By: Mary Cavaliere

Idol was everywhere this week.  Did anyone catch Ramiele Malubay on Ellen Monday?  Without all the pressure she sang beautifully with just a piano behind her.  It was one of her best performances ever.  I knew she had it in her.

Chris Daughtry was on Ellen today promoting Idol Gives Back.  Chris was one of my Idol favorites and still is and I’m really happy for his success.  I remember how stunned he was when he was booted off of Idol a bit prematurely.  But it all worked out in the end for him.

A also saw a clip of the judges on the Larry King show and they were talking about there maybe being only two more seasons left.  Simon is frustrated with the beginning auditions.  I don’t blame him because I detest that part of the show too.  I just do not take pleasure in listening to people sing poorly.  But he’s getting paid millions to do it and I’m not, so I’d gladly change places with him if he wants to. 

Again, there was no big-name mentor this week which made for a less than exciting performance show again.   The theme of the night was INSPIRATIONAL SONGS.   I’ve listed the contestants with their song choice in order of appearance with a letter grade that speaks to their performance for the night.

Michael Johns ~ DREAM ON  ~  It was a decent performance but nothing exciting (or inspiring). Grade=B.

Syesha Mercado ~ I BELIEVE ~ I don’t remember Fantasia singing this song, but then again I’m not a big Fantasia fan.  So looking at it from a fresh perspective (unlike the judges) I think Syesha did a great job with the song.  Grade=A.

Jason Castro ~ SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW  ~ This song has been so overdone.  On Idol alone I remember Kimberly Locke’s version as well as Kathryn McPhee’s.  I still haven’t forgotten Sam Harris’ version from Star Search.  But this version was totally unrecognizable.  I liked what Jason did with it, although I would have preferred he played a guitar instead of a ukulele.  Grade=B.

Kristy Lee Cook ~ ANYWAY ~  She was flat, she was boring, and she’s just a Carrie Underwood wannabe, except that she just doesn’t have that same star quality.  The judges thought this was her best performance?  I think not.  As Simon always says, it was forgettable.  In fact, I’ve already forgotten about it.  Grade=C.

David Cook ~ INNOCENT ~ I agree with Randy and Simon.  I didn’t get it and out of all the inspirational songs to pick I thought David’s choice was a bit self-indulgent.    I liked the white jacket though and I thought he looked particularly handsome tonight.  Grade=C.

Carly Smithson ~ THE SHOW MUST GO ON  ~  Carly cleaned up great this week.  I loved the outfit and I loved the hair.  I’ll even go as far as saying she looked sexy tonight.  I didn’t like her song choice though.  Where do these kids get these songs from anyway?  Do they have a pool of songs to choose from or do they pull them out of their own repertoire?   I disagreed with Paula.  Her voice was not amazing.  She was flat, she was straining, and there was nothing that came out that was pleasing to the ear, and for Carly that’s a sin.  Grade=D.

David Archuleta ~ ANGELS ~  I guess I’m just in a grumpy mood because even David didn’t really move me tonight.  The judges loved his performance, but I didn’t think it was one of his best.  The lower notes were a bit flat in the beginning.  But I like watching him sing at the piano and the last part of the song was absolute perfection.  Grade=A.

Brooke White ~ YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND ~ I used to play the guitar when I was Brooke’s age and sang this song often as it is one of my favorite Carole King songs.   I was hoping Brooke would take some liberties with it and add her own style to it, but she didn’t which was a bit disappointing. She also seemed overly-emotional tonight during her performance.  Grade=C.

Inspirational songs are supposed to move you and inspire you because they speak to your spirit and your soul.  With that being said, there was not one song tonight that inspired me in any way, shape, or form.   This was definitely one of the most boring episodes of Idol I’ve ever seen.  I actually couldn’t wait until it was over.

The judges keep saying this is the best season of talent but who are they trying to convince, us or themselves?  I honestly don’t see it.  If that is the case where is this year’s Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, or Jennifer Hudson?   Carly definitely has a voice like the three of them, but she just pales in comparison to each of their personas.

In any event I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.   Now THAT is a show I am sure will be inspirational!

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57

Find additional American Idol links on sirlinksalot.net