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1. Luke Menard: Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. Definitely girly song choice. Tried to work the stage. Awkward delivery but managed alright, although often faster than the band. Consistent mature attitude . Does the best falsettos. Not striking as a fun guy but tries to be one. We all tried to lower the bar for this guy too long. Paula likes to keep him, I can't. Sorry.
2. David Archuleta: Another Day in Paradise. Balladeer song choice. Musically artistic, on the piano. Sincere delivery. Vocals, not too different from the last 2. He wasn't prepared for an untoward criticism and felt he had to defend his song choice. Song didn't quite expose all his vocal prowess. See what I mean of high expectation?
3. Danny Noriega: Tainted Love. Good song choice. Pageanty delivery. Vocals, he has it. Loved the attitude on the purple hair, on the "whatever" hand thing on the head. This teenager is a little fun devil who could put a smile on your face.
4. David Hernandez: It's all Coming Back to Me Now. Very good vocals, showing range, and delivered with confidence. He's becoming aware of his standing, patronized Paula with "I love you", and Randy with his shoes. The stripper scandal on him apparently is true. Will he survive it?
5. Michael Johns: Don't Forget About Me. Clever song choice. Solid Performance. A pro-like delivery. Seasoned performer attitude. To me, this did it tonight. Simon was alluding to Kady when he referred to one so talented in the other group who hasn't quite chosen the right song yet like Michael. But Simon likes Michael anyway and cares that Kady does well tomorrow. He felt compelled to give the hint loudly. Simon's thoughtful side? I just realized that Simon was thinking of Kady all the time Michael was singing.
6. David Cook: Hello. Surprising song choice but interpreted it creatively, with the guitar again, in his rock style and succeeded. Great belter. Guitar playing prevented him from working the stage, no chance to connect with the audience. Has a tendency to shout but definitely the rocker of the group.
7. Jason Castro: Hallelujah. Good song choice. Delivered with good vocals, might be his best so far. No guitar this time but still, sat down on a stool too long before standing up to just stand there anyhow. No attempt to work the stage or the audience even with a hand gesture. Why could he get away with this and Kady couldn't on the top 24 performance? Because he's a TV actor? Very pimped for some reason. Very shy guy like hidden under a shell. At least Luke worked the stage.
8. Chikezie Eze: All The Woman that I Need. Interesting song choice. Very good vocals. Tried to interpret it differently to prove he could sing a Whitney Houston song. Didn't look too confident, and appeared cold with his blank stare but proved his vocal creativity anyhow by avoiding to sound old fashioned. Chik and Luke do the best falsettos. I disagree with Simon.
Top 8/16 Boys Performance of the 80's - MP3
Once again I find myself blown away with David C. As you guys know, I'm much more of a female vocal aficionado, and a guy has to really stand out to get my attention. David C. does. He is consisantly one of the most musically inventive guys I can remember on Idol. He's recording studio ready IMO.
David A. put on one of his usual stellar performances, but I have to say that he's starting to bore me. Great voice for sure. I just didn't find him terribly interesting tonight, though I'm sure I'm in the minority. I liked Jason Castro, and David H, but Luke is going home as expected by most of us. The second guy leaving will be one of the others: Chikezie, Danny or Michael. I'm pulling for Danny, since he's one of my pool picks.
I watched it, hoping maybe someone could sing, and the way the judges tell them they are good, got to keep the show going, thank god, get to look at beauty tonight