American Idol Season 7 Blog:

Tonight, the men kicked off the audience voting with a 60s theme night.  Let’s get it started…

David Hernandez was up first, singing “Wait Till The Midnight Hour”.  Interesting arrangement, allowing him to take work his way through it, though he hit a wrong note near the end.  Not very memorable, but serviceable.

Chikezie, winning the word for the best smile and enthusiasm was next.  Unfortunately he started off flat, and his collar disheveled, but picked it up and made a very good showing.  Joe Music got a very strong Teddy Pendergrass vibe from him.  He decided to take it to Simon for dissing his song and attire choices, and that’s probably not going to bode well for him.

Representing the “Show Me State”, David Cook took a risk with “Happy Together” and once again was….flat.  Joe Music wonders if they need to give the contestants some pointers on working with the monitors.  And with the kerchief hanging out of his back pocket and carrying the mike stand around he just looked like a goof.  Surprisingly, Randy and Paula liked it and Simon was pleased.  Odd.

So, what to say about Jason Yeager that can’t be found on the side of a soup can?  With the hair style by Storm, he sauntered through “Moon River”, decidedly winning over the ladies in the retirement villages across the land.  What’s that?  They’re already asleep?  Too bad.  A young Donnie Osmond comes to mind too…

This year’s male rocker is Robbie Carrico, and Joe Music wondered if he would struggle with the 60s.  He dived into “One” with an Axel Rose getup and did surprisingly well in keeping with the tradition of the song while putting his own personality into it.  A little karaoke-ish, but Joe Music was pleased, as was Simon.

The gem in this group is definitely David Archuleta, and he showed maturity beyond his 17 years in performing “Shop Around”.  He avoided the Disney-esque performance and demonstrated to the other guys how its done.  Joe Music sees him easily making it to the 10 Finalists and possibly further.  Oh, and what did he flub on that last note?  Next up was his nearest competition….

Danny Noriega, who needs to watch is Mika impersonation and try to “Man Up”.  Well, he didn’t tonight, channeling Sanjaya instead (Simon thought is was grotesque how he maligned ‘Jailhouse Rock’).  Too bad.  He coulda been a contenda…

Luke Menard has the looks and voice, but again took a safe approach with a John Denver number.  The arrangement was milquetoast and the performance wasn’t too much better.

Where did Colton Berry come from?  Doesn’t matter.  Snark.

Peter Frampton Leif Garrett Garrett Haley risks becoming the next Justin Guarini but did a good but sophomoric performance tonight.  Better than most.

Jason Castro picked up his guitar for “Daydream”.  Corny.  Like a toothpaste commercial.  He looked like Sarah Silverman doing an SNL spoof.  The judges liked it. Joe Music wasn’t impressed.

The final performance of the night came from Michael Johns, who Joe Music was looking forward to.  Singing The Doors “Light My Fire” he did a little yelling but his stage presence kept him in the Top 3 performances of the evening.

Overall Joe Music goes into Season 7 with the blahs.  Maybe it’s just because it’s Season 7.  Maybe it’s that I’m hungry and trying to take a calorie break from the holidays.  Things have got to get better and I’m looking forward to the women tomorrow night.  I’m sensing a train wreck coming on, what about you?

JoeMusic Out!