Review of American Idol Season 9 Top Ten Male Performers

Tuesday's episode of the second week of the American Idol Season 9 semifinals was a vast improvement from last week but still not stellar. I was confused when I saw the guys on stage at the beginning of the show, then I realized that they were going to perform because one of the girls was sick. Tuesday's show had ups and was at least watchable, which I'm not sure I would say about last week's episode. I have to say that I do not miss Paula Abdul at all. The IQ on the judge's panel has somehow increased two-fold even though Ellen is not even in the music industry. She least she makes some valuable critiques. Here's a rundown of the performances from the nights best to the night's worst.

First on my list is Lee Dewyze, who sang "Lips of an Angel." I have to say he is now officially my favorite. His voice sounds a little rough and sexy, which is a good thing. He has the best stage presence of any of the other guys, and I can feel that he is being sincere when he is performing. He also seems to know who he is and has made two good song choices so far, which unfortunately cannot be said about all of this year's contestants.

Second on my list even though I hate to say it is "Big Mike," who sang James Brown's "This is a Man's World." He has great stage presence and charisma and always gives a good show. His performance was competent, but I think that Big Mike's personality and name are bigger than his voice. He is benefiting from being in a group of super weak Idol finalist. I found his performance a little boring at times, but it was undeniably a good song choice and performance.

Next up for me is Casey James, who sang the apparently very popular "I Don't Want to Be." I was excited during the commercial break because Casey was definitely my favorite after last week's edible performance. But this week Casey came up a little short, and I agree with Ellen that he is a little stiff. However, I do not agree with Kara who said he took two steps back. His voice was not as good as it was last week, and the ending on the song was better than the beginning. I somehow expected him to change the song even more than he did. After seeing the rest of the night's performances I still think Casey ranks near the top.

Coming in at number four for me is the cute as can be Aaron Kelly. I was ready not to like his performance when I heard he was singing "My Girl" by the Temptations because I have heard that song a million times, but I was pleasantly surprised. He was much more confident than last week, and he comes across as very genuine. I liked his voice, and I liked that he put a little of himself in it. I could hear the country singer coming out, but I liked it. He's as cute as a button. How can you not like this kid?

At number five right in the middle of tonight's performers for me is Tim Urban, who sang "Come on Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson. I felt horrible for him as the judges were critiquing him because he wasn't as bad as that made him out to be. I think they just want him gone. Granted he was beyond horrible last week and this week's performance was not perfect, but it was not the worst of the night. He picked a song that worked for him this, and I was so happy when Simon chimed in and said that he did ok because his feedback was not accurate from what I was watching. After Tuesday I would like to see him keep improving because he at least seems to be going in the right direction.

Speaking of improvement and the right direction brings me to number six for me Alex Lambert who picked John Legend's "Everybody Knows," which was a great choice for him. His performance made me smile and I love the tone of his voice. He comes across as a sweet guy, and I hope he continues to improve, and I also hope he holds onto his mullet.

Lucky number seven or not so lucky in this case is Andrew Garcia. I think the producers wanted him to be a front runner after that appealing cover of "Strait Up" in Hollywood week, but he appears to be crashing and burning. His song choice of James Morrison's "You Give me Something" was not giving him anything. He had a bad night, but I hope he sticks around a little longer. I would like to see him connecting with his material more next week with a better song and his guitar.

Number eight is another guy who did better in his audition. I really enjoyed Todrick Hall's original song in his first audition and I like him, but he has done badly now for two weeks in a row. He chose Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with it" for some insane reason. I didn't like his phrasing during the song, and I like Tina's original version one million times better.

The number nine spot is for Jermaine Sellers who appears to be clueless. Is this guy for real? I love old school songs and I love Marvin Gay, but "What's Going On?" was not a good choice for him. His voice was too breathy for me, and I am sure there is a great singer somewhere in there, but I don't see it.

Last for me is John Park. He struggled again also for the second week in the row. I love him when he is not singing, but on stage he is not a good performer and does not connect with his material or even sound good so far. John sang a favorite of mine, John Mayer's "Gravity," but I am not sure if its one of my favorites anymore after his performance.

These were my favorites and not so favorites. What did you think of Tuesday's episode?