American Idol Recap: Top 20 - The Top Ten Men

Tonight the Top 10 men of American Idol’s Top 20 were performing on the AI stage. After Ryan’s intro and the basics of introducing the judges, the men were ready to sing their songs. There isn’t much to say about the judges. If you’ve seen them once you’ve seen them 100 times. Paula looked drunk, Randy was playin’ gangsta’, and Simon looked like he walked out of a Neman Marcus catalogue.

According to Ryan, tonight’s songs are all from the 70s.

Up first is Michael Johns.

What he wore: A t-shirt and jeans. He was wearing his normal attire and looked good, as always.

What he sang: “Go your Own Way”

How he sounded: When I heard him I was shocked. I have liked him from the beginning, but he was on his own here. The song was off. It didn’t sound right at all. He sounded like he was shouting and it just felt like an altogether, uncomfortable performance. I don’t think it will affect him being here next week, thank goodness, but had there been less contestants he could have been in trouble.

What the judges said: Randy liked it a little bit. There were some issues in the beginning, but it was alright. Paula loved it and loved him. Simon felt that it was the wrong song for him and didn’t know why he would pick something like that.

Jason Castro was up next. They showed a really dopey intro with him talking about not being good at talking. Then came his song, which he did while playing guitar.

What he wore: Flowery pattern shirt and jeans

What he sang: Nothing I recognized

How he sounded: He sounded alright…there were some moments that I wasn’t really into, but for the most part it was fine. I can’t say I was jumping out of my seat, but he didn’t make me vomit, either, so you can take that for what it’s worth. It was average.

Judges Comments: Randy felt the guitar was cool, but the vocals weren’t that great. They were okay. Paula didn’t think it was that bad, but he made a cleaver choice of song. She would like to see him without the guitar and to become more vulnerable as an artist. Simon thought the song was horrible and it didn’t suit his voice. It just didn’t go together.

Luke Menard was the next to perform. He sang a song by Queen. He also mentioned he used to be in an a cappela singing group that has toured worldwide for years.

What he wore: Button down, open midway and jeans…

What he sang: “Killer Queen”

How he sounded: I don’t know what was up with him tonight, but this song just sounded off. He was breathy, it sounded like he forgot some of his words. He was too high, or sounding goofy. It was just entirely awkward. The audience didn’t even know how to react when he sang. He acted like he was doing a good job, but he definitely looked like he was the only one that thought that.

What the judges said: Randy liked him better because he picked a difficult song. It was pretty good. Paula was glad that the song worked out for him and that it was a good week for him. Simon felt the performance was a mistake. You are going to be judged by the original. The original singer had charisma, which caused Luke to look bad. It was whiny.

Robbie Carrico, the rocker guy was up next. He was looking stylish in comparison to last week. He is out there to “be me”, and if people like Simon don’t like him, they need to get used to him. His little segment informed us that Robbie is a drag racer, in addition to being a singer.

What he Wore: Button down shirt, jeans, and boots. His hair was done, and looked much nicer than last week.

What he Sang: “Hot Blooded”

How he sounded: Every year AI has a rocker and this year Robbie is vying for the position. He sounded decent. He didn’t really go out and try to stretch his vocal ability at all. That being said he sounded better than those that went up before him. I am sure that he won’t be my favorite, but it was the best so far.

What the judges said: Randy agreed that there are different types of rock, but doesn’t know if Robbie is a real rocker. It was okay though. Paula knows that he knows who he is even if someone else doesn’t agree. He played it safe though and sometimes it causes you to lose your character. You need to give it your all. Simon liked the vocal. He thought it was okay.

Danny Noriega, the lead contender for “Vote for the Worst” was up next. His secret is that he was in a punk rock band. Well, for one performance anyway.

What he wore: A White button down, a checkered sweater, and slacks

What he sang: “Superstar”

How he sounded: The song is better than it was last week, but it still isn’t that great. He looks nice on camera, but he seems like he is nervous and overcompensating. It’s not even about whether he can sing or not. He just seems somewhat off. It’s better, like I said, but right now he’s going to need the help of VFTW to stay in this thing.

What the judges said: Randy is a fan. The song should have been sped up. He’s got a good voice, but the vocals weren’t great. Just let it go. Paula loves Danny’s vocal skill. Don’t over think it. Just go out and perform. Simon thought last week was a disaster. This week is better. He does stand out though and that’s good.

David Hernandez came up after the commercial break. David’s surprise was that he was a male gymnast and he went to the Grand Canyon Olympics.

What he wore: T-shirt, jacket, and jeans.

What he sang: “Papa was a Rolling Stone”

How he sounded: I have to give it to him. This was the showstopper so far. The vocals were rocking. The performance was fun, interactive, and had people dancing. He sounded great and looked like a star. If he keeps it up, I have no doubt that he will be a contender in this thing. He was by far the best singer of the night. It was hot.

What the judges said: Randy felt this was the guy that he fell in love with. That’s how to put it down. It was hot. Paula loves the purity of his voice. The notes were amazing. The personality came out and nothing was overdone. It was just perfect. Simon loved it. It was the best vocal of the night so far. Simon likes the fact that he takes criticism and makes it a challenge. He wasn’t a fan at first, but now he’s beginning to change his mind.

Jason Yeager was up and mentioned that he taught himself to play numerous instruments, including drums, piano, and guitar.

What he Wore: Black Striped Button Down and Slacks

What he Sang: “Without Love”

How he sounded: He was feeling himself, for sure. He was alright, but I don’t think he was as good as he thought he was. I found it more amusing because it seemed like he was trying so hard to be entertaining that he ended up having that Taylor Hicks vibe, where he looked kind of challenged on stage rather than looking like a singer. He was happy with his performance though. I guess that’s what counts.

What the judges said: Randy didn’t like the song. He didn’t do himself justice. It was pitchy and he didn’t get it. Paula had fun seeing this side of him. He picked a song that didn’t show off his voice. Simon felt last week was boring and this week was awkward and ordinary. It was a horrendous ending and it made him sound like he was drunk. He’s a good singer that is not a good performer.

Chikezie was up next and according to Ryan he would be busting out some Donny Hathaway. His big secret that America wouldn’t know about him is that his name is Nigerian and means ‘well created by God’. Most people end up mispronouncing his name.

What he wore: A blue polo shirt over a green polo shirt and some jeans.

What he sang: “I Believe”

How he sounded: He had a little bit of the karaoke vibe going on. The song was meant to be fun and get people moving, but it was just kind of goofy. He was second behind David Hernandez when the performance value comes into play. It was obvious that he loved the song and had a good time with it. It made the song better than it would have been if we were judging on just vocals.

What the judges said: Randy liked him and claims Chikezie is back! That was blazing and he was having fun. He’s in it, to win it. Paula thought it was clever. It was brilliant and it was fun. Simon was speechless. He looked better and sounded better. He was a million times better than last week.

Then there was David Cook. He’s a word nerd and digs puzzles and such. He’s a vocab hottie.

What he wore: Black patterned t-shirt, jeans, and an electric guitar

What he sang: “All Right Now”

How he sounded: I have to say that David is a much better rocker than Robbie. I hate to compare the two, but since AI usually only has the one big rocker, I have to give props to David Cook. He sounded great, had the guitar working and the performance was fly. People were loving it. He sounded good. Being a fan of rock, I loved it.

What the judges said: Randy loved that he’s the real rocker for the year. It was a cool song and it worked out. Paula loved the band who is on fire. As for David, he’s the real deal and he’s got it. It was smart and fun. Simon felt it was solid and believable. The film clip prior to the song was boring and he doesn’t have loads of charisma. David shot back that he was glad that he doesn’t need to win Simon over. He needs to win America over. Boy, was Simon pissed.

Finally, the last performance of the night was David Archuleta. This was one I was looking forward to based on his amazing performance last week. When his name was announced a cheering section stood up, screaming their excitement that he would be on.

David’s fact is that he got to meet the AI season one finalists. He sang for them and they were really positive to him.

What he wore: T-shirt, Leather Jacket, and Jeans

What he sang: “Imagine”

How he sounded: This is one of those tender songs. John Lennon was a musical god so for anyone to try and emulate what he created is sacrilegious in its own right. That being said, I felt he changed the performance enough to not step on John’s toes. Though John will always be the best singer of this song. There is no comparison. He added a little modern spin to it, changed some chords, and made it his own. For that, I appreciate him as a singer, and I truly believe he will be in the middle of things when this competition comes to an end.

What the judges said: Randy loved it. That was one of the best vocals he has ever heard on the show. He was born to do this and it was brilliant. Paula wanted to squish him and dangle him from her rear view mirror. It was one of the most moving performances that she has ever heard. Simon felt it was risky to do a John Lennon song, but it turned out beautifully. He is the one to beat.

The Best: This evening was similar to last week. There were only a few performers I liked. David Cook sounded much better than he did last week. David Archuleta was the stand out performance of the night with David Hernandez a very, very close second. Michael Johns usually sounds good, but tonight wasn’t his night.

The Worst: Danny Noriega went through another sad night by offering a poor performance. My guess for definitely going home is Jason Yeager while his performance was funny, it wasn’t really anything but that. Jason Castro might go home as well, because he is not that memorable.

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