American Idol: Top 10 Men: Theme decades continue!

I was afraid of this.

First there was 60s night. Now its 70s night. Dear lord, will we really be subjected to 80s night next week??? Well, at least most of the contestants were born in that decade so song choice should be much improved.

Overall, a far better week for the guys than last week, highlighted by David Archuleta's showstopper to close the program. Yes, it appears that this young man is already annointed. After all, the judges love him, he's already got a larger fan base than Sanjaya and he can sing. Now let's see how he handles the pressure of the rest of the season.

Here are my thoughts:

Singer: Michael Johns

Songs: Go Your Own Way

Rants & raves: Not a bad performance to start the show. The vocals sounded a bit strained at times (maybe that was part of the act). The dancing was awkward, like he didn't quite know what to do on stage last night. But Michael Johns didn't try to do too much. He just sang the song and I can appreciate that.

Jason Castro

I Just Want to Be Your Everything

By all accounts I shouldn't like this guy but I do. He seems very pleasant. When he's on I just want to sit there and watch and relax. He does that to me. He's got a nice tone to his voice and he can work the camera with just his face. The whole thing works for me. It may not be the most exciting but sometimes I'm just looking to turn on the LITE channel. Jason Castro is the LITE channel.

Luke Menard

Killer Queen

Admission: I still have a hard time paying any attention to whatever's coming out of his mouth for that uncanny Orlando Bloom face. It's scary close. (My cousin even called last night to make sure that I noticed how much Luke Menard looked like OB so I'm not the only one) That said, while this was an adventurous song, I don't think it was the right song for him. Still, I'm curious enough that I'm willing to let him stick around in the hopes that he will find just the right song. Then he can go.

Robbie Carrico

Hot Blooded

Perfect example of how rock songs from the 70s end up sounding like bad bar performances every time. Every time.

Danny Noreiga

Superstar

The camera does love him but this song is a horrible song and there's not much that can be done to make it passable.

David Hernandez

Papa Was a Rolling Stone

This guy could be a strong contender down the road. He can deliver a consistent vocal time and time again. I think this was one of the night's best song choices and he did a nice job with it.

Jason Yeager

Long Train Runnin'

This song was so wrong for Jason Yeager. It didn't match his look at all and he seemed to know it. The vocal was fine but his dancing was horrible. It may have worked for Taylor Hicks but this guy can't pull it off with the same charm.  

Chikezie

I Believe To My Soul

A much better week for Chikezie. This song was a great match. He had good vocals, nice control and he ended up owning that song. His comfort level translated well as he worked the stage, mic and camera.

David Cook

All Right Now

So David Cook thinks he's a rock star? Personally, I think the guitar was a bigger crutch for him than Jason Castro. He can play but without it, he's definitely not as comfortable on stage. And like Robbie Carrico, I think this rock song came off like I was sitting at a bar in northern Wisconsin (where I have in fact heard this song warbled before). Also, not a big fan of the nostril cam which was in full swing on this song. Finally, I don't think sparring with Simon is going to win him many fans. Try for a little more kooky, a little less cocky.

David Archuleta

Imagine

First, I loved the grainy clip of him singing for the season 1 contestants. When he took the stage last night that only contributed to my belief that this kid eats, sleeps and breathes Idol. He wants it and wants it bad. You can actually see on his face that there is nothing else on his mind. Good news for us if it means that we're going to get mind blowing performances like this one. I've heard "Imagine" a bazillion times but I loved Archuleta's approach. He showcased his vocal interpretation with great results. His tone was spot on throughout the song. Amazing.

Top performances: David Hernandez, Chikezie, David Archuleta

Most likely to go home: Jason Yeater, Danny Noriega

TELL US: Do you have a favorite performance from last night? Who's going home?

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