Neil Diamond Theme: Song Suggestions

Next week the top 5 will be singing the songs of Neil Diamond. It has not been confirmed if they will each be doing two songs or not. Traditionally, the top 5 have done two, however I'm leaning towards the idea that this year they might not based on the following: 1) The show is only set to be an hour (when the top 10 each performed once the show was an hour and a half). 2) There is no mention of two songs in the official press release, and the AI moderators seem to know less on the subject than I do. 3) In Carly's exit interview she mentioned that the song (singular) she had planned to do was a ballady version of "Sweet Caroline." Still, I'll list more than one song suggestion for each contestant just in case.

For me, sorting through the Neil Diamond songbook was about as enjoyable as listening to the cheesefest that is the American Idol Songwriter contest submissions. Sorry Diamond fans, but I can't honestly say I found anything I actually WANT to hear. My 7-year old daughter (who hated Hannah Montana until IGB) agrees, and suggested they do a Miley Cyrus theme instead. Somehow I think that might be preferable.

I expect to see "I'm a Believer" as the group song since this year's finalists seem to have a penchant for songs from the Shrek soundtrack, and also because "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (which I loathe) has already been group-numbered.

Here we go:

D-Cook (on top, 'cuz that's where I like him): "Solitary Man," "If You Know What I Mean" or "Longfellow Serenade." Best of all would be "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon" if dedicated to the 17-year old female version of ALW.

Castro: The most obvious and fitting song for our Dreadlocked friend is UB40's version of "Red, Red Wine" which both me and my buddy IdolJenn have suggested previously. I also think that--if done in a higher key--"If I Never Knew Your Name" suits Jason's phrasing and falsetto. And finally there's "Play Me" because Jason's guitar called to say she misses his long and loving...fingers.

Brookie: I had "slowed-down version of 'Sweet Caroline' (perhaps without the "oh-oh-oh's")" written down for Brooke before I heard Carly'd planned to do it, and am sticking with it as my top choice. Then there's "You are the Best Part of Me" and "September Morning" (which requires a lyric change).

Syesha: "I've Got a Feelin' (Oh No, No)" (which also would need a lyric change) since I prefer non-ballady Syesha. Otherwise "Thank the Lord for the Night Time" (which is as close as I get to suggesting anything with religious connotations) or "Hello Again."

Archie: "Be," "The Gift of Song," and--even though it's WAYYY too schmaltzy for my taste--"Heartlight."

I am aware that my list omits the majority of Diamond's #1 hits, and I'm all right with that.

What would you like to hear?