The hopefuls got to sing two songs each tonight, but the catch -- they both had to be Neil Diamond songs. Like so many of the great songwriters, Diamond’s songs only became famous after being covered by other artists. For instance UB40’s “Red Red Wine,” Barbra Streisand’s "You Don’t Bring Me Flowers" or Urge Overkill’s “Girl, You’ll be a Woman Soon” from Pulp Fiction. Would the contestants fare as well?
Round One [The contestants weren’t officially “judged” until after their second performance, although Ryan allowed them a very brief critique before cutting to commercial.]
Jason Castro kicked off the night with “Forever in Blue Jeans” during which he shocked everyone by strumming a guitar!
Randy: OK
Simon: not good
David Cook rocked out to “I’m Alive.” It really could have been a Grammy performance. He’s the only contestant left with any originality or with any understanding of what it takes to be a star. You can’t just cover a song. You have to own it. Jennifer Hudson didn’t just re-sing “And I Am Telling You.” She sAng it – so well it brought the ditty’s original songstress out of retirement to try to reclaim her Diva crown.
Randy: great
Simon: just above average
Brooke White’s first attempt was “I’m a Believer,” during which she, too, stunned America by strumming the guitar. I liked Eddie Murphy’s rendition in Shrek much better. It was, pun intended, more believable.
Randy: better than last week, still karaoke
Simon: a nightmare
David A. decided to sing “Sweet Caroline” and actually put a little soul into it. America
and September Morn
Randy: the bomb
Simon: all right
Syesha Mercado sang “Hello Again.” Vocally, I thought she did an OK job. I have to admit… I now see what some critics have said about her Diva-like attitude. She does seem to pick the Whitney-esque songs, which would be fine if … she could sing like Whitney. But she’s not there yet. Pick an easy song for once girl!
Randy: good vocals but not your best
Simon: old fashioned
Paula got so confused, she commented on David’s two song choices before he had even sung the second. If tonight wasn’t proof that this woman is ripe for an intervention, I don’t know what is. She obviously has no family or friends or they would have pulled a Dr. Phil on her ass a long time ago.
Round Two
Huh? Oh sorry, I dozed off for a minute while Jason Castro was singing “September Morn.” Is that the taste of throw-up in my mouth?
Randy: Duuuuude. Nuff said.
Simon: There was no attempt to make the arrangement your own. You struggled through both performances.
David Cook tried to show us his soft side on “All I Really Need Is You.” But it wasn’t really “soft.” I would have liked to see him step outside his Creed comfort zone and sing something really soft and/or bluesy. But all in all, he still stands head and shoulders above the rest of those guys.
Randy: You rocked the house.
Simon: I thought the first song was OK. I thought the second song was brilliant. You made it sound like that song was made this year.
Brooke White. I want to smack her. She wrote the “tricky lyrics” to “I Am I Said” in her palm so she wouldn’t forget. And then she really went crazy and … played the piano. She is so not Sara Bareilles.
Randy: tough vocals, nice job
Simon: really, really hated the first song. But this is the Brooke we like. It wasn’t incredible but it was a million times better than the first song. Well done.
What the he&*!! kinda backhanded compliment was that?!
The All-American boy sang “America.” I’m as patriotic as the next gal, but this song annoys the crap out of me. And even more so when Gizmo sings it.
Randy: I think Randy has a boy crush on this kid. He never had a bad word to say.
Simon: That was a smart choice of song. Very clever.
[Notice – I haven’t included any Paula comments because she has become so irrelevant, I’d be surprised if she lasts another season. She’s like the Janice Dickinson of the show – so over-the-top that the joke (which is always on her) isn’t even funny anymore.]
Syesha tried to channel her inner Tina Turner with “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime.”
She’s no Tina either…
Randy: I like you in this. He’s pretty much destined her to be cut with all his “you’d be perfect for Broadway” references.
Paula (I have to note this – said Syesha could be a mix between Corinne Bailey Rae and Minnie Riperton (who, by the way, is SNL Maya Rudolph’s mom) Is Paula for real???? Yeah, Real crazy.)
Simon: I think you might be in trouble tonight. I don’t think you had a really memorable second song like the others tonight.
Simon’s right. Syesha is going home tomorrow. Jason Castro deserves to go, but he won’t. Brooke will go next week. Then Jason. It’ll come down to the two Davids and David Archuleta will win. BUT David Cook will be the only one to have a sustainable career.
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