Shmuel's Soapbox: American Idol Annex

Top 11: Performances

It's Beatles week. The week after Lennon/McCartney week. Boo, and also hiss.

But, anyway, on to the performances, after the jump...

Amanda: "Back in the U.S.S.R."
Amanda does her Amanda thing. Whatever that is.
[sigh] Explaining why you disagree with the judges is not a great way to sell yourself...

Kristy: "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
("Earlier today"? When was that bit of the montage taped?)
She's doomed, of course, hopelessly outclassed, but I confess I like Kristy.
But, alas, this is likely the end of the line. Didn't work, aside from the last note.

David Archuleta: "The Long and Winding Road"
Hmm. He is wearing an in-ear monitor. Have I just not been noticing them?
Anyway... S'okay. Pleasant. Safe.
Sorry, Pam and Mo, I just don't see him winning. (Though the applause level admittedly augurs otherwise.)

Michael: "A Day in the Life"
Did he totally flub that falsetto note, or was that intentional? Anyway, not bad.
...okay, Paula's just confirmed that they're all wearing monitors at this stage. Which is probably for the best, after the season 3 finale SNAFU. (On an unfamiliar stage, Diana ended up in the wrong spot, and couldn't hear herself during her performance. She almost certainly would've lost anyway, but it might have been closer.)
...except that he's not. Oops.

Brooke: "Here Comes the Sun"
...she looks like Big Bird in that dress.
Anyway... okay, but forgettable.
Brooke, shut up. Cutting the judges off to say you're okay with the criticism? Is not listening.

David Cook: "Day Tripper" [playing the electric guitar]
Best so far tonight, not that this is saying an awful lot. (But what was with the posing at the end?)

Carly: "Blackbird"
Third contestant in row whose most memorable moment was last week!
Not bad! Especially once she switched to the upper register. (And impressive that she could do both.)
...that explanation actually supports Simon's claim that the choice was indulgent, doesn't it?
Irony almost demands that she come in 7th place this year.

Jason: "Michelle"
Okay, Pam, I see the error of my ways. He's safe for at least the next few weeks, just on looks and personality.

Syesha: "Yesterday"
...too controlled, all the way down to the vibrato.
(Though maybe Paula's right, it's more the way she seemed disconnected from the audience.)

Chikezie: "I've Just Seen a Face" [playing the harmonica(?!)]
...actually, it got much better once past the harmonica solo.
(And Simon's right, it was gimmicky.)

As it stands, I doubt I'll bother to vote tonight. Ramiele? Save us?

Ramiele: "I Should Have Known Better"
A few good bits. Very few.

This week sucked, all around. Which might make for some weird results, but more likely means preexisting followings will carry the day.

(People in my pool, place your predictions below!)