Tonight, the top seven performed the songs of Mariah Carey, with a little advice from the lady herself (Mariah Carey wasn't only the theme for the night, she was also the mentor for the top seven show). And what a mentor! I think all of the Idol contestants were a little awed, and more than a little star-struck, as well!
While I was interested in seeing how each contestant would perform, I was really curious about the guys singing Mariah's songs. Her voice and her music are so recognizable that I wondered how any of the men, or even women, would be able to bring their own style to the table and standout. After Ryan introduced the judges, the first Idol stepped on stage…
David Archuleta - "When You Believe"
David's performance was rock solid. Even though I've been wishing to hear him do something different, I just can't fault his performance. It was amazing! One of the areas David excels at, in my opinion, is really connecting to his music, and thereby connecting to his audience. I'd still like to see him have a little more fun though! Randy said, "That was the bomb!" Paula said, "Mariah must be proud." Simon said, "You set the benchmark."
Carly Smithson - "Without You"
While I enjoyed Carly's performance tonight, I didn't love it. My guess is - based on that performance - she'll end up in the bottom three. There wasn't anything wrong with it, it just wasn't as good as it should have been. I think her voice got better as she got further into the song. Randy said, "Once you hit the power parts, it was good." Paula said, "I actually like that you showed some vocal restraint at the beginning." Simon said, "I thought it was an okay version."
Syesha Mercado - "Vanishing"
I thought Syesha sounded pretty good at first, but not so great towards the end. However, she is probably the most improved contestant who is still on the show. I think her biggest issue is she doesn't have a lot of charisma on stage and sort of disappears behind the bigger personalities of the other contestants. Randy said, "You did a good job all things considered." Paula said, "Overall, tonight was unbelievably magical for you." Simon said, "Technically, it was very good."
Brooke White - "Hero"
One of my favorite songs, and I really liked the vibe Brooke put out there by playing the piano and singing. Other than a few off-notes here and there, her performance was pretty good. But, I don't think it was good enough to keep her out of the bottom three this week. Has anyone else notices she cries almost every week after her performance? This is someone who really connects to her art - if nothing else, you have to appreciate that. Randy said, "It was pretty good." Paula said, "You're identifiable." Simon said, "It was like ordering a hamburger and only getting a bun."
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
David Cook is so miles ahead of everybody else it's not even funny. David Archuleta has always seemed pretty bland to me from the get-go, but I'm not a teenage girl so I guess I don't get that type of thing. He's a decent singer at best and is void of personality or intrigue, making him ideal for the High School Musical-type pop scene. He'll win the competition, but he shouldn't.
2 - Connie Phillips
It was really hard for me to get excited about this week's AI knowing that Michael Johns was gone. I didn't think he would finish out on top, but I certainly believe there are at least two that should have gone before him.
I think you've ordered them pretty close to right, Tracy. I think the guys had the advantage of not being automatically compared to Mariah, but even beyond that, they made awesome song choices.
Jordan -- I don't think David A. is the shoe-in you do. At this point, I think it's David Cook's competition to loose. If he doesn't finish out on top it will be because of a huge mis-step he takes between now and then.
3 - Jordan Richardson
Eh, I'd like to be that optimistic and think it's about talent. But then I remember that it's about the votes and talent isn't always the first thing on people's minds. Sometimes it's hard to tell (Taylor Hicks) and other times it's more obvious (Jordin Sparks).