Guest Blogger: Angela on American Idol - the top 11 - Billboard #1's

Apparently this week’s theme was changed only a few days ago. Personally I would have rather seen what the contestants could do with the original theme, teen idols, because I think it presents more of a challenge than the very broad, very safe Billboard #1’s. Yawn. In previous seasons the contestants have struggled with such a generic theme; they don’t know what songs to choose or how to present themselves and end up looking foolish. For the most part this year’s contestants had the same problem, unfortunately: dated, awkward song choices and silly performances. Teen idol songs couldn’t have been any worse, could they? Let’s start with the few contestants who were successful and work our way down:

1. Casey – “The Power of Love” –Maybe I’m blinded by the pretty eyes and the cute smile, but damn, this dude is good! Good song choice, good vocals, improved stage presence. He could still loosen up more: widen the stance, bend the knees, arch the back. Then he’d be perfect!
2. Crystal – “Me and Bobby McGee” – She consistently delivers and is one of the only contestants this season who really knows who she is as an artist.
3. Michael – “When a Man Loves a Woman” – Another solid performance. Perfect song choice for him.
4. Didi – “You’re No Good” – I think she could have chosen a better song, but she sounded good.
5. Siobhan – “Superstition” – I liked it until the shrieking at the end. She really needs to stop that, but she won’t if the judges keep praising her.
6. Lee – “The Letter” – Nothing compares with the Carly Smithson/Michael Johns’ version of this song. Lee showed some personality and his vocals were improved, more raspy and less nasally. I just don’t think it was the ideal song choice for him.
7. Tim – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Starting with the mic stand was a mistake, but he quickly remedied that (the stage slide was a bit much though). He sounded good throughout the performance.
8. Katie – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” – The only contemporary song of the night! This was by far Katie’s best song choice to date. Some notes were sharp, but overall decent job.
9. Andrew – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” – This wasn’t the right arrangement for him. The song choice would have been ok if he’d done a stripped down version. The vocals were mediocre and the movements were awkward.
10. Aaron – “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” – Miley might think he has a great voice, but he definitely doesn’t have the power to pull off this song. Listen to David Cook and Allison Iraheta’s versions from previous seasons to hear how it should be done.
11. Paige – “Against All Odds” – This was out of tune from the very beginning, almost as horrible as “Smile” a few weeks ago.

Paige was by far the worst of the night. Unless she gets a ton of sympathy votes (which saved her before), she’s a goner. It’ll actually be a travesty if someone else goes home instead. Andrew may be at risk as well; he’s talented and I want him to stay, but he’s not connecting with the songs, the judges, or the audience. I wouldn’t mind seeing Aaron go instead, though I’m sure his fans and the judges’ praise will keep him safe.

As much as I love Casey and Didi, let’s face it: this is a two horse race. Crystal and Michael are the definite frontrunners. As long as the audience doesn’t get bored with their awesomeness, one of them should win the whole thing. But I’m not-so-secretly hoping Casey or Didi sneaks in instead.

- Angela Pasquinelli