Well, it’s Idol Gives Back week. I like the way they’re doing Idol Gives Back this year in relation to the competition. Idol Gives Back will be a separate show. It sounds like the contestants won’t even be singing. Instead, they sang inspirational songs tonight as a nod to the theme, and there will be an elimination night on Thursday. So, tomorrow can be about raising money for a worthy cause without worrying how your favorite will be faring with the singing.

Maybe it’s just being tired and extremely pregnant but, once again, I found inspirational song week less than inspiring. I didn’t really hate any of the performances, but I didn’t love most of them either.

Michael Johns kicked off the night with “Dream On”. This turned out to be one of the better peformances of the night, I thought. However, since the judges usually pan Michael when he sings rock music, I thougt they might not like this performance (I do agree it’s better when he sings music with more of a blues feel). Randy thought it was pretty good but heard some pitch problems. Simon said it was a good performance but didn’t care for the rock performance persona.

I wish I could say exactly what bothers my about Syesha Mercado. Since she sang a song that I can still hear Fantasia singing in my head if I think about it, I have a better idea what the issue is. She reminds me somewhat of Latoya London. Latoya was a better singer than Fantasia, but she was a “performer”. Very seldom did you feel anything when she sang. Fantasia, on the other hand, was not necessarily the most polished singer or performer, but she could make me cry when she sang. You could feel what she felt. Because Syesha is also an actress, I think she’s acting more than feeling. And I think that comes across. She sounded good tonight singing “I Believe”, but I didn’t feel anything. Randy also couldn’t help comparing her to Fantasia. Simon said she sang it well but there was no big wave of emotion.

Jason Castro was one of my favorite singers tonight. He sang a different version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” while playing the ukulele. This was a great song for him. It suited his voice and his personality. Even though he’s not as polished a singer as Syesha, he always comes across as so much more authentic. Randy said it was the hottest tonight, and Simon said it was fantastic.

Somehow Kristy Lee Cook has managed to sing a country music pretty much every single week. Tonight was no different as she sang Martina McBride’s “Anyway”. I remember Martina singing this on American Idol. Obviously, that was a better version. But Kristy Lee did okay. I wish she would OPEN HER EYES when she sings, though. It’s a very annoying performance habit and makes it hard to connect with her. The judges thought this was one of her better performance. Apparently, Simon will now be offering fashion advice each week, as he even offered Kristy Lee a kind word about her look, saying she looked like a star.

Okay, you all know I love David Cook, but tonight’s performance was, um, definitely not his best. He sang “Innocent” by one of his favorite bands (I couldn’t really hear the name, but I’ll get it for you when I figure it out). This was a bad song choice. He may love the song, but it did nothing for his voice, it was hard to understand him and, even though he sang it well, I’m not sure it will appeal to the voting public. Randy and Simon both agreed that this was not his best performance, to date.

Carly Smithson sang “Show Must Go On”. She did look better this week, and she sounded good for the most part, but the high notes were a bit off. Randy confirmed that there were pitch problems. Simon did say she looked better this week, but he thought she oversang the song and came across as angry.

David Archuleta was up next, singing “Angels” and playing the piano. This was a good performance for him this week (I can even forgive the preachy tone, since it was inspiring songs week). I didn’t think the verse sounded nearly as good as the chorus, but overall it sounded good, and the piano was nice. Randy thought it was the hottest moment of the season (I think that’s an exaggeration). Simon said it was the best song choice of the night but not David’s best vocal.

Brooke White closed out the night with “You’ve Got a Friend”. I love Brooke, and I thought this sounded nice, although it wasn’t outstanding. But I don’t like when she stands at the mic and sings. She always looks a bit awkward. Randy said this wasn’t her best performance, but Simon said it was like a pleasant walk in the park.

So, here’s my order for the week.

1. Jason Castro
2. Michael Johns
3. David Archuleta
4. Brooke White
5. David Cook
6. Kristy Lee Cook
7. Carly Smithson
8. Syesha Mercado

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