American Idol Season 9 Hopeful Didi Benami Joins Ranks of the "Brokenhearted" This Week

It's easy to forget why Didi Benami was an early favorite. Over the past few weeks as the live American Idol shows aired, Didi's identity became distorted. It's easy to forget the early weeks when Idol judges scouted her out in L.A. and then her unbelievable performance of "Terrified" during Hollywood week. But I remember.

Didi as a Singer/Songwriter Hipster

Back in the beginning of Didi's journey, I pegged her as a singer/songwriter much the same as Crystal Bowersox. But unlike Crystal, Didi lost that somewhere during the last few weeks and has looked more like a beauty pageant princess than a hipster Carole King-type. She has completely changed her persona and in the process, lost that which made her special and unique.

This week's rendition of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" was just the latest in a string of incredibly lackluster performances from this L.A. songstress. A few shining moments stand out for Didi, like her fiery performance of "Playing with Fire" during the Stones week along with the aforementioned "Terrified," penned by Kara Dio Guardia. And, of course, her 'save' song, Fleetwood Mac's, "Rhiannon," which she performed in hopes of earning the coveted Judges' Save to no avail. Though the judges praised her performance, touting it was "a million times better than what you did last night," she was still sent packing.

Too Much Drama

Seeing Didi get the boot is really no surprise. In fact, I wondered if the at-home voters were as tired of the overly dramatic, emotionally distraught drama of Didi as I had become. I'm sure in some way it must have affected the voting outcome of such a promising talent.

The truth is Didi is a great singer. She has a beautiful voice and actually sings in pitch, for the most part. It's a shame she didn't get to stick around long enough to rediscover who she really is as an artist. If she had the opportunity to sing next in week's theme, the Lennon/McCartney songbook, maybe it would have come back to her. I think she really could have had a great comeback with one of those songs.

Non-Stick Criticism

One Idol surprisingly still in the game though, "Teflon Tim" as he's come to be called, continues to elude elimination. Tim Urban, who never should have made the top 24, much less the top 10, keeps smiling and earning votes. As Simon put it, "he's smiling cuz it doesn't matter what we say." He continues to gather votes no matter how awkward, uncomfortable, or practically dead his performances are. This week was no different. Tim sleep-walked through his performance of Anita Baker's, "Sweet Love." The judges weren't impressed and neither was I. All I could think is, "how is this guy even still on this show?" And the only answer I have for that is his Jonas Brothers-look-alike features. There must be tons of Jonas Brothers fans out there who think he's the lost brother.

Too Young to Be This Old

Katie Stevens, one of the youngest contestants, is starting to get on my nerves! Why in the world does she continue to pick songs that were recorded two to three decades before she was born? That probably wouldn't be a problem if they didn't sound like something from the 60's or 70's. I guess she's too young to understand the whole "make it young and fresh" concept. I don't know who's helping her with her arrangements but she should seek advice elsewhere. And if she doesn't figure it out soon, I think she will be in serious trouble with the voters. If they are getting as restless as I am for something fresh from this fresh-faced youngster, voters will eventually sway in another, more progressive direction.

On The Flip-side

There has been much criticism, even from me, about how this season's Idols are picked from the bottom of the barrel of talent. It's true; American Idol is running on dry ground, trying to keep the show afloat while still finding some decent talent to market and sell to the mass public. I still believe that the show is nearing its end and will probably only last through one season (if at all) without the sour but accurate rantings of Simon Cowell. Having said all of that, I am still impressed by the talent that remains in this season's remaining 9 contestants. There is some real, strong, unwavering and growing performers emerging. I love the amazing pipes of Siobhan and Crystal's velvety sweet voice and hippie-vibe. These two young ladies are forces of nature. And I wasn't sure where I stood initially with Lee, but after this week's performance, I am now a believer. And of course, who could forget, Big Mike. This man wooed me from the first song and keeps wowing me every week. Those are my favs...and they're all loaded with mad skills.

And that's all of my ranting for today.