Idols try to go deep

The chairman of Ford, Bill, is hanging out in the audience; they're on an extra night this week to accommodate Idol Gives Back tomorrow. They're singing inspirational songs?! Sheesh.

Michael Johns says he's living his dream, oh God--he's got on some sort of neckerchief, white shirt and black vest. Singing a weird, rambly at the start version of I Dream On. It's a good pick for his vocal talents, totally cheesy and generic. But he sings it okay, except the falsetto part is just screeched. Randy says these are the weeks to separate the men from the boys, some pitch problems and it doesn't fit you that well, you're no Aerosmith. Michael tries to justify it, Randy is like why that, Michael shoots back he's living the American dream. Paula loved it, calls it the perfect song choice, you sound as good as you look, high notes were great. Simon settles it--good performance, but don't like it when you impersonate a rock star, do the blues/R&B thing, a bit wanna-be-ish. Well, his entire personality is an aspiration built on a mirage, so it makes sense.

Syesha Mercado tells us Ramielle's in New York right now, in brown sweater/white pants. Oh gosh, singing I Believe by Fantasia. Man, let them choose whatever they want, and they all go nuts--forget the words, pick songs you can sing! The start is really good though, hushed and compelling--it's a good pick for her. And very believable. Man, she realy has an excellent voice; the performance is good too. A few pitch problems, but overall really good. Randy says big song to tackle, didn't feel a connection but okay, they go on and on, no point. Paula says you made it your own, good job. Simon says of course people will compare to Fantasia; you sang it very well but no big wave of emotion--we still don't know who you are, do your own thing.

Jason Castro, my gosh, is really going to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, the ukulele version. Hmm, this could be very interesting. He's actually playing a ukulele; nowhere near as good as the Hawaiian version, it's pleasant but he looks totally ridiculous perched in a high chair strumming. It's a bit boring, if you've ever heard the original; just okay, he really seems blissed out. A bit more original near the end, but it's not enough in my opinion. Randy claims it was blazing hot; Paula likes his sound, calls it the perfect choice. Simon says it was fantastic--I think they're all wrong. Too bad eBay doesn't sponsor the show.

There's an Apple commercial with some yoga chick that reminds me how good white people are at obliviously bland-erizing things. Oh, and here's Kristy Lee Clark. In gold top, hey, she's not horrible at the start, but then runs into pitch problems, Do It Anyway. She really has trouble carrying a tune; performance is leaden. Voice is big, but it's hard to get past the fact that she's off-key and robotic. Randy says some pitch moments, but I loved it, that was good for you. Paula says your best by far, easy singing songs that inspire you. Simon says you were very good, indeed; you look like a star, you're appealing to your audience, good for you.

David Cook, in white top and black pants. Hmmm, a very odd song; Our Lady Peace. Never heard it before--an odd, non-melodic choice I think. But it fits him really well, he's totally believable singing it, has "give back" written on his palm. Because of the fit I think it's a good choice, even if I didn't enjoy it. Randy not sure about it all, didn't get it. Paula says you're very well-defined as the whole package. Simon didn't like it at all, he's gonna say indulgent--says pompous instead. Calls it his worst performance in a while.

Carly Smithson, doing Show Must Go On. In blackish outfit; her typical fierce performance. Man, every pick so far has been weird, these kids need to be told what to do. The start is just boring, picks up a bit but she's lost me, the song's not that great. Also, she's flat on a few lines; just blah, feels like it goes on forever. Randy says started out good, then pitchy, ended okay, disconnected. Paula says your voice was great, didn't feel the connection though. Simon says you look good. Unusual choice of song, oversang and lost control of the song; came over as an angry performance, weird in conjunction with the evening--you may be in trouble after tonight.

David Archuleta next, floppy white shirt and tan slacks, looks totally like a kid. Says on tape he had a bit of trouble, then Angels jumped out at him. I think this is a good choice, just based on the title. Sitting at the piano, gets shrieks. Man, smoke and everything--quiet and controlled start, but power too. His voice just soars, seems totally at peace. Hard not to smile when this kid performs; maybe a bit off-key in parts, but totally takes off at the chorus, his fan base is gonna eat this up. It's just okay for me, felt like it was gonna be even better. Randy loved his runs, calls that his hottest moment of the season. Fans are screaming, Paula says fantastic. Simon says best song choice of the night, he's never known why this song hasn't been a hit; says he's nitpicking on the vocals, but you're gonna sail through.

Brooke White in a paisley pinkish dress, closes up. Doing You've Got a Friend, Carole King's version not James Taylor. A perfect choice, as usual, her vocal tone really comes through, audience is hushed. So very earnest, seems to be having some pitch problems. But I liked it; not sure she can expand her fan base with her style, but it's enjoyable. Audience seemed to like it too. Randy says not your best performance, okay; Paula loves the song, perfect way to close us out; Simon says it's like a pleasant walk in the park. Not original, Randy echoing him, it's funny. They just end it, Brooke looks like she's about to cry, then smiles up.

A totally down night; nobody hit their stride, the race is a muddled mess behind Archuleta. In retrospect Michael Johns sounds better, albeit cheessy, so I move him up.

Syesha Mercado
Brooke White
Michael Johns
David Archuleta
Jason Castro
David Cook
Carly Smithson
Kristy Lee Clark