By: Mary Cavaliere

After showcasing the 60’s the first week and the 70’s last week, I was hoping that Idol wouldn’t do the predictable thing and showcase the 80’s this week, but that’s exactly what they did.  Oh well, so much for originality!  Tonight the Top 8 guys battled it out to make it into the Top 12 for next week.  Here’s my take on their performances this week:

1)    Luke Mendard ~ He sang George Michael’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”.  If he could sing as good as he looks he’d be o.k.  But unfortunately that is not the case.  He needs to “go-go”.

2)    David Archuleta ~ He sang Phil Collins’ “Another Day In Paradise”.   I love that he can play the piano AND sing.  He is another Josh Grobin or John Legend in the making.  I disagree with Simon, however. This kid couldn’t be gloomy or depressing if he tried.  David is a very evolved soul, something that Simon would never ever be able to recognize.

3)    Danny Noriega  ~ He sang Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love”.  I love this kid but his performance was just not on tonight.  I also fear he’s too feminine to appeal to the masses.

4)    David Hernandez  ~ He sang Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now”.  He was on fire last week but this week was a disaster in my book.  Just about every note he sang was off-key and I thought it was a horrendous song choice for him. 

5)    Michael Johns ~ He sang Jim Kerr’s (not Michael Hutchins’) “Don’t You Forget About Me.  A great song choice for him but I agree with my 12-year old daughter.  He’s boring.

6)    David Cook  ~ He sang Lionel Richie’s “Hello”.  You wouldn’t think a Lionel Richie song would be a good choice for David Cook, but I loved his rock interpretation of this song as did the judges.  It was unique and fresh and I agree that it could be a hit if re-recorded David’s way today. 

7)    Jason Castro ~  He sang Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”.  I thought it was absolutely beautiful and emotionally moving.  I think I would buy recordings by Jason whether he won this competition or not.  He’s like a contemporary James Taylor (only with a better voice).

8)    Chikezie  ~ He sang Sister Sledge’s “You Fill Me Up”.  A couple of pitch problems but I like this guy a lot.  I’m hoping he’s still around next week but I’m fearful that Simon’s consistently negative comments about him will affect voters.


OK I’ll say it for the third week in a row.  Luke Mendard needs to go!   My second nominee for elimination is a tough one.  If we base it solely on tonight’s performance I would have to say David Hernandez.  If we base it on overall performances I would have to say Danny Noriega.  I love who he is as a person but he has not grown as a performer since he got on the show and stagnation is always deadly.   But in all honesty, if I had to vote out my least favorite next to Luke Mendard, it would be Michael Johns.  

See you tomorrow night when the girls will battle it out for their spot in the final Top 12.

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

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