American Idol: Three blind mice, see how they run

Talk about a mixed bag of songs tonight. Finally we got to hear a few contemporary tunes, but we couldn't completely escape the oldies we have clung to so strongly this year.

Paula, Simon and Randy win for best overall song choices (I guess they can keep harping on contestants about song choice, song choice, song choice now).

Then the contestants gave us a glimpse of what kind of recording artists they might be (except for David A. who I cannot see recording R&B tunes when there is so little competition in the Clay Aiken/Josh Groban genre).

And finally the producers closed the show with some real head scratchers - Dan Fogelberg, penguins and an impossible song from a bad astronaut movie.

Both of the Davids scored early on with their first performances while Syesha, saddled with some tough songs, was all but swept out of the competition with a wink and a "thanks for playing - please enjoy our lovely parting gifts.". Still, I couldn't help but wonder if that look on David C's face was one of "Am I actually going through with this?" He can't be looking forward to singing that inspirational number during next week's final. After all, that's the other David's bag, baby.

What did you think? Who did you love? Who did you hate? Who surprised you the most?

Here are my thoughts:

Songs: And So It Goes/With You/Longer

Rants & Raves: Who woulda thought Paula would be able to pick such a great song for David A? Billy Joel's "And So It Goes" was the perfect tempo for him and he sang it without his usual bunch of obnoxious runs. The simplicity of all of it showcased his voice and talents better than any song has for weeks. I could hardly hate him on this performance.

I am giggling a bit seeing David A. sing the word "boo." It just doesn't fit. A little bobble with the words on the first verse (though I'm sure we won't make note of that). So David A. doesn't seem to have a natural comfort singing the hip hop/R&B tunes on the stage. He looked pretty awkward bouncing back and forth. It all seemed a bit forced. Safe to say David A. was way out of his element on this one. And I find it hard to believe the tweens would buy this when they could buy a much better version from an actual R&B artist.

Talk about one of the lamest songs ever. What were the producers thinking choosing "Longer"? You have to be insanely out of touch with reality in love to sway to this song. Treacly ick ick. All of the respect I may have mustered for David A. on the first song has been wiped out by this return to lyrical smut. 

If I Ain't Got You/Fever/Hit Me Up

She sounded good enough on the Alicia Keys number, but didn't really bring anything new or wow to the song. Yet again, she comes off as a pale imitation of the original. 

Oh Syesha, when will you find a personality that America can connect to? Not in this interview segment. Singing "Fever" it is still abundantly clear that she is destined for Broadway. Character songs are her forte - as are the sparkly dresses. She sounds good. She looks good. It's that lack of a personality that is going to continue to keep her from being a superstar.

Producers choose a cartoon number for Syesha. Could they be any clearer that they would prefer an all-David finale after sending her on her "broad way"? Syesha doesn't sing much of the actual song, prefering instead to belt out as many overwrought notes as possible before her Idol trip ends. Hope she enjoyed it but it's most likely so long Syesha. 

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face/Dare You to Move/I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

This song choice by Simon should not only launch David C. into the finals, but it should also open up a whole new segment of his fan base. It's a classic song that can be reinterpreted over and over again and still sound fresh. A great choice and a nice delivery. 

"Dare You To Move" gives me a pretty good indication of what David C. will be when he gets his own material and I gotta say, I could be a fan. I can easily see him as as an emo rocker. Again, I can only complain that the song was way too short for my tastes. I wanted more. 

*Groan* Did they really pick "I Don't Want To Miss a Thing"? Really? This is such a hard song to pull off because Aerosmith's version is so unrelenting. I won't complain about David C. getting to use his gravely voice and wail a bit, but there were a million better choices for him. The good news is that the voting population will know this song and their tastes aren't as discerning, 

Most likely to go home: Syesha Mercado

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