Look at that stage - Bigger and better than ever! The band has it’s own “penthouse” and there’s a mosh pit. And, hey look, Simon isn’t wearing black or grey.

Theme: Lennon/McCartney songbook

Syesha Mercado

“Got To Get You Into My Life” 1966

I thought Syesha looked a little nervous and had a couple pitchy notes to start, but once she warmed up she “worked it out” as Randy would say…

• Nice arrangement. Started a little rough, but by the middle you kind of got into it and had fun with it… it was a’ight for me - Randy
• It started off pitch but midway through you found your zone - Paula
• I thought it was better than alright Randy. I thought it was a great choice of song…. you looked very, very nervous - Simon

Chikezie

“She’s a Woman”

Used to work security at LAX and grew up listening to Nigerian tunes. Banjo, violin, tambourine to start off. I thought his take was original and fun!

• Dog, I was thouroughly entertained. Who knew? I love the arrangement… Chikezie smashed it! - Randy
• You started with the “O Brother Where Out Thou” vibe then turned it into the rock vibe. I’ve been waiting for this. The reward paid off, my dear - Paula
• I’m really surprised I actually agree with these two. (huge cheering from Chikeze, Cuba Gooding Jr. emmy-style) Other than the fact that you looked completely drunk. You’ve really changed within a week. - Simon

Ramiele

“I pour soy sauce in little cups.” She works at a restaurant! Come on Ramiele… represent for all the Filipinas. You have an awesome voice, I wish you would let everyone hear it!

“In My Life”

Makes singing seem so effortless.

• It was kinda pretty, but it was kinda pretty boring to me.
• You look really pretty tonight. It was pretty safe… you need to take advantage of that. I feel like you are holding back
• “The whole world should see what we hear” - Simo, quoting Paula
  I was bored to tears… dreary song choice that did absolutely nothing for you. I expect a lot better from you because you’re better than that.

Jason Castro

Texas A&M, music minor… but it was the only class he failed. Family is from Columbia. They didn’t know English, but knew The Beatle’s music.

“If I Fell”

Guitar is back. It’s a slow song, but a good song choice for Jason’s tone.

• I liked it. I didn’t love it. The switches in the melody for me, I found myself kind of tuning out - Randy
• I disagree wtih Randy. What is so special and unique about you, I feel your heart. You don’t do the riffs and runs and you don’t have to - Paula
• Last week you were incredible, this it was all a little bit student in a bedroom at midnight (wha?) I thought the song was quite boring. Very unique. Very big fan of Jason…. choose brilliant songs that suit your style - Simon

Carly Smithson

Orange juice, eggs, celery

“Come Together”

Such an interesting sound to her voice.

• So Carly, that felt amazing didn’t it. You were strong, you were confident, you were having a good time, you sounded there wasn’t a note out of tune. stellar performance. - Randy
• I felt like I was already watching a star. I couldn’t wait until you were in the top 12 you can really start showing who you are as a performer - Paula
• Week after week, I think you have chosen the wrong song… until now. This reminds me, six years ago, exactly the same week… Kelly Clarkson.

David Cook

green fingernail polish

Eleanor Rigby - the goal is to leave it on the stage

• You can definitely rock out on idol, you can rock out on The Beatles. It was rocking. Let it go - Randy
• I’ve been telling everyone you’re the dark horse. You are a thoroughbred. We all know you are the frontman on your band. You are the frontman here - Paula
• David, I thought it was brilliant. For two weeks now, Paula’s right. If this show remains a talent competition, and not a popularity competition, you may actually win this show - Simon

Brooke White

“Let It Be”

Playing from memory and singing is a challenge! I always did one or the other, but not both

• I don’t know if it’s your best performance. I imagine you growing up playing that song at home… This is your dream come true, isn’t it …very heartfelt performance. I’m a fan - Randy
• This is your niche. Picking songs where America can feel your heart. It is having that emotional connection that makes people fall in love with you - Paula
• Again, one of the best performances of the night. I thought it was a brilliant choice of song… It’s believeable. There’s a difference between karaoke and showcasing your talent - Simon

David Hernandez

“I Saw Her Standing There”

Beatles 101 - an actual class at Arizona State

Energetic performance.

• You’ve got a big voice, but on a song like this, it was a little bit overdone - Randy
• I feel like you kindof overdid it. I think you scale back. You’re a brilliant singer and… not too many runs (waves hands) - Paula
• No. No. No. Corny verging on desperate. I thought it was a little rabbit in the headlights. I didn’t think it was a particularly strong performance - Simon

Amanda Overmyer

“You Can’t Do That”

Amanda-spin, Rock it up a bit

• That is the true mark of great songs. You took a beatles song and brought it to a southern bar and rocked it out - Randy
• Amanda you’re smiling, you’re a star up there. I’m blown away by you - Paula
• I don’t think it was as good as last week and I understood about 30% of what you said. I think it is a good thing that you’re in this competition - you’re like a breath of fresh air - Simon

Michael Johns

“Across the Universe”

• I was waiting for something big for me. A little sleepy for me - Randy
• I disagree with you again, Randy. It takes an inner strength and inner confidence… it was a brilliant performance - Paula
• I’m going to agree with Randy. It was solid. It was good. But now is the time to let it go a little bit - Simon
• Go Big, Baby, Go Big! - Randy

Kristy Lee Cook

“Eight Days a Week”

Oy, those violins kept me awake. I almost started hyperventilating.

• I actually like the arrangement and the idea of the song… I’m kinda torn with this one… half of me likes it, half of me doesn’t - Randy
• Kristy, I didn’t enjoy it. I didn’t get it
• I thought it was horrendous. You sounded like Dolly Parton on helium. It was a very brave, but probably foolish thing to do - Simon

David Archuletta

His mom is from Honduras and his dad is a jazz musician. He’s second oldest with an older brother and three sisters.

“We Can Work It Out”

Halfway through, he looked a little shaken, but David still gave a good performance

• This week it was not on point. This is not your vibe.
• This wasn’t your best week, but you’re a front runner… Never let it show on your face… we love ya - Paula
• That was a mess, you stumbled over the lyrics… it was just all over the place. It was your weakest performance so far - Simon

Best of the Night - ummm, Carly, Chikezie, Brooke, David Cook

Least Favorite of the Night - Kristy Lee Cook (sorry, not a country fan), Syesha (I forgot she started off the night until I saw the closing recap)

By TVJunkie Jenn