Oh What a Night

Oh yes it’s 80s night
And the feeling’s right
Oh yes it’s 80’s night, oh what a night
Oh what a night

I am in 80s music heaven tonight. Sure, I gave my “expert” picks last week, but these guys surpassed my wildest dreams. Phil Collins, George Michael, Luther. It’s like my very own mix tape. Or better yet – a very special episode of Family Ties. You know – the one where Tom Hanks guess stars at Elise Keaton’s alcoholic brother, Ned.

Luke Menard kicked off the show with Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. You know, he could have gargled this song, and I would have been on my feet dancing. And contrary to the judge’s opinion (it’s never a good sign when Randy asks if you had a good time), this IS a fun song.
Shameless Plug #804: Paula “mentions” that she choreographed George Michael’s tour.

David Archaletta made me wish I was half my age tonight… that little boy KILLED Phil Collins’ Another Day in Paradise – and on the piano no less. I mean he worked it. With his cute little argyle sweater… I agree with the judges in theory. You can tell from his explanations of song choices that he’s not as mature as the subject matter he sings about. But who cares? He’s adorable!

Danny Noriega pulled out the vinyl with his rendition of Soft Cell’s Tainted Love. Granted, there was more hair flipping than good singing, but boy, was it fun to watch. Paula complimented his vocals, which isn’t saying much. I had to agree with Simon though, Danny (bless his little heart) is a waste of space in this competition.

David. David. David. (I’m shaking my head while I write this) My boy David Hernandez sang Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now (which, by the way was originally written for Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell CD but was replaced with I’ll Do Anything for Love –another GREAT song –and which wasn’t recorded by Celine until 1996. Isn’t is 80s night?) I digress. My point is that dudes should NOT be allowed to sing Celine Dion, I don’t care how well he sings it (and David SANG it). That’s all I have to say about that. Except he still gets my vote.

Michael Johns rocked out to Simple Minds’ Don’t You Forget About Me. Did that song sound familiar? Head straight to the video store and rent The Breakfast Club (and Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles while you’re at it). Do not pass go.
I thought Michael Johns was probably the first guy who picked the right song. Classic 80s yet with just enough edge to let the rocker show his talent. I was impressed. Look for him next week. Sadly, he only knows this song through his “older” sister. Ouch.

Did I mention already that I am LOVING 80s night???

David Cook and Lionel Richie’s Hello. Originally, I picked this song for Luke Menard. But Dave’s rock, contemporary rendition was kinda cool. I was really feeling it. And it was literally a different song. I think he’ll be around for a while.
Shameless Plug #805: Simon was grocery shopping at Whole Foods with Lionel Richie on Sunday.

Jason Castro. Dude, he’s just weird. And his song choice – Hallelujah written by Leonard Cohen -- even weirder. I mean, it’s a pretty song, in a spooky kind of way, but the only reason I even knew that song is it’s on Maimee’s Shrek soundtrack. But the judges loved him, so I’m sure we’ll see the Ivory Rasta next week.
Trivia: Hallelujah has been covered by some 50 artists and bands, including Bob Dylan, Bono and Anthony Michael Hall (of the Breakfast Club fame).

Chikezie Ezie. I’m assuming he’s singing the Luther (RIP) Vandross version of Whitney’s All the Man I Need. True, I pegged him for a Luther song this week, but if he’s in for the next few weeks, I hope he doesn’t fall into the Ruben Studdard trap of ONLY singing Luther. Cause even in the grave, there is only ONE Lutha. BUT – he gets tons of cool points for knowing this song’s musical chronology. And I was a little miffed as Simon hating on Chikezie for singing Luther but giving David a pass for singing Celine. Let’s play fair, Simon.

All in all, the boys shocked the heck out of me. Just a week ago, I had written most of them off as talent-less wannabes. But tonight … tonight, they made a believer out of me, and I don’t want to see any of them go. But if one has to go – my prediction is poor Luke Menard. Just like George Michael’s career after Listen Without Prejudice, Luke’s time is over.