Some theme nights seem to have too few songs to choose from, while others seem so vast that the contestants' minds are blown to bits. I think that was the case tonight. Where else would you expect to hear Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley? Talk about hitting random on your iPod.
It didn't seem to do anyone much good to have so many songs to choose from. No one blew me away tonight - a bit disappointing considering we are getting down to the wire.
Will it be a David-squared finale as everyone is predicting or will we get a Daughtry-like shocker tomorrow night? I guess we can only wait and see. In the meantime, I'll be placing my votes for David Cook. It would be one dull finale without him, me thinks.
What did you think? Who did you love? Who did you hate? Who surprised you the most?
Here are my thoughts:
Singer: David Cook
Songs: Hungry Like The Wolf/Baba O'Reilly
Rants & Raves: David C. didn't seem incredibly enthused by "Hungry Like the Wolf". He sounded decent, but the performance lacked some of his usual pizazz, some of his rock star vibe. Second song, FANTASTIC choice. He'll get major cred for that. Fantastic lighting. I liked what he did with the song in the time he had. My only complaint was that it ended too soon. I could have used a couple minutes more.
Syesha Mercado
Proud Mary/A Change is Gonna Come
Boring beginning to "Proud Mary," but then she spun around a few times and BOOM! seemed to come to life. Hello Tina Turner! She looked like a star, but why not start off with a powerhouse punch like that? And where's the sass?
Earth to Syesha: your making the top four isn't quite the same thing as the civil rights movement. Maybe that's why this song doesn't work for her. She doesn't get it. Rather than interpret the lyrics, she gave in to her diva vocals yet again.
Jason Castro
I Shot the Sheriff/Mr. Tambourine Man
Is this a sign of life from Jason Castro or just a chance to flick the dreads around? Whatever it was, he looked a bit awkward but sounded kinda good and it was nice to see him jiving a bit. Isn't there a theory that people near death always rear to life in their final moments? I think that's what happened here. As soon as he gets a little bounce in his stoner step, Jason falls into this season's lost lyrics trap (but is that really so bad to do on a Bob Dylan song?) I'm almost positive this is the end for him but it seems pretty clear that he's OK with that. At this point, he hardly seems to be trying anymore.
David Archuleta
Stand By Me/Love Me Tender
This guy needs his own material to croon to. Yes, he can sing, but I am so sick of him singing every song with that same schlocky inspirational, glee club approach. It's old. Same story, different song for "Love Me Tender." A smart choice for his voting audience? Sure. But why doesn't David A. get crap for staying in the pocket with all of his songs? I guess all of those screaming tweens in the audience can't be denied.
Top performances: David Cook with Baba O'Reilly
Most likely to go home: Jason Castro
TELL US: Do you have a favorite performance from last night? Who's going home?
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