Thursday night the sixteen contestants on American Idol were reduced to twelve: six guys and six gals. It’s really a shame that they want the show to be balanced, as I think the females are much stronger than the males. Oh well.
This week’s theme was the 1980s and most of the songs were ones that I was quite familiar with, as that was the time frame when I was singing six nights a week. It was interesting comparing their versions of these songs with my own – and knowing which ones I could sing circles around and which ones would have blown me out of the water 😉
The show started with a performance by season 6 runnerup Blake Lewis, who showed why he got so close to the top. An entertaining performer, although I have to say his suit was an interesting choice 😉
Starting with the guys, rocker David Cook, who turned in an awesome performance of Lionell Richie’s Hello, was the first to make it to the top 12. He was joined by 17-year-old sensation David Archuleta. The third guy in was Jason Castro. Watch this kid – he’s got some talent and continues to impress.
Next the show turned to the ladies. Brook White, who looks (and sounds) a lot older than her 24 years, was the first to make the top 12. Syesha Mercado, who turned in a passable performance of Whitney Houston’s Saving All My Love for You, also made it. The third female, instead of joining the other two, was voted off. Kady Malloy almost didn’t make the cut last week. Her performance this week was quite week.
Back to the guys. A third David, David Hernandez, made it. He did a great job Tuesday night as did rocker Michael Johns. Good looking but small voiced Luke Menard was the first guy voted off.
That only left Vote for the Worst’s Danny Noriega and Chikeze. But before we got to see if VFW had any infuence, it was back to the ladies.
My favorite, Raimele Malubay, made it through. This kid has a wonderful voice and just lacks the confidence that she needs. Hopefully she’ll get it hanging around with Carly Smithson, who has no such problem. Don’t get me wrong – I like Carly and she’s probably the one to beat in this competition but then again, she should be. After all, she’s a pro, having been previously signed to a record deal. Rocker girl Amanda Overmyer, the other VFW contestant, actually did a good job last night and made it into the top 12. The last female in was country girl Kristy Cook. Odd woman out was Asia’h Epperson, who took on another Whitney song last night, I Wanna Dance with Somebody. The song was just too big for her.
The last slot was given to Chikeze! I was glad that VFW didn’t influence this vote. Danny Noriega just wasn’t in the same class as the others. (And I know that Squeaky Wheel loves this result 😀 )
This is going to be an interesting season. We’ve got pop singers, rockers, alternative and country. Gotta love it!
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
THANK THE LORD ABOVE!!! I am SO glad that Danny is history! No Sanjaya ’08.
My next target is Brooke White. I do not like her.
I like David Hernandez but David Archuleta is the pre-ordained winner, so….
You know, there’s something about Brook White that I’m not fond of, either. Can’t put my finger on it but it’s there.
Maybe VFW was run its course?
Brooke reminds me of Sheryl Crow. That folksy type singer that I’ve never really cared for. She seems to try to pull off an innocent look each week but it doesn’t seem genuine.
Do you think that the news of Hernandez’s past will come to haunt him? It’s one thing to be a stripper or to be gay but to give lap dances to men? Some may not vote for him because this.
You guys are crazy, Brooke is awesome and their is definetly more talent on the guys side this year!
Brooke is too fake… Never seen an ‘R’ movie? C’mon. She seems smart and only dumb people can be that truly naive of the world as she comes across as. There is something about her… I smell a HUGE skeleton in her closet. Seems the more ‘innocent’ or preachy on eis, the more they arfe hiding something… We have seen this time and time again with rabid anti-gay people, uber, self ritious religious people, activists like PETA (WHo kill animals and those folks charged in NC, etc)…
Archuleta’s “Gee, schuks, you guys really like me?” schtick is getting old too.
Archuleta is good and will probably make it to the finals. I think Brooke White also has a good shot with that “innocent” look.
I only see Michael Johns and David Archuleta going for the head-to-head battle. It will probably come down to those two. Quote me on that one. I’m sure of it. Michael has a great voice reminiscent of Eddi Vedder, plus he’s a hot aussie. David has the charisma going for him, the “underdog” everyone wants to see win. Just my two cents. I’ve also noticed that American Idol in general has become an American television sensation. They’re even nominated for FAVORITE REALITY SHOW on Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards. I’m working with Nick at the moment, and I just want to let you guys know that you can go to http://www.nick.com/shows/specials/kca/ and VOTE for who YOU think should win. Plus get more details on the other nominees and get some FREE downloads (widgets, icons, etc). You can also play around with the video mixer (It’s pretty rad if you ask me). Oh yeah, JACK BLACK is also hosting the event, again. YES!!!! Love that guy, he’s so awesome and funny.
So if you guys get a chance, tune in MARCH 29th @ 8PM.
WHO DO YOU GUYS WANT TO SEE GETTING SLIMED?
(I would love to see Randy get slimed or Ryan…. hmmm)
Ramiele, in my opinion, is the most pitch-perfect finalist in the competition with a quality of voice that is to die for. Her voice is much better than Carly’s over the top and much too strained voice. She can be edgy but still sound nice unlike the wholesome David Anchuleta.