(aired 3/25/08)
Tonight’s theme is songs from the year they were born. That means one song from the ‘70s, one from the ‘90s, and lots and lots of ‘80s in between.
As a reminder, our ratings system here at Predict Idol is from half a paw to 4 paws, in honor of the Prognosticats, Zinnia and Zoey. Contestants earn half a paw just by showing up and singing, even if they bomb, but the most outstanding performances can earn 4 paws.
Ramiele Malubay
1987
“Alone” by Heart
Bunny: First thought: Oh no, she’s tackling a song done by Carrie Underwood in Season 4, a performance people are still talking about. Second thought: But if she can pull it off, good for her, because she needs a big performance. Third thought: She’s wavering on the power notes, and I don’t feel that she has an emotional connection with the song. At all. It’s explained during the judging that she has been sick, and that would explain the wavering, which is uncharacteristic of her.
Burke: I liked her song choice, though I wasn’t sure she could handle it. I thought her singing was okay, but the way she just stands there kind of bugs me. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.
Jason Castro
1987
“Fragile” by Sting
Bunny: Jason is apparently on a quest to learn a new language each week. This week it’s Spanish. It isn’t a breakout performance, but it’s very solid, and he seems much more comfortable than last week. Simon says he could be a winner if he takes it more seriously, and I agree he does need to be more versatile.
Burke: I didn’t like the song, and he sang it so softly it was overwhelmed by the music and chorus. His lack of power will eventually catch up with him.
Syesha Mercado
1987
“If I Were Your Woman” by Stephanie Mills
Bunny: She is on point tonight. However, other than “Yesterday” last week, her song choices bore me. I think she’s great, though.
Burke: Very good singing, very polished and powerful.
Chikezie
1985
“If Only For One Night” by Luther Vandross
Bunny: I think it was a good choice to go with a ballad tonight, although it’s not a hugely well known one. He sounds pleasant, but I’m not very excited about it. Chicheesy.
Burke: Nice job, Chikezie. No dobro or harmonica, just heartfelt singing, like a mini Ruben.
Brooke White
1983
“Every Breath You Take” by the Police
Bunny: She’s back at the piano, with a slowed-down version of a faster song. The result of this juxtaposition is that she once again stands out as different. I like the straightened hair as a change of pace. The judges comment on her false start, but it doesn’t really hurt her.
Burke: Brooke sings the Police; this should be interesting. I liked the Sheryl Crow look, enjoyed the piano. Overall, solid performance.
Michael Johns
1978
“We Are The Champions” by Queen
Bunny: It sounded like Brooke was singing backup at one point. Weird. I think he did what he needed to do to reestablish his relevance to this competition. It’s not as good as his Bohemian Rhapsody, but it’s good.
Burke: A perennial crowd favorite comes through for Michael. Good choice and performance.
Carly Smithson
1983
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
Bunny: This should be a good song for her. She doesn’t stray much from the original, but she does an excellent job. During the judges’ comments, it looks like she’s thinking, uh-oh, my butt’s in the bottom three again.
Burke: Great song choice, and she nailed it.
David Archuleta
1990
“You’re The Voice” by David Foster with Jeff Pescetto
Bunny: I don’t remember ever hearing this song before. It’s nice, and he does a good job, not great. It was a good way to show he can do stuff that’s a little more up-tempo, though.
Burke: Didn’t like the song choice, but he sang it well.
Kristy Lee Cook
1984
“God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood
Bunny: It’s a weird choice, because I don’t know if it really tells us what kind of artist she is, but then, I suppose there wasn’t really much doubt that she’s country to the core. It’s her best performance as a member of the top 12. If it doesn’t keep her in the competition, maybe she can still get on the presidential ballot.
Burke: Solid performance, maybe her best yet. Did she steal that top from Amanda before she left?
David Cook
1982
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (but Chris Cornell’s version)
Bunny: Surprisingly, this song works as a rock ballad. Week after week, this guy shows that he is here to win. He makes us remember him.
Burke: A rock version of Billie Jean? BRILLyant!
PREDICTIONS
Bunny: Bunny’s Bomb, sorry to say, is Ramiele Malubay. I’ve liked her from the beginning, but she’s just not upping her game. I’ve become bored. Unfortunately, I think her placement in the kiss-of-death spot plus her so-so performance mean that she will be leaving us tomorrow.
Burke: Burke’s Turkey is Jason Castro. I said weeks ago he sounded like a sidewalk singer, and he’s done nothing yet to change my mind, other than “Hallelujah.” Actually voted off, though, will be Chikezie.
Prognosticats: Tonight’s Hairball Performance was given by Carly Smithson. Voted off tomorrow will be David Cook.
Bunny: Top Dawg in my ever-so-humble opinion is David Cook.
Burke: My Top Dawg is Carly Smithson. It helps that it was one of my favorite songs, but I think she did a great job.
See you tomorrow for the results!
