Brandon

By Brandon Scott

This is American Idol

Posted April 10, 2008

We’re down to eight as the contestants sing songs that inspire them as Idol gives back this week.

MICHAEL JOHNS

“Dream On” by Aerosmith

Okay, let me start by saying he tried to sing my favorite song ever. And to live up to Steven Tyler, he didn’t come close. Too many pitch problems, a horrendous attempt at hitting the high notes in the end and a distracting scarf around his neck did not impress me at all. I would have rather him change up the arrangement some and not try to be Aerosmith. It’s the top eight and I’m expecting more at this point.

Rating: 6.5

Prediction: I think he’ll be safe, but this is when America goes crazy and starts voting off random people.

SYESHA MERCADO

“I Believe” by Fantasia

Move over, Fantasia. You may have sung it first, but I think Syesha may have sung it better. She might not have had the “connection” that the judges mentioned, but she nailed the vocals.

Rating: 7

Prediction: “I Believe” Syesha will be safe.

JASON CASTRO

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

It sounded like the Jason Castro we used to know. It’s one of my favorite arrangements of the song and he nailed it. He has such a pure, smooth voice. He has a way of making you stop what you are doing and watch him.

Rating: 8.5

Prediction: The dreads are safe.

****JUST A SIDE NOTE**** Paula’s “girls” are distracting me right now. Let ‘em breathe Miss Abdul.

KRISTY LEE COOK

“Anyway” by Martina McBride

Pitch. Pitch. Pitch. There were some good moments and some not so good moments. I think the good moments may have outweighed the bad, but it’s hard to get past those verses where her pitch was all over the place. It definitely wasn’t her worst. I think if the judges knew how well Martina sang that song, they wouldn’t have been singing Kristy’s praises so much.

Rating: 7.5

Prediction: I think viewers will disagree with the judges and put “Little Miss Country Sunshine” in her place: the bottom three.

DAVID COOK

“Innocent” by Our Lady Peace

Who was that? It wasn’t David Cook that’s for sure. The beginning sounded nothing like David and it took too long for us to finally hear his true voice. He has been at the top of his game week after week, but this was the worst I’ve heard him sing. He better hope Team Cook steps it up tonight and votes.

Rating: 5

Prediction: The “bottom three” finds a new face with David Cook there for the first time.

CARLY SMITHSON

“The Show Must Go On” by Queen

It was better than David Cook, but that’s not saying much. On a lighter note, she looked great. I completely agree with judges on this one. She’s got a great voice, but there was no connection like she usually has. Parts of the song seemed awkward and at times it didn’t look like an inspirational song rather a pretty darn hateful song.

Rating: 6.5

Prediction: Carly remembers how scary it is in the bottom three. I doubt she finds herself there, but there is a slight chance.

DAVID ARCHULETA

“Angels” by Robbie Williams

Does anyone have what it takes to beat this kid? I seriously doubt it. At this point in the competition, I usually choose my pick for the winner, but I just can’t give it to Archuleta yet. Yes, he has a strong fan base. Yes, the kid can sing. Yes, he is one of the only ones that haven’t been in the bottom three. After next week, I will make my final five predictions.

Rating: 8.5

Prediction: Safe as usual.

BROOKE WHITE

“You’ve Got a Friend” by Carol King

She looked like she was about to cry during the whole performance. Not so sure I want a depressed a friend. The vocal was not bad, but the stripped down version of that song nearly put me to sleep. She seems so whiny some times and it is distracting. You all know, I’m not a Brooke fan.

Rating: 6.5

Prediction: I don’t think she belongs in the same category as the rest of the names left in this competition.

Bottom three: Kristy Lee Cook, David Cook and Brooke White

Best performance: It wasn't David Archuleta's best performance, but it was still better than anyone else except for maybe Jason Castro. Therefore, I'm going to make it a tie and give it to Archuleta and Castro.

Who is going home? It’s open to anyone at this point. I think this would be a great week to send Kristy Lee Cook home, but I think this week, Idol fans could see one of the powerhouses — Carly Smithson or David Cook — sent home. It’s going to be an interesting night.