Brandon

By Brandon Scott

This is American Idol

Posted April 29, 2008

JUST A NOTE BEFORE I GET TO THE PERFORMANCES:

I have many friends who think I’m an idiot for watching American Idol and I defend the show week in and week out. Tonight was an embarrassment. Paula was high or drunk or just plain stupid. (Probably the latter) By giving her evaluation of Jason Castro’s second song before even hearing it meant a) her critiques were prewritten or b) she has no clue what’s going on. I think it could be a little of both. Regardless, she hasn’t offered anything substantial to the show in a while and I think the producers would be safe replacing her next season.

JASON CASTRO

“Forever in Blue Jeans”

Apparently, Jason didn’t get the memo that he was in the top five. The song was soft, boring and forgettable. The vocal was okay and the guitar was barely above average. There was nothing about the performance that made me say, “Wow” and at this point, every week has to be wow.

Rating: 5

“September Morn”

More of boring Jason is getting old. Although his second performance was better than his first, his constant stares into the camera make me want to vomit. It may get him votes from the 12-year-old girls, but its not working for the rest of the voters. Jason’s days are numbered.

Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 6

Prediction: I can’t imagine a bottom two tomorrow without Jason Castro in it.

DAVID COOK

“I’m Alive”

It was a pretty solid performance. It sounded like a David Cook arrangement. It wasn’t his best and I thought it was just okay, but it should be enough to keep him out of the bottom two.

Rating: 7.5

“All I Ever Really Need Is You”

It sounded great. I believe David has secured him a spot in the final two. Each week his performances maintain the level that is needed to win this competition. I feel like I am listening to a new track from a David Cook album each week.

Rating: 8.5

Overall Rating: 8

Prediction: It may have been the only thing worth repeating from her, but Paula said it best: David Cook may just wind up winning this thing.

BROOKE WHITE

“I’m a Believer”

That may have been one of the worst performances I’ve seen on Idol this season. I didn’t like the guitar, I didn’t like the vocal and I didn’t like her. She should’ve been voted out last week and she just proved it.

Rating: 4

“I Am I Said”

Brooke finally returned to her original roots on the show. It was a wise choice to move behind the piano, which seems to be her safest spot on the stage. Don’t get me wrong: I still think she is the worst one on the show, but she did step up and probably gained a few votes with the last song.

Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 5.5

Prediction: While she may have stepped up in the end, she still deserves to home. America, don’t get it wrong again this week.

DAVID ARCHULETA

“Sweet Caroline”

It was fun. He changed the melody some and in places it worked and other places it didn’t. Being a New York Yankees fan and an Archuleta fan, I was torn listening to the song, as the tune is a Boston Red Sox staple at Fenway. His voice was solid as usual, but the overall performance was nothing special.

Rating: 7

“America”

I say week after week: the kid has got some pipes. I think everyone knows that Archuleta is going to end up in the top three and he has a big enough fan base that could push him to the final show.

Rating: 8.5

Overall Rating: 7.75

Prediction: He should be safe

SYESHA MERCADO

“Hello Again”

She did a decent job, but a far cry from great. There were a few moments of almost greatness but she never seemed to get there.

Rating: 7

“Thank the Lord for the Night Time”

Syesha isn’t doing it for me. Her voice is strong at times but I am not getting any kind of connection from her and I have a feeling the rest of America feels the same way.

Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7

Prediction: Let’s just say I wouldn’t be shocked if Syesha finds herself in the bottom two.

TOP PERFORMANCES: David Archuleta’s and David Cook’s second performance

BOTTOM TWO: The worst performers were Jason Castro and Brooke White, but Syesha could end up there.

GOING HOME: It’s a toss up. I hope it’s Brooke, but Jason and Syesha didn’t help out any.