This is Idol Gives Back week and just like last year the finalists have been instructed to sing an inspirational song:
Aerosmith took Dream On to the top 10 in 1976. Michael Johns decided that as long as the word "dream" is in the title a song can be considered inspirational. It's doubtful that very many other music lovers have ever perceived the song for this context, but he gave it his best shot. He performed it like the classic rock anthem that it is giving it his usual smoldering swagger. He even showed off more of his vocal range by throwing in some passionate high notes.
In 2004 when Fantasia was crowned the Season Three Miss American Idol winner, she stood under the falling glitter and performed I Believe. The song ended up hitting #1 on the Billboard HOT 100. Just like last week, Syesha Mercado bravely chose to interpret a song that is bigger than she is. It was very hard to not think of Fantasia as Syesha gave a very capable reading of her song. It was not until she hit some exceptional high notes at the end that Syesha stepped out of the shadow.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow has been a timeless piece of music since it first appeared in 1939 in the film The Wizard of Oz. Numerous artists have successfully reinvented the song from the original arrangement made famous by Judy Garland. Jason Castro found a version to mimic that utilizes a ukulele so he wouldn't have to challenge his limited talents very much. It was a pleasant surprise to hear him actually demonstrate some vocal range this time around rather than simply letting his smile and eyes do all the work.
Kristy Lee Cook took the stage with her strongest vocal performance so far as she sang the Martina McBride ballad Anyway. Kristy genuinely looked and sounded like a star as the emotional power of the song came through very clearly with her sensitive and moving interpretation.
David Cook has been getting better and better each week, but he had to peak somewhere. It looks like he may have done that last week since his performance of Innocent by Our Lady Peace failed to keep him moving up to the next level. While he is still showing off a great personality, his vocals were less than impressive. He should be encouraged to show off some vocal range if he comes back next week.
Carly Smithson has never had a problem with showing off her exceptional vocal range. Tonight she used the Queen song The Show Must Go On to demonstrate that she's better than everyone else. While she sounded great, the song didn't seem the fit the theme very well and that may cause some difficulty in getting the audience to appreciate her superior talents.
Since every note that comes out of David Archuleta is inspirational this was a breeze for him. He propped himself up behind a grand piano and he expressed that radiant sincerity singing words like "love" and "angels". He was surrounded by a warm glow that simply pulls everyone toward him even closer.
In 1971 James Taylor spent one week at the top of the Billboard HOT 100 with You've Got A Friend. This song is a perfect match for Brooke White's talents and personality as it doesn't challenge her to break out of her comfort zone. Her vocal range is still just as limited as usual, but the audience can still see that she's a genuinely nice girl who would be great to have as a friend.
Some of the most talented finalists left in the competition may find out what it's like to be in the bottom three after their uninspired song choices and performances. I'd love to be wrong with my predictions this week as I fear that Michael Johns, Syesha Mercado and Carly Smithson will be side by side facing elimination. Worst of all, I am predicting that Michael Johns will be going home too soon after all the votes are counted.
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