Let me start by saying it sucks ass that they are starting theme night so early. I think it’s a way to knock off some contestants earlier in the season. If contestants get to choose what they sing, then they pick easy songs and stay around much longer than they should. But I have to tell you….I hate theme nights. We will be getting 60’s night tonight, and no doubt show tunes, Miami sound, country and disco. This is when this really becomes “American Karaoke”.
First up, the boys.
David Hernandez – In the Midnight Hour – Nice arrangement. He was much better than I remember. Will this performance stand up at the end of the night? Not sure. But so far, a nice, easy start to the night.
Chikezie Eze – More Today Than Yesterday - What the hell are you wearing? What the hell are you singing? He needs to be young. He has the voice but wrong song choice and wardrobe. Don’t talk back!!! Black folks and orange do not mix. I’m the only one allowed to say it and I’m saying it. Simon was 100% right. You can do 60’s night and not be 60 years old. Just take the feedback, learn from it. Don’t argue.
David Cook – Happy Together – Shouting too much. I am not sure if because the music is going super fast and playing too loud. Good stage performance. I am willing to give him a pass for this song. Nice ending. He even seemed shocked and out of breath. I did like that version.
**Note: Again, I hate theme night! I don’t think its fair because we don’t know these guys and they are starting us with poor and bland performances.
Jason Yeager - Moon River – Boring. Randy gave good advice. He seemed bored and lost track. Stop booing Simon. He is right. Minus the low blows. Ryan is an ass. “How does it feel to be punched in the gut?” Well Ryan, I guess it’s similar to when women (or men) laugh at your small penis. I cannot stand Seacrest!!!! But it wouldn’t be AI without him.
Robbie Carrico – One is the Loneliest Number - Perfect song choice. Ok performance. He doesn’t have a strong voice. I remember Chris Daughtry and he is no Daughtry. But it was a nice performance.
David Archuleta – Shop Around – Not sure if this song was too low for him. But best performance of the night. He searched for some keys in the song, but good song choice he fit it well. It was a challenging song for him and he should get points for that. I guess I can see why the judges like him a lot. Okay, the golly gee is going to start getting on my nerves.
Danny Noriega – Jailhouse Rock - Too much swagger can be too much. But he has a absolutely fabulous voice! It was WAY over the top. But you will remember it and it was better than Moon River and Happy Together. I look forward to seeing him more subdued and just sing. I agree with Simon. It was fun but not the best representation of the show. Now his sass was in a fun way.
Luke Menard – Everybody’s Talking to Me - I love Kenny Loggins. That is what he most reminded me of. But in comparison, it makes you realize how bad the performance was. I like falsetto style, but you also have to have personality and strength. He had neither. I said Kenny Loggins first Paula!
Colton Berry – Suspicious Mind – Randy was struggling to say something positive. So was Paula. Simon won’t even try. He is being painfully honest. And Paula and Ryan are making it worse by challenging Simon.
Garrett Haley – Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - His audition was terrible. I now know why they didn’t feature him. I was most surprised that he had facial hair in the close up. He had a nicer voice than I thought. I think a slow song was good for him. I think he could have put more into it. When it was time to bring it home, he…left it at the store. Perfect opportunity wasted. He should stay though.
**Note: This is American Idols fault. The show still has 30 minutes left and 2 contestants. Plan on more talking by the judges.
Jason Castro – Daydream - Pretty eyes. I wasn’t sold on him, but I like him. I am not sold on the guitar. I guess that means tomorrow Blondie is going to play the piano? I think it was a nice, safe performance.
Michael Johns – Light My Fire – Of course the perfect song for him. It fit his style well. I think he was a little off tune on some notes but good performance. I agreed with Simon that it was not his best but good for the first night.
We made it through the first night. I am looking forward to the girls. This was a tough one. I hope the boys pick better songs next week no matter what the theme is.
Top Performances: David A., Danny, Jason and Michael. I would even put David H. in there.
Bottom Performances: Chikezie, Luke, David C.
Going home – I think it will be Luke because I don’t think anyone is going to go out of there way to vote for him and David C. I think folks will vote for Colton and Robbie, even though they were just okay.
