I have purposefully not tackled too much American Idol Season 7 in this blog to date. But, as in past years, I have been equally as engaged and drawn to this competition. Tonight, the newly anointed Top 12 Finalists begin the weekly elimination process and that's when the true fun (and talent) starts to emerge. For the first time ever, the Lennon-McCartney song trunk is being made available tonight, and I can imagine that Paul McCartney will be seated in front of his TV with a bottle of Maalox handy. Count on Yoko Ono to put her lawyer on speed dial for the night.
As they whitted the Top 24 finalists to the coveted Top 12 round, I can not disagree with those who have been eliminated already, save for perhaps one. And this fan was virtually giddy with delight when America voted to say goodbye to the ultra-annoying Danny Noriega, who can now begin his career at Supercuts. But, now the competition gets very sticky as this may be one of the best singing crowds that Idol has ever fielded. Here's my take on each of the Top 12 as the game begins:
THE GIRLS:
Amanda Overmyer: She is this year's Janis Joplin and can do an amazing job with some vocals. But, ultimately, America will tire of her fashion sense, which is one notch above that of "The Bride of Chucky."
Brooke White: She is this year's Carly Simon knockoff, but has had some terrific moments. She, however, has admited to never ever seeing a R-rated film, so I wonder how she will hold up under stress. I wish she was in college when I was, because we would be married by now.
Carly Smithson: Idol goes international with this Irish bartender (is there any other kind?) She probably has the best voice of all the girls. There is one little annoyance for me, though. When she hits those big notes, the HD cameras give you a probing look at some very crooked teeth. She's a great reason why we should not accept universal health care in this country. I am also hoping that she opts for some longer sleeves, because the tattoos up and down the arm will turn off a lot of the voters.
Kristy Lee Cook: She has no real personality or style, and really has no business being in the Top 12. She sold her horse in order to raise funds so she could go on the Idol audition, so I am thinking that the equestrian vote may sustain her forno more than a week or two.
Ramiele Malubay: Idol goes Asian. She's a little too young, too tiny, and too emotional for me. On elimination nights, she sobs at the drop of a hat. But, she has some sneaky power in those vocals, so she will stick around for a while. Besides, I bet she's doing all the girls' nails on show night.
Syesha Mercado: The only African-American chick in the Top 12 this year, so Al Sharpton will probably be able to keep her around for a bit. Goofy Paula Abdul loves to keep harping on the fact that the word "yes" is contained in Syesha's name. But, then again, Paula can be fascinated by an ice tray. Syesha has a deep voice, but has yet to have a Melinda Doolittle moment on the show. Also, she needs to lose the Minnie House hairdo.
THE BOYS:
Chikezie: Using only his first name now, and that's good because it rhymes with his last name (Eze). That alone would have earned him Nipsey Russell's vote. He's the only African-American guy among the finalists, and he supposedly used to work as Homeland Security at American Airlines in LAX, so I have probably once removed my sneakers at his request. He looks like a nice guy, but he is way overmatched and will soon be returning to the airport and ensuring that passengers have placed their shampoo in the suitable containers.
David Archuleta: Has been unofficially nicknamed The Chosen One. Also may be answering to "Jesus Christ." He is the expected winner of the competition, but song choices for this 17-going-on-12 year-old may throw him some curve balls. It's tough to sing about broken and boozy love affairs when you have yet to attend your senior prom. David always speaks like he has asthma, but his singing is silky smooth. He will get the vote of any girl under 15 and all women over 75. I like the dude a lot, despite the fact that he seems just like the kid in high school who always has his backpack stolen during lunch period.
David Cook: For me, he's this year's Blake Lewis, whom I detested from last year. He plays his guitar and has some interesting takes on some rock ballads. But, his appearance is borderline homeless. He always looks like he blew dry his hair with an exhaust fan at Burger King. He will hang around for a while just to annoy me.
David Hernandez: He completes the David hat trick. He's already gotten some press, since it has been uncovered that he very recently worked as a stripper in a gay dance club. His voice and song choice has improved each week, so he could be a surprise for a while. If not, we can expect to see him appearing at Rage on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.
Jason Castro: The only Idol contestant this year to receive the official endorsement of the slow kids on the school bus. Whenever he speaks, you can swear that he would be completely challenged by a "Walk/Don't Walk" sign. But, he's got a terrific style and would be a role model for an audience that already has a lower IQ than he does. I'd lose the Jimmy Cliff dreadlocks, since this is not "Mount Vernon, New York Idol."
Michael Johns: This good-looking Australian import also seems to be on a fast track for the top. He has yet to get a bad review from the judges, and I can swear that I saw Paula smacking her lips during one of his performances. But, personally, he has yet to register with me. And, if he doesn't thrive here, I hear "Days Of Our Lives" may be having an open call soon.
PREDICTION:
I wouldn't be so foolhardy to attempt and guess the ultimate winner. After all, America votes on this and you all know how well that can work out. But, if I was betting a small amount, I would speculate that the last two girls standing will be Carly Smithson and Brooke White and the last two guys on the stage will be David Archuleta and Michael Johns.
Nevertheless, enjoy! From week to week, it is rousing entertainment. And much more compelling than watching a bunch of actor retreads doing the samba.
Dinner last night: Grilled chicken teriyaki and vegetables.
No comments:
Post a Comment