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« American Idol
Episode Recap: Top 8 Guys
What a trip down memory lane — the '80s were when I discovered popular music, so to hear a lot of my old favorites again was quite a treat. Not just for me, either — I'm currently eight months pregnant (thank you, thank you) and the little one was doing some fancy dance moves along with tonight's songs, too. I really wasn't sure about Idol's decision to have the semi-final rounds be themed, but I've actually come to enjoy the decades-spanning performances. It's also interesting to see who picks what in each decade.
As for the judges tonight, they were back to their old ways, too. Ryan said of the '80s that "Many of us wore our most embarrassing outfits then." Like, for example, Randy's shirt, which was both shimmery and multi-colored? (At least he didn't come out wearing a Madonna'ish lace headband, single glove and jelly bracelets, like I used to do back in the day). Paula was also in rare form tonight, stuttering over her words, rambling incoherently and dropping gems like, "Two words: phe-nomenal."
On to the performances:
Luke Menard, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go": This was kind of like when the girls try to sing Aretha — being compared vocally to George Michael is just not really going to help anyone; you'd better be darn close to perfect, and this was hardly that. In fact, this was pretty awful. "I thought it was weak, a bit girly," said Simon. "There is no chance you're going to make it through even to the final 12." I hope he's right; this should be the end of the road for Luke.
David Archuleta, "Another Day in Paradise": Sometimes you forget how young this kid is — he's just so darn smoooth. He started off playing the piano and then, at the perfect dramatic moment, got up with the microphone and worked the stage. I actually found myself agreeing with Ms. Crazypants — I'm sorry, Ms. Abdul — that it was kind of reassuring David's performance wasn't perfect tonight. He did hit a few clunkers, and Simon made a valid point that David should try to lighten things up a bit. Though David was getting a head start on "Idol Gives Back" by trying to bring attention to the plight of homeless people with his song choice.
Danny Noriega, "Tainted Love": I know that there are some Danny haters out there, but he clearly enjoyed this Soft Cell classic — and so did I! Love this song, and Danny's energy (not to mention the purple in his hair) were just right for it. Simon thought it was "absolutely useless." He hated the arrangement, the vocals, the whole thing. Danny's "whatever" hand-to-the-head Simon move in response was kind of funny, but I worry for him.
David Hernandez, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now": I was really hoping David would be great tonight, after the whole stripper scandal that broke about him. And this was good, but not all that good. Not to mention his embarrassing-moment story about the pea-sized bugger in his nose during a photo shoot. Yikes — that wasn't, as Danny said "TMTH," but rather "TMI" (ah, these kids and their texting language).
Michael Johns, "Don't You (Forget About Me)": The Breakfast Club was one of those defining movies for me, and I loved hearing this song. But again, Michael's vocals on their own were just all right; it was the whole package of watching him that made the performance. His embarrassing story was equal parts disturbing and endearing — he was dressed as a kangaroo mascot called Boomer and got beat up in front of a rugby stadium full of people. Anyone know why Randy was comparing Michael to Michael Hutchence tonight? I mean, they're both Australian and have sort of similar vibes... but this song was by Simple Minds — a Scottish band, mind you, and one that Michael Hutchence never belonged to. One of those head-scratcher moments.
David Cook, "Hello": As the song started up, I thought, "No way. What is he doing?" But this was one of my favorite performances of the season. Who the heck would have thought that Lionel Richie could sound like that? David is seriously cool — I just wish he'd stop doing that smug pseudo-wink thing to the camera. Simon said of the performance, "That was a very brave thing to do, and I loved it." Couldn't agree more!
Jason Castro, "Hallelujah": Ladies and gentlemen, Jason's back! He chose one of the most beautiful songs I know, and he managed to treat it with the grace and delicate strength it deserves. Even with that little moment of lost breath at the end, he pulled it off. Simon thought it was "absolutely brilliant," and I thought it proved why Jason is in the running.
Chikezie, "All the Woman That I Need": This was a good performance from Chikezie, but whether it was good enough to keep him in the running... I'm just not sure. I'm still not clear what Simon was getting at in his critique — because Whitney Houston performed this song, Chikezie's version didn't work? That's not quite fair; other artists before and after Whitney have tackled it successfully. I was with Paula and Randy on this one; Chikezie did a nice job, and I, for one, hope to hear him sing another day.
My prediction: Luke should really go. As for the other one, I'm going to say it's a toss-up between David Hernandez, Danny Noriega and Chikezie.
What do you think? Was the trip down '80s memory lane fun for you, too? And who did enough to warrant a place in the Top 12?
Cheers & Jeers: Did David Cook turn up the heat?
For American Idol clips, visit our Online Video Guide.
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Mar 4, 2008 10:49 PM
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I don't really like David A, but I actually liked him better tonight than last week. Luke was ok, but his vocals are wispy compared to the others. He won't make AI, but he could make a living as a singer...somewhere. Danny wasn't very good. That is one of my favorite "fun" songs, and he didn't do it justice. I thought Chikezie was meh, but he had a few tough acts to follow. David H was ok, and he should make it in. Michael was better than last week, and he could really win this thing if he picks the right songs. This one wasn't it, but it was close. I still don't know why Randy always has to compare him to Michael Hutchence. I mean, yes, I see the similarities, but let the guy do his thing and judge him on that. David Cook was really good. I was quite impressed. I wonder if some band did that version and he copied it or if it was his original arrangement. But the performance that gave me chills, both during the show and during the recap was Jason. Wow. I even got chills reading your recap of his performance. That is an amazing song and he really did an amazing job. That it wasn't perfect fits the song too. He, Michael, David C and David A are gonna have a fight on their hands. The gals can just pack it up and go home, I don't think any of them have been as good (yet) as these 4 have been. With the guys, I think it comes down to Danny and either Luke or Chikezie going (probably Luke.) Whereas with the gals, based on the first 2 weeks, there's about half that could go. Let's see how they meet the challenge that the guys threw down tonight.
ETA: If you don't recognize a song, try this link to hear the original. You might need to look up the artist to help you out, but it's a nice, handy tool:
http://www.songerize.com/
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Mar 4, 2008 11:02 PM
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I totally got the Michael Hutchence reference. I thought that MJ was channeling his moves before Randy brought it up. He obviously used him as a role model growing up.
I thought David Cook was genius. However, a lesser performer could've had that blow up in their face. I think Luke should go because he just doesn't fit this competition and David Hernandez's performance was cheezy!
I hope the girls do well tomorrow night.
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Mar 4, 2008 11:10 PM
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Well I'm sorry to say that the song selection didn't thrill me tonight. I wasn't familiar with a few of them. I would have loved to see the list of songs that were available. Being a musician and 62 I don't recall some of the rock tunes like the one that Jason sang. I'm more into pop/rock music. It's strange that not one judge made a reference to Jason's flub at the end except Paula's tiny comment. She really must have been on something but looked terrific in orange. I also think that Luke, although a good looking guy and good singer will be out on thursday. His song choice was really woosieish if you get my drift.The new show "New Amsterdam" that followed was very interesting and should do well. I liked it better than I thought. Bring on the ladies!
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Mar 4, 2008 11:33 PM
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Anyone else notice how a couple of tunes made more famous by female, big-voiced divas in the 90s were there? Not smart.
Michael Johns gives us the same performance every week. I don't know what "power" voice they hear in that studio, but on my TV it sounds really weak. Still, Luke's the definite goner here and I definitely think it's between Danny and Chikezie for the other slot. Chikezie tries to be a soul man, but it's not up to par with greats or even Ruben. Poor Danny was just lost in that horrible arrangement and mix - I really think it'd be a surprise if he stayed for next week. (I can see him having a good run as a dance diva at some point. Let's face it, Madonna never would have won AI, either...or Paula!??! HA!) Seriously, though, once we whittle down to a co-ed group, most of the girls are toast. It'll be Carly and Brooke and 5 or 6 guys, I'd predict.
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Mar 4, 2008 11:40 PM
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trombone, are you saying that you didn't recognize the song Jason sang? That is "Hallelujah", which has been featured on almost every TV show there is, along with several movies (including Shrek.) It's not much of a "rock" song, though, so I wonder if you meant David's song? That one was "Hello", by Lionel Ritchie...and was not originally rock at all. But I agree that it would be interesting to see the list of available songs. Would we find several that would make us say, "Now, why didn't anybody sing this?" or would we think that they found a few nuggets of gold among mostly dross? Too bad we're never likely to know.
As for New Amsterdam, I agree that it was a really good show. Don't forget that there's another new episode on Thursday before it settles into its Monday time slot.
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Mar 5, 2008 12:14 AM
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if Michael Johns wasn't Australian, he'd never get compared to M. Hutchence. he's a pertty good singer but no half as powerful as Hutchence was, or half as sexy.
I loved David Cook tonight; awesome arrangement! and his hair looked way less stupid.
still hating Danny; hope he goes home, along with Luke.
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Mar 5, 2008 12:24 AM
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I'm watching New Amsterdam right now. it's OK,; I find the guy's accent very distracting. there's no way this guy is American.
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Mar 5, 2008 12:36 AM
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there's no way this guy is American.
No, wheezy, he's Danish. But I think they tested every 400-year-old immortal actor they could find.  I didn't really notice an accent, myself.
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Mar 5, 2008 1:31 AM
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Congratulations on the impending little one, Nina--do you know if you're having an Idol or an Idolette? 
I have to agree that Luke and Danny were the worst tonight, but Danny might stay at the expense of Chikezie (or maybe David H.) Right now for any of them, the goal is to make top 10 and the tour, because none of them will be hanging on much past that. However, if they can get to the top 12, there might be a couple of girls who stink up the joint worse than they do that could get the boot first.
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Mar 5, 2008 1:41 AM
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Nina, I didn't get the reference to Michael Hutchence after that song either.
Darclyte, totally agree that the guys are better than the girls this time.
JaySix, count me in! I'm not feeling the love for Michael Johns either. His voice is just average IMO.
trombone, I'd like to see that list as well. Maybe it would explain why the singers keep picking the same songs to sing.
My take:
Luke: Bye-bye. Weak, very.
David A.: Great performance. He conveyed a lot of emotion which is what a good singer should do.
Danny: Unless the teens rally, he's a goner. Bad attitude and weak voice.
David H: I loved it. Granted, not as much as last week, but he got my vote! Hope his stripper past doesn't hurt him, because he is definitely in the top 4 males.
Michael J.: Just okay. But he seems popular, so he'll probably stay.
David C.: Blew me away!!!! A daring performance like that deserves me hitting the redial button several times. Loving this guy more and more.
Jason: Very good! And I find him much more adorable than David A.
Chikezie: Just okay again. Wouldn't miss him if he goes.
Luke is gone. Then it's either Danny or Chikezie.
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Mar 5, 2008 1:49 AM
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I think the guys are way better than the girls and I am having a hard time imagining that besides Luke who will not be in the top twelve.
Luke: Was very weak in my opinion, he sounded even worse during the recap at the end of the show. They always seem to let a guy like him in the top twenty four every year, I don't get it.
David A: I wasn't too impressed but I knew the judges were going to juice him during the critiques and I was right, especially Simon, top two? Really?
Danny: I like Danny but I am not sure about the song choices he is making, they have yet to showcase the talent that he showed during auditions and he has a good chance of going home this week.
David H: I didn't really like it, I think he could have done a better job, I hope it's enough to keep him around.
Michael J: I am not a big fan of his, I think he sounded a lot better during Hollywood week. And has anyone else noticed that his clothes look too small sometimes, maybe it's just me.
David C: Blew me away, the song was almost unrecognizable, and that's a good thing. I like that he makes everything sound like his style, like Randy said he managed to make Lionel Richie sound emo and current.
Jason: I am so glad that he did so well this week, he is probably one of my favorite contestants.
Chikezie: I thought he sounded good but he still irritates me for some reason, he has a huge cheese factor going on. However I think Simon is overly harsh with his critiques for Chikezie for some reason. I don't think Simon likes him very much.
Going Home: Luke for sure, Danny, Chikezie, David H or even Michael Johns.
But wouldn't just be like America to keep Luke and boot two really good people.
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Mar 5, 2008 2:20 AM
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earthgirl - I knew I wasn't alone in my "Blah" about Michael Johns! Simon's right - he and Carly both have yet to hit it out of the park, despite all of the hype. And his Jim Morrison/Eddie Vedder impression is tired.
and Blugirl - I thought it was just me about Michaels' clothes! That jacket looked like it belonged on David A. (or Paula!)
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Mar 5, 2008 2:44 AM
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Jaysix- I agree with you. David H. and Chickeze both did songs from Celine Dion and Whitney. And both of the songs were from early 90’s. That’s why I hate I wasn’t paying all that much attention to their performance cause I was scratching about these songs are from the early 90’s.
Luke- I was dancing around way to much, but I did rewind his performance but it was meh.
David A.- Last week was better. And am I the only who can not pronounce his last name?
Danny N. I really don't care for his hair. But the song was ok. I do love the song, and I was also dancing around to it.
David H- Last week was better. But he could of done "Wake me UP" instead of Luke then he could of showed of his dancing moves.
Michael J- Loved it. The song is till stuck in my head.
DAvid C- Loved it as well. I was reminded of Rock Star when someone either did " I will survive" or "Hit me Baby one more time."
Jason- Good.
Chikeze- like I said earlier I was distracted that this was an early 90's song.
As to who is going....I think it will be Luke and Danny. But it could be anybody.
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Mar 5, 2008 3:35 AM
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Oh and I forgot to mention, Congratulations Nina.
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Mar 5, 2008 3:36 AM
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