American Idol Recap: Eight Idols Standing  4/9/08 

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“Eight Idols Standing”

April 8, 2008

By Marcus

We are down to the final eight and each has to perform to their very best.

Let’s do a recap and find out who accomplished that goal as they picked and sang songs of inspiration.

First up was Michael Johns singing “Dream On” which was sung like some screech owl homing in on its dinner. That is, it was both painful to watch and painful to listen to, but nonetheless we could not turn away.

Next we had Syesha Mercado singing “I Believe.” This song has such incredible power and spirit that when sung properly, we are unconsciously ordered on our feet shouting choruses of “yes, I believe too.” But there was no such vocal command. Instead we were left sitting in silence.

Playing his ukulele, Jason Castro took us on a magical journey high above the sky with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I was totally blown away by his performance. He continues to be the most inventive and unique performer on American Idol. Not only does he take big risks but he does it so effortlessly.

Kristy Lee Cook’s “Anyway” started like a crock pot cooker----slow and raw.

But she then added spices, turned up the heat and served us a tasty dish. This was her best performance.

Inconsistent was the way David Cook sang “Innocent.” It was as if he was in a dark room stumbling around to find the light switch.

With her dynamic facial tensions, Carly Smithson almost delivered with “Show Must Go On,” but her ending was scattered. It like she lost the tension and unexpectedly everything went slack.

Playing a grand piano, David Archuleta gave a solid performance with “Angel.” But perhaps due to the heft of that piano compared to his diminutive size, it was as if there was this huge fence between him and his audience. That is, he just didn’t connect with us.

Last up was peaches and cream Brooke White singing “You’ve Got A Friend.” Brooke is like a gently flowing river that invites you to stop and relax for awhile. She certainly isn’t exciting, but she gets the job done and when she is finished singing, we are glad that that we listened.

So, did any of the eight inspire you? If so, pick up the phones and call. Don’t forget to watch to Idol Gives Back. And then return here on Thursday to learn who was given the boot and why. And remember, it will be written just for you.

see also:

3/27/08 American Idol Recap: Another American Idol's Dream Dissipates

3/26/08 American Idol Recap: Ten Remaining Idols

3/20/08 American Idol Recap: Another Idol's Dreams Shattered

3/19/08 American Idol Recap: Eleven American Idol's Sing

3/13/08 American Idol Results: Bye, Bye to an American Idol Hopeful

3/12/08 American Idol Recap: Twelve Idols Compete

3/7/08 American Idol: Four More Go Home

3/6/08 Recap: Eight American Idol Women

3/5/08 Recap: Eight American Idol Men

2/29/08 American Idol: Adios to Four More

2/28/08 American Idol: Top Ten Women Sing

2/27/08 American Idol: Top Ten Men Sing

2/22/08 Four Chops on American Idol

2/21/08 The Twelve American Idol Women Compete

2/20/08 Twelve American Idol Men Sing

2/14/08 The Twenty Four American Idol Survivors

2/13/08 164 Hollywood Singers in a Grueling Hollywood Week

1/31/08 American Idol in Miami

1/30/08 American Idol in Omaha

1/24/08 American Idol in Charleston

1/23/08 American Idol in San Diego