(aired 4/8/08)
Bunny: Ryan “Jimmy Neutron” Seacrest opens the show, reminding us of tomorrow night’s Idol Gives Back and the special Thursday results show. Tonight’s theme is inspirational songs.
Michael Johns
“Dream On” by Aerosmith
Bunny: This is exactly the type of song I expected him to sing. That might be part of the reason I haven’t become a rabid Michael fan. He never surprises me. Then again, neither does Jason, and yet I'm a rabid Jason fan. I am an enigma wrapped in a terrycloth robe, I guess. Anyway, back to Michael. His performance is mediocre and kind of shouty. His defense of “Dream On” as an inspirational song is basically a rehash of Carly’s “Blackbird” argument.
Burke: First, why the sudden interest in neckwear? Second, when did Randy become Simon? Third, I thought it was a karaoke performance, but it was a good karaoke performance. I didn’t think he’d try the high notes. I enjoyed it.
Syesha Mercado
“I Believe” by Fantasia
Bunny: Uh-oh, she’s trying a Fantasia song. Of course, I’m not a big Fantasia fan, so I’ll probably like Syesha’s version better. Yes, I do. She hits a high-high-high note near the end with apparent ease. Randy and Simon are right that she can’t rival Fantasia’s unique vibe, and that we still don’t really know Miss Mercado. But technically, there isn’t much to complain about.
Burke: Doing a Fantasia song could be the kiss o’ death. She needs to stop doing songs that invite us to compare her to bigger, better singers. I was impressed by the money note at the end; otherwise, just another forgettable performance. I did give her 2-1/2 stars. This could be her week to go home.
Jason Castro
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, I think
Bunny: Did he say “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”? He did? I was hoping I was wrong. No matter how it goes, at least he’ll have a spot in Idol history for being the first to play a ukulele. Oh, it’s the eToys commercial/50 First Dates song—okay, I love that version! I like the rainbow lights on the audience, too; nice touch. And in the space of a minute and a half, I’ve gone from complete skepticism to thinking it’s brilliant. I’m seriously considering handing out my first 4-paw rating. Randy even pulls out his favorite word for Season 7: molten. And yes, I'm giving him 4 paws.
Burke: A ukulele? Really? Is this guy Idol material? He seems nice, but I’m so over the curb-side performances. I thought this was a singing competition, and he just doesn’t measure up for me. Sorry.
Kristy Lee Cook
“Anyway” by Martina McBride
Bunny: Beautiful song, great choice as an inspirational song. Nobody can equal Martina, but to be honest, I thought it was excellent and very moving, her best yet. And I like the possibly irony of the line “you can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in, that tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang—sing it anyway.” I would like to see KLC wearing something other than that same glittery tank.
Burke: God is great. Kristy ain’t. But she is better than before. Sometimes I slay me.
David Cook
“Innocent” by Our Lady Peace
Bunny: The first verse is especially bizarre; I don’t like his lower register, at least in this song. This performance is not a thrill. I think it’s his first misstep. Will it hurt him? No. Paula thinks she’s the only one who caught the writing on his hand. No.
Burke: Unusual opening. His voice was flat when he wasn’t shouting. I didn’t like the Sergeant Pepper jacket.
Carly Smithson
“The Show Must Go On” by Queen
Bunny: She misses a note here and there; I don’t think she’s on point tonight, but it’s pretty good overall. She does have a rather militant demeanor as she sings, and Simon verbalizes my impression that she seemed angry.
Burke: I didn’t enjoy it. Bad song choice, angry performance, zero inspiration. This would have been a good place for a ballad instead of the angry-Irish-woman anthem.
David Archuleta
“Angels” by I'm sorry, I don't know
Bunny: Could he have chosen a song that would make his fan base, the Arch Angels, any happier? I doubt it. He accompanies himself on the piano. I know the “mosh pit” occupants are told to clap over their heads, but I really, really hate it. It’s incredibly annoying. Who applauds like that? David’s performance is so-so for me. And he has his dad’s shirt on.
Burke: What can I say? Do you have any leftover words, Bunny? I just wasn’t moved. All I can muster is 2-1/2 paws.
Brooke White
“You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King
Bunny: The song reveals that she isn’t a stellar vocalist, but most of us don’t care. I think she has her best moments in the middle, before the bridge.
Burke: I thought it was okay. I’m a Brooke fan, but does she have to cry after every song? She’s starting to tick me off.
PREDICTIONS
Bunny: As much as it surprises me to say it, David Cook is Bunny’s Bomb tonight. He won’t be leaving, though, unless there’s some cataclysmic shift in earth's natural forces. Picking the one who will actually leave, though, is really tough. I think it's possible for either Syesha, Carly, or Brooke to go, not that I think the latter two are ready. It might be Syesha Mercado's last performance.
Burke: Winning the Burke’s Turkey designation tonight is David Cook. He was way off his game. Going home Thursday, though, will be Syesha Mercado.
Prognosticats: This evening's hairball performance was doled out by Jason Castro, but Brooke White will be voted off.
Bunny: Top Dawg tonight is Jason Castro, easily. Did he show us anything new (besides the ukulele)? No. Somehow he manages to make it not matter.
Burke: My Top Dawg is Michael Johns.
Bunny: Join us tomorrow night for Idol Gives Back, and Thursday for the results!
