By: Mary Cavaliere

A brand new stage with a brand new set and the competition is on!  Here’s the scoop on the performances tonight.  I’ve listed the Top 12 by age (oldest to youngest) to help put things into perspective.  For those of you who are just starting to watch the competition, I’ve made a few notes on each person’s background as well.  Last but not least, I’ve rated each performance on a scale from one (1) to ten (10):

Michael Johns ~ Buckhead, GA ~ Age 29 ~ Originally from Australia; had a record deal with a label that folded and his album was never released.  He sang ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.  I thought it was his best vocal performance yet, but I also agree with Randy and Simon that the performance lacked originality or excitement.  (7)

David Cook ~ Blue Springs, MO ~ Age 25 ~ Bartender; recorded two albums with his band.  He sang a Beatles favorite, ELEANOR RIGBY and received lots of kudos from the judges.  Paula thinks he’s the “dark horse” of the competition.  Simon thought his performance was “brilliant”.  I’m sorry but I just don’t see any of this.  I thought it was an awful rendition of this song and I was bored.  Sorry Simon but this guy could NEVER win this competition!  (7)

Brooke White ~ Mesa, AZ ~ Age 24 ~ Nanny.  She sang an all-time Beatles classic, LET IT BE.  The judges all loved it.  I was a tiny bit disappointed that she didn’t divert much from the original arrangement and do her own thing, but it was beautiful nonetheless.  Brooke is like Jason Castro in that she isn’t the best female vocalist, but she connects with her music emotionally and thus connects with her audience as well.  I read this week that her husband won’t cut his hair until she’s cut from the show.  Well Brooke, I hope he’s prepared to wear a pony tail because you’re going to be around for a while!  (8)

Carly Smithson ~ San Diego, CA ~ Age 24 ~ Originally from Ireland; waitress and bartender; had a six-record deal but only sold 375 records of her first album.   She sang another Beatles hit, COME TOGETHER.   I definitely disagree with the judges on this one.  I hated what she did with it. They compared her to Kelly Clarkson.  Yes, she can sing just about anything like Kelly can.  But she does not possess the personality, charisma, or the star-quality that Kelly possesses.  Enough said. (7)

Kristy Lee Cook ~ Selma, OR ~ Age 24 ~ Horse trainer; former model; had a record deal but was dropped before the album was released.  She sang EIGHT DAYS A WEEK.  It was painful to listen to, not because of anything she did vocally, but because she ruined one of the best Beatle songs ever.  (5)

David Hernandez ~ Glendale, AZ ~ Age 24 ~ College student; bistro server; cruise-ship singer; exotic dancer.  He sang I SAW HER STANDING THERE.  Both Randy and Paula thought it was overdone and Simon thought it was corny verging on desperate.  I totally disagree.  I thought he made it his own and I loved it! (8)

Amanda Overmyer ~ Mulberry, IN ~ Age 23 ~ Nurse; Harley-rider.  She sang YOU CAN’T DO THAT.  I agree with Paula.  She looks like a pro when she’s on stage. It was the most unique variation of a Beatles song I’ve ever heard and I thought she rocked it!  (9)

Chikezie ~ Inglewood, CA ~ Age 22 ~ Auditioned in Season 6 but was sent home during Hollywood week; security officer at LAX.  He sang SHE’S A WOMAN with a very unique country-rock flair to it and I loved it!  To me it was the BEST performance of the night.  Randy said he “smashed it” and both Paula and Simon loved it as well.  (10)

Syesha Mercado ~ Sarasota, FL ~ Age 21 ~ Theater major; professional actress.  She sang GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE.  The judges gave her more credit than I did.  I love this girl but 80% of the song was flat and I don’t feel it got better mid-way through either.  (5)

Ramiele Malubay ~ Miramar, FL ~ Age 20 ~ Sushi restaurant host; originally from the Philippines; nursing student.  She sang IN MY LIFE.  I don’t agree with the judges that it was boring because she has an absolutely beautiful voice with a spectacular range.  But I do agree that she isn’t performing up to her potential.  We want more Ramiele! (8)

Jason Castro ~ Rockwell, TX ~ Age 20 ~ College student majoring in science with a minor in music; only sang in public five times before Idol.  He sang IF I FELL, one of my all-time favorite McCartney songs.  I don’t care what the judges say, it was a perfect choice for him and it was not boring in the least.  I wish they’d make up their minds. One week they say “make it your own” and then when a contestant does they say “don’t divert”.  Jeesh!  Why don’t you confuse them already! Jason is definitely not the best male vocalist but like Brooke White, he connects emotionally with his songs and with his audience much in the same way James Blunt does.  So keep on rockin’ Jason because we love you!  (8)

David Archuleta ~ Murray, UT ~ Age 17 ~ A junior in high school.  He sang WE CAN WORK IT OUT.  My heart sunk for him because his nerves got the best of him and he forgot the lyrics not once, but twice.  All of the judges hammered him.  I think he needs to be sure this doesn’t happen again or it can hurt him a lot during this phase of the competition.  I loved the way he did the song and if he hadn’t messed up I’d be giving him a nine or ten!  (8)

I’m going to vote out Kristy Lee Cook who SHOULD have gone home before Danny Noriega last week.  Honestly, I’ll be shocked if America chooses someone else.

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

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