Robbie's Hair-Don't

We knew something was off with Robbie Carrico's coif...

"Idol" Contestant Wigs Out

(I feel like I'm ganging up on the guy all of the sudden, but the hits keep comin'...)

Hot & Not: Boys (Kinda) Rock the 70's

Guys, round two. Theme: The 70's (Bet you'll never guess what theme they're doing next week...) As with round one, there were only a few standout performances for the guys.

Michael Johns is up first (per Idol tradition the week after closing) with a very lukewarm rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way." He cups the mic and does a little of the C-Rich bouncy-bounce, but at least this time there is significantly less "hallelujah!" hand-raising. I thought the chorus suited his voice, but the rest of the song was almost unrecognizable. I think MJ would have benefited from being behind the guitar on this one, and it was definitely his worst performance to date. His "something-America-would-be-surprised-to-learn-about-me" video revelation is no news to the Aussie Posse: dude looks smashing in a pair of tennis shorts. C

Jason Castro admits his dislike for doing interviews in his getting-to-know-you video which will either be considered cute or annoying. I'm with the former, but I'm also a biased fan (who nevertheless can't bring herself to go by Castronaut or Dreadhead--two of the worst fanbase names ev-ah). JC sings Andy Gibb's "I Just Want to be Your Everything" while once again strumming (his own) guitar. There is nothing earth-shattering about this performance, but a playback reveals that there is also nothing really wrong with it either. I think he needs to go with a more dynamic song next week, but as for the guitar--that's just his thing, and I don't think he should be criticized for staying true to himself. B+

After announcing that he traveled around the world for six years with his a capella group Chapter 6, Luke Menard takes a huge risk with "Killer Queen" and (not surprisingly) fails to live up to the vocal god that was Freddie Mercury. I absolutely hate the tone of this guy's voice and the song was a pitchy, uneven train-wreck. Still, an improvement from last week, if only because it was "a ballsy" (even if Luke's sound as though they were in a vice). D

Robbie "I'm a Rocker, Damnit!" Carrico chats with Ryan about how there are "different levels of rock." While I agree with this statement, I also think that the term "rocker" doesn't apply to all of them, including Robbie's particular brand. His lead-in video shows him drag racing a car with one headlight (LOL), and then he takes the stage to rock (j/k!) Foreigner's "Hot Blooded" sans headkerchief. Though he spins the mic stand as all Idol "rockers" are wan to do and he wears the requisite wallet chain, the signature pop gestures he makes throughout the performance give him away. His spark from last week is gone, the vocal leaves something to be desired and he's got a serious case of bedhead. C-

Worster Danny Noriega dips into his lower register and stays there for most of The Carpenter's "Superstar" while looking more Jessica Alba than ever. I get that he's trying to prove he can sing to those who criticized his goofy Elvis impersonation last week, but this failed to hit the mark. Oh, and he mentioned he was in a punk rock band that only played one show. C-

David Hernandez opens up about his time as a gay stripper in his tell-all video. Actually he keeps that one to himself and instead educates us on his history as a gymnast (me too!) and the joys of wearing a leotard, which further backs the above claim on his sexual orientation. He then defies his pattern of annoying song choices with a smokin' hot rendition of "Papa was a Rollin' Stone" in a blazer with a built-in hoodie. Aside from some over-the-top gestures/moves, I loved this to the point where I may just have to plunk down 99 cents for the iTunes track (which would be a first for me, for it). A

In addition to singing poorly and looking like Val Kilmer, Jason Yeager also plays guitar, piano and drums. He gives another shout-out to his granny before taking the stage to give a showboat performance of the Dooby Brothers' "Long Train Runnin' (Without Love)." Can we just send him home now? D-

Chikezie schools us on the roots, the meaning, and the correct pronunciation of his Nigerian name but has yet to re-claim the Eze. He then follows in Elliott Yamin's footsteps with both his choice of Donny Hathaway's "I Believe to my Soul" and nod of recognition to Hathaway's daughter Kenya, who is one of the backup singers. His vocals are on-point and the delivery miles better than last week, but as my BFF Maya points out, "he's always dressed for the wrong decade"--this time opting for an 80's themed outfit complete with funky hot pink wristbands. Still, his latest stab at Simon's revolving wardrobe made me laugh. A

David Cook is a self-proclaimed "Word Nerd"--a revelation Simon thinks will hurt him, however I find the opposite to be true. David just became more interesting in my book by defying the stereotype that surrounds him. He turns out a solid performance of "All Right Now" and shows that he really knows how to work the crowd. My only advice is to lose the facial fur and work on further improving his look, because he's otherwise on the right track. A

David Archuleta proves that he's a power vocalist during sharing time with the video of him singing "And I'm Telling You" for Kelly Clarkson which many of us have already seen on YOUtube. He then proves it again with a chillingly solid performance of John Lennon's "Imagine," which like all of the other songs David's done on AI, he previously sang on Star Search. The arrangement is completely different than the original (and inferior in my opinion) and David chooses to sing the lesser known third verse because it's his favorite. Also, it is painfully obvious (and annoying) that the producers are trying to create Beatlemania for David with his legion of cheering fans and choice of a Lennon song. Paula cries and expresses the desire to decapitate the poor kid whose looking very Clay Aiken in his choice of jacket. A

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And that's it for part 1 of 70's week. I'd bank on Yeager and either Menard or Carrico being cut this week.

Robbie's Questionable Rocker Cred

For those of you who wondered why Simon would question Robbie Carrico's rocker cred, here's an old newspaper clipping that explains it all.

Like I said before: Real rockers don't sing Bryan Adams.

The Boys, The Boys!

Since when do we introduce theme weeks straight out of the gate? What happened to making up for the notoriously bad editing of the audition and Hollywood week rounds by now giving the top 24 contestants a chance to show us, if only for a minute twenty, their style and their sound so that we can decide if we like them. How the h*ll are we, the audience, to know what kind of an artist contestants like Garrett Haley and Jason Yeager would be after not having heard them sing a unrestricted song of their choice? Why of all themes pick 60's, and then criticize them for not making the song current? It is their first week on the job for crying out loud! (((End rant)))

Here are my thought's on the top 12 guy's performances, in order of appearance:

Rudy Cardeneas--oops, I mean, David Hernandez--opens the show with Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" wearing a cream shirt with piercings and stains on it. Despite the weird faces he makes when he sings and the predictably annoying song choice, it was an okay performance overall. C+

Chikezie (No More Eze) drops a cheesy rendition of "More Today Than Yesterday" on us in a suit the color of rust and boots the Dawg himself might wear. Even though his smile is bright and his finish big, the performance is altogether lackluster and uninspiring. Paula calls him "infectious" (in a good way) and Simon stumbles and calls him "jacuzzi." Viewers are left to debate which would be worse: dipping into an infectious jacuzzi or having to watch this performance again. D-

Wannabe rocker David Cook attempts to prove that he and the mic stand can be as "Happy Together" as she once was in the hands of Bo and Chris Daughtry. Both the arrangement and the execution was good, but the flattened hair and deer-in-the-headlights look have got to go. B+

Our babyfaced Val Kilmer, otherwise known as Jason Yeager, dedicates "Moon River" to his granny. It was bland and uninteresting, and I would be honest-to-goodness SHOCKED if he weren't sent home this week. D

Robbie Carrico, our hairiest Idol hopeful, owns up to his former fame with Boyz N Girlz United (good move) before taking the stage to sing "One" by Three Dog Night amongst some flashing stage lights. Though dressed like a mechanic out on the town, Robbie hit a home run and put himself in my top three of the night. A

Fan favorite David Archuleta shows some attitude with "Shop Around" and it leaves him out of breath. He's gunna have to work on that if he ever hopes to hold a concert. I was finally able to see a bit of what everyone else sees in this guy, although I am not enamored. I was also a bit disturbed by the angry red X (cross?) on his T-shirt, I think it was trying to send a message I didn't want to receive. A-

Then, in one of the most random song choices in Idol history, Danny Noriega chooses to perform The King's "Jailhouse Rock." Methinks dear Danny must fancy himself a young Elvis, with the hair and all, but did he really think he could put Taylor's rendition to shame? He shouted his way through it, and other than a downright lethal pelvic wiggle at the end, it was a wash. C-

Dressed like he just walked in off the street, Luke Menard sings a ballad by Fred Neil called "Everybody's Talkin.'" This was his one chance to impress America, and he failed miserably. Although there were a few pretty parts, the song was overall nasal and pitch-y with a horrendous falsetto. He seems like a sweet guy but I won't miss him when he's bid adieu on Thursday. D-

Colton Berry points out his uncanny resemblance to Talk Show Host Ellen DeGeneres, then later takes the stage to sing Elvis's "Suspicious Minds" -- one of the last songs Chris Daughtry sang before his elimination. Not surprisingly, Colton lacked Chris's charisma and his showtunes background overshadowed his performance. B-

Garrett Haley, a skinny kid with a funny speaking voice (seriously, he could do animated voices), takes on "Breaking up is Hard to Do." Unlike the other guys who choose to sing ballads, this one had a fairly pleasant delivery. He revealed that he was a spontaneous auditionee, and very green--you could actually see his lips moving when Seacrest was reading from the teleprompter. Still, I think he has potential. B+

I am now officially in love with Jason Castro, despite the pageant-wave he gave before his performance and the cheesy song choice. His rendition of "Daydream" while playing guitar was all a bit too Mr. Rogers for me, but I found him uber charming and talented nonetheless. Check him out on YouTube. A

Was anyone surprised that the producers gave Michael Johns the pimp spot? I mean, could they BE any more obvious? Michael chose to rock "Light my Fire" as he and fellow contestant Amanda Overmyer had done during Hollywood week. Armed with the ever-present Idol fire screensaver and an Ivy league scarf, Michael did his best to pay tribute to The Doors. He also added some cheesy moves and hand-raising, which I cannot excuse. A

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So tell me...who are you feelin'? Who do you think is going home? And who is the next American Idol?

How many David's, Jason's and Cook's does it take to make a top 24?

Boys and girls it's time to meet our American Idol Top 24 - Season 7.

I like to do this little first impression/prediction post at the beginning of each season to see how my opinions change and just how much my crystal ball is worth.

Onto the players. It's ladies first, alphabetically:

Alaina Whitaker - 16 Tulsa, OK

I'm sure she is a very nice girl. One who will be cut within the first two weeks unless she blows us out of the water because we know nothing about her.

Alexandrea Lushington - 16 Atlanta, GA

If we've seen or heard her before, I don't remember it, which doesn't bode well. Odds of making the top 12: slim to none.

Amanda Overmyer - 23 Mulberry, IN

This girl rocks my socks. Long live the rock 'n roll nurse. She's top 10 material, a la Gina Glocksen, however Love Song Week could be tricky.

Amy Davis - 25 Cedar Lake, IN

First cut outta the gate.

Asia'h Epperson - 19 Joplin, MO

LOVE this girl. She's a little firecracker with the whole package. I hope she makes the top 12, but I have a feeling she might not.

Brooke White - 24 Van Nuys, CA

Despite being a hybrid of two of my best friends (one of which I've been encouraging to audition for years), Brooke is as boring as it gets. A great role model and a beautiful girl for sure, but not the most unique, talented, or interesting.

Carly Smithson - 24, Dublin, Ireland (now San Diego, CA)

The Powers that Be want her in the finale, and to the finale she shall go, as a result of maximum Idol pimpage. I love the accent and definitely think she's a unique individual, however if I'm being honest I'm sick of her already.

Joanne Borgella - 25 Hopoken, NJ

I think this girl is beautiful and talented, however I do wish she'd quit bringing up the weight issue - if there is one thing AI is not it's size-ist. She's half of Rueben, Mandisa and LaKisha, and I don't recall any of them ever complaining about their weight.

Kady Malloy - 18 Houston, TX

She is probably my favorite Interchangeable Blonde, but that's not saying much. She's cute and will probably go down the road of The Pickler instead of Britney (which is preferable to fading away into obscurity I suppose).

Kristy Lee Cook - 24 Selma, OK

After seeing her perform in front of a Confederate flag, I have nothing good to say about KKKristy, and hope she is the first Interchangeable Blonde to hit the road. (Does that make me prejudice about prejudice?)

Ramiele Malubay - 20 Miramar, FL

I like this girl, but I think I like Asia'h more. I don't think there's room in the top 12 for the both of them, and Ramiele probably has the edge.

Syesha Mercado - 21 Miami, FL

Although losing her voice during Hollywood week may have been a ploy for more screentime, she's got my vote. I was BLOWN AWAY by her final audition.

The boys, the boys:

Chikezie Eze - 22 Inglewood, CA

Best. Name. Ever. It's also the most likely to be misspelled. He comes from the ghetto (always a plus when they are working their way up) and seems very likable. Top 12...maybe.

Colton Berry - 17 Staunton, VA

Can't stand this guy. He sang Aladdin's "Whole New World" (poorly) for crying out loud. Be gone.

Danny Noriega - 18 Azusa, CA

I live just minutes from Azusa, so I gotta show some support for the local boy. I wasn't particularly impressed with his audition, but he's growing on me. And what personality!

David Archuleta - 17 Salt Lake City, UT

David #1 is nice, sweet and cute, much like a puppy. I try not to kick puppies, but if he continues his trend of lame song choices, mediocre performances and the aw-shucks routine in reaction to the judges mega-hype I won't be able to stop myself.

David Cook - 25 Tulsa, OK

Hate this guy. He and his wannabe edgyness irk me to the core. Unfortunately, I predict he'll be around for at least three or four weeks. Ugh.

David Hernandez - 24 Phoenix, AZ

David #3 has a very Rudy Cardenas vibe about him. I predict he'll last longer than Rudy (though not too much more) and that his song choices will continue to be cheesy and uber-annoying.

Garret Haley 17 - Elida, OH

His big-band hair scares me. Haven't heard him sing but I do not have high hopes for this one.

Jason Castro 20 - Rowlett, TX

Everyone likes a guy with dreads. Other than that, I haven't seen or heard enough of him to judge.

Jason Yeager - 28 Grand Prarie, TX

Who?

Luke Menard - 29 Crawfordsville, IN

I think he and the rock 'n roll nurse should hook up. They both love motorcycles and are from Indiana. He looks like a cross between Luke Perry and Orlando Bloom. As far as who he sounds like...couldn't tell ya. Gone within two weeks.

Michael Johns - 29 Atlanta, GA (formerly Australia)

I see him either duking it out with Carly in the finale or having a Daughtry-esque exit sooner than everyone expects. He's definitely a favorite and his accent is to die for, but the more I look at him the more I am reminded of Rufus from Gossip Girl. I was forced to cross Michael off of my list of potential conquests when it was revealed that he a) is married, b) is not a vegetarian, and c) stole his former band's songs. But hey, nobody's perfect.

Robbie Carrico - 26 Melbourne, FL

Real rockers don't sing Bryan Adams. Enough said.

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So tell me...who are you digging? Who would you like to dump? And, are you ready to get this road on the show?