Ok, Season 7 Top 12, it's time to get serious.
Moving to the big stage, the real competition kicks off this week as the finalists finally get the opportunity to sing from the John Lennon/Paul McCartney catalogue. That doesn't cover every Beatles song, but it's pretty darn close.
Reportedly, there are still some off-limits songs among those included in the catalog. Not knowing what those could be, I make the following recommendations for the remaining Idol hopefuls. (Admission: I haven't gone very far outside the most well-known of the Beatles catalog, but I think a familar song will serve most of the contestants better than taking a huge chance on an unknown. Bonus points to anyone that tackles "I Am The Walrus")
THE GUYS
Michael Johns - The Beatles are a great match for his vocals. The only question is which song to choose because the right choice could catapult anyone to the front at this point in the contest.
I think he could score with any of the following: "Come Together," "Yer Blues," "Revolution," "Hard Days Night," "Help," "Get Back," "I've Got a Feeling," "Eleanor Rigby," or "Back in the U.S.S.R."
My pick: "Back in the U.S.S.R." (with "Get Back" being a close second)
David Archuleta- Unfortunately, "Something" is not part of the Sony/ATV catalog being made available to the contestants. I think it would have been a good option for David A.
Instead, I'd push him toward "Tell Me Why," "Can't Buy Me Love," "Yesterday," "Let It Be," or "Penny Lane."
My pick: "Let It Be"- David A. needs an upbeat number this week, but this is pretty perfect for him.
Jason Castro- There are a lot of laid back tunes to meet Jason's style.
My advice would be to try "Mother Nature's Son," "And I Love Her," "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," or "Yesterday."
My pick: "Yesterday"
David Hernandez- David H.'s soulful voice has a wide array of choices this week.
He could do "Can't Buy Me Love," "When I Get Home," "I've Just Seen a Face," "Get Back," "Eight Days a Week," " Eleanor Rigby," or "Ob La Di, Ob La Da."
My pick: "When I Get Home"
Chikezie- I'm only throwing out one song here, but I think it's a good one.
My pick: "All You Need Is Love"
David Cook - Following David C's interpretation of Lionel Richie's "Hello," last week, I have high expectations for him this week.
I'm looking to him to reinvent one of these songs: "Hard Days Night," "If I Fell," "Can't Buy Me Love," "Get Back," "Drive My Car," or "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds."
My pick: "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"
THE GALS
Carly Smithson - Plenty of songs to have fun with for Carly like "We Can Work It Out," "With a Little Help From My Friends," "Nowhere Man," or "Hard Days Night."
My pick: "Hard Days Night"
Brooke White - She should stick to her singer/songwriter vibe this week with "Ticket To Ride," "Yesterday," "Long and Winding Road," or "Hey Jude."
My pick: "Hey Jude"
Syesha Mercado- What about "Good Day Sunshine," or "Hello Goodbye"?
My pick: "Good Day Sunshine"
Ramiele Malubay - Tough, tough, tough to match up.
My pick: "From Me To You"
Kristy Lee Cook - Not any easier.
My pick: "In My Life"
Amanda Overmyer - Your guess is as good as mine.
My pick: "Get Back"
TELL US: What songs do you think the contestants should tackle? What's your favorite Beatles tune?