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Evaluating the guys’ performances
OK, let me begin by saying this: It was definitely far better than last year’s initial guys performance. I remember thinking last year, “Was it lounge lizard night at the bowling alley and they forgot to tell us.” Other than Blake’s performance of a Keane song, and Sanjaya’s first hair decision, that night was forgettable.
This was a vast improvement, even if they are setting a weekly category for these rounds now. There were several great performances, a few good ones, and only four I thought were bad or forgettable.
My favorites: 1. My absolute favorite guy and early choice to cheer all the way through is 17-year-old David Archuletta, who sang “You Better Shop Around.” This kid is mature way beyond his years, has an excellent stage presence, and has the likability factor. I also love how pure and innocent his voice sounds. I thought last night was in a key too low for him, but he still pulled it off.
David Cook, the rocker who sang “Happy Together.” It was a unique arrangement, totally his own, and marketable as a hit. Let’s face it, that song has run its course, yet he managed to make it sound fresh.
David Hernandez, who led off the show with “Midnight Hour.” I loved the gospel-feel organ beginning, which I am assuming was his idea.
Michael Johns, the Aussie who sang “Light My Fire.” I agree with Simon that he is consistent, and he definitely has a good voice. Maybe he’ll win me over yet, but I still have a hard time with him being on “American Idol,” rather than “Australian Idol.” Now, for the worst:
I think Chikezie needs to be voted off. He started in the wrong key and never found it. Also, that orange suit looked like something left over from a prison camp. The disco feel to the song totally didn’t work, especially since he thought he was doing an R&B arrangement of “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday.”
For the other one “offed,” I think it’s a toss-up between three guys, all with very forgettable, bland performances: Garrett Hayley (“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”), Luke Menard (“Everybody’s Talking At Me”), and Jason Yeager (“Moon River”).
If pushed to pick one, I’d vote off Garrett, who looked not like Peter Frampton to me, but like a young Wynonna Rider (and that’s not the reason for my choice).
Tell us what you think. America’s decision comes Thursday.
Can’t wait to see the ladies tonight!
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