Idol 7: the 5 perform

Somewhere around 15 years ago, I went with some gal pals to Salt Lake City to attend a Neil Diamond concert. I've got to say, it was one of the best live performances I've ever attended. And I say that despite the fact that we were seated in the nosebleed section of the venue, which felt like it was a minimum of a mile high. Anyway, love Mr. Diamond's tunes.

Two songs tonight and no judging until after the second song. Interesting format.

Jason, with guitar, started off the night with Forever in Blue Jeans. I thought it was a perfect song for his style and voice. I liked it a lot.

David C., with guitar, sang Alive. Or maybe it was I'm Alive. Not sure, and I wasn't too crazy about the song. It just didn't ring my chimes nor did his performance. I'm not sure it was wise to go with something so unfamiliar.

Brooke, with guitar, went for I'm a Believer. Hmm. Love the song, but I wasn't crazy about the performance. Despite being a snappy version and lots of smiles, it all felt rather lackluster or something. Not great.

Note: I miss the judge's immediate feedback. Which surprises me a little since sometimes they upset me. And the night feels very rushed, too. Not a good sign when we are only three songs out of ten into the night.

David A. sang Sweet Caroline. It was okay but I'm not wowed.

Syesha was next up with Hello Again. I thought it was lovely though I probably won't remember it next week (if that makes sense).

Time for a quick critique from the judges: Randy didn't say much. Paula really blew it by critiquing Jason's first and second song even though he sang only one, then tried to say she was talking about David C's performance (which made no sense after she said "I thought you sang twice"). Simon ripped into all of them and said they'd better turn it up in their second numbers.

Jason is back, sans guitar, to sing September Morn. I thought he did a great job right up until the last two words. Randy said it was okay. Paula thought it was safe. Simon said he was forgettable. In other words, they were pretty down on him. Still, I'd say he is still my favorite of the night so far. (Nobody has been very inspired.)

David C. returned with his guitar to sing All I Really Need is You. Ho hum. The judges really liked it. Maybe I need my ears cleaned.

Next up was Brooke on the piano for I Am I Said. Good job, Brooke. I liked this. Not my favorite Brooke performance of the season but quite good. Judges love it.

David A. sang America. It's one of those songs that gets an audience on their feet. Changed it up a little, and it worked for him. Judges agreed.

Last up was Syesha with Thank the Lord for the Night Time. Well, well, well. Two weeks in a row, Syesha gave one of my favorite performances. Randy loved it. Paula babbled. Simon liked it but thought she could be in trouble. Hmm. That surprised me.

Wrap-up: Going by the judges' comments alone, Jason could be in the most danger. For me, I think any of them could go home, based on one performance or another. Since there are only five left, it could be a real toss up. I don't think there is a clear front runner as there has been in past years.

Tomorrow should be interesting.

-rlh-

Comments

[Jeff Bickley]

Heya, Robin! You are right about several things. It felt really rushed tonight, but I'm super glad they didn't push it to two hours. I really wish they would drop the results show to 30 minutes, now, too. Too much filler for me.

I love Jason dearly. He's adorable, but I'm afraid this may be it for him. However, last week, he wasn't in the bottom, so who knows? I'm also afraid for Brooke. I agree with you totally on her first song. She did do well on "I Am, I Said," which, next to "Sweet Caroline," is one of my favorite Diamond songs. (I grew up on this stuff.) "Caroline" is by far my favorite, but it's because I'm a Red Sox fanatic. Let me know if you don't understand that...

I do, however, sincerely believe that David Cook is not only the frontrunner, but will win this competition. The thing that has him in front is the fact that he pretty much rearranges everything. He has performed pretty well most of the time. I think it will be different this year, in that we will wind up with David and David at the end. That's my prediction. David and David for the finale and David will win. Hahaha...

God bless you!!

[Katy McKenna]

It was a bit of a loony evening for Idol. Paula "And the Two Shall Become One" Abdul had me laughing, I gotta say.

I do love Jason, but I did not love September Morn. (Blue Jeans was great!)

I got the feeling someone told Brooke to start smiling big-time and not to pout, because that's what she did. But I'm A Believer wasn't good. I Am I Said was much better (although I've NEVER been able to hear the line "Not even the chair..." without giggling).

Syesha was good on both songs, I thought, but she doesn't wow me. That could just be me.

I believe, as your previous commenter, that it will be The Two Davids. I think David A is amazing all the time, but I predict David C will win all. I didn't love his first song last night, but I thought the second was brilliant.

[Rebecca]

Hi Robin,
Always love your Idol posts! I agree with you that there really isn't a frontrunner here.

I must say that I've been really surprised by Syesha - she seems to be growing as a performer each week (more confident maybe?)and only a few weeks ago, I was sure she was going home every Wednesday.

And was it just me, or did it sound like N Diamond liked her version of his songs best in the interview clips?

I read somewhere that Brooke was this year's K McPhee and I'm wondering if, instead, it's going to be Syesha....

As for the David and David predictions, I can see that and probably agree ... but neither one of them really make me happy and I can't see buying their music. Jason? Brooke? I can see buying their stuff, especially Jason. I still smile when I think of him with the ukelele....

[Carole]

I also love your Idol posts, Robin, and everyone's comments. I agree that it will probably come down to the two Davids, but can't predict which one. I like David C more each week, but don't really care for his type of music; I enjoy listening to David A, but not watching him.

I have loved Syesha the last two weeks. They keep saying she fits the Broadway style; I agree and also enjoy that style.

I loved hearing Mandisa, Phil Stacey, and Chris Sligh on the Dove Awards last week. It's so great to see former Idols pursuing careers in Christian music.