American Idol Review, Part Deux

I enjoyed liveblogging American Idol so much last week, I decided to do it again. I'm no more famliar with the Beatles this week than I was last week, but I'm looking forward to it, nonetheless. I wish I had some Boomama-style of cleverness to add here, but I'm just tapped out...and a little distracted...and I have a headache. But I'm all about sacrificing and taking one the team. So, now, for your reading diversion, my American Idol review:

Amanda Overmyer - Back in the USSR - Well, she looks a lot better tonight. The short straight hair looks younger, less scary. I think she sang better, too. I would never buy her record (Brian agrees), but I was a lot less scared. Simon reminded her that her tickets (to the Amanda Overmyer concert) aren't on sale yet. Good point.

Kristy Lee Cook - You've Got to Hide Your Love Away - Not as much of a mess as last week, but just not a stand-out. I think she got stuck in the low and then had trouble finding the other notes. I want to like her. I really do. She seems like such a sweet girl. But I think she needs sweeter, lighter songs. I think her voice is lyrical, and this song was too heavy and dramatic for her. I think Simon's right...she doesn't have the performer chops yet...maybe next year? But I don't suppose she ha another horse to sell...Brian says she could be a model.

David Archuleta - The Long and Winding Road - Ooooh...I liked it from note one. Good job at redeeming last week's performance! Such a lovely tone, great ear. And so very expressive. I'm amazed at his grasp of the lyrics and musical style at such a young age. Just amazing. What a performance. Aha. Simon agrees with me. ;)

Michael Johns - ?? - Cool song...don't know it, but it's cool. I think Michael is quite good, but there are a lot of weak spots in his voice and his performance. He reminds me of Val Kilmer. Weird, huh? Now, he gives a good performance, but I feel like he gets lost in himself and tunes the audience out. I'd like to see him connect with the audience. And the singing, while good, didn't wow me. Hmm...Paula said what I'm trying to say. Simon says it's a mess. I'm not sure I agree with that, but I didn't think it was top 3 caliber.

Brooke White - Here Comes the Sun - I didn't like this song as much as Let it Be, but Brooke looked like she was having a ball...and she looked very sunny, herself. I like her better on the more contemplative tunes. This seemed a little pop-py for her. Randy expressed what I felt. But Paula's right, you can't help but smile when you watch her. I do like how she takes criticism. I'm not sure what Simon means when he says "wet"...ewww? Not her best, but it was a good growth moment for her.

David Cook - Daytripper - He totally gets what Michael Johns doesn't get. He connects with the audience and the camera. Did you see him making eyes at the camera? He brings something different to his performance each week. He keeps it fresh and intersting. What was that freaky thing he did with his mouth and the mike? Cool, but weird! He looks like a rock star. Rock is not my favorite genre, but I really like this guy! Paula's right...just like Daughtry, he's ready to sell records right now. Simon thinks he's predictable, but hello? How about Amanda Overmyer?

Carly Smithson - Blackbird - I love this song. I'm not digging her look tonight, though. She's so pretty...kind of looks like Martina McBride, and sounds a bit like her too, but tonight she looks a little too old. Sounds great, though. I liked the soulful, emotional arrangement. Liked the drama created by her low voice. I would have liked to see her be a little more intimate with the audience, though.

Jason Castro - Michelle Ma Belle - Good for you, Jason, for doing the French diction thing. And that there French stuff ain't easy, neither. I still love this guy's voice. Love the emotion. Love the grin. But he looks a little cheesy pacing across the stage. He looks better with a guitar. The song was good, but I'd have like to see him focus his gaze, so it would look like he was singing to Michelle. It needed to be a little more intimate.

Syesha Mercado - Yesterday - Pretty dress. I liked the emotion and the simplicity with which she sang. I thought she stretched the tempo a little too much at "Why he had to go..." and thereafter, in an attempt to milk the lyrics. That made it a little awkward, and it's a tricky thing to do well. But the vulnerability made her unique tonight. Simon's right, it would have been a great song for Brooke, but I'm glad Syesha had a chance to show herself in this capacity tonight.

Chikezie Eze - I've Just Seen Her Face - Um....I don't get the harmonica thing. I don't know this song...is that part of the original? He's still adorable, but I'm bewildered. I like the energy, but the arrangement just confused me. Good, not great.

Ramielle Malubay - I Should Have Known Better - Much better than last week. But the prancing/pacing across the stage with the shoulders bobbing seems cheesy. Not my favorite, but a definite improvement over last week. A breath in the middle of a word. Last note was a bit off. Cute, but not great.


Tonight's standouts: David A. is back on his game. Love the little crooner boy. David C. was smokin', as usual.

Runner-ups: Carly was soulful. And Jason gave a sweet, if a little cheesy, performance.

Here's my ranking, based on tonight's performances:
David Cook (beats David A. based on consistency)
David A.
Carly
Jason
Syesha (beats Brooke based on suitability of song)
Brooke
Michael
Chikezie
Ramiele
Amanda
Kristy

I would like to keep Kristy around for another week, but I look for her to go. Like it or not, I think Amanda has a better feel for what works for her on the stage.

Edited to add: I forgot to include my Boomama link. Go check her out for American Idol Awesomeness! And be sure to check out the rest of the Boomama site. She's more fun than a cat in socks!