“Hopefully the nerves are gone… make sure that you’re in it to win it” - Randy
All photos courtesy of americanidol.com
It’s classic 70s night! And the idols are sharing something that the fans and idol watchers would be surprised to find out.
Michael Johns, 29
Buckhead, GA
“Go Your Own Way” - Fleetwood Mac
You would be surprised to know… he’s an accomplished tennis player and song writer. He heads to the tennis courts to relax and clear his mind.
I like Michael and his vocals weren’t bad, but the overall performance wasn’t outstanding.
Randy liked it, even though it started out slow. Paula thought his performance was consistent and got the crowd working, “Charismatic, seasoned performer, charming”. It was okay, but a weak choice of song according to Simon (cue music, cutting off Simon). For Michael, singing a Fleetwood Mac song was a personal high for him.
Jason Castro, 20
Rockwell, TX
“I Just Want to Be Your Everything” - Andy Gibb
You may be surprised to know… Jason really hates doing interviews. They showed numerous “takes” from the evening’s spot to prove his case. Jason really likes to sing and music “There’s been a lot of ‘not music stuff’ than I thought. Like taking pictures… and talking… I’m… I’m not good at talking… [chuckle]”
With the guitar, the act was cool, but the vocals were “just okay” to Randy. Paula liked his musical interpretation. Simon agreed with Randy - it was a weak performance and average song choice. The judges encouraged Jason not to use the guitar next week. I didn’t think it was a terrible performance. Maybe not the winning performance, but still endearing.
Luke Menard, 29
Crawsfordville, IN
“Cold as Ice” - Queen
You may be surprised to know… Luke was part of an acapella group called “Chapter 6″ for 6 years. Traveled to Africa and Hong Kong on tour. Having sung on many different stages, he believes this has been the ideal preparation for Idol.
The hubby and I always think that a Freddie Mercury song is a difficult vocal to pull off. It was a decent performance, but didn’t feel as edgy as the original (which are big shoes to fill). Luke has a good vocal range, but this was a little toned down for what we’re used to. By no means is it a criticism, just hard not to compare.
Very tough song choice, says Randy. But he thought it was improved over last week and that the performance was good other than a few pitch problems. Paula felt it was a good week vocally and good song choice. Simon thought it was a mistake because “you are always going to be judged to the original”. (I typed my sentence before he said that!)
Robbie Carrico, 26
Melbourne, FL
“Hot Blooded” - Foreigner
You would be interested to know… Robbie loves to drag race cars. He loves the 10-second rush - on the racing track (not on the streets!).
I thought this was an appropriate song choice for Robbie, but I was a little disappointed that he didn’t use the stage to his advantage or pump the crowd more.
It didn’t have enough “uumph” according to Randy. Song was just okay for him. Paula came to Robbies defense on the authenticity issue. ” That must drive you crazy to be told you’re not authentic”. With that said, Paula thought he played it safe and needed to up the ante. Simon thought the vocal was okay (immediate cut to music LOL). Simon’s comment brought relief and gratitude for Robbie.
Danny Noriega, 18
Azusa, CA
“Until You Come Back to Me” - Carpenters
America would be interested to know… that Danny used to sing in a punk rock band in 9th grade and played one show of “noise”. Danny called it “a bunch of rebellious kids playing instruments”.
Big song! A little “old” (mature?) sounding for such a young face, but it showed off his vocals.
“Let it go! Don’t think about it” - Randy. Paula complimented Danny’s amazing vocal skillz and magical vibrato. “Don’t over think it!” she warned him. Simon liked his vocal better this week but agreed with Randy that he over-concentrated during his performance. Simon also liked that he stood out in a crowd, was interesting, and that he looks great on camera.
Danny admitted that last week was a disaster… even though he gave Simon the head snap.
“So you agreed with me…” - Simon
“-ish” - Danny, with the head snap
David Hernandez, 24
Glendale, AZ
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” - The Temptations
You would be interested to know… David was in gymnastics when he was a kid. Won 10 medals at the Grand Canyon Olympics and can do a mean cartwheel!
So far the most energetic and charismatic performance of the night. David made a smart song choice which showcased his personality and vocal abilities. It sounded like he lost it a little on the last note, but that was the only flaw.
Randy liked to see the original David Hernandez that they all loved in the original auditions. “That was hot…Very nice.” Paula thought his voice sounded pure and were all in the pocket and had a few amazing notes. His personality came through and he didn’t overdo the song in her eyes. Simon thought it was the best performance of the night (Hey, I said that too) and felt he rose to the challenge after last week’s performance.
Jason Yeager, 28
Grand Prairie, TX
“Long Train Running” - Doobie Brothers
You would be interested to know… Jason plays multiple instruments. He is self-taught on piano, guitar, and drums. (I took piano lessons for a number of years… that is quite a talent to be self-taught!)
Fun performance by Jason, but not sure it was idol worthy. I don’t quite “get” him. He’s not a bad singer and he’s a good-looking guy. Maybe it’s his dancing skills (or lack of)? He has a nice smile, but it didn’t seem to match his song. I mean, he would smile at the camera, but it didn’t seem to match the lyrics or feel of the song. I dunno…
Randy didn’t think Jason’s song choice showed off his vocal abilities, while Paula thought it showed his fun side but cautioned him to pick “singer’s songs”. “Last week was boring and this week was awkward and ordinary” to Simon and he likened the ending to a drunk performance (I guess he’s referring to the arms thrown out to the side to cue the band?)
“That’s what it all comes down to - song choice,” Jason’s response
Chikezie, 22
Inglewood, CA
“I Believe” - Donny Hathaway (whose daughter, Kenya, is an AI backup vocalist)
You would be interested to know… His name is Nigerian meaning “something well created by God”. Since kindergarten, people have been pronouncing his name incorrectly, so he thought it would be “Eze-er” to just let it go.
Chikezie has a strong voice with strong stage presence. Likable guy. He’s confident, but not (too) cocky. He makes peforming look so natural and so “Eze”. (Couldn’t resist!) Chikezie called Simon out after calling him “Jacuzzi” last week - made for a fun and fitting twist in the song.
“Chikezie is back America!” - Randy. Thought it was a hot performance. “Clever to pick a song with a story that fit and point at this one [Simon]… You better remember my name.” Paula thought it was a brilliant performance. Simon thought Chikezie looked better , sounded better and was a million times improved. Simon wondered if he watched last week’s performance (or the “horror show that was you”) and asked if he’d wear the suit again.
“I love my suit… [but] I can’t wear it twice… I can’t do a replay… only you do that.” - Chikezie, possibly the funniest comeback of the night, next to “ish” (Danny Noriega). Poor guy was apologizing profusely after that LOL.
“Just when I am starting to like you, you get obnoxious. And your mother is horrified!” - Simon
David Cook, 25
Blue Springs, MO
“All Right Now” - Free
You would be interested to know… David is huge word nerd! Crosswords are his break from reality and an addiction.
Very rockin’, very edgy performance. David has a slight air of arrogance about him, but DH feels it adds to his rocker performance. Great guitar piece.
“Like a real rock show!” - Randy. It was a good song choice and authentic performance in Randy’s eyes. Paula gave props to the band “Band is on Fire” and thought it was fun, smart and relevant performance. Simon agreed it was a solid performance, but seemed put off by the word nerd revelation and was irritated by David’s response.
David Archuleta, 17
Murray, UT
“Imagine” - John Lennon
You might be surprised that - at age 11, David got to meet the first season Idols during the season finale and sang for them in the hotel lobby (even caught it on video). We see Kelly Clarkson in the clip asking his name.
First few bars and you can already see David’s enormous artistic talent. He turned a classic song and made it current, yet still kept the song true. David performs with great passion and believability. And, he is so gracious.
“That’s one of the best vocals I have ever heard on this show… Hot! Hot! Fire!” - Randy. He also asked why David didn’t sing the first verse. David’s response was that they only had time for one verse and the third verse had a good message. Paula didn’t hide her tears as she classified it as one of the most beautiful songs ever written and most moving performances she has heard. Very risky to do a recognizable John Lennon song but worked! “You’re the one to beat!” - Simon
Best of the Night
David Hernandez
Chikezie
David Archuletta
Who’s Going Home? Jason Yeager
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