Brandon

By Brandon Scott

This is American Idol

Posted May 13, 2008

DAVID ARCHULETA

Judges Choice: “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel

Paula picked a great song. The song allowed Archuleta’s strength, his voice, to shine. He didn’t miss a note and it sounded like the Archuleta we know. I agree with Simon that it was nothing spectacular, but it was still an excellent performance.

Rating: 8

Contestants Choice: “With You” by Chris Brown

Wow. Interesting and strange choice. Archuleta tried to sing something other than a big ballad and I’m not sure what I think about it. He’ll definitely pull in some teenage girl votes with the song, but it was a very awkward performance.

Rating: 7

Producers Choice: “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg

Did the producers intentionally want to get Archuleta voted off by choosing that song? I think most of the voters (teenage girls) had never heard the song before tonight. He sang it about as good as a 17 year old can sing that song and I don’t think it will affect his chances of being in the finals next week.

Rating: 7.5

Overall Rating: 7.5

Prediction:

SYESHA MERCADO

Judges Choice: “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

I couldn’t help but compare Syesha to Alicia. Syesha sang it great, but not as great as Alicia. It sounded like she may have missed have few notes. I blame this “okay” performance on Randy for picking a song that he knew she could never live up to.

Rating: 7

Contestants Choice: “Fever” by Peggy Lee

Syesha has definitely opened up and has gotten over the nerves of being on the big stage. Her vocals were great on the song, but she could have sung a huge ballad and impressed America. I don’t think America is going to be impressed.

Rating: 7

Producers Choice: “Hit Me Up” by Gia Farrell

Another strange song choice from the producers. Syesha’s vocals were pretty good, but there was nothing that made me say “Wow” about the performance. She really needed a song that would allow her to belt out some big notes and she wasn’t able to do that tonight.

Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7

Prediction: Before tonight, I think everyone could agree that it would be Archuleta and Cook in the finals. The only reason for tonight was to give Syesha an opportunity to prove that she should be there and she failed. She’ll have a somewhat successful debut album, but I don’t expect her to have any lasting power in the industry.

DAVID COOK

Judges Choice: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack

Great last note. I completely agree with Randy. David Cook is a rocker and he should have been given a rocker song. I don’t think it was his best, but it was still a pretty amazing performance.

Rating: 8.5

Contestants Choice: “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot

A good song choice from David, but it seemed extremely short and he was pitchy in several places.

Rating: 7

Producers Choice: “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

The beginning was really strange. With a song that is as recognizable as this Aerosmith ballad, I’m not sure I would have changed it up that much. But I will admit he jammed out the rest of the song.

Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 7.85

Prediction: Right now, its David Cook’s contest to lose. He’ll definitely be in the finals next week and he’ll be the frontrunner.

Round One: David Cook

Round Two: None of the contestants deserved to be considered the best this round.

Round Three: David Cook

Going home: Syesha Mercado. There’s nothing else to say. I think America wants a David v. David showdown. Pick your team now: TEAM ARCHULETA OR TEAM COOK. The high school good guy versus the bartender rocker. Unless tomorrow night brings the shocker of the season, it will be a battle of the Davids next week. Usually at this point, it is obvious who will take home the crown, but it’s anyone’s game. May the best David win.