American Idol: Neil Diamond Week: Commentary
Who is picking these themes? Are they like 100 or something? It’s like retirement home material lately. How can anyone seem young and relevant singing this stuff?
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Amanda Overmyer - DONE
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Chikizie - DONE
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Ramiel Malubay- DONE
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Michael Johns - DONE
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Kristy Lee Cook - DONE
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Carly Smithson - DONE
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Jason Castro - “Forever In Blue Jeans”
Look: B Performance: B Singing: A-
This is a great song choice! In fact, Jenny called it before the show started. Jenny said “Jason Castro is going to sing ‘Forever In Blue Jeans.” But this song will always remind me of the Will Ferrell Gap commercial! I liked that Jason played the guitar because it plays into his schtick as a granola green Jack Johnson dude. The vocal wasn’t great but doesn’t have to be for this guy, he’s got style. And he’s a white guy with dreadlocks, Americans are fascinated by this kind of thing.
David Cook - “I’m Alive”
Look: B- Performance: B+ Singing: B
This should be a great week for David Cook. This is his wheelhouse, and David didn’t disappoint. He rocked it. At times he sounded like he was trying to be raspy like Diamond, and I didn’t care for that. It always seems like the contestant is trying too hard to be a “rocker” when they go gravelly in their singing or try to sound a lot like the original artist. But David Cook has been working the rock angle since the beginning, and ultimately, it feels authentic, and tonight it worked.
Brooke White - “I’m A Believer”
Look: C Performance: C- Singing: C
Brooke White should not have played the guitar, it kept her immobile and disconnected her from what should have been a fun song to perform. Instead, she looked like a preschool teacher leading song-time, rather than a pop-star. It didn’t work for me.
David Archuleta - “Sweet Caroline”
Look: B Performance: C Singing: B
How can David Archuleta take a fun song like “Sweet Caroline” and turn even it into a ballad? I don’t think this guy knows how to have fun with a song. That’s what happens when an 80-year-old is trapped in a 17-year-old body! Or perhaps it’s the result of a stage-mom, or stage-dad pushing too hard for this kid to grow up, the Jon Benet Ramsey effect.
Syesha Mercado - “Hello Again”
Look: A Performance: A Singing: B+
Syesha looks great! Her hair is beautiful and I liked her sitting on the steps all vulnerable-like. She really sang that song as a big diva type song and pulled it off. I liked it a lot, and really think she keeps bouncing back. She’s getting better every week, at just the right time.
Jason Castro - “September Morn”
Performance: C Singing: C+
More of the same from Jason Castro, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. We saw the same Castro style but it didn’t move me at all. Ultimately, Jason looked bored.
David Cook - “All I Really Need”
Performance: B Singing: A
This song was much better than the last for David Cook. He sounded more like himself. David belted out notes, and went falsetto. He rocked, and he sang the ballad. He stretched the song and made it a rock/pop song that could be a hit on radio today. Great job.
Brooke White - “I Am I Said”
Performance: B Singing: B
Brooke makes me a little crazy. Lyrics on the hand? Is it really that hard? But she is at her best when she’s behind the piano. The vocal was good if a little boring, but in the end, she didn’t add anything to the song. I guess at this point I should just be pleased that she remembered the lyrics!
David Archuleta - “America”
Performance: C Singing: B
Another patriotic song choice. David Archuleta doesn’t need the boost he’ll get from middle America for singing a patriotic song, but he’ll get it. This guy only has one style though. He’s a balladeer. This song could’ve been more fun or a little more rocked out, but we get more of the same. If you love him, you’ll love this. I would just like to see more range. I can’t imagine listening to a whole album of this.
Syesha Mercado - “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime”
Performance: B+ Singing: B+
Syesha’s great but why is she barefooted? She looks like she’s having fun. Syesha connected with the song and showed a lot of personality. I liked it.
Top 2 Performances:
- David Cook
- Syesha Mercad
Bottom 3 Performances:
- Jason Castro
- David Archuleta
- Brooke White
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