Review: American Idol Season 7: Top Ten Male Performances

I have been an avid viewer of American Idol since Kelly Clarkson won the first season. Although there have been times I thought about boycotting the show because I found myself in tears when my favorite contestant was dismissed by America. Nonetheless, I keep coming back every season, eager to see who will conquer all and impress millions of voters.

The opening music alone sends chills up my arms, down my spine and all the way to the tips of my toes. I sit here like a child who has discovered an array of colorful, vivid images dancing and twirling across the screen for the first time. I can't wait to hear Randy call every contestant 'dawg,' or to see Paula's glowing face and bright smile. I will also secretly admit that I look forward to hearing Simon's comments of constructive criticism. I have come to respect Simon's opinion over the years and have come to realize I agree with him more often than the other judges.

Tonight the remaining ten guys will be singing their hearts out to impress all of America. I have my top three favorites already, but I always come to each show with an open mind for the possibilities of squeezing another contestant into my favorites.

Last week we said goodbye to the bottom two contestants and tonight the remaining ten guys will perform hits from the 70's. Here is a detailed account of who performed, what they sang, and what the judges thought compared to how they did last week.

Michael Johns, an avid tennis player, was the most consistent contestant according to Simon last week and loved by Randy and Paula as well. This week the judges weren't quite as impressed. Randy and Simon said he didn't believe it was his best performance. Yet, Paula completely disagreed; she thinks he is well liked by the ladies in the audience and has a great deal of charm.

Jason Castro, singer and guitar player, blew away Paula and Simon but not Randy last week. Simon, very impressed, believes his performance last week was in the top two. This week Randy was still left unimpressed and all three judges agreed that he should lose the guitar next week and focus more of his vocals. The judges disagreed on whether it was a good choice in song. Paula said it was a good choice but Simon didn't think the song suited his voice.

Luke Menard, acapella band member, was pitchy and "forgettable" last week. The judges think he needs to work on song choice as well. Despite their disappointment he is back this week singing his heart out. Judges thought his performance tonight was better than last week. They congratulated his song choice, however, Simon described the performance as a mistake that lacked charisma.

Robbie Carrico, a drag racer, was well liked by all three judges last week. Randy even admitted that he was moved by the performance. This week, singing "Hot Blooded," the judges all believed he played it safe with his song choice. Randy made a great point of saying, "rock music is more of an attitude," encouraging him to bring more to the stage next week.

Danny Noriega, former punk rocker, was loved by Randy and Paula but Simon thought his performance was "verging on grotesque." Randy suggests that he just "let it go," encouraging him to not over concentrate, Paula and Simon both agreed. Simon said this performance was much better than last week and Paula complimented him on his amazing vocals.

David Hernandez, from Arizona, was well liked by the judges during last week's performances. His vocals were complimented as well as his gospel vibe. This week, I was left impressed as were the judges. Randy called his performance "hot." Paula said his vocals were pure and his performance was "perfect." Simon called his performance tonight the "best vocal of the night," and said he was impressed with how he how he handled criticism as a challenge.

Jason Yeager was described as very "cruise ship" by Simon last week. Randy thought he drifted off and lost his concentration during the song, yet Paula was touched by his choice of song because it brought back memories of her first ballet recital. This variously talented musician left the judges unamused yet again. Randy described his performance as pitchy and karaoke and Paula encouraged him to choose better songs. Simon, disappointed, said his performance was, "awkward and ordinary."

Chikezie, from California, was described as an old-fashioned singer with a hideous suit. This week, he blew me away with his performance and the judges agreed. Randy said, "Chikezie is back!" While Paula said his song choice was clever and Simon agreed 100%.

David Cook, clarified word-nerd, left the judges content with his song choice and vocals. This week he was just as strong with his vocals and guitar skills. Randy believes that Cook is a real rocker and Paula seemed quite smitten. Simon said his performance was strong and believable but he lacks personality based on the film were he admits his "word addiction." Paula stabs back saying women like smart men, I completely agree.

David Archuleta impressed the judges with his powerful voice at such a young age of 17. Last week his performance was considered the best of the night. Tonight, the last performer, leaves me in awe every time with the maturity of his voice. Randy says, "you were born to do this." Paula says, "it was one of the most moving performances she's ever heard." Simon says it was a risky choice but he pulled it off and ended with, "you're the one to beat."