Here we are at the Final Four of “American Idol,” which means our Season 7 champ is going to be crowned in just a few weeks. And with no more mentors, the remaining contestants just had to choose two songs from among 500 of artists enshrined in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. That’s a very large catalog. Of course, having so many songs to choose from can be a curse, too. Anyway, here we go….
THE GOOD
David Cook kicked things off, and his two songs were Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” and The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly.” His first effort was pretty bland, but he brought his usual power the second time around, though it still was lacking compared to what David usually delivers. Randy said his first choice was just okay and the second was more like the real David Cook; Paula loved both because, well, she’s Paula; and Simon thought the first song was just a copycat rendition of the original, while the second was more like what we’re used to from him. In other words, the judges pretty much agreed with me on Mr. Cook.
Syesha Mercado took on Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and Sam Cook’s “Change Is Gonna Come,” which meant Syesha was basically swinging for the fences. And then a funny thing happened. I realized that Syesha could just win this thing. No, really. She was lights out last night, and even though Randy didn’t like her Sam Cook rendition, Paula and Simon draped Syesha with enough praise to go around. Randy said the first song was “in the zone” and that he didn’t love the second; Paula said she looks like a star and that the second effort was a “superstar” performance; and Simon said the first one was bad and shrieky while he agreed with Paula on the second, which reduced Syesha to tears.
David Archuleta is kind of on auto pilot. And he still annoys me. I mean, this kid is like the teacher’s pet, the kind of kid you want to sneak up behind and give a wedgie to. Anyway, David sang “Stand By Me” and Elvis’ “Love Me Tender.” The first one was like a karaoke performance to me, but the judges were tripping over themselves, almost congratulating young David on winning it all. Whatever. But his second song was really great, even if a 17-year old singing a love song seems weird. Actually, you know what? If someone bought this kid a hooker, it might change the complexion of the show. Anyway, Randy loved both performances, so did Paula, and Simon said David crushed the competition. I’m sorry, I disagree, but America will probably agree with the judges.
THE NOT SO GOOD
Jason Castro really doesn’t care if he wins or loses at this point. He is on borrowed time and he’s having fun. Last night Jason started with Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” and then followed that with Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Here’s the deal. Last week, the judges wanted Jason to show more animation, and he did that more than ever on the Marley tune. I mean, I really thought it was good. But Randy and Simon did everything but show Jason the door. Paula didn’t even like it, and Simon used the words “utterly atrocious.” To Jason’s credit, he smiled and said “hey, it’s Bob Marley, man.” Yeah, light up another doober. Anyway, even though I thought the judges were the ones smoking something on that one, Jason lulled all of us to sleep with the second effort, and it was bad enough to where Simon said, “You’d better pack your suitcase.” And at this point, he’s probably right.
So that’s it….I think we’re looking at a final 3 of David, David, and Syesha. And while I originally thought David vs. David was a foregone conclusion, I think Syesha might now have something to say about that. She’s cute, she’s a compelling performer, and she’s really stepped up her game at the right time. Plus, she’s the only female left. I think David Cook deserves to win, but I’m starting to think it could be Archuleta against Syesha in 2 weeks. What do you all think?
Regardless, Jason Castro probably IS packing his suitcase this time, but he might want to remember to smoke that last joint before going through airport security. See you tomorrow….
