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

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“Ten Remaining Idols”

March 25, 2008 Episode

By Marcus

Tonight we are down to the top ten American Idol contestants. Each is gunning for the title and they all know that the heat is on. There is no time for error and each singer must be at their peak. Or, so they would hope. Let’s do a recap of tonight’s performances.

First up was an ailing Ramiele Malubay who told us that her voice went “bye bye.” That was evident as she struggled with the powerful song “With Hearts Alone.” She was weak in the beginning, kind of screechy in the middle, and finished exhausted.

It was a depressing performance for a talented singer.

Jason Castro celebrated his 21st birthday on stage singing to us “Fragile.” He was so relaxed, you could imagine him in your living room about ready to blow out the candles and cut the cake. He is a pleasant singer but I really don’t feel the “wow” factor when I listen to him.

On the other hand, Syesha Mercado completely captured us with “If I Were Your Woman.” Her version was an incredibly honest song, as refreshing as a soothing summer afternoon rain. It was clean, clear and pure.

Chikezie faltered with the first few words of “If Only For One Night” and he never recovered. He didn’t hit the falsetto, his ending was flat, and his singing was not inspired. It was like he was singing to his pet puppy rather than singing to millions of viewers. It was, quite simply, humdrum. I think he is in big trouble.

Brooke White stumbled with the first words of “Every Move You Make” and started it over. She tried to regain her confidence but really didn’t find it. This song is a natural for a forceful singer. It is, after all a song about stalking. But Brooke is not forceful. She would do better to stay with soft quiet melodies.

At first, I thought Michael Johns was having a psychotic break when he started singing “Gonna Be Big Man” and then sifted to another song and then to another. But then I got it. He was brilliantly weaving a melody of three songs. It was kind of like being in a New Orleans club trying to stump the stage singer. But Michael has found his nitch with rock and the audience gave him their best response to any of the previous singers.

Carly Smithson’s “Total Eclipse Of The Sun” was so hot that the bacon was both sizzling and jumping. Okay, I admit that her last word was sharp, but she sang from the depths of her heart and she is ready to tour.

If there is not such a legend, then there should be. The legend goes something like this……a long time ago when two suns warmed the earth, a singer sang with such purity that the forests and the meadows gave birth to trees, bushes, plants and flowers.

After that, singer went away never to be heard again. The earth continued its rotations and one of the suns disappeared. Then a mere seventeen years ago a young child was born. And within his spirit was the spirit of that singer. The child was named David Archuleta and his inspiring version of “You’re The Voice” would only be understood if that legend is true.

With the economy faltering, with the American dream of home ownership slipping away, and with over 4000 killed Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was both an emotional as well as an enjoyable performance of “God Bless The USA” by Kristy Lee Cook.

Completing tonight’s performances was David Cook singing “Billie Jean.” He is a natural talent who works the mike, works the audience and provides us with real entertainment. He may be the Idol to beat.

There you have it. Pick up the phone and text or call your votes. And don’t forget to return here tomorrow night with the results and my recap written just for you.

see also:

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