Replies

OK. I've digested the performances of last night. I thought Ruben was fine, but wholly unimpressive. I thought this was the show that they'd have to come out swinging, and he just didn't project any added enthusiasm over what he normally does. I think his third song, the one about flying without wings, was a sop. It must be either a regional or sub-genre favorite, because I've never heard it, and I've been exposed to a lot. I think that will hurt him in the voting.

As for Clay, when they announced he was singing an original, I braced for the worst. When he finished, it was pretty clear that the writer wrote it specifically for him, because he absolutely nailed it. "Here, There, and Everywhere" was a let down, as far as I'm concerned. He could have stepped on Ruben's throat with another home run there. Finally, "Bridge Over Troubled Water". I was certain he'd chosen the song. I was horrified when it started up tempo. That's like speeding up "Silent Night" on Christmas Eve. He did a great job with it, but I think a stripped down version would have sealed the deal for him.

Prediction: Aiken by TKO.

I agree. Clay's first two were "OK" but nothing to write home about. He nailed the last song though. He knew it. The judges (even Simon!) knew it. The audience knew it, and even Ruben knew it.
Ruben on the other hand, stumbled and faltered. In other words, he choked, and all three judges knew it.
I think it will be Aiken with a slam-dunk.

Just my humble opinion.

He did a great job with it, but I think a stripped down version would have sealed the deal for him.

You should check out Johnnie Cash's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" from his latest CD. So stripped down, stunning, and powerfully haunting that Clay's rendition last night, while excellent, didn't impress me that much.

That said, I hope Clay wins it as IMHO he's the better all around performer. Both will have long and sucessful careers, and Ruben's gotta' lose about 80 Lbs..