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado and Michael Johns. Yes folks, a travesty has occurred. Now, mind you, I don’t believe that all of these three singers could have gone on to win the whole thing. But I also certainly don’t believe that they belonged in the bottom three this week: not with Kristie Lee Cook, Jason Castro and Brooke White safe. That makes no sense. Syesha’s performance of “I Believe”, a Fantasia song, was really good. It wasn’t the quality that Fantasia would have turned out, but it was still really good. Michael Johns’ performance of “Dream On” by Aerosmith was “blazing hot!” to borrow a phrase from Randy Jackson. So that makes no sense. But Carly Smithson’s performance of “The Show Must Go On” left a little to be desired. I think she’s good, but not phenomenal.
It turned out that Michael Johns was sent home tonight. Ryan Seacrest teased us (and Michael) with the reminder that last year’s elimination was cancelled because everyone was in such a charitable mood with “Idol Gives Back”. But that same consideration was not extended to Michael Johns this year, and he was let go. I think with the exception of David Cook and David Archuleta, he was the most consistent of all the performers left. But I have to believe that some influential record promoter (Clive Davis, pay attention) will get a clue and give Michael Johns a call. Michael’s an awesome talent and I think this elimination is just a blip in the lifetime of his singing career.
Tags: American Idol, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Chris Brown, Forest Whitaker, Jason Castro, Jordin Sparks, Kristie Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ryan Seacrest, Syesha Mercado
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!
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