2010's Top Nine American Idols Take on Elvis

They simply call him 'The King'. Elvis Presley would have been impressed by many of the American Idols as they performed his hit songs on Tuesday, April 13th.

The Great
Each week I repeat myself, but for good reason. Crystal Bowersox knocks it out of the park everyTuesday on American Idol. She showed her usual originality with an energetic rendition of "Saved". This blues song was a perfect fit for Crystal and her electric guitar. I loved the performance. Crystal has loosened up considerably with audience interaction which has no doubt expanded her American Idol fan base.

I was expecting to hear something great when Lee DeWyze sang his Elvis tune on American Idol. He didn't disappoint with "A Little Less Conversation". The rhythmic acoustic guitar-playing enhanced the number. This song was ideal for Lee's distinct vocal style. Lee seemed more confident than he has to date. I loved his performance and can potentially see him, along with Crystal, in the top two.

The Good
Michael Lynche needed a good delivery on American Idol in order to avoid the chopping block again tomorrow when two contestants are cut. The judges made a smart move saving him last week. His performance of "In the Ghetto" was earnest and mesmerizing. He shouldn't be heading for the stools this week.

Siobhan Magnus worked the camera well as she sang the Elvis song, "Suspicious Minds". It started out a bit slowly, but I liked it that way. Her performance picked up considerably at the midway point as Siobhan showed off her range. She needs to step it up next week if she wants a chance at the runner-up spot.

Casey James drew the audience in with a raspy delivery of "Lawdy Miss Clawdy". Although it wasn't what I'd call over-the-top exciting, he gave a solid, enjoyable performance once again on Idol.

Tim Urban surprised me this week on American Idol playing a simple acoustic guitar and singing "Can't Help Falling in Love with You". It was a sincere, genuine performance, which isn't always the case with Tim.

Katie Stevens played off the fact that she is frustrated with the American Idol judges' criticisms by incorporating that fact into her performance of "What Do You Want Me to Do?". Katie has a good voice and worked the stage well. However, there is something missing...or maybe it's just too much of a good thing? Her confident appearance is bordering on arrogance. Perhaps she just took Adam Lambert's advice on 'selling it' a little too far.

Homeward Bound?
If Andrew Garcia is still on American Idol next week, I'll be surprised. "Hound Dog" is certainly a lively song, yet it lost its sparkle in Andrew's performance. Unfortunately, the delivery came off as one that lacked forethought or style. Andrew's interaction with the microphone was clumsy. His performance didn't meet the 'star quality' expectations.

I like Aaron Kelly very much, but he hasn't produced a solid performance on American Idol the past few weeks. He looked like he really wanted to go for it singing the classic "Blue Suede Shoes". Although he changed up his look and it was fun to watch in part, it was far from great.

There won't be any 'saves' Wednesday night as the resuts' show cuts the Idols down from nine to seven vocalists.

Top Nine Idols Sing Lennon and McCartney Songs on April 6th

American Idol Official Website