Guest Blogger: Angela on American Idol - the top 10 - R&B/Soul

I didn’t blog about last week’s results show because it was so awful. From the cheesiest group performance ever (Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”) to the Joe Jonas/Demi Lavato shout-fest to Paige’s 3-weeks-too-late elimination, it was one of the most painful Idol episodes ever and one that should be quickly forgotten. So let’s move on to this week! Based on the contestants’ previous lackluster and dated song selections, I didn’t have high hopes for R&B/soul week. A few of the contestants proved me wrong, but unfortunately most were boring yet again.

1. Lee – “Treat Her Like A Lady” – His best performance to date! This was a great song for him, definitely the stand out of the night.
2. Crystal – “Midnight Train to Georgia” – A little sleepy but she’s consistently good. I liked her piano playing.
3. Casey – “Hold On I’m Coming” – He sounded great though I don’t love the song; it’s too repetitive. Love the red guitar.
4. Mike – “Ready For Love” – The song was boring but he sounded good.
5. Andrew – “Forever” – A contemporary song! Nice arrangement; decent vocals. I think he saved himself.
6. Didi – “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” – I didn’t like the last 10 seconds but the rest was good. I probably would have liked it more if the arrangement was different. Ryan definitely pushed the personal questions too much; I think he has a crush on her.
7. Katie – “Chain of Fools” – Parts were good; parts were sharp. Pretty good song choice.
8. Siobhan – “Through The Fire” – I like her singing a toned down song again, but as usual the high notes were off key. Love the hair; hate the boots.
9. Aaron – “Ain’t No Sunshine” – Bad idea to sing one of Kris Allen’s signature songs from last season. He was off key most of the time too. Go away, Aaron.
10. Tim – “Sweet Love” – Total snooze fest. He needed to be gone a month ago.

I would love for Tim or Aaron to be eliminated this week; honestly, I think they’re the only ones who deserve it. Unfortunately people keep voting for them, though Tim was in the bottom 2 last week so maybe there’s hope. Didi could be in danger because of the negative feedback from the judges, though she’s one of my overall faves. I hope people voted to save her!

Regardless of who is eliminated this week, in general the contestants need to step up their game. The past couple of weeks have verged on disastrous. C’mon people, you’re supposed to be ENTERTAINING. You don’t have to wear 5 inch platform shoes or throw yourself on the floor, but at least do something memorable. Maybe Adam Lambert’s theatrics spoiled us last year? God willing, the future themes will allow for more song variety, although with the way these contestants have been picking songs, the themes might not matter. They’ll end up choosing the lamest songs available anyway. My future requests: no ballads (at least for one week) & no songs older than the contestants. How about songs on the current Billboard Hot 100 chart? Or songs that won Grammys this year? Or songs by former Idol contestants? That could be all kinds of awesome/torture, right? Imagine the possibilities: Casey and Lee taking on David Cook or Daughtry, Siobhan doing Kelly Clarkson, Katie trying country via Carrie Underwood or Kellie Pickler, Didi covering Kris Allen (she already did Katharine McPhee’s song “Terrified” in Hollywood), or even Crystal singing something by Jordin Sparks or David Archuletta. Lots of former Idols, not just the winners and hit-makers, have released albums so the possibilities really are endless. Note to Idol producers: don’t miss this opportunity to toot your own horn and remind us why we’ve loved the show in the past – truly talented performers.

Do you have any ideas for themes? Can you think of any former Idols' songs that would suit this season's contestants? Other suggestions to bring a spark to this bland season? Inquiring (and bored) minds want to know.

- Angela Pasquinelli