Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame Theme: Song Suggestions

Next week the Final Four will be singing songs that helped shape and inspire rock 'n roll according to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. Which basically means that they can choose any two songs off of this list, provided that the artist is willing to give up the rights (so far, U2 has been off limits). I was briefly excited about the theme, until I actually read the list. Looks like AI is finally making up for (read: getting us back after) cutting the group numbers during Hollywood Week. Lots of great artists, but not necessarily their best songs. The list also contains an alarming number of songs that have already been performed this season, or were a mega-smash with a previous contestant like Bo and Chris and therefore cannot be touched. Oh boy.

Here goes:

THE ROCKER: Everyone assumes this will be D-Cook's week to shine, but for me, he shines every week and I don't think the list of songs to choose from is going to do him any favors. He's also going to have to try and dig deeper than the more obvious choices and be on top of his game (I really hope get gets that much needed vocal rest). I am unenthusiastically suggesting David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust," "Back in Black" (AC/DC) and a hipper unplugged version of "Layla" than when Eric Clapton covered it. DC's brother Adam has expressed a love for Duran Duran and presumably wants him to cover something by them, however the only choice on the list is "Hungry Like the Wolf" and I'm not feelin' it. Also, before ya'll go crazy with the Nirvana suggestion of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," DC has said he isn't a fan of theirs (although that song ironically suits him the best). Maybe he'll take one for the team.

THE DIVA: Does anyone really care what Syesha sings? "Respect," and "Chain of Fools" are the obvious choices, but I'd rather she talk a half-step outside the box with "When Doves Cry" (the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack version) and "Summertime Blues" by Eddie Cochran (which Jason could also do).

THE DREADHEAD: Jason would do good with "Hotel California" (The Eagles), "No Woman, No Cry" (Bob Marley), "American Pie" by Don McLean, my previous suggestions of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" and The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" (although I'm sure we've all had enough Beatles for one season).

THE JAIL BAIT: And for Archie we have "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 (simply because it is less painful than "ABC") and the Danny Noriega version of "Proud Mary."

Consensus?

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?

Song Suggestions: Mariah Carey Theme

Next week the top 7 will be singing Mariah Carey songs according to FOX's official press release. There was a rumor that the contestants would be limited to Mariah #1's, however Carly's song choice has leaked and it confirms that, a) they are NOT limited to her #1's, and b) as with Dolly week, they can do songs Mariah merely covered.

And yes, American Idol is personifying hypocrisy by choosing this theme when contestants are always told not to attempt to cover Mariah, Whitney and Celine.

I can tell you right now that the b-3 will contain our weakest vocalists: Kristy, Brooke, and Jason with *fingers-crossed* She-Cook getting the boot since there's no way in hell Mimi will allow her to countrify one of her songs.

Here are my song suggestions:

Carly: Since we already know what Carly's singing and I agree that it's a good choice for her, I won't suggest anything else, and I'll post her spoiler in the comments section.

He-Cook: The Word Nerds have come to a general consensus that our boy should sing "My All" however I do not concur. Fortunately Mariah covered Journey's "Open Arms" so I'm going with that.

She-Cook: I'm suggesting "Fantasy," my strategy being that we don't want to hear Kristy attempt a diva ballad and she doesn't do as well with upbeat songs so it's a win-win.

Archie: I expect something along the lines of "Hero" or "Open Arms" but find "I Don't Wanna Cry" well-suited to him and am therefore going with that.

Diva Wannabe: Talk about a silver platter. Syesha could do ANYTHING in the Mariah songbook and be safe. Because I don't want to hear another diva ballad I'm suggesting the more current and upbeat R&B stuff like "We Belong Together" and "Don't Forget About Us."

Castro: Oh Jason, I'm sorry. Think you could swing an acoustic version of "Hero"? That's the best I could come up with.

Brooke: "Music Box" works for me. Good luck!

As for our recently ousted Aussie who belonged in the top 7, AI's gift to you is that you will not have to sing a Mariah song. (Although I'm told he was going to go with something bluesy.)

What would you like to hear? What wouldn't you like to hear? And how many diva "moments" do you think Mimi will have on the show? I'm guessing at least six...

Hello Dolly: Song Suggestions/Predictions

Despite several desperate pleas to the AI gods, the theme for the top 9 has been confirmed to be limited to Dolly Parton songs, not just any ole honky tonk badonkadonk. Not sure if they'll be allowed to do songs Dolly merely covered instead of wrote, but I'm *crossing my fingers* and suggesting some anyway. I approached the research aspect of this post like a drive-by: get in, get it done and get the hell out of there. Unfortunately, in this scenario, I am both the shooter and the shoot-ee, as I found myself left behind with self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The doctor is pessimistically optimistic that I will recover, although I won't be out of the woods until after all is said and done next week.

I can't say that I actually WANT to hear any of this stuff but I did my best:

KLC (Who Will Probably Close the Show and Advance to the Next Round Simply Because She is the Resident Country Bumpkin this Year): I see her doing "Islands in the Stream" although a few others have suggested "9 to 5." If she wants to go all-out and pander to middle America again, Dolly has done both "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain." The most tolerable song I came across for her is "Wild Flowers." I also think she should wear a ridiculously sparkly Dolly inspired dress, just because.

MJ: Dolly has covered "Crimson and Clover," "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Blowin' in the Wind," and I'm recommending them in that order.

Ramiele: Looks like she and Syesha will be battling it out for "I Will Always Love You," but if she loses the coin toss I suggest "Starting Over Again."

Jason: "But You Know That I Love You" or "Only Dreamin'." (I didn't write down any notes as to why, and I don't dare go back to the scene of the crime to re-listen.)

Syesha: Again, odds are that she'll do the Whitney version of "I Will Always Love You," but if not I recommend "9 to 5" so she can show some personality.

Carly: "Jolene," "Turn, Turn, Turn," "Think About Love" or "Light of a Clear Blue Morning. " In that order.

D-Cook: Alright, well the White Stripes did a cover of "Jolene" so odds are that's what we'll be hearing, but I have a few alternate suggestions: I'd kinda like to see him throw his hat in the ring for "I Will Always Love You" because his rendition would probably be more enjoyable than a diva-fied one. And while I'm normally not one for religious songs, there's a Desperado-esque feeling to "He's Alive" that he might be able to work with. Last but not least there's "Where do the Children Play."

Brooke: I've seen a lot of people suggesting "Jolene" for Brooke which would be fine, but I'd prefer "Here You Come Again" or "Please Don't Stop Loving Me."

Archie: I see him doing "9 to 5" in the same spirit he did "Shop Around." However, if he wants to preach to us again, Dolly did a cover of Elvis's "In the Ghetto." Or perhaps he'll be the one to do "The Star Spangled Banner" or simply resurrect "Imagine" again.

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Agree? Disagree? What would you like to hear?

Song Suggestions: Songs from Year of Birth

Next week's theme has been confirmed by a FOX press release. The top 10 will be singing songs from the year they were born, which basically means it's 80's week again with two exceptions. Coincidentally, they're performing this on Jason Castro's (21st!) birthday. Expect astrological sign info in the contestant videos, 'cuz that's what they did last time.

Here are my suggestions:

Michael (1978): Will Michael resist the urge to sing Queen again? Should he? A quick glance at the list of 1978 hits reveals that MJ could handle pretty much anything on the list (save for the Bee Gees stuff), so his challenge will be picking something memorable that he can connect with. I'm suggesting "Come Sail Away" by STYX or The Commodores "Three Times A Lady."

D-Cook (1982): My top choices are "Hurts so Good" by John Mellencamp, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Jenny (867-5309)." However (as random as it sounds) I think if he wants to slow things down he could slay Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind" the way he did "Hello."

Brooke (1983): "Back on the Chain Gang" by The Pretenders or The Carpenters' "Rainy Days and Mondays." I'm hoping she doesn't do Stevie Nicks, 'cuz me no likey Stevie Nicks.

Carly (1983): Carly's going to be back with a vengeance after landing in the b-3, and Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" would make for a stellar comeback. Otherwise, "Making Love out of Nothing at All" by Air Supply.

Kristy (1984): Back away from the Cyndi Lauper, Kristy. I freakin' hate Dolly Parton's "Islands in the Stream," which is part of the reason it would be a fitting choice. I could also see her doing a solo version of "Almost Paradise."

Chikezie (1985): "I Feel for You" (Chaka Khan) or "Suddenly" (Billy Ocean).

Jason (1987): U2's "With or Without You" (yes I know it's a stretch vocally), Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" (ahhh...Josiah...) or Chris De Burgh's "Lady in Red." In that order.

Ramiele (1987): I know Rami's going to want the safety of a ballad this week, but none of them jump out at me so instead I'm suggesting Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a Place on Earth."

Syesha (1987): While "You Keep Me Hangin' On" is a bit ironic, it's really the only song on the list that suits her, especially compared to my previous suggestion of "Funky Town."

Archuleta (1990): If Archie does MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice or the Humpty Dance I swear I will vote for him. But since that will never happen I am forced to recommend a song I don't agree with a 17-year old singing, by an artist I despise: Michael Bolton's "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You." Oddly enough, I can actually hear him doing "Black Velvet" and doing it well, although it might be too damn edgy for the lil puppy.

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What are your thoughts and suggestions?

Song Suggestions for the Top 12 - Beatles Theme

Next week the top 12 will be performing early Lennon/McCartney songs the Beatles released from 1962-1966.

Here are my song suggestions:

David Cook: "What You're Doing" or "Day Tripper"

Kristy: "If I Fell"

Archuleta: "Paperback Writer" or "Girl"

Castro: "Norweigan Wood," "Yesterday" or "If I Fell"

Carly: "In My Life"

Hernandez: "Things We Said Today" or "No Reply"

Michael: "And I Love Her" or "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"

Brooke: "I'll Follow the Sun"

Amanda: "Drive My Car" or "You Can't Do That"

Chikezie: "For No One" or "She's a Woman"

Ramiele: "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" (the "Across the Universe" soundtrack version)

Smirkado: "Any Time at All"

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Agree? Disagree? Have different suggestions?

Totally 80's Song Suggestions

Next week the Top 16 will perform hits from the 80's. We've been hearing that the contestants are limited to a list of 50 songs to choose from, so I'm basing my recommendations on iTune's 80's pop #1's, 80's hits (with a strong emphasis on the top 50) and 80's ladies.

First off, let's highlight a few songs NO one should do:

-Any Cyndi Lauper, but especially "Time After Time" - it did not go over so well with the last two Idols who attempted it.

-"Maniac" - after the side-splitting Kia commercial with the dancing car salesman, this song can never again be taken seriously.

-"Celebration" - unless they want Mr. Happy to call them a "ghastly wedding singer"

-"I Love Rock 'n Roll" - How many times did we hear this during auditions?

-"Against All Odds" - officially the most oversung number on Idol at 5 times in 6+ seasons. 10 bucks says Archuleta does it.

Here's what I recommend instead:

Aussie: It's too bad only the title of "Down Under" is really fitting for Michael. I'm suggesting either "Free Fallin'" or "Gimme All Your Lovin'" but I'm not totally satisfied with either.

J-Cast: If you want to play it safe, I second IdolJenn's previous suggestion of UB40's "Red, Red Wine." If you want to take a walk on the wild side and change things up: "Jessie's Girl." (Either way, ignore Paula and keep the guitar.)

Rocker Cook: I'd kinda like to see his take on "Jenny (8675-309)," but it's probably safer to go with Journey's "Anyway You Want it" if only for bonus points from Jackson. Please, no G&R.

Noriega: I think Danny could turn out a fabulous version of "Oh Sheila," "I'm Comin' Out" and anything by Cher, but what I really want to hear is Boy George's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" Wedding Singer style.

Pretty Boy with the High Voice: It's "Eye of the Tiger" for Luke, and the mute button for me.

Gollygeewillikers Boy: I'm going to suggest "Only Love," but does it really matter what Archuleta sings at this point?

The Token Black Guy: MJ's "Rock With You" but only if you put your soul innit.

Rudy Hernandez: If Chikezie don't do MJ, then you can. Otherwise it's "Just Got Paid" 'N SYNC style.

The Irish Chick: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - this is the song that landed Jessica Sierra in the top 12 in season 4, and even though she's a hot mess now, it was an awesome performance and is well suited to Carly's voice.

The Nanny: Please, no Stevie Nicks. How about either "Back on the Chain Gang" or (even though it couldn't touch the Jessica Simpson version) "Take My Breath Away" instead?

Krazee Eyez: I'm suggesting Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven is a Place on Earth" for Kristy.

Cruella: Either "Addicted to Love" or "Hit Me with Your Best Shot," although I do think she could also do a mean version of "Dancin' with Myself."

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: What are the odds that Asia'h doesn't attempt a diva song? I hope she resists the urge to sing Whitney or Tina and instead sings "Love is a Battlefield."

Kady Spears: "I Think We're Alone Now" or "Straight Up" but she should do them as Britney.

Smirkado: If Asia'h doesn't sing a diva song then Syesha probably will, but I say she try "Funkytown" instead.

Lullaby: Nevermind the nickname, you've got one of the best voices left in the competition. Showcase it on either Bette Midler's "The Rose" or Sinead's "Nothing Compares 2 U."