American Idol Top 10

Last night was a pretty good night, except one of the most praised performances was another swipe, Methinks a leading contestant is going to get outed as a plagiarist.

This week the contestants were to sing a song that came out the year they were born. Ramiele Malubay sang 1987’s “Alone” by Heart. And she proved she can’t belt it out as well as Nancy Wilson. Paula said it was because she had the flu, but I don’t think that will save her. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t clever or original either. It also doesn’t help that she was first. A kiss of death spot. Not safe.

Jason Castro did 1987’s “Fragile” by Sting. It was a solid, but uninspired performance. The fact that parts of it were in Spanish might win him extra votes. I’d give him an iffy safe. But I thought it was ho hum.

Syesha Mercado handled 1987’s “If I Were Your Woman” by Stephanie Mills. Very good performance. One of her best. The judges loved it. Definitely safe.

My man Chikezie sang 1985’s “If Only For One Night” by Luther Vandross. It was a homage to Vandross and I personally liked it. I think he’s the heir apparent to the Vandross throne since his style is similar. But the judges chided him for not being himself. So I think he’ll be in the bottom three, even though it was solid.

Brooke White did 1983’s “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. I liked it, but wasn’t blown away. The judges more or less liked it. She’s safe another week. Even though she screwed up the beginning of the song.

Michael Johns rocked 1978’s “We Are the Champions” by Queen. It was one of his best performances yet. Queen songs suit him. He’s definitely safe. But he needs to do more of this kind of thing. He needs to pick more power songs.

Carly Smithson took on 1983’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler. I liked it. Her voice is similar to Bonnie Tyler’s tone (if not as raspy). I think it was a good cover, but Simon and Randy were not into it. Iffy safe.

David Archuleta sang 1990’s “You’re the Voice” by David Foster with Jeff Pescetto. Zzzzzz. What a crap tune. It’s another trite message song. It seems his psycho stage dad is feeding him songs to sing. Simon alluded to it in his critique. I was unimpressed and I think his dad may end up sinking his chances of winning if David keeps following his advice. It wasn’t even that greatly sung. But the girls in the audience ate it up, so he’s safe.

Kristy Lee Cook took on 1984’s “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood. It was a very smart choice because it will win her a lot of points with people moved by patriotic songs, but she also sang it very well. I can see her getting gigs now at baseball games and state fairs. All those KLC haters are probably grinding their teeth because they know she is umpire safe. Besides, she was second to last. Almost the pimp spot.

Ok, now we come to the swipe artist, David Cook in the pimp spot. This time he stole Chris Cornell’s version of 1983’s “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. The judges all praised him for his originality and star power. I smell a scandal brewing. Idol may have to recant some of their praise when people call him out on the internet. Wait and see. Did he do a good job? Sure. It was a very good swipe. But I think Cook is in for a beating in the court of public opinion. We shall see.

UPDATE: So poor Chikezie got the axe. His performance wasn’t even that bad. But boh Randy and Simon pretty much dissed it and I guess we’re at that point where the less popular people will be let go now. Ramiele wasn’t even in the bottom three, which means she must have a fan base. 

I watched the whole show for the first time last night since the first audition weeks.  So, I’m not up on all the gossip or background or past performances for any of these people.  I thought Chikeze started out well, I liked his voice, but I thought he had some problems in the middle of the song.  The judges didn’t say anything about it. 

Going just on last night’s performance, the ones who had the least vocal excellence was Mulabay, and Michael Johns.  I liked his performance overall, but just talking about vocals last night.  Having not been watching regularly, I don’t know if that was out of character for those two.

Posted by Laurie  on  03/26  at  12:23 PM

I forgot to add.... I wasn’t paying full attention when they were doing the song lead ins, but didn’t they give credit on the arrangement of Billie Jean that David Cook sang?

Posted by Laurie  on  03/26  at  12:26 PM

Actually, I think Ryan did give credit. You’re right. They didn’t a couple of weeks ago when he imitated someone elses version of a Beatles song.

The thing is, the Judges called Cooks version of Billy Jean original, when it wa a direct imitation of Cornnel’s version

Posted by  on  03/26  at  01:36 PM
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