Which 6 guys on Idol will make the finals?

They've chopped the show to an hour, which means less comments from the judges and also shorter commercial breaks. Luke Menard leads off, they're all talking about their most embarrassing moments, he was put in a dress by his sis. He jumps right in, gray shirt and jeans; okay, after 10 seconds I can tell you he's gonna get cut. The idiot is singing Wake Me Up Before You Go Go--it's horrible. Voice is weak, gets swallowed up; it's like such a random pick. Fun song, I guess, but he's totally a lightweight, almost like a parody. Randy says you were off the pitch, rushing, got it together kindof, surprising pick, a bit corny; Paula is also surprised by the song choice, tries to be positive, stumbling so Simon cuts in; Simon says I thought it was weak, a bit girly, there's no chance you'll make it through to the final 12.

David Archuleta next, his moment was his mom having to run up on stage to finish a song for him. Wow, all in gray, playing the piano and singing Another Day in Paradise--wow, his voice is really good, so pure and interesting to listen to. It's a great choice, halfway through he stands up and just sings. Very sincere; man, amazing he's just 16, really has star quality--does seem to have some pitch problems. Big applause from the crowd. Randy likes it, not great, interesting song choice, a bit pitchy; Paula likes the notes being off, makes you more human, perfectly wonderful; Simon says not as good as last week, piano not a good choice; becoming a little gloomy, don't keep singing the sad songs (David's like Imagine is a sad song?)

Danny Noriega says his most embarrassing moment was getting tripped on the stairs at the movies. In black leatherish--oh man, you cannot be serious; he does a totally-over-the-top Tainted Love, it's both horrible and interesting. He's just going crazy, like he doesn't care, doing his thing. Randy says both good and bad, need more confidence--oh yeah, he needs to be encouraged to be less shy! Vocally, Randy says he means, come on, you can do this; Paula loves him, likes his sensitive and spicy side, be true to yourself but get rid of the purple streaks in the hair; Simon thought the whole thing was horrible, absolutely useless, goes off on him. The judging tonight is really crazy, a lot of cross talk.

David Hernandez, doesn't talk about being a male stripper as his most embarrassing moment. Oh, coming out as the sensitive one, soft girly song, all in black; he can sing though, although really it all seems different once you know about his past. Nice rendition of Coming Back to Me Now, just this side of campy, definitely very melodramatic. He's really putting his all into it; vocally is off a few times, but lots of energy. I gotta say I like it best so far tonight, just on a pure entertainment level. Randy says good song choice, some pitch problems; Paula thinks he's getting into the groove, becoming a very good performer; Simon says last week was better, but you're definitely in the finals on the basis of that. David asks if Randy likes his shoes.... Ryan doesn't ask him anything about his background, oh well.

Michael Johns, Ryan asks what his game plan is, he wants to show off his rock/soul abilities. Says he was once dressed up as a kangaroo at a match, got beat up. In red leather jacket, man he's just so cheesy and deliberate in his movements. Like Ace Young, but without his likeability. Don't You (Forget About Me), he's pretty off-pitch at times actually. It's like he looks like he's really into it, but it's all so mannered. Oh well; not horrible, just not my cup of tea, mate. Randy likes it, says so you, good song choice; Paula dittos, perfect song; Simon says liked it, not loved it; big talent, but haven't quite connected and found your moment, likes your soul stuff rather than the wannabe rocker, like you a lot though.

David Cook, who apparently has had some guitar issues. Moment was forgetting a song as a kid. In black; hey, I like it, a slow, rock version of Lionel Ritchie's Hello--then speeds it up, it's amazing, it actually works.... I really like it; the song itself is great, his take on it--including the screamed I Love You!--is true to it. This might be my favorite guy performance of the season so far, down to the eye flutter at the end. Randy says he loved the emo take on a pop song, it could be a hit; Paula loves him every time, calls it fabulous; Simon calls it very brave, and says he loved it.

Jason Castro, worst moment was one of his dreads coming out during a date. Hmm, slow and compelling start, The Baffled King Composing Hallelujah, which I'm not sure I've ever heard--it's really... interesting. Totally different; he can sing, very sincere, and genuine. I like it, not sure what the judges will say; brave choice, Leonard Cohen song. Randy says great degree of difficulty, not bad, good job; Paula says tough song but you made it sound effortless, showed vulnerability--man, Paula is really having trouble spitting out her thoughts, it's a bit painful to watch; Simon loves the Jeff Buckley version too, thought Castro was brilliant, you're getting better every week.

Chikezie finishes up, most embarrassing moment was using a girl's bathroom time after time as school. In sportcoat with pink shirt; has a really nice smile, like Forrest Whitaker; a bit pitchy and off-key at times maybe, but nice rendition of She Fills Me Up. Good energy; not sure if he'll be able to stand out on a strong night, but I like him. Randy says good job overall, tough song choice; Paula loves his personality, vocals were really good, like everyone; Simon asks if that was a Whitney Houston song, Chikezie eventually says yeah, Simon says cabaret, didn't think it worked, not a smart move.

Given that Vote for the Worst is backing Danny, I think it'll be Luke Menard and David Hernandez getting voted off.... It really was a pretty decent night for the guys.

David Cook
Jason Castro
David Archuleta
Chikezie
Michael Johns
David Hernandez
Danny Noriega
Luke Menard