Luke Menard – weak song choice, tough hitting those high notes in a song with nothing but high notes, too fast a tempo to attempt. Definite step back down after a comeback performance last week. This will likely eliminate him. He’ll sing go-go as gone-gone in his swan song.
David Archuleta – another mellow song choice, but is one of few who has done well with those types of songs. Could have done a little better, but he’s a virtual lock for Top 4.
Danny Noriega – Sounds like an 80s valley girl in the pre-song interview. Campy (as if we’d expect anything else) interpretation of Tainted Love. Way to ruin this song for me, Danjaya. What the bleep is Paula Abdul babbling about? I’m, like, totally on Simon’s side.
David Hernandez – Thankfully fully clothed. Another good song interpretation.
Michael Johns – I don’t get it. Seemed like one of the strongest singers going into this competition, but to me he seems to underperform each week. Maybe my expectations are too high? Maybe he ought to stick to covers of the Doors and INXS? I dunno.
David Cook and his guitar – Rocking version of Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” Brings a uniqueness that isn’t offensive like Danjaya. Still lacks that stage presence others in the competition have. Still kinda bores me. Not bad, not great. Meh.
Jason Castro – hmmm, started a little slow, but has a nice voice to carry this song. This might be my favorite performance of the night, but will the audience dig it?
Chikeze – Nice performance. The girls probably dug it, so I think he’ll continue on.
My top 4 tonight: Castro, Hernandez, Archuleta, Chikeze.
Meh: Johns, Cook
Bottom 2: Menard and, but of course, Danjaya Noriega.
When the news of Hernandez’ strip routine hits the gay community, that could cyphon enough vote from Danjaya and we might be finally rid of Danjaya.
David Archuleta: He was coasting this week. And the "social conscience" crap, coming from a know-nothing kid, is going to get real old, real fast.
Danny Noriega: Actually, the best he's sang in the past three weeks. Not that this is saying much. This guy has every possible negative "gay" stereotype, how is that going to appeal to music buyers?
David Hernandez: It was... okay. I agree with Simon that he was better last week. Not a bad effort given the current controversy surrounding his stripper past. Purely on vocals, he should stick around for a while, but he's vulnerable this week.
Michael Johns: I'm still not convinced he's the real deal. He was quite good when he was imitating the original, but every time he tried to put his own spin on it, it didn't work for me.
David Cook: Song choice "red alert" -- he had to really do something to make this song work. And he did. Good interpretation (and frankly, I kind of like it being more up-tempo than... the... original...), and I think Randy's right in that if cleaned up a bit in the studio, it would play well on today's radio.
Jason Castro: Glad to see he dropped the ever-present smile when he's not singing a "happy" song. Nice vocals, and I like that he's comes across as somewhat unassuming.
Chikeze: On the whole, a very smooth vocal, but it didn't wow me at all. Missing the last note was really, really bad for him.
Who Should Go: Danny Noriega, Luke Menard
Who Will Go: David hernandez, Chikeze
kevkrom's overall rankings:
And he knows it. Watching his reaction to the judges' comments last night, Archuleta seems to think he's already won this. It's Hillary-esque.
David Hernandez – Thankfully fully clothed.
LOL!
David Cook ... Brings a uniqueness that isn’t offensive like Danjaya.
That's a good point. Cook is better than I expected. Now if he can only wipe that smug look off his face.