[Texas2step]

Listened to the full song........it is going to be interesting. It is a dark song. The arrangement will make it or break it.

I just listened to all of the songs. I believe the whole night will be very interesting...

From reading various sources, and knowing that the began meeting with Queen last Wednesday, it sounds like Queen is really working with them on their songs, arrangements, etc. I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised at how well everyone does, and believe this will be an excellent night for AI.

I didn't get the impression that Stevie Wonder really worked with them or gave them very much help. Barry and Kenny sounds like they did work with them, but were working with them on other people's songs.

Queen's actually helping them work specifically on their own songs, and probably helping with arrangements, as well. As long as Queen's been around, I'd be surprised if they haven't already done various versions of their songs, even if it was just playing around.

That being said, below is my take on individual song choices...

• Ace Young, an "urbanized" We Will Rock You
out of everyone, this is the one I just have trouble visualizing. WWRY is a well-known ROCK anthem. I just don't see Ace singing this song, and don't see anyway the song can be modified to where it would work for Ace.

• Bucky Covington, Fat Bottomed Girls
The perfect Queen song for Bucky. Much better for him than CLTCL, even the DY version.

• Chris Daughtry, Innuendo
Dark and brooding. Maybe too much so, but I hope not. Maybe Chris does his own version with a little "life". The Show Must Go On would have been a much better pick for him, IMO. But maybe Paris had already chosen it?

• Elliott Yamin, Somebody to Love
Perfect for Elliot and would have worked well for several of these AI finalists.

• Katharine McPhee, Who Wants to Live Forever
I don't know about this for Katherine. Don't Stop Me Now may have been a better choice for her. We'll see.

• Kellie Pickler, a "countrified" Bohemian Rhapsody
I don't know, this may work. Supposedly she's doing the Mercury solo, but country style. The lyrics could easily be a country song, and I think folks will be very surprised that it won't be a "train wreck".

•Paris Bennett, The Show Must Go On
This is basically a rock anthem. She's going to have to R&B it to make it work for her, IMO. Could be a train wreck.

• Taylor Hicks, Crazy Little Thing Called Love
OK, not my first choice for Taylor, but if anyone could make this work in this competition, it's probably Taylor. I'm hopeful for a very good performance, which he badly needs, IMO.

I surprised nobody went with "My Best Friend". Would have worked for Paris, Ace, or Katherine. I believe it would have been better for them than what they chose.

[Wyatt's Torch]

I don't know, this may work. Supposedly she's doing the Mercury solo, but country style. The lyrics could easily be a country song, and I think folks will be very surprised that it won't be a "train wreck".

Countifying Bohemian Rhapsody is like painting buckteeth on the Mona Lisa and having a recording saying, "Hey Y'all!" as you walk by. I know the judges say "make it your own" but this song is one of the things you shouldn't touch. Don't mess with perfection....JMHO of course.

[Netizen]

I think Manilow offered better advice than Rogers did. I think that showed by their success. I think other country stars would have been better choices. Like Dolly Parton or Lyle Lovett.

[b9]

Barry and Kenny sound like they did work with them, but were working with them on other people's songs.

What an education! Great perspective from terrific icons.

The AI kids are sponges, soaking up whatever they want.

Hope tonight's performances aren't all wet.

[Wyatt's Torch]

This is the vision I have in my head:

Mamuhhhh, ah jis killed a maaaaan
Put a gun agin his heaaaaad
Pullt my triggah now he's deaaaad
Mamuhhhh, lahf had jis beguuuun
An now I dun gone and threw it ahl awayyyyyyy

And then it stops because I hit mute as I can't take it any more...;-)

[freedumb2003]

Nice analysis -- well thought out.

I thought it would be a good idea for Mandisa (obviously before she was voted off) to do "fat bottomed girls." It would have been a great taunt!

Bohemian is too complex a song to "countrify." It is also iconic. I think it is a big risk for Carrie, Jr., but she gets a bye if she keeps it in building.


Taylor picked one down the middle.

As always, Chris, Taylor and Pickles are in no danger, especially with the choices you outlined. Paris is in real danger, but Bucky can keep alive if he doesn't swollow the mic.


JONNY! I am in NYC today! I get to watch and comment live!!! :)))

I expect everyone to be on their funniest! ;)

[Conservative Texan Mom]

If Mandisa had stayed she was going to see Who Wants to Live Forever.

I would have liked to hear Chris do this one.