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So next week's theme is "Songs of the Cinema" - or, if you've seen the actual list of songs the contestants have to choose from - "Thirty-four not-so-great songs you've heard in movies in the 70s and 80s."
This list has a little bit of everything from cougars (Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" from "The Graduate") to crossdressers (Stephen Bishop's "It Might Be You" from "Tootsie") to a questionnable relationship between a young girl and an animal (Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson's "Beauty and the Beast").
In addition to all that, there are several sticky traps sure to tempt a contestant or two. Who would touch "Over the Rainbow" and compete with the memory of Season 5's Katherine McPhee? Who would even think of trying to top Ruben Studdard's "A Whole New World"? And who would dare be brave enough (or foolish enough) to take on the same "Summertime" with which Fantasia sealed her Season 3 victory? Steer clear, Idols. Cross them off the list now and forget they were ever on there to begin with.
The list also contains a bunch of crap that doesn't even count as realistic suggestions for the contestants. This is the umpeenth time "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" has been a possibility this season. I can't even wrap my head around how that would be effectively performed on the Idol stage by one contestant in a mere 90 seconds. No one should consider Celine Dion at this point so forget about the "Titanic" song. And go ahead Mike, pick that smash hit by the dynamic duo of Phil Collins and Glen Glose "You'll Be In My Heart" from that Disney blockbuster "Tarzan." I'll be happy not to vote for you again next week. (And watch out for songs that spell an ironic exit like "I've Had The Time of My Life" or "Danger Zone")
If you rule all of those songs out, you're really left with just a handful of Kenny Loggins and Bryan Adams songs to choose from. Good luck with that, Top 4. But despite all the junk on the list, I think there are a few songs that have a moderate chance of being interesting (considering who is left to sing them). So here are my suggestions for next week:
Crystal - This "Let the Riverrun" by Carly Simon seems like it would speak to Crystal, but it's a little boring. She might consider offering up the sounds of a Top 40-like Crystal and trying her hand at Leann Rimes "Can't Fight the Moonlight."
Lee - If I were Lee, I'd be drawn to "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. That seems like an obvious choice. But if I were a Lee that wanted to surprise and delight, I might try Elton John's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from "The Lion King" or Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" from "Top Gun" or even Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes' "Up Where We Belong" from "An Officer and a Gentleman."
Casey - The two Bryan Adams songs have probably caught his eye. After all, "Heaven" was an early hit for Casey, but I like Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky for him. I think it fits his voice and it has some great guitar moments.
Mike - He's likely already picked Seal's "Kiss From a Rose" as made famous in one of the Batman movies. I'd steer him towards the Lionel Ritchie/Diana Ross duet "Endless Love." Luther Vandross covered it well as a solo and Mike could, too.
What do you think the Idols should sing for this movie-themed week?

Are you as frustrated with...
Back to page topAre you as frustrated with American Idol this year as I am? Fox wants to hear about it. You can take this survey and give your feedback on American Idol. http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/3087/?ref=socialmedia_2010_05_...
(Mollee Francisco is a staff writer for the Chaska Herald. She can be reached at [email protected].)
Jamie Foxx will mentor the...
Back to page topJamie Foxx will mentor the constestants. No word on whether or not the Top 4 will do two performances each or one performance and a duet.
(Mollee Francisco is a staff writer for the Chaska Herald. She can be reached at [email protected].)