Laptop Television Mom

Blogging from Florida, heading to Graceland shortly.  Still watched AI…

DIXIE SAYS: I love Lord Andrew Lloyd Weber! He really helped the contestants with their musicality and the ability to sell the song. Actually knowing what you’re singing about and feeling it? What a concept! Most mentors are not in the audience on performance night, but I figured he would be since he is into live theater. Too bad the guy next to him took up half of his seat. On with the show:

Syesha Mercado "One Rock and Roll Too Many"

Well now! That was unexpected! This year more than ever, just when someone is long over due to get the boot, they suddenly become professional vocalists and performers. We finally got to see Syesha in her element; she stopped pretending to be a power belter, and revealed herself as a showgirl… and a good one at that! She showed tons of personality, and it was definitely her best performance and vocal to date! Syesha obviously had fun with it and brought some charisma which has been lacking up until now. Because there were so many ballads, she should stand out, but it will be interesting to see what happens tonight. She’s not very popular compared to the other contestants, she went first, and she performed a song that is nowhere near as well known as “Memories” or “Music of the Night.” In my humble opinion, she shouldn’t be in trouble this week.

Jason Castro “Memories”

“I didn’t know a cat sang this song.” That is and will always be a classic line for me. Thank you Lord Weber for explaining the intense emotions behind the lyrics, that an old cat, who used to be so beautiful and agile, is on her death bed and she’s replaying her life one more time before she dies. Unfortunately, I don’t think Jason “got it”. He didn’t sound as bad as a dying cat, but he was still ridiculously bad. For a minute there, I thought he was going to pass out. Second train wreck in two weeks. I heard that three of the contestants wanted this song- Jason, Carly, and David Archuleta- and Jason, unfortunately for us, drew the long straw. Someone should have introduced this boy to Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. He’s definitely in danger this week.

Brooke White “You Must Love Me”

A song written for a thin-voiced actress, sung by a thin-voiced girl with a weepy persona. Except for the “stop and start” at the beginning, which made me gasp, it was dull. We finally have our first Idol Meltdown. With all they put these kids through, I’m surprised it has taken seven seasons! Kind of strange how Paula praised Brooke for starting and stopping her piano playing several weeks ago, but critiqued her for the same thing last night. And then Simon essentially excused it. So, okay… I don’t know how you don’t start over if you’ve lost the lyrics and your mind is drawing a blank. The obvious answer is to stay focused and don’t forget the lyrics! No one has ever stopped and started on this show before, have they? The only positive about Brooke tonight is that she kept quiet long enough to let the judges speak. Wardrobe-wise, I wish she had picked something with a little more gravitas. Evita and butterflies really do not go together. Brooke would be a really obvious choice for the boot, but her breakdown will galvanize her fan base, as well as earn her some pity votes.

David Archuleta “Think of Me”

Did they really bring tweens up on stage to hug little David? Ick. The pimp machine was really in overdrive tonight, until Simon finally told the truth. This was a forgettable snore, and he forgot the words again. Someone get this kid some cue cards! When Lord Weber told him to keep his eyes open, I almost fell off the sofa! The best part is that he listened to his mentor! I could feel his concentration to keep those eyes open and stare into the camera. Now if we could just get rid of his new bad habit, the “Boy Band Reaching Hand of Tenderness”. I don’t deny that he has a decent voice, especially for his age, but I just find him devoid of all personality. As usual, it doesn’t matter. He is safe.

Carly Smithson “Superstar”

More sleeves!! Her stylist earned his paycheck this week- that dress was gorgeous! Carly, girlfriend, just leave the ballads alone and dork out while you’re rockin’ (when the themes allow). It was obvious she was having fun, and she got to be a goofball afterwards. Not sure who had the idea for the T-shirt, but I have a sneaking suspicion that they had two of them made- a Simon likes me and a Simon doesn’t like me. Vocally, I thought it was screechy and mega-shouty. At one point, I thought she was yelling just so we could hear her over Bandzilla. They were out of control on this one! Also, the theme of this song might not play well in middle America. I know I didn’t especially dig it! How crazy would it be if Carly got eliminated for following ALW’s advice?

David Cook “Music of the Night”

This wasn’t DC’s greatest performance, but I think it showed he can do something besides angst. It was great to hear him sing something straight and that high note in the middle was to die for. Honestly, I don’t think Chris Daughtry could have pulled this one off. David Cook has such naturally commanding stage presence- being trained in musical theater comes in handy, huh Dave? A black tuxedo and a mask would have added to the performance- okay, maybe just the tux. Definitely my favorite of the night.

Going home? Mmmmm… Syesha, Jason, or Brooke…. Possibly Carly but probably not. The only contestants that I know are safe are David and David.