TV Review: American Idol - Top Six
Published April 23, 2008
David Archuleta - "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera
I'm really excited about David A's performance this week. He listened to Lloyd Webber and kept his eyes open as he sang, but even more important - he sold a song that is usually sung by a female, and he did so in a big way. I've given up hope on expecting to see anything radically different from David A, but he is a fantastic singer. Randy said, "It was the bomb." Paula said, "It was absolutely perfect." Simon said, "It was pleasant, but one of your weakest performances."
Carly Smithson - "Jesus Christ Superstar" from Jesus Christ Superstar
After having her first song choice nixed by Lloyd Webber, she performed this song quite well, but not high enough to keep her out of the bottom three. And honestly, I really liked what she did. She seemed more relaxed than normal, as if she was having a lot of fun. Randy said, "It was definitely good." Paula said, "I loved what you did in the chorus." Simon said, "One of my favorite performances of the night."
David Cook - "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera
We saw a very different version of the David Cook we've grown to love in the last many weeks. I love this side of him too. He hit his high note and all his other notes, too. A terrific performance, from beginning to end. My favorite for the night! Randy said, "Dude, that was an amazing vocal performance." Paula said, "You are so well rounded as a performer." Simon said, "You made the most of the song."
I enjoyed the top six show and thought that most of the contestants brought their "A" games to the table. Unfortunately, someone has to go. We'll find out who Wednesday night, so check back then for the results. Who's your pick?
My ranking for the week is:
1. David Cook
2. Syesha Mercado
3. David Archuleta
4. Carly Smithson
5. Jason Castro
6. Brooke White
Tracy Leigh Ritts is a successful freelance writer and aspiring novelist living in Northwest Ohio with her husband and four children. She is the author of the book How to Plan Your Own Wedding and Save Thousands...Without Going Crazy. Visit Tracy's website to learn more about her writing. 
- TV Review: American Idol - Top Six
- Published: April 23, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Television, Video: TV Recap, Video: Reality TV, Video: Music, Music: Video
- Part of a feature: American Idol Season Seven
- Writer: Tracy Leigh Ritts
- Tracy Leigh Ritts's BC Writer page
- Tracy Leigh Ritts's personal site
- Spread the Word
- Like this article?
- Email this
Save to del.icio.us
Comments on this articleComments
Jason and Brooke for lackluster performances. David A was okay, David Cook was better.
Cook was the man this week, yet again. I kept waiting for "that note" in Music of the Night and when it came the Cooker didn't disappoint. Great delivery, great tone, didn't overdo it. Real professional singer, he is.
As for the rest, I found the majority of the night rather forgettable except for maybe Syesha. As is always the case with the other David, I just can't get into what he's singing. It's way to mediocre in terms of performance for me, as he just stands there with his hand out or sways around in one spot. There's no character to him and I find him immensely bland. His vocals are decent, but I'm still not seeing this amazing talent many talk about.
Castro should be eliminated, but I doubt he will be because there's too many squealies voting. My money is on a Brooke elimination.
Your rankings are correct again. David Cook shocked me, because he did an incredible job by just singing a song well and putting some intense emotion into it. There were no fancy arrangements or modernizing the performance, just straight singing. He really is the real deal.
Jason is still my favorite, but he did have a rough night. Still, I think he delivers the emotion of the song better than anyone, and despite the fact he tried a well known power song with his gentle voice, I truly felt his performance and didn't think it was all that bad. I prefer his heartfelt performances over David A's bland yet technically perfect ones.
At least Carly had fun this time, but she still shouted the song.
Singing loud and shouting are two different things. Carly belted it, she didn't shout it.
Your rankings are correct again. I think he delivers the emotion of the song better than anyone, and despite the fact he tried a well known power song with his gentle voice, I truly felt his performance and didn't think it was all that bad.
Even though Jason is nice looking, please, he just is so cruise ship......lol....... he is not someone I could listen to for a long time. He has to go. Brooke, is nice to look at and more she has a voice that calms and makes one smile.
I think if I were to rank last night's performances I'd swap Carly and Syesha. Syesha has a nice voice, but no stage presence.
I didn't think Carly shouted the song as another commenter said. I thought it was a nice delivery of one of the few Loyd Webber songs that truly fit her.
I think the judges were unfair with Jason Castro and based their critique on the fact it's a song you most often hear a women sing. I liked his interpretation of "Memories" much better than David A's arrangement of "Think of Me."
David Cook was the shining star of the night once again though. I think it should be Brooke to go, but could see it being Jason or Syesha.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/76127)
I think Jason in the bootm three simply because he has never been really good vocally. Carly rocked! She and Syesha proved their worth, and David Cook hit just the right notes. My bottom two? Brooke (for forgetting) Jason because he stank. David A was okay, Cook far better.