'American Idol''s Final 8 Get Inspirational
As part of "Idol Gives Back" week, the Final 8 "American Idol" contestants were required to sing inspirational songs on Tuesday night's performance show. According to the judges, the standout performances of the night were JASON CASTRO, DAVID ARCHULETA and KRISTY LEE COOK.
MICHAEL JOHNS was up first with AEROSMITH's "Dream On." RANDY JACKSON told him, "I really believe this is one of the important weeks for us, because you are telling us who you are. I don't buy that you are an Aerosmith-like singer." PAULA ABDUL said, "I couldn't disagree more. First of all, I think it was the perfect song for you to pick. You sound as good as you look. The high notes that you hit -- my Chihuahuas are going to come join you on stage." SIMON COWELL took a middle position, saying, "I thought it was a very good performance. Why I am slightly with Randy is, I don't like it when you do an impersonation of a rock star. I prefer when you do blues or soul. I preferred last week."
SYESHA MERCADO channeled former "American Idol" winner FANTASIA with "I Believe." Randy remarked, "I have to give you credit again. You took on another tiger this week. Fantasia is one of the best singers. I didn't find the connection with you. It was just okay." Paula noted, "Not many people can take on songs like that. Fantasia has her own style. You made [the song] your own. I think this is hands down one of your most shining nights." Simon observed, "Of course there is going to be a comparison. She sang that song when she won the competition. I think technically you sang it well. What it lacked for me was that big wave of emotion that I got when Fantasia sang it that I didn't get from you."
Ukulele in hand, Jason Castro interpreted "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" inspired by the late ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE's version of the song. Randy enthused, "Dude, Jason Castro is back. That was the hottest tonight. That was blazing, molten hot." Paula agreed, saying, "I love that version of the song. You did a great job." Simon claimed, "The first time I heard that version, I thought it was interesting. The second time, I loved it. The third time -- fantastic."
Kristy Lee cook performed MARTINA McBRIDE's "Do It Anyway." Randy told her, "You know what? There were a couple of pitch moments, but I loved that. It was good for you." Paula praised, "I think you outdid yourself tonight. This was your best by far. It is so easy singing songs that inspire you." Simon stated, "Randy made a point earlier on. With a choice this broad, you have a chance to show who you are as an artist. I thought you were very, very good indeed. You look like a star tonight."
DAVID COOK rocked to "Innocent." Randy said, "I am a huge fan of yours. Every week you have been throwing it down. I didn't think it was one of your strongest weeks." Paula remarked, "I think you are so well defined as being the whole package. I believe in you." Simon commented, "I didn't like this performance very much at all. I thought it was a teensy weensy bit pompous. We say this week after week after week, originality, choice of song and something you are going to remember in a couple weeks. It wasn't anywhere near as good as the last two weeks."
CARLY SMITHSON tackled QUEEN's "The Show Must Go On." Randy said, "It started out good, got a little pitchy and ended up okay. It was disconnected for me." Paula agreed, pointing out, "Your voice, as always, was pretty perfect. I didn't feel engaged with you and I usually am." Simon complimented Carly on her look. Then he added, "I thought it was an unusual choice of song. I think you over-sang it. You lost control of the song toward the end. It came across as an angry performance, which felt out of kilter with the evening."
David Archuleta chose "Angels" as his inspirational song. Randy commended him: "That was the David Archuleta I love. That was your hottest moment this season." Paula simply said, "Fantastic." Simon praised him, saying, "The best song choice of the night so far. This is one of the best pop songs written, in my opinion. I am not going to say it was your best vocal. I am nitpicking here, because you are going to sail through."
BROOKE WHITE performed CARLY SIMON's "You've Got a Friend." Randy said, "For me, I don't think it was your best performance. It was okay for me, but I wasn't mad. Paula enthused, "I think it is the perfect way to close the evening. You were very definitive and I love you." Simon observed that "it was like a pleasant walk in the park. Was it original? No. Was it pleasant? Yes."