David Cook Billie Jean Watch It Here
This… is American Idol. It’s the AI Top Ten, and the theme this week is “songs from the year of their birth.” Tomorrow night we will bid goodbye to another of the Fox reality contestants as we walk down the road to the “Who will it be?” Ramiele (born in 1987) goes first, and she’s doing “Alone.” My first thought is how ballsy that choice is, given Carrie’s outstanding performance of this song a few years back. Then she starts singing, and it’s shaky. Then she starts SCREAMING at us. I have always thought she has a pretty, big, powerful voice. But this? This isn’t good. She also has troubles with her stage presence. Randy agrees with me, Simon doesn’t.

Tonight’s Jason Castro’s birthday (also born in 1987). He’s singing “Fragile,” and he’s got his guitar back. It’s nice, it’s a good version of the song, and it’s a good choice for him. It’s nothing that we’re going to be talking about seasons from now, but it’s nice. In a word? Nice. Simon tells him that he needs to step it up, and if he does, he could win. But as he’s going, he’s too laid back, too much in his own world, and not taking it seriously. I think that maybe Jason doesn’t take anything seriously… but that’s just a guess. And not in a bad way.

Syesha was also born in 1987, and she’s doing “If I Were Your Woman.” I don’t remember this song, but I like her performance. She has such a clear, strong voice. Very Whitney Houston-ish. The judges love it, and comment that she finally turned it on and showed what she could do.

Chikeze was born in 85. He’s singing “If Only for One Night.” I know the judges don’t like it when he does ballads, but I like to listen to his voice on slow songs. It’s kind of Peabo Bryson-ish. It’s not hip and cool, as Randy points out, but I thought it was a smooth groove type song. Simon wants more originality from him. I see their point, I like his voice, but it’s nothing that sounds new or outstanding or makes me want to hurry over to iTunes to download it.

Brooke was born in 1983. She is a self-taught piano player, and she plays by ear. When she was a child her fingers “just knew what keys to press.” She’s doing “Every Breath You Take.” Her hair is straightened and shiny, and it’s a good song choice. Also, a very good arrangement. It’s just her and the piano to start, and then the band comes in. I would have liked it better without the band. Besides a weird bobble at the start, it was very good. Randy and Simon agree with me about the band.

Michael Johns may be the only contestant born in the 70s (78, to be exact). He’s doing a Queen medley. I don’t love it, but it’s better than most of the other songs he’s done lately. The “We Will Rock You” part wasn’t great, but “We Are the Champions” was pretty good. Simon says it’s the first time he’s seen star potential from Michael. I really want Michael to do INXS sometime. Or more Doors.

Carly was an adorable curly-headed Irish baby. She’s named from Carly Simon, who was playing on the radio when Carly’s mother was in the car on the way to the hospital. She’s doing “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Her voice handles the song well, and y’all know I love her so I’m not going to go on and on about her. Randy didn’t love it, thinks it wasn’t the right song for her. Paula thinks she can do no wrong. Carly is looking very nervous right now– I think she takes all their comments to heart and it makes her very nervous. Simon tells her she was too tense and she needs to lighten up a bit. She has no poker face at all.

David Archiebunker was born in 1990, and he’s singing “You’re the Voice,” a song I’ve never heard before, but Google tells me it was originally performed by St. James Rebecca. It’s not great. He sure likes to pick songs with socially relevant lyrics. And that’s nice, but… dude. Sometimes I just want him to sing something for the sheer pop value of it.

Kristy Lee Cook is a 1984 baby. She’s doing “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood. Wow, honey, way to work the patriotic vote. She struggles with the key change, but I still think she’s a decent country singer. She’d probably do really well on “Nashville Star” if she writes songs. Simon tells her it was her best performance by a mile (which makes her cutely jump up and down), which is really nice of him because it may likely be her last on the show. He tells her the song choice was brilliant, and will keep her in the competition. If he’s right, it’s Ramiele to go, I would bet.

David Cook gets the last spot– and he is quickly closing in on becoming my favorite so that’s awesome. He was born in 1982, and he’s doing “Billie Jean.” It’s his own arrangement, of course, and is really close to being non-recognizable. It’s a remarkable arrangement. Again, reminds me of Daughtry, or maybe Blake’s “Livin’ On a Prayer,” as far as originality and courage. Paula calls him brilliant and I agree. Simon tells him it was very brave, could have been insane or amazing…. and it was amazing.

Tomorrow night we will bid goodbye to another contestant as we walk down the road to the Who will it be? Did Kristy Lee save herself by singing to the America lovers? Has Chikeze bored America so much he will go? Is Carly just failing to reach the voters?

Tags: american idol, American Idol David Cook Sings "Billie Jean", Chikeze, David Cook, fox, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, reality tv

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