Just like I had hoped the boys got a chance to sing the songs of the Totally Awesome 80's!!!
Luke Menard got totally awesome with the first #1 smash from George Michael and WHAM! - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go spent three weeks at the top in 1984 and Luke did a great job hitting that high. He has a very impressive vocal range that can effortlessly reach the difficult upper notes. His problem comes from a lack of stage presence - That pretty face and winning smile can only take him so far.
David Archuleta got totally awesome with the last song that Phil Collins was able to hit the top with. Another Day In Paradise also won the Grammy for Record of The Year in addition to spending four weeks at #1 in 1989. David took this very depressing and boring song and made it a bazillion times better than Phil ever could. He showed off his piano playing skills as well as his complete comfort with being on stage and performing.
Danny Noriega did his best to get totally awesome with the one hit wonder sensation from Soft Cell. Their Tainted Love hit the top 10 in 1982 and he took all the fun out if it. He tried to rock it with a tough guy attitude and it didn't work at all. This kid is completely disingenuous as he repeatedly tries to present himself as something he is not.
David Hernandez was selecting from the wrong decade so he wasn't quite totally awesome, but his vocals were even better than last week. Celine Dion peaked at #2 in 1996 with It's All Coming Back To Me Now which was produced by Jim Stieinman who successful produced a handful of hits in the 80's. Regardless of his ability to comply with the theme, this young man looks and sounds great on stage.
Michael Johns got totally awesome with the completely cool theme song from The Breakfast Club. Simple Minds hit #1 in 1985 with Don't You Forget About Me. He brings a lot of energy and emotion to everything that he sings and this song allowed him to stir up the teenage angst in all of us. Another performance we won't forget about.
David Cook got totally awesome with a thrilling re-invention of Lionel Richie's Hello. When it hit the top for two weeks in 1984 it was a light piano ballad and this guy made it rock. He had his electric guitar out there and he blew the roof off the place. This was one of those performances that will be remembered as a defining moment.
Jason Castro failed to get totally awesome with his folk inspired Jeff Buckley ballad. His quiet interpretation of this obscure song will be overshadowed by the much better song choices and vocal talents of the other boys. Jason got up on stage without his guitar this time so he only had his gimmick of the long dreadlocks to get attention since his voice is kinda bland.
Chikieze tried to get totally awesome by trying to bring out his inner Luther Vandross. He also reached outside of the 80's by selecting a song that Whitney Houston took to #1 in 1991 - All The Man I Need. Luther covered it in 1995, but unlike another contestant who I forgave for not sticking to the theme, I cannot be so kind to Chikieze. He missed the mark with this weak performance.
The Davids: Archuleta, Cook and Hernandez, should all make it very easily into the top 12 along with Michael Johns. The other boys do not have such a sure thing as they face elimination. Luke Menard had the tough position of singing first tonight and may get forgotten even though I think he has the looks and the talent to be in the top 12. Danny Noriega is a mess and should have never made the top 24. Jason Castro and Chikieze are just more boring that the others. Luke, Danny, Jason and Chikieze will be in the bottom four. While I think Danny and Jason SHOULD be going home, my prediction is that Luke and Chikieze will miss out on being in the top 12.
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