The show kicks, or stumbles, off with a really bad tribute medley of Neil Diamond songs. They either end to take more time to practice the group numbers or just eliminate them all together. First out to the stage to learn his post Neil Diamond fate is Jason Castro who is safe for another week. Next to the stage is David Archuleta who is also safe and heads to the couches with Jason. After a preview the upcoming season of So You Think You Can Dance, David Cook takes the stage with Ryan. He is safe and we have all three boys moving on to next week. So that leaves Brook and Syesha in the bottom two. For once the viewers got it right. I thought that Brook would wiggle her way out again so I predicted Jason to be there instead, but thankfully I was wrong.

The girls are left to worry as Neil Diamond and Natasha Bedingfield take the stage. Natasha sings her single Pocket Full of Sunshine and totally embarrassed Archuleta when she ran over and gave him a hug after the song and told him that she would go to the prom with him. Audience calls were pretty uneventful until Simon’s first kiss (at the age of nine) calls and asks if her kiss was more memorable than Paula’s. Gotta love an uncomfortable Simon but he admits that Tara (the caller) was totally his first crush. Aww how cute. Neil Diamond takes the stage before the final results are given on the bottom two. After all is said and done Syesha is safe and Brook is going home. Good call America!

The models get to business after short spurt of cattiness. The models train as gladiators for a shoot in ancient Roman ruins. The whole time Fatima looked confused and Anya looked like a mannequin. The girls change into their fighting garb only to be facing Ms. J and Jay. Time for a photo challenge that includes battle photos with huge manly gladiators. Whitney and Anya do a great job, Fatima seems scared of the gladiator, Dominique managed to do odd yoga poses, and Katarzyna was just boring. The winner of 1000 Euro and the challenge is Whitney.

The girls ready themselves for their Renaissance inspired photo shoot with photographer… Tyra. Oh goodness, more Tyra talking about Tyra. The girls are super nervous about posing for her. First up is Katarzyna and it turns into Tyra posing, of course, to show her how to do it. Dominique took some good pictures but looked like Cruella Devil. Fatima was graceful and fluid and she really impressed both Tyra and Jay. Whitney was ok but had to play down her curves. Anya shoot was sort of brushed over but she seemed to do a good job.

At panel the judges has nothing bad to say to Anya or Fatima. Dominique’s out fit got destroyed at panel but her shot was praised. Katarzyna was given the same critique as in past weeks; she needs to push and give personality. Whitney was told that she was too posey and gets stuck in the same few poses. After much deliberation the judges bring back the models and the first picture goes to Fatima (Dominique looked furious), second is Dominique, third is Anya. The final two girls standing are Katarzyna who is told that she is coasting and doesn’t stick out and Whitney who is told that she is stunning in person but it doesn’t show in her photos. In the end it is Whitney who surprisingly stays and Katarzyna is sent home.

The night’s recap of yesterdays tumultuous and somewhat chaotic episode showed the injuries, the arguments, and, oh yeah, the dances.  We learned today that Cristian is okay (he ruptured a tendon) and Def Leopard has a secret love of ballroom.  The judges chose to see Jason and Edyta’s quickstep one more time before elimination time. The first safe couple is Kristi & Mark.

Kenny Mayne and Jerry Rice bring last year’s hit “Dance Center” back to the show and break down each contestant while wearing glitter, eye makeup, and flashy shirts.  Always funny and one of the better time wasters used in this show J Now its time for some Arena Rock; Pour Some Sugar on Me. Gotta love the randomness of the combination of Def Leopard and ballroom. The next safe couple is Mario & Karina.  More Def Leopard with the pros dancing and then time for more eliminations. The last four couples stand nervously to see if there fate lies under a red light. After talking to Cristian about his injured and pending surgery, the first of the four couples given the relief of safety is Cristian & Cheryl; gotta love that pity vote. The first couple in the bottom two is Marissa & Tony. Jason & Edyta are safe putting Shannon & Derek in the bottom two.  With little buildup Shannon and Derek are sent packing.  I guess yelling about toe leads, hip action, and unfair judging gets you nowhere. Haha

 

Ready for a little Neal Diamond? I hope so because the finalists will each be singing two of the legend’s hits.  After Carly’s surprising departure last week, some of the finalists better thank their lucky stars and bring their best this week. (cough-Brook-cough)

Jason Castro

Song 1: Forever in Blue Jeans

Overview: With his guitar back in his hands, Jason’s first song was him as he likes best.  The song was simple and soulful.  Nothing new but nothing bad – and ending with that spectacular smile of his doesn’t hurt.

Song 2: September Morn

Overview: Another slow song choice for Jason, and not an easy song to sing. He seemed to not be trying by the end of the song and almost didn’t sing the last note. 

Judges:

        R- Another ok performance

P- Took the same liberty on both songs

S- Don’t recognize you, no attempt to make it your own, forgettable

David Cook

Song 1: I’m Alive

Overview: This is a less famous Diamond song.  David sings the fast anthem with more emotion than he seems to have had in past weeks.  The song sounds professional and he played along on his electric guitar.

Song 2: All I Really Need to You

Overview: Now playing an acoustic guitar, Cook brings back the raspy yet strong vocals that viewers have fallen in love with. The song started slow and quite then built gradually into a sort oh new vue power ballad that showcased his vocal strength.  Another winner for Cook!

Judges:

R- Blazing, rocked the house

P- Already looking at the American Idol

S- First song ok, second song brilliant

Brook White

Song 1: I’m a believer

Overview: I love this song and it is one of the most famous Diamond written songs but Brook did not do it justice in my opinion.  Her voice sounded shaky and she looked like a deer in headlights standing perfectly still through the entire song. The song was entertaining enough and I’m sure it will win her some votes unfortunately.  

Song 2: I am I Said

Overview: At the piano and lyrics written on her hand brook takes on a tough song. She did a better than fair job with this song.  It was a lot better than her first with more personality and an overall better vocal performance.

Judges:

R- Nice job

P- Shows vulnerability

S- Hated the first song, second song is the Brook he likes

David Archuleta

Song 1: Sweet Caroline

Overview: David started out with a few uncharacteristically flat notes but he fixed the problem quickly. The song didn’t seem like a good fit for him but he did a good job with it but it was far from his best performance with some rushed moments and faltering notes.

Song 2: America

Overview: This was a predictable song choice here. Over all the song was good, but he had a voice crack and a couple off pitches. He did have a few great moments with a good key change and a strong ending.

Judges:

R- Another good performance

P- Voice so on point

S- Smart choice of song

Syesha Mercado

Song 1: Hello Again

Overview: Syesha had some of the same problems that David did.  She missed a few of the notes in the verse but she came strong when the pitch of the song goes up.  She also hit a few good high notes after the weak key change that the audience seemed to take a liking to.  Perhaps they will remember the high notes and forget issues.

Song 2: Thank the Lord for the Night Time

Overview: This retro song was a great fit for a shoeless Syesha who still had a few pitch problems but worked the stage and the crowd.  It was a good song choice and she ended the show on a high point.

Judges:

R- Finally realizing who you are

P- Beautiful voice on the first song, and the second was a true performance

S- A very good actress stroke singer, but may be in trouble tonight

Um perhaps Paula really is on something, she was giving Jason notes on a song that he didn’t sing yet and then said it was hard to write and listen at the same time… not sure what’s going on with that women.  Anyway, Diamond night was less than impressive.  I suppose I should make a lame joke about the value of diamonds plummeting or something but I can’t think of anything.  Tomorrows bottom two will be Jason and Syesha though I think that Brook deserves to be there just as much as the other too.  Stay tuned to see what happens tomorrow.

Shayne, Amanda, and Chelsea take off with Matt to Barbados for fun in the sun and romance on the beach. Shayne has the first date while on the island and the two walk down the beach, jet ski, water trampoline, and make out in the water.  Shayne says multiple times that she is falling in love with Matt; wonder if that’s the truth. The couple seem to open up to each other over dinner and Shayne admits that she plays up the dumb blonde act at times and later tells Matt that she is falling in love with him.  He returns her sentiments but who knows if he will say the same to the others. Shayne gives up her separate room and opts to stay with Matt over night after a bit of hesitation. 

Amanda gets Matt of day two. These two don’t seem to have the same chemistry as Matt and Shayne. The date includes zip lining, a lot or woo hoo-ing, and then dinner on the beach.  The date seems forced as Amanda attempts to open up and Matt seems a bit receptive. (She also used the word ‘like’ about 312 times and it was like so like annoying). Amanda chooses to stay with Matt in the fantasy suite as well even though she was nervous that he wouldn’t offer.

The final date of the trip is with Chelsea who has been hot and cold with Matt throughout the duration of the show.  Matt thought that the date was awkward and that Chelsea was a million miles away.  She didn’t want to hold hands with Matt and put off his attempts at any closeness.  The two seemed to be on two different dates and spent more time with the sea turtles than with each other.  Matt seemed really upset when they got back into port. Dinner starts out just as bad as Chelsea defends her actions throughout the day.  She says that she is drawing away from him because she doesn’t like the other girls being there and she doesn’t want to get hurt. He offers her the fantasy suite invite. She, somewhat surprisingly, excepts the key and stays the night with Matt.  They finally connect and Chelsea seems to be in to him at last as she sheds her tomboyish-ness and puts on a long black (night?) gown.  She made her intentions more than clear. Not sure how this is all going to turn out.

Rose Ceremony- Matt is not looking forward to breaking someone’s heart but he has no choice.  The girls all look anxious and jittery as Matt picks up the first rose.  The rose goes to Shayne who is emotional upon hearing her name.  The last rose goes to Chelsea. 

Amanda is left without a rose and has to go home.  Amanda and Matt have always seemed a bit superficial around each other but I thought that Chelsea had ruined it for herself but she pulled it out.  Amanda is mad and defensive when Matt tries to talk to her after the decision.  He tells her that everything that he has ever said to her is true but he feels more with the other two girls and she takes it really hard.  It must really suck to get dumped on national television… oh well.

Now that we are down to six couples each are required to perform two individual dances; a Latin and a ballroom.  The pressure is mounting and I’m sure someone is going to crumble.  Some of the celebs have struggled with one dance, how are they going to handle in the same short amount of time? I guess we will just have to watch and see.

Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani

Dance 1- The tango was smooth and upbeat. Marissa had very good posture and was clean in all of her movements. The judges said that it was her best dance ever and showed a completely new side of her. Score 27/30

Dance 2- The rumba is one of the sexier Latin dances and Marissa seemed to struggle with the idea. She had little to know hip movement in the dance and they didn’t move much across the floor.  The footwork was stronger than usual and she did move gracefully. The judges thought that the dance was romantic but not sexy enough. Score 25/30

Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke

Dance 1- The Viennese waltz was not one of Cristian’s best.  It seemed choppy and he looked like he was counting. He seemed to slip back into leading with his heels. The judges said that he used the floor brilliantly but lacked energy and content. Score 25/30

Dance 2- A little bootie shaking in the samba has never hurt anyone. Cristian seemed a lot more comfortable in this dance than he did in the first but he pulled a muscle near the end of the dance and almost fell on top of Cheryl.  He looked like he was in some serious pain as the show hesitated before going to commercial. The judges said that he was brave to try to carry on with the injury and that he is a great performer.  Score 21/30

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Balias

Dance 1- The Viennese waltz started off beautifully with Kristi holding an umbrella and Mark in uniform.  The dance has some nice holds and good movement around the floor. The judges thought that the dance was emotional and creative but the start was too long Score 26/30

Dance 2- The only couple performing the cha cha (cha) tonight, Kristi and Mark have an opportunity to impress.  The dance was full of quick turns and fast footwork. Kristi was back to last week’s form with her second dance.  Len didn’t like the “boogaloo hip hop dancing” but Bruno and Carrie Ann loved the change from the ordinary. Score 28/30  

Mario and Karina Smirnoff

Dance 1- The foxtrot was a good comeback dance for Mario.  The couple seemed to have fun with the dance and out in a lot of work.  The judges said that he did a good job but was not graceful or controlled.  Score 24/30

Dance 2- The Mambo was a much better try for Mario than the foxtrot. He had good hip action and no trouble with the quick footwork. The couple had chemistry and lit up the floor. The judges thought it was fiery, wild, and full of passion. Score 27/30

Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough

Dance 1- The tango brought some friction between the cozy couple when Derek decided to be a disciplinarian after last week’s harsh reviews. The couple did a quick and entertaining tango. There were some positioning issues but nothing too big. The judges thought that the dance was fascinating and it was her best dance yet. Score 27/30

Dance 2- The mambo involves a lot of hip movement; something that Shannon has yet to pull off. She tried to shake it but I think that she physically has no hips, making it impossible.  The dance was akward and she looked uncomfortable the whole time.  The choreography had the potential to be interesting but it never quite happened.  The judges thought that her lines were off and it was a bit gangly. Score 24/30

Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska

Dance 1- The quickstep was one of the more entertaining dances of the night.  Jason listened to Carrie Ann and he certainly danced “big” this week.  He had much more emotion this week and finished the dance with a handstand. The judges thought that it was great, energetic, and predicted that he will be in the final. Score 29/30

Dance 2- The paso doble becomes quirky with tonight’s song choice and costuming. The Monday night football song was an odd choice and the Miami Dolphin clothing was just funny. The dance was fun too watch and Jason was quite an intimidating figure. The judges thought that it was a bit too posey but was an unconventional winner. Score 26/30

Tonight was a very exciting night in the competition.  Everyone reallt stepped up and danced well, it will be hard to let one of the couples go tomorrow.  Tomorrow’s results are hard to predict on dance alone.  I think that, with a doubt, Kristi and Jason are safe.  The other four are all at risk even though they all did well.  I think that Marissa and Mario don’t have strong fan bases, Cristian didn’t get to really show what he’s made of, and Shannon may get some backlash from last week’s comments.  All are free game for tomorrow’s the bottom two even without the injury but who knows what the fans will decide.  Tune in tomorrow for the results.

Score Totals

Jason & Edyta - 55/60

Kristi & Mark –54/60

Marissa & Tony – 52/60

Mario & Karina – 51/60

Shannon & Derek – 51/60

Cristian & Cheryl – 46/60

The contestants begin the show singing a painful rendition of All I Ask of You from The Phantom of the Opera.  Some of the boys were off key and the girls sounded strained and squeaky. Andrew Lloyd Webber takes the stage with Ryan to talk with the judges about the differences between singing in the theater and pop singing.  He also pointed out Jason’s odd song choice once again. Time for the first of the eliminations and a word from the president and first lady, the first to the stage is or I should say are the Davids: Cook and Archuleta.  Both Davids are safe, of course, and head to the safety couch.

Idol has been taking time to catch up with Idol alumni.  Tamyra Gray is currently starring in Rent on Broadway.  Clay Aiken is starring in Spamalot. Simon and Clive Davis worked together to produce tonight’s performer Leona Lewis.  Her song has been blowing up on the radio lately and I can see why, it’s so catchy. Time for more eliminations and Syesha and Brook take the stage and I don’t know how, maybe pity. Brook is safe tonight and Syesha is in the bottom two. Carly and Jason take the stage to find out their results.  Jason is safe and Carly is in the bottom two. The bottom two definitely shows that this is NOT just a singing competition, it is a popularity contest.  Girls love Jason so he is safe and probably shouldn’t be. Brook got a huge pity vote and I think Carly is just too tattoed and real for the American Idol audience.  I’m not sure what the heck Syesha did wrong though… There is always one surprise week.

Both bottom two contestants are asked to perform their songs again before the results are revealed. In the end Carly has to go home and Syesha is barely safe to sing at least one more week. 

The contest is down to six girls and after Stacy Ann’s exit last week, the girls better shape up because no one is safe in these last few weeks. The top six arrive in Italy and Anya face planted while stepping off of the bus.  What a great way to start the trip.  The girls move into their new pad in Rome and it has its own pool and garden.  Fatima is sick and the other girls, except Anya who is nice and helpful, down her and say she doesn’t have what it takes. The girls tour Rome on Segways, there was a lot of falling, and get familiar with Italian fashion before their challenge.  They have to meet Guy Mattiolo and impress him with their style and walk.  The winner is Anya but the excitement is short lived because the girls have to film a Covergirl commercial in Italian. Anya was a train wreck, apparently walking and talking at the same time is too much for her.  Dominique and Italian did NOT mix; the director said that it sounded like Chinese.  Lauren froze and looked like a deer in headlights that recently had its leg’s broken.  Katarzyna was good but boring, at least she didn’t ruin an entire language.  Fatima did well and the director called her a goddess.  Whitney was forced and over the top.

Eliminations are going to be long and painful; there will be a lot of negatives for the panel to point out. The judges were very under whelmed by all the takes and said that if Fatima’s was the best then they were in for an interesting night.  They were all laughing at the bad Italian and the overly hoochiness that most of the girls portrayed. After seeing Lauren’s take Ms. J said nothing and wrote “hell to the no.” it was pretty bad. They thought that Katarzyna was the most natural.

Time for eliminations, the first girl given life for next week is Fatima quickly followed by Katarzyna and Anya.  Dominique didn’t impress the judges but did enough to get by.  Whitney and Lauren are the bottom two.  The judges think that Whitney is too phony and Lauren can’t hide her personality and can not act.  In the end Lauren is sent home even though she has taken really great pictures all season long.  So long…

The judges chose to start the show off by seeing a second performance of last nights confusing and chaotic group dance; it was no better the second time around.  Ashlee Simpson, sporting a tackily large engagement ring, is today’s special guest and sings (at least she didn’t fake it this time) as pros perform in very Timberlake-like outfits; kinda boring really. Time first results; the first safe couple of the night is Shannon & Derek and the first couple in the bottom two is Marlee & Fabian. Well at least Shannon can stop crying, the pity vote always wins big, right Marie?

Oh how the world needs more river dance, it is always cool to watch.  I don’t understand how their upper bodies never move while their feet are going at 100+ miles per hour; that is truly one of life’s great mysteries… sort of. The kids that are competing this week are thirteen and have therefore outgrown their cuteness, so I am not really that interested but they were both really good and the judges had a hard choice to make but I think they made the right one when the chose Brandon and Brittany. 

Time to get down to business; the next safe couples are Marissa & Tony and Cristian & Cheryl.  The final three couple learn their fates one at a time.  Kristi & Mark are safe and so are Jason & Edyta.  The bottom two couple are Mario & Karina Marlee & Fabian.  After a build up it is announced that Marlee and Fabian are going home.  She did a phenomenal job and really worked through all of her challenges with grace and class.  She will be missed.

This week the idols are going to take on songs written by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber who is known for his award winning musical compositions.  So why are pop idols even going to attempt not only musical theater, but some of the most difficult musical theater creations to sing. Perhaps you have heard of Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, and The Phantom of the Opera.  This should be interesting; the top six will be pushed to their limits tonight.

Syesha Mercado

Song: One Rock and Roll Too Many –from Starlight Express

Overview: The song was a great choice for her because it has a jazzy edge.  She did a have few small pitch problems but she played to the crowd and brought the personality. She had a big finish and that should help her in the memories of the viewers.

Judges:

R- Best performance to date so far

P- Brought the house down

S- Very sexy, showed masses of personality

Jason Castro

Song: Memory – from Cats

Overview: Crazy song choice here; Jason has a lot to work against being that the song is sung by an old dying cat. I think that it was a good thing that he had never seen the musical before because he didn’t have any preconceived ideas about what the song was.  The performance was breathy and uniquely Jason.  It was not great but it was okay.

Judges:

        R- Vocal train wreck, too big of a song 

P- Good choice and you put your influence on it

S- Like you were a young guy singing at a wedding that his parents forced him to sing

Brook White

Song: You Must Love Me – from Evita

Overview: This is a big song and has been performed by some big artists in the past so Brook has some large shoes to fill.  She messed it all up when she stopped during the second line of the song and restarted.  She sang the song on pitch and had the feeling behind the song but she didn’t sustain any of the big notes; something that is a must in musical theater. She did a decent enough job but restarting is really going to hurt her; she said that she “lost the lyric”. 

Judges:

        R- Wasn’t great but you did believe what you were singing

        P- You must never start and stop, pick up the pieces 

        S- Restarting caused vocal tension and was uncomfortable

David Archuleta

Song: Think of Me – The Phantom of the Opera

Overview: I was so convinced that David was going to sing Any Dream Will Do, but thank goodness I was wrong. He chose to completely change a song that is usually sung by a very female, very soprano women.  But I think he made a great choice.  He made me an Archie believer this week.  I love this song and I love Phantom and I still enjoyed his performance.  He delivered all the pop vocal strength, well placed runs, and sincerity that he always does.

Judges:

        R- Dude it was the bomb, the one to beat

        P- Absolutely perfect on a risk

        S- Pleasant, one of your weaker performances

Carly Smithson

Song: Jesus Christ Super Star – from Jesus Christ Super Star

Overview: A big song for a big voice, the only issue with this one is that Carly has to truly let it all hang out.  I’m not sure the key of the song was in the best range for her but the song defiantly fit her.  She rocked it and really went for it. 

Judges:

        R- Definitely Good

        P- So unexpected, loved the chorus

        S- One of my favorite performances of the night

David Cook

Song: Music of the Night – The Phantom of the Opera

Overview: This is my favorite song from Phantom so the idea of David Cook singing was exciting to me. I was so not expecting him to say that he grew up singing musical theater; he seems so far removed from that style now.  He had a few issues with the lower pitches but when the song moved up in pitch he performance took flight.  He connects so well with the audience and the camera.  He is the only one who sang a Webber song true to how it would be performed on stage (at least up until his big ending). Not switching it up was the difference; that was the risk, and again I can’t say it enough: He is a star.

Judges:

        R- Molten hot lava hot

        P- So well rounded and have a beautiful instrument

S- Made the most of the song, prefer the grittier side

So I guess I am just a pessimist by nature; I was expecting the worst on “Webber Night” but I really didn’t have all that much to worry about.  There were weak spots, pitch problems, and forgotten lyrics, but there were some good moments as well. Tomorrow’s bottom two is most certainly going to be comprised of one Ms. Brook White and one Mr. Jason Castro.  If they have a third bottom player in the mix expect Syesha to join them.  The only certainty after this week is that the Davids are very much safe and will battle to the end. It’s starting to get serious! Tune in tomorrow for the results.