Wednesday, March 12th - American Idol - The Top 12

I suppose I should start off by saying that I've never been a fan of the Lennon/McCartney songbook, which probably stems from my sister being obsessed with them before she graduated to Guns N Roses, Poison, and RATT. There is only so much Beatles music a young boy can take until he just learns to hate the living hell out of it. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised with most of the performances tonight, and I am also beginning to believe the hype that this could be the most talented group we've had yet. It has taken 7 seasons, but the contestants are FINALLY realizing that they need to do more than just get up there and sing the song. I give props to those who took risks and did new takes on songs, even if they sounded like a hoedown on acid (*cough*Kristi Lee Cook*cough*)

Top 3

1. Chikezie - Absolutely shocked. Stunned. I didn't think Mr. Smooth Jazz had it in him, but like Paula said, he took the biggest risk and got the greatest reward. Yeah, Paula was shockingly coherent most of the night. Honestly, I've never heard "She's A Woman," and I can't say even his version will be on my iPod anytime soon. However, it was a very clever arrangement. This is exactly what Chikezie needed to do, especially after he committed voter suicide on stage by saying he was "ready to go home" last week. Methinks no one is going to remember that.
2. Carly Smithson - Not to start out like Paula, but while she looked better than she ever has, the stylist really need to get a hold of her STAT. If she'd just added some leg warmers and a belt, she could have either been black haired Tiffany or Olivia Newton John. Outside of that, she KILLED "Come Together." This was by far the toughest vocal of the night, and she hit every not dead center. She may not win this thing, but she has, by far, the best talent of the group.
3. Amanda Overmeyer - I just love this girl because I'm pretty sure she can beat me up or at least run me over with her Harley. After showing the stage presence and happiness of the Zoloft rock last week, I was really afraid that the big stage would swallow her up, but she was obviously having a much better time this week, connecting with the camera and the audience. She had a few pitch problems, but frankly, that is sort of the way blues rockers sing. Again, I had never heard her song "You Can't Do That," but I am strongly considering buying it on iTunes today.

The Meh-iddle - (in order...different from last week)

• Brooke White - I think she's getting too much praise for being simple. While I think her stripped down version of "Love is a Battlefield" was a revelation last week, sitting at a piano and singing "Let it Be" is about as inventive as Zamfir playing it on the pan flute. I'll admit that she sang it well, and she will be in the competition for a while. She just hasn't sold me yet.
• David Cook - His "Eleanor Rigby" was not as good as "Hello" last week. The first 2/3 were downright shaky, but when he started to rock out on the chorus at the end, it was pretty fantastic. He really needs to avoid the moldy rock inflections though. I wish I could type them out, but I know you know what I'm talking about. (I hope)
• Ramiele Malubay - Yes, this was absolutely safe, but her rendition of my absolute favorite Beatles song "In My Life" was melodic and beautiful. I was frankly surprised the judges killed her so much. Of course, she went right after Chikezie, but give the girl a break. Plus, she gets props for confessing that she is a stereotype working at a Sushi bar.
• David Archuleta - Uh...does the emperor have no clothes? His version of "We Can Work It Out" was an absolute mess from the very beginning, and I really expected more state presence on the big stage from someone who has won Star Search. I get the fact that this may not be his comfort zone for music, but it was so bad, dawg. Sure, he's cute as a button and has talent to spare, but he's going to have to show more versatility outside of the funeral dirge ballads to win.
• Jason Castro - This is another bus I'm not joining. Simon hit the nail on the head when he said it seemed like a guy with a guitar in a dorm. Indeed, you can go on YouTube and find millions of videos of people who sing better than Jason Castro. Yeah, his self-deprecation is pretty charming, but he is such a one trick pony that I am ready for him to leave.
• David Hernandez - I think you're gorgeous, man, but your rendition of "I Saw Her Standing There" was so manic, I was a little afraid you might slide right off the stage into the mosh pit (btw, HATE the mosh pit). Tone it down, girlfriend, and really, you need to wear less clothes.

The Bottom 3

• Michael Johns - BORING! Across the Universe is a great song if sung well, but alas, it wasn't. Sorry dude, you're not going to get through this on looks and your accent. You could eek by and push David Hernandez down here, but I'm thinking you might be in for a shock.
• Syesha Mercado - Her deadliest sin was that she was forgettable, and she went first. So, I think she is guaranteed a spot in the bottom 3, and I would not be shocked if she went home. "Got To Get You Into My Life" is a great song, but I think it was a little outside of her talent level. I think Carly Smithson would have killed it though.
• Kristi Lee Cook - Oh dear, Carrie Underwood Jr. imploded this week under the weight of a contryfied/craptastic rendition of "8 Days a Week." Miss Widestance was an absolute train wreck, and if there is a god, she will be going home tonight. She is an OK singer, but she is so out of her depth here. I do not want to see her sliding by on her looks, taking the place of more deserving people.

Well, there you have my opinion folks. What did you think?