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American Idol 7: Idol Ideals for the Top 20by Tyler Sandersfeld -- 02/26/2008
View Printable version of this article Before I begin my strategic input, I must congratulate Colton and Joanne for breaking the “two-chair curse,” which has always claimed the last guy and girl to advance to the top 24 at the top 16. Too bad they accomplished it in the wrong direction. As for Garrett and Amy, they needed to go big or go home, and they obviously didn’t go big. If we learned anything from this week’s crop of rejects, it comes from Colton. I suggested that he try to draw away votes from his main rivals, especially Danny. However, Colton chose an Elvis song just like Danny, and while many preferred him vocally, Danny’s performance and fan base proved that Idol wasn’t big enough for both of them. The lesson: if you can be easily compared to a more popular contestant, don’t pick a song that invokes even more comparison. 
Now just 20 singers remain for the title. At this point, the top 12 is basically a done deal for a few, while others need a miracle just to make it that far. I would suggest that the latter pull out their signature songs stat, but that might not be possible. For the first time ever, themes have been integrated into the semi-final rounds. The first theme, the 1960s, definitely wasn’t very restrictive, and I suspect that any other themes this early will also allow for a wide range of styles. That is, if those styles are represented on the paltry list of 50 songs to choose from. I still think that’s a bonehead idea, but if it helps the show sell these performances on iTunes, then I can’t fault Nigel for thinking with his wallet. With that in mind, let’s get to the contestants’ strategies for this round. Once again, the order dictates how I perceive each contestant’s safety going into the week: David Archuleta and Michael Johns: We might as well get these two prepared for the top 12 now. I’ll admit that I wasn’t too crazy about David’s performance this week, and I’ve never been too keen on Michael. If my opinion mattered, things might change. As it is, these two could sing Chipmunk songs and still be top 12 locks. All I suggest is that David learn to breathe and Michael not sing another song that we know he sang already. Syesha Mercado and Ramiele Malubay: I’m very proud of these two. Syesha and Ramiele have relied on volume and power up until now, but this week they turned down the volume without sacrificing power. Plus, we got to see their raw voices at their purest. Ramiele does have the Asian vote, but Syesha currently has a slightly greater overall fan base. If the two continue to match each other in style, it’s going to end with a vote-split shocker. Now’s a good time to push themselves away from each other and define themselves differently. Carly Smithson: For performing in the anchor position, Carly really let herself down. Randy may have praised her tremendously, but Simon and many viewers didn’t buy her performance. At least she came somewhat clean about her record deal, so it’s no longer her Area 51. Carly’s still in a great position, but she needs to convince her detractors that she’s worthy of Randy’s praise. I’ll get back to you when I think of how she can do that. David Cook and Robbie Carrico: Take a note, Colton. David and Robbie deviated from each other this week; while Robbie stuck true to his rocker image with Three Dog Night, David took a risk with The Turtles. Both plays seemed to pay off, as both are still around. Robbie’s rocker credentials are still in question, so he needs to stick on the path that “One” is leading him. David, meanwhile, should stick to adding his style to pop songs.Asia’h Epperson: Asia’h propelled herself to a good position with this week’s performance. Who knew that she could tackle Janis and win? One more home run and Asia’h will find herself in top 12 security. The best way for Asia’h to hit that homer is to capitalize on her father’s death. Yes, it still sounds wrong, but if she can dedicate an appropriate song to her late father and emote throughout the entire song, then America’s heartstrings will be pulled so tight that nothing can stop her. Unless, of course, she pulls so tightly that those heartstrings snap. Danny Noriega and Amanda Overmyer: Okay, so they have proven themselves to be the performers of the season. There’s nothing wrong with that, as Taylor Hicks can affirm. However, at some point they’ll need to show that they have winning voices as well. Danny needs to choose a song with more range than “Jailhouse Rock,” which is practically any song. Amanda picked a better song for herself, but it wouldn’t hurt to enunciate. I’ll repeat my top 24 strategy for these two – go with something slow. If the theme is the 1970s and “Killing Me Softly” is on the docket, these two should give it a go. Heck, if Asia’h can nail Janis, then Amanda should do well with Roberta Flack. Brooke White: I’m really not sure where to put Brooke right now. The Foxes on Idol judges all liked her performance this week, and I didn’t think it was too shabby, either. Still, I don’t think the song helped her stand out very much. I’ve heard rumors that the top 20 theme will be the 1970s. If that’s true, then there’s no reason for Brooke to nail it this week with Carole King or Carly Simon or any similar artist from the era. She’ll probably need a knockout performance, because I fear her fan base could get complacent fast. 
Alaina Whitaker, Alexandréa Lushington, and Jason Castro: For being more or less written off a week ago, these three proved to be contenders this week. They did exactly what they had to for survival. Now that they have proven their talent, they need to follow it up with something just as good, but preferably a little better to let the fans know what could be in store. Even the slightest slip from last week’s work could prove fatal. Also, Alaina should rediscover her country roots, Alex needs to capitalize on this edgier persona, and Jason must do something with his hair, though I personally like the dreads. David Hernandez: After going first with a stiff performance, I thought David was a goner just like Rudy Cardenas. Maybe the voters got wise to this comparison, as they rightfully saved him this week. David’s still traipsing across the danger line, though, and his onstage shyness will only push him over. David needs to loosen up and have fun. His good voice can only carry him so far. Chikezie: Ego trip, much? First he drops his last name, then he wears a hideous suit, and finally he argues with Simon. That’s going to hurt him later, but it might actually be what saved him this time. If Chikezie had the talent, he could work a Kanye-sized sense of self, but judging by his past performances, he doesn’t. Bottom line is for Chikezie to find his humility and dive into an R&B super hit at full force. Kady Malloy and Kristy Lee Cook: Among the ladies, these two are in trouble. Kristy may have suffered from illness, but with only “Amazing Grace” to her credit, it still looks bleak for the horse farmer. Kady, meanwhile, tried too hard to not impersonate, and it didn’t help that she held herself back on the second half of “A Groovy Kind of Love.” This week, Kady and Kristy can’t be afraid to go for broke. Actually, they should fear not going for broke. Luke Menard and Jason Yeager: Consider these two lucky. With their dull performances and complete lack of airtime, Luke and Jason could easily have gone in Garrett and/or Colton’s stead. Luke is supposed to be an a capella champion, so maybe he should go a capella with a song this week. As for Jason, he got quite a bit of criticism for his cheesy performance this week. However, there’s an untouched cheese bloc out there that Jason could use if he cheeses it up even more this week. Hey, it worked for Rick Dees. Whatever these two do, it has to be miles better than last week. That’s all for this week. I’ll be back to judge the guys on Tuesday with David, Sandy, Kathy, and Bruce. Once four more hopefuls become hopeless, I’ll lay out a war plan for the remaining 16 singers. See ya then! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent articles on Foxes On Idol:
Tyler can be reached at tejayes@yahoo.com. Who do you like? Who do you hate? I mean, besides Chikezie’s suit. Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! Also make sure to check out RealityNewsOnline for recaps and articles covering other reality TV shows. For even more news about reality TV, be sure to check SirLinksALot: American Idol and Reality TV Fever! View Printable version of this article
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