American Idol-Top Seven Perform
Still trying to get over losing Michael Johns last week, Idol soldiers on another week. This week’s theme is the songs of Mariah Carey. In other words, it’s going to be a week of glory notes, melisima and caterwauling. Ms. Carey has had 18 number one hits, and I can’t name one of them. But my lack of Mariah Carey knowledge doesn’t matter. Looking like Olivia Newton-John in “Grease” (after the slutty makeover), Mimi gives our fearless contenders some advice on how to deliver her songs.
If David A is getting a tongue bath from the judges, then it must be Tuesday. David sings “Believe.” Technically, he sounds wonderful, but he is so soulless. He’s like this perfect little show pony who does what he’s told, but adds none of his own personality and character to his performances. But he’s sweet and inoffensive so I’m sure he’ll survive another week. But am I the only one disturbed to see a kid not even old enough to vote wearing leather pants?
Wow, I actually like what Carly is wearing this week. I guess she found a stylist who doesn’t hate her tattooed ass. Carly sings “Can’t Live (If Living is Without You.”) Well, I can live without Carly. I usually like her voice, but her desperation just jumps off the screen and slaps me in the face. Plus, I thought she sounded way too screechy in this performance, but that is to be expected when you’re singing the Mariah Carey songbook. Hey, look! It’s her husband Darth Maul!
Syesha is up next and she sings “Vanishing.” Oh, Syesha. Don’t give me any ideas. Actually, Syesha is probably born to sing Mariah songs considering she lives for delivering glory notes. Surprisingly, I wasn’t too offended by Syesha this week. I thought she sounded pretty good. She does have decent pipes. I just wish she’d tone down the beauty queen pageant vibes. And I think singing a not very well known Mariah song may work for her or against her. Not many people have heard the original and may vote for Syesha on her own merits. Or people may zone out because they’re not familiar with the song at all. Plus, going third might make Syesha forgettable.
Brooke is still kind of bummed over missing her sister’s wedding. Yea, Brooke, but you were spared from wearing an ugly bridesmaid dress with a big bow on the butt. Brooke sings “Hero” and gives it a spare and elegant Carole King vibe I like. I’m not the biggest fan of this song. It’s too high school graduation song. My idea of a high school graduation song is the Ramones’ “Rock and Roll High School.” But I digress. Though Brooke sounds a bit rushed during the bridge, I do like her performance. Simon says that it’s like her ordered a hamburger but all he got was the bun. Well, some of us like carbs!
I’m not aware of Mariah ever covering “Amazing Grace” or “God Bless the USA” so Kristy Lee ends up singing “Forever.” I feel like Kristy Lee has been on this show forever, and it’s getting tired. She has a very weak register but seems to get going once she hits the chorus. I’m not thrilled by Kristy Lee’s, but I’m not exactly offended either. It takes Paula 835 words to critique Kristy Lee. No wonder this show goes over time.
Hey look, it’s Ramiele, and Ryan looking like a complete dork in a hat!!!
This has been a very bittersweet week for David C. His brother Adam has terminal cancer and was flown to LA via medi-vac to see his baby brother perform. David C is a true pro and sings “Always Be My Baby.” It sounds a bit rough at the beginning, and I wonder if David will pull through. But then he really gets going, and gives a very memorable performance. David makes this poppy hit into a chilling stalker vibe, and I can actually imagine this as a cover on a future David album. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who got teary-eyed over seeing David’s brother in the audience.
Jason gets the pimp spot and sings “I Don’t Wanna Cry.” Jason makes this song sound completely fresh and new, but he seems awkward without his guitar (or ukulele). Still, I like his performance. I was a bit worried how he’d handle Mariah week, but my fears were unfounded. Jason held his own. Plus, going last will keep him in the audience’s memory. I’m hoping he survives another week.
In the end, Mariah week didn’t turn out to be a disaster of epic proportions that I thought it would be. Ironically, I thought our more laid back contestants, Brooke and Jason, might be out of their element but I really like their performances. I was confused on what song David C could sing but once again, he really surprised me. Despite finding him boring, I don’t think David A is going anywhere or else head will probably roll. Syesha was in her element, but she might get forgotten in the shuffle. Kristy Lee is like a cockroach. We can’t get rid of her. I think Carly might be leaving us.
x 1,000,000
with his brother behind the judges (sitting next to Teri Hatcher & her daughter). I'm sure it meant a lot to him to have him there. 
I felt sorry for Brooke because I really don't think she did a good job, but I figured a Mariah song was going to be hard for her. I'm worried that she is going to go home.
Nice recap!
That performance was brilliant. I miss Mama Yamin.
Cha-Ching! Blatant sexual innuendo, FTW
