Where is the “wow factor”?
But somehow, none of the songs really connected with us. Judges, who had the benefit of sitting feet away from the performers, kept saying over and over that they werenât feeling it either.
The only thing that kept our attention last night were “Idol” directors giving us one-, two-second looks into the studio crowd, challenging us to find celebrities.
We spotted Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”), former “Idol” contestants Amy Davis and Luke Menard, and Mimi Rogers.
1. Whatâs with Michael Johns and the ascot? Is that like his trademark?
For such a serious performer, itâs just plain silly. Michael, you look like a clown. Please take it off, like yesterday!
This will probably the weakest No. 1 ranking weâll have all season. It was a great song choice and Michael sang it well. But we seem to have as many complaints as praise for this.
Simon nailed it with his “wannabe-ish” comment. Michael it was good, but you can still “Dream On” until reach Aerosmithâs status.
4. What is Kristy Lee Cook’s obsession with sparkling tank tops, belts and colored jeans? Kristy, you can be country without looking classless.
KLCâs found her groove — basically any song celebrating God or country. All three judges gave her props for Martina McBrideâs “Anyway.”
5. We were excited by Brooke Whiteâs perfect song choice (Carole Kingâs classic “Youâve Got a Friend”) but the arrangement just didnât click. This might have been a song better suited for just Brooke and her guitar or piano.
6. You know how big “Idol” is when a contestant sings a featured song by an “Idol” winner.
Syesha Mercado looked confident and at ease. K. Li liked her effort, but M.J. and the judges thought Syesha was trying to climb a mountain too big for her.
7. Itâs getting harder and harder for to evaluate David Archuleta.
Tween voters (and to a lesser degree, the judges and producers) are determined to vote him up the charts no matter what he does every Tuesday night. Thatâs in stark contrast to M.J., who wants to knock little David A. every time (M.J.: He picked one of my favorite songs by Robbie Williams and he completely butchered it. Shockingly bad.).
K. Li will split the difference between the M.J.-led haters and mindless fawning fans: It was good little performance. Nothing better or less.
8. Simon nailed it when he said Carly Smithsonâs “The Show Must Go On” sounded a bit angry.
We believe in Carly and have pegged her as Final Four material. But if America votes based on the previous nightâs performance, then she could be in trouble, as Simon said.
– By MELISSA JANE KRONFELD and DAVID K. LI