American Idol: Birth Years

Neat concept. With the exception of a few, it was '80s night again. And was Paula ready to lift some weights? What was up with those gloves? Here's the order of how the 10 finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all in May:

1. David Cook
Could he benefit from an America makeup call for letting Chris Daughtry finish fourth? Rocker takes a huge risk with uber-alternate version of "Billie Jean" and delivers memorable performance. Without the lyrics, song is unrecognizable but it works.
Odds of winning: 10-1

2. Syesha Mercado
Perhaps the most polished vocal of the night. Wasn't crazy about the song choice (Stephanie Mills' "If I Were Your Woman") as this genre of songs is so played on AI. Very professional and pristine. One of the best here.
Odds of winning: 10-1

3. Carly Smithson (bottom 3)
Why are the judges beating her up? Clearly, Randy and Simon want her out. Belts out "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with powerful vocal. Sings it smooth, a contrast from Bonnie Tyler's classic version. Notice how Carly's mom looks younger than Carly?
Odds of winning: 25-1

4. Kristy Lee Cook
Smart song choice with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." Who's going to vote off someone singing about America? Thought this was her best performance to date and she's looking good. AI's fashion police are in full swing.
Odds of winning: 25-1

5. Brooke White
The girl next door recovers after a start and stop, something you don't usually see. Reverts back to the ivory with a smooth vocal of "Every Breath You Take." Plays it safe, but the low-key approach works for her. Pleasing voice.
Odds of winning: 25-1

6. David Archuleta
A bit worried that this kid is a one-trick pony. When he sings slow, introspective songs, he's untouchable. When he picks a song that's up-tempo (John Farnham's "You're the Voice") he comes across like a Disney singer. Stay mellow, dude.
Odds of winning: 8-1

7. Michael Johns
Queen's his thing. His two best performances have been "Bohemian Rhapsody" and last night's "We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions." Not the best song choice to showcase your vocals, but gets loudest ovation from crowd. Not good enough.
Odds of winning: 25-1

8. Chikezie (bottom 3)
Takes a page out of Ruben Studdard's playbook with Luther Vandross' "If Only For One Night." Pretty good vocal, but shows nothing new. He does have a nice range, but there's a wavering unevenness that will catch up to him.
Odds of winning: 30-1

9. Jason Castro
Plying for votes by talking about his eyes. OK, we get it. You're cute. But can you sing with the best of these? Sorry. Uninspiring, droning version of Sting's "Fragile" does nothing to propel him further. Linear and forgettable.
Odds of winning: 40-1

10. Ramiele Malubay (bye, bye)
It really is time for her to go. Listen to Carrie Underwood's version of "Alone" in Season 4 and there's absolutely no comparison. Cute kid, but vocally out of her league. This is her opportunity to show something and she comes up flat.
Odds of winning: 40-1

Comments

[Charles]

Finally, David Cook is No. 1. He's been No. 1 for several weeks and will win the whole thing. It only gets better for him each week!

[Christine]

You're right on target, Dan. My hubby and I were sitting there with our mouths hanging open after David's performance. He's got star quality written all over him. And sick or not, Ramiele's time is up. Let's hope.

[wefo]

I wonder if that was Mr. Cook's own arrangement, or if he borrowed another bands version, like Daughtry did for (a song I can't remember). Regardless, he totally pulled off the performance. I like Ramiele, but agree that she is not stepping up enough to compete at the level necessary to stick around. That said, we'll see how big a factor the eye candy vote will be tonight.