American Idol - Review 03/04/08 the Guys Sing

Last week I gave you my Top Ten List... http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/630617/american_idol_results_show_final_16.html?page=2
I still think it's right, but may no longer be the right order. Tonight the guys sang songs from the 1980's, plenty of 'pop' to choose from. I wish someone could have shown them some Pink Floyd or Robert Plant, oh well.

Here is how things played out:

Luke Menard kicked things off with his hesitant version of Wham's "Jitterbug (Wake me up before you go-go)". I really want to like this guy, but he refuses to pick the right song for himself. He could have done anything by The Ritchous Brothers during '60's week, he didn't. He could have done anything by Kenny Loggins during '70's or this week, but he didn't. I can't help he who won't help himself!

David Archulleta had an easy act to follow, and did an alright job with Phil Collins' "Paradise". This was only okay for me, dawg. Randy actually liked it, but I know David can do better than this. He knew he had some pitch problems, but that is also what I like the most about him. He knows he has a better performance in him.

Danny Noriega made an attempt at Soft Cell's "Tainted Love". I thought this was a great song for him, but he seemed to struggle through the vocals. I think Danny has enough popularity to carry him to the Top 12, but I may have been mistaken putting him on my Top 10.

David Hernandez took on Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now", successfully I might add. I have to admit, I did not like David H. at first. He has now proven himself to me as deserving of his spot in the Top 10. My only bit of advice is to get to wardrobe immediately, he always seems to look like a cruise ship lounge singer.

Michael Johns is Michael Johns, he always sounds the same to me. That's not say he's not good, just the same. Tonight he sang "Don't Forget About Me" by Simple Minds. The lower vocals were great, but he screamed the chorus. I think I will always know it is him singing any song. I'm not sure if this will help or hurt him, I'm already getting a little tired. He will most definitely finish high, though.

David Cook had to switch with Michael Johns due to a malfunction with his electric guitar. Ryan Seacrest had already alluded to the fact that David C. would be performing Lionel Ritchie's "Hello", so the announcement of an electric guitar malfunction had me concerned. While the guitar slightly overpowered the vocals in the beginning, David C. truly surprised me tonight. This was undoubtedly the performance of the night, with a rock single that could be released today. I believe this was my biggest mistake on my Top Ten List. He will definitely be around for at least next week, but should replace Danny Noriega in the list of finalists.

Jason Castro had a huge act to follow, and did so in fine style. This was the best performance I have seen from Jason C., even though the final note eluded him slightly. Finally setting the guitar aside, we heard a chilling rendition of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah". This was a spectacular song choice for Jason C., and he did a fantastic job tonight.

Finishing out the night was Chikezie, singing Luther Vendros' "She Fills Me Up". Sorry, but this guy just does not do it for me at all. Chikezie is not a bad singer, but he has never been great. He could have a great career on Broadway, but I just don't see him as any kind of pop star.

So the big mistake I think I made is David Cook and Danny Noriega. I guess we will find out on Thursday night, or a couple of weeks for the Top 10. Tomorrow we will hear the ladies, if you miss it, check back for my review.