Sligh was born to sing.

Chris Sligh should have saved the news about his wife for this week - that could have been the thing that would surprise us to know... OK, I'm just being mean. I think Chris is awesome and I'm actually looking forward to ending tonight's episode just as good as it began.

His surprising thing is the fact that he had very short hair for a long time and that just two years ago, he shaved his head completely bald. he also mentions that he's never had a perm - that the curls are all natural.

He sings "Wanna Be Loved" by DC Talk and it's like a breath of fresh air after being in a smoke-filled room. As expected, he closes the show with a bang - he's a great performer, a great singer. I'm not sure he's as versatile as Blake Lewis, but his voice is way bigger than Blake's, that's for sure.

I'm not crazy about the song - never heard it before, and unlike Blake's song, it didn't hold my interest, but that's OK, because his voice did. He'll be back next week and for many weeks after that, I'm sure - no worries here.

Randy also wasn't crazy about the song but he gives him the vocal prize of the night. Paula didn't like it, says she wants him to keep rising and this week was just middle of the road, but Randy is quick to say that it was probably just the song, and I agree. Simon liked the beginning of the song but that he shouted in the middle. But Simon tells him he has potential as Randy calls out in the background, "Song choice, song choice."

Phil Stacey had hair??

Shocker of the night!!! Phil Stacey reveals to America that he hasn't always been bald. He says he shaved his head in college and liked how it looked and he just never went back. Seeing that one picture of him with hair has changed my mind, though - I said last week that I wished he would let his hair grow - I think he's right - it doesn't look right. Although he still looks a bit gaunt to me, he looks way better bald than with hair.

He sings "I Need You" by LeAnn Rimes and it starts out really rough. I don't know if the register is too low for him or what, but it just sounds weird. It gets a little bit better in the chorus, but then he sounds like he's shouting a bit. It's like he's struggling to find a balance tonight.

I'm horribly disappointed because Phil's been pretty consistent so far - he really hasn't been bad yet and tonight, I feel like he dropped the ball a little bit.

Randy mentions the low notes and how weird they were - says it wasn't his best performance. Paula agrees and Simon says he didn't get it. Simon again mentions how disappointing the night has been and I can't disagree - no one, with the exception of Blake Lewis - has really done anything spectacular.

Nothing special here

Jared Cotter is up next and he's wearing quite the interesting outfit. All you Newsday readers will know what I mean tomorrow morning. Kevin Covais, Levittown's own Chicken Little and an "Idol" finalist last year, wore almost the exact outfit while singing out and about on Long Island sometime last year, and we happen to be running his photo in that outfit in tomorrow's paper. Just a strange coincidence, I guess.

Anyway, moving right along, Jared reveals to America that he played college basketball, Division 2, and that he was pretty good. Realizing he probably wouldn't make the NBA, he quit to do music.

He takes on Stevie Wonder tonight and sings, "If You Really Love Me." It starts off not so great - a bit shaky and uncertain. But he works it out and by the end of the song, it's good, although not fantastic.

I still think he's a little forgettable, but I'm rooting for him - it would be great to see him in the finals.

Randy says he gave a solid performance - that it was good. Paula says she thinks he needs to work on coloring up the way he sings - she says she thinks he sometimes shouts his way through a song... ouch...especially coming from Paula. Simon says it wasn't very original and that he's disappointed in general tonight, because he's not hearing the 'wow' factor.


The thing we don't know about Brandon Rogers is that he's a classical piano player. He says he started playing when he was 9, first by ear and then he learned to read music. He says he's a little rusty, but he still loves to play.

He sings "I Just Want to Celebrate" by Rare Earth, and it's way better than last week. He still has a couple of out of tune spots, but for the most part, he seems more confident, more comfortable. I'm still not crazy about him - he's come off as a bit full of himself at times, but he's redeemed himself a bit tonight with this performance, I think.

Randy says it was solid, but that he wasn't jumping up and down. Paula says it was pretty phenomenal. Simon says he doesn't think he represented himself well. he says that he had high hopes for Brandon because he is one of the better singers. He says Brandon should have chosen a more memorable song - that it didn't have enough of a hook.

Why won't Chris Richardson go away???

So, I said last week that I would have an open mind this week about Chris Richardson... I will try, I really will...

His big secret is that he used to play football in college and that he used to be chunky. First of all, big shocker about the football - he's got jock written all over him. As for the chunky thing, the pictures they showed of him did not show any chunk at all... I'm not sure where he carried the weight, but I didn't see any big difference.

Open mind, open mind, open mind... I'm struggling...

He sings Keith Urban's "Tonight I Wanna Cry," and while my first reaction is to say I don't like it, I'm trying hard to really listen. It's not great - maybe a bit too slow for him - he wobbles through parts of it and goes off key in spots.

Wait!!! He just did something - I don't know what it is, but for the first time in all the weeks that they've been showing this kid, I heard the similarity to Justin Timberlake in his voice... curses!!

OK, so it wasn't horrid, but it was not as good as previous weeks. I think he may be better off sticking to the faster, upbeat kind of songs.

I don't know what to say about Randy and his apparent love for Chris Richardson - it's bordering on ridiculous. For the third week in a row, he loves him. He must not be listening to the same guy I'm listening to, but whatever. Paula likes the song, says he adapted well. Simon says it was good, but not the best vocal they've heard. He says it was cutesy, and kind of nasally.

Poor, poor Sanjaya... and Sundance, too

The thing we don't know about Sanjaya Malakar is.... oh, there are just so many jokes, especially with that hair, but I'll let it go. What we don't know about him is that he can hula. I think the possibility exists that he's beginning to morph into his sister, who was cut during Hollywood week. He's quickly losing any chance of being taken seriously as a guy's guy. Last week's ponytail, this week's sleek new do and now the hula dancing.... c'mon.

He sings John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change." OK, so I have to admit, I've been singing along to this song in my car for weeks now, not knowing who sang it. I'm a little surprised it's a John Mayer song, but I'm not really familiar with his music, so I'm giving myself a break on this one.

Unfortunately for Sanjaya, I cannot offer him the same break. He's just not good this week. I feel like he's been getting worse every week and while he was in tune throughout the song, his voice just sounds so thin to me, like there's no real depth there, you know? It sounded like some young kid singing karaoke at a sweet sixteen or something. I don't know - I just feel like compared to the other guys, he just doesn't fit.

Randy says it didn't really have an energy and that when they first saw him, they saw something special, but that they haven't seen it since. He says it wasn't that great. Paula tells him to get out of his comfort zone but to keep the sincerity in his voice - huh?? Simon says it wasn't as ghastly as last week - but mentions his hula dancing and weird hair - thank God - I thought I was the only who found it ridiculous.

Sundance Head lets us in on a little secret - he says we would be surprised to know that he's really thin in real life - that he wears a fat suit on the show so that he can live a normal life as the super sexy, thin guy that he is, without being recognized, when he's at home. How funny is that? I chuckled, so at least he entertained me for a few seconds.

He sings "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam and I have to say, it's not great. He's trying way too hard to be a raw and hard-core rocker. Last season, Chris Daughtry did it with such ease, it's just that much easier to recognize an act now.

Plus, he's out of tune in some spots, clashing with the backup singers, and he's not really keeping time well. I feel bad for him - he's been up and down and up again... Hope he's prepared to fall one more time.

Randy says it was pitchy, but that he liked how he put in a Southern rock thing into a Pearl Jam song - that he appreciated him trying... Paula says he did really, really well. Simon said he lost his charm and that he went from being very good last week to being a very generic bar singer. Couldn't agree more... with Simon.

Blake mixes it up!!!

So Ryan says some huge announcement is coming up on Thursday - wonder what it could be. Has anyone heard anything? Also, just as a side note, what's happening to Sanjaya's hair? I can't believe they talked him into straightening it... yuck.

Anyway, this week's theme, so to speak, is revelations. The contestants are asked to reveal something about themselves. Could be interesting...

What we don't know about Blake Lewis is that he loves improv comedy, character acting and Halloween. He does a little bit as "Jimmy Walker Blue," a kind of redneck character that he created, and it's pretty funny.

This week he sings "All Mixed Up" by 311 and it's crazy how he continues to surprise and amaze me. He picks a totally different vibe this week - the song has a kind of hip-hop, reggae feel to it and he still knocks it out. He's done three completely different styles in these three weeks and in my opinion, has perfected them all. I think he's talented and entertaining and frankly, way more interesting to watch than any of the women. What a huge personality he has - he's just so full of character... I think he's just one of a kind and he's completely won me over. He's gone from being someone I barely remembered to being my absolute favorite in this competition.

Randy says that he loves how current the contestants seem to be this season and tell him that he didn't even recognize the song, but that he loved it, whatever it was. Paula also admits to not knowing the song, but that what was so great about it was that by listening to him sing it, she was interested, which is hard to do. Simon says he didn't understand a word he sang, but that Blake stands out - that he's an individual and that he will 100% be there next week.

Sundance redeems himself

So Sundance is closing the show - that's gotta mean that he's made a huge improvement. I hope so, anyway. He dedicates his song to his son, Levi, which is kind of touching. He talks about how his son is starting to smile and everything and he's missing it all. And he cried - what would an episode of "American Idol" be like without some tears? I can't even mock him, though, because it made me tear up, too, just listening to it.


He sings "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett and I feel like the song fits him way better than last week's choice. It's upbeat and more rock and roll, which is where I think he fits best.

And he seems so comfortable singing this song - last week he was so out of his element - it was painful to watch. But tonight, he's just out there having fun and wow, the difference is unbelievable. This is the Sundance that I loved so much in the auditions - this raspy sounding, hard-rocking, soulful kind of singer. He really needed this performance - I'm glad he pulled it off.

Randy just keeps saying "Wow" and tells Sundance he dropped the bomb on America tonight. Paula gives him a standing ovation and tells him that he needs to bring it like this every week - that it was the best vocal they've ever heard from him. Simon says he's glad that Sundance is back, but that he still thinks he could do better.

I wasn't feeling it

Brandon Rogers dedicates his song to his grandmother - talks about how she wanted him to do better, be better. He thinks she would be proud of him, to see the kind of man he's become. He sings "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper and it's one of my favorite songs. I hope he does it justice.

Eh... not sure what I think. I liked it, but I can't tell if it's because I love the song so much or because he sang it well. I do like his voice - I'm just not sure if this was the best song to showcase it. It was too soft, somehow. Like you're waiting for his voice to just boom out at you, but it never comes. I don't know - I think he sold himself short on this one.

Randy liked the sentiment of the dedication, but didn't think it was the best song choice, that it didn't show what he could do.

Ouch... big mistake on Brandon's part - this is why I think he's too cocky. Just shut up and take the criticism... it's not like Ryan isn't going to ask you what you think after it's over... why interrupt??? He chimes in to say that he was trying to feel the song and put his heart into it and he didn't think it needed anything extra.

Paula says she felt his heart and a whole bunch of other gibberish. I'm glad that Simon brings it back to the singing. He says that Brandon's comments about feeling the song were rubbish (agreed). He tells Brandon that he needs to forget all the "feeling it" nonsense and go out there and show America why he's a great singer.

Chris Richardson dedicates his song to his grandmother, too. He calls her his "big momma," and that's pretty cute. He sings "Geek in the Pink" by Jason Mraz. Now, I'm already not a big fan of his - I think he should have gone home last week, so he's going to have to blow me away for me to change my mind this week.

And he doesn't. Maybe it's the song - I didn't really understand what he was saying, which made it nearly impossible for me to google the song and get its title and singer. For me, he's kind of a poor man's Blake Lewis. Blake is cool, funky and hip. For me, Chris tries to be the same, but somehow falls short.

Randy liked him last week, too and I was kind of confused by it, so I'm not surprised that I am, again, confused at the fact that Randy likes him this week, too. He tells him he was better than Jason Mraz. Huh? Simon liked it too. I may have to give this guy another look - it could be that I was just turned off by people comparing him to Justin Timberlake. I will be more open-minded about him next week - well I'll at least try.

Blake steals the show ... again

Blake Lewis adds another parents dedication to the already long list. But I have to say that it's great to see kids show their appreciation. Parents are so often taken for granted - I think it says a lot about a person when he chooses to show his thanks in such a public way. So, while it's incredibly boring to see the same dedication over and over again, it's still quite nice.

He sings "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai and I'm amazed at how he keeps picking the perfect songs for him. Jamiroquai is a bit wacky and eccentric, and I think his sound fits Blake wonderfully. Blake is the only one who's really making sure that his personality is coming through. He's the only one who seems to put his own spin on these songs.

He doesn't start off great - it's a bit loud. But he gets it under control quickly. What I love about him is that he adds a performance to his songs. So far, the guys have just kind of stood there - haven't done anything special. But Blake comes out and he's moving and bouncing and just having fun.

Plus, he added some of the beatboxing that we've grown to love. I think as a whole, he has stolen the show again. He just knows how to get people to pay attention - to stop and listen. Loved it. I think he's one of just a couple of the guys who really stand a chance at battling the women.

Randy loves it - Paula says that he's unique and that he's making smart choices. Simon disagrees - says he didn't see any originality - that he basically copied the video and says he was very disappointed. Whatever - he may be the only one who's disappointed, because Blake was terrific.

He gives me fever

Chris Sligh dedicates his song to his wife, Sarah, who is actually quite beautiful. And all I can think in my head is, "He's MARRIED????" Totally didn't see that coming. But good for him and how nice that he chooses to dedicate his song to her. He talks about how supportive she's been and how he knows he's going to be with her forever. I hope we won't be replaying this clip in a couple of years, after their divorce, wondering if "American Idol" played a part in it.

He sings "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne. Again, I don't know the song - never heard of the artist, but again, it's awesome. First, I love that we're seeing a non-wise-guy side to Chris. He's clearly singing the song to his wife and it's very sweet and romantic and I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.

Plus, his voice is just far better than the other guys. He knows how to make the song work for him. I think it's the best so far tonight. And as expected, the judges liked it, too.

Huh... Ryan mentions that Taylor sang the song last season - for those of you, like myself, who don't remember, here it is...




Moving on, it's time for my man, Nick Pedro. I know he's dedicating his song to his girlfriend, Caitlin, but I'm not jealous - he just hasn't found me yet...

But seriously, he says that she's great and understanding and how he hopes that singing a song to her in front of 30 million people will mean something to her because she means so much to him. I'm guessing that what it means to her will depend on how well he sings it...

He chooses "Fever" by Peggy Lee. Is there any song hotter than "Fever"? I mean really? It's sultry and sexy and Nick couldn't have picked a better song, I don't think. Plus, I think with this song, we see him go back to the smoky jazz sound he had during the auditions - kind of an old-school, 1940s vibe. I think he's way better this week than last week and I just hope the judges and America agree.

Ooh... did they just show Simon snapping his fingers? Could be a good sign... let's see.

Randy says he was a little pitchy and that he rushed a little in some spots, which he did, but he says that it was really nice, that he got back to his vibe, that he brought back the Nick that they loved. Paula says nothing of importance, as usual. Simon says it was good, but that he lacked some charisma - that he should have dressed better to match the song. It's a good point and I definitely would have loved to see what he would have found appropriate for this song...

What was Sanjaya thinking?

A.J. Tabaldo dedicates his song to his parents, too. Again, because they were so supportive of him and whatever.

He sings "Feeling Good" by Michael Buble and he is slowly, but surely growing on me. I liked his voice - liked the song choice for him. It showed off his range really well and he seemed really comfortable singing the song. I think he may come out some week and blow us away like Carrie Underwood did when she sang Heart's "Alone" two seasons ago. I wouldn't count him out just yet.

Plus, I'm just noticing this week... he's really a good-looking guy, quite attractive. Would hate to see him go too soon.

Anyway, Randy likes it and comments on his improvement from last week, says that he's showing that he's got skills. Paula says he has a real good voice and Simon says it was "actually, nearly very good." which is as close as he's come to complimenting some of these guys, so A.J. should be happy with that.


Now, Sanjaya Malakar is up next and I've been wondering since the beginning of the show tonight why he's dressed like Michael Jackson. I hope he doesn't plan to imitate him in any way.

He dedicates his song to his grandfather and no matter how I try to fight it, I find that I'm drawn to this kid - he's just so sweet and lovable. He could stand up there and spew profanities and I would probably still think he was adorable. But in all seriousness, he mentioned how he wears his grandfather's ring for good luck and support and I can relate to that.

He sings "Steppin' Out With My Baby" by Irving Berlin. Ooh... not sure it was a good idea. The song is way too old for him - wonder if his grandfather used to like the song and that's why he chose it. I mean, he does OK with it - kind of smooth sounding. But really, he's like 17 years old. This song is so old that Fred Astaire sung it. I see now that he was going for a smooth kind of Rat Packer look with the hat and his hair pulled back, but he still looks like Michael Jackson in his "Smooth Criminal" video to me. I'm afraid to see what the judges think of this...

Randy didn't like it at all - says it was really weak. Paula brings it back to what the competition is really about - the singing - and says that he was on pitch, but mentions that the song was too old. Simon says it was ghastly. I don't know if it was all that bad, but he does need to do something about these song choices - they're killing him.

A little forgettable

Ryan just announced that Jared Cotter will be singing "Let's Get It On," by Marvin Gaye, and before the commercials are over, I can already see the disaster. He needs to get away from this R&B sound he thinks he's so great at. People want to see versatility and when you're an unknown, of sorts, the last thing you want to do is appear to be a one-trick pony. Plus, the judges didn't really go crazy for him last week, so you'd think he'd try to switch it up a bit.

Well, I'm hoping he can make it work for him... I really hope he can somehow make the song his own - make a statement of sorts.

He dedicates his performance to his parents - talks about how his mom told him about the audition and how his dad introduced him to music. blah blah blah. I hate to say it, but as much as I'd love to see our Long Island boy go all the way, I think he's shooting himself in the foot. He's blending into the background too much - he needs to wow people and right now, he's barely keeping my interest.

And as expected, he does nothing special with one of Marvin Gaye's hottest songs. His voice is great, but in my opinion, not as good or as smooth as last week, which means bad news for him, since the judges didn't like his voice as much as I did last week. He seemed to be forcing a sexiness that wasn't quite there. I mean, he's a good-looking guy and I think if he had played it more natural, the sex appeal would have come through a little better. I don't know.

Audience seems to like it...let's see what the judges say. Randy says his facial expressions were kind of McSteamy, but also comments on the fact that he was a bit pitchy in spots. Paula makes a fool of herself a bit with an unintentional pun about not needing to "push" a song like that. But again, Simon zeroes in on the truth - he says it reminded him of the "Love Boat" and that it was corny. But overall, it wasn't too bad - they didn't destroy him with the comments.

Which may prove detrimental to him - if they had killed him with the comments, America might have rebelled and voted for him in order to protect him. If they had loved him, America might have agreed and voted for him because he was awesome. But given that they were only mildly critical of him and given that the performance was only average, I think he may be in trouble... He's made it too easy for America to forget him.

Shaky start

Phil Stacey, who was one of the better singers last week, goes first tonight and dedicates his performance to his command, Navy Band Southeast. He plays the Sept. 11 card, talks about how he joined up after the attacks to show his support for our country. Now, did I hear him wrong? Did he say he joined the military as a singer? Is that really what he did while serving our country? I mean no disrespect in any way, but does that even count as serving in the military? I mean, is singing what he did on the side or is that all he did? I'm very confused... but it makes no difference - whether he just sang or actually fought in combat, he was still brave enough to join - and that's something.

I wish he'd grow his hair out - I'm sure he's probably balding and that's why he's shaved it all off, but I think he'd look better with a little bit of hair - he looks a little gaunt and sickly with no hair.

Anyway let's get to the singing... he chooses John Waite's "Missing You." And it's OK. The song choice isn't great - it's kind of a rock song and I'm not sure his voice really lends itself to that kind of sound. It wasn't bad, but nothing about was sensational. And I'm a little nervous now because last week he was better than most of the guys and if that still holds true this week, this may be another bad show.

But all is OK with the world - Randy says it's hot and Paula comments on how great the tone of his voice is. Simon brings it back to reality and says that he's not jumping out on his chair, that Phil is completely unoriginal and just a very, very good karaoke singer. As is customary, Simon's a bit too harsh, but he has yet to tell a lie.

Was the best saved for last?

A.J. Tabaldo has tried out five times? Why didn't the judges at some point tell him to give up? I'm kind of glad they didn't though. I thought he was pretty good - there's a sweetness to his voice that I rally enjoyed. He sang Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much." He's likable and I think he did enough to stay out of the bottom two.

Phil Stacey ends the night with Edwin McCain's "These Are the Moments." Before he starts singing, I have to admit, I'm not really crazy about him - he's just kind of whatever to me. I mean, it's not like I think he's bad or anything, but I don't know, there are just too many other people to like.

But he's singing now and I may have to change my mind. He started off a bit shaky, but once he hit the chorus, it was like he'd been born on stage - gone was the nervousness, gone was the pitchiness. It was really good. He may be growing on me.

Randy gives him the best vocal prize of the night. Paula agrees with me - says that once he hit the chorus, it was awesome.


After tonight, my vote for the bottom two would be Sundance Head and Chris Richardson. What do you all think?

Cotter's first shot to woo America

Here's my take on Jared Cotter. He needs to kill it tonight. He's had maybe 30 seconds of air time and this is the first time America is seeing him perform. His song choice needs to be on point and his voice needs to be perfection.

Well, he chooses Brian McKnight's "Back to One." I'm not crazy about the song - not a real Brian McKnight fan. But, I will say this. Jared's voice is by far, the best one tonight. I'm not just saying that because he's a Long Island boy. I'm saying it because he was on key the entire time - not one glitch. He was confident and took risks with his voice that the other guys didn't. I think he showed a maturity not seen in the others. Maybe all that means is that he can hide his nerves better than everyone else. Whatever it is, I think he succeeded in catching America's attention.

And just this once, I don't even care what the judges say, because I know I'm right.
(but for the record... they disagreed - they said it was just OK).

Who's more sly than Sligh?

Sanjaya Malakar's so cute, I just want to squeeze him. But he couldn't have picked a more boring song. He sings "Knocks Me Off My Feet" by Stevie Wonder and while I'm sure it's a great song, it's so dated and sounds so odd coming from a 17-year-old kid. I think Sanjaya needs to stop listening to his sister - after all, she didn't make it to the semifinals. Why would she suggest this song for him? Is she trying to sabotage him? Ugh... luckily for him, he's cute enough to last another week, but he should definitely never allow his sister to choose his song again.

So, now Chris Sligh is up and I'm excited to hear him sing - excited to hear what he song he chooses. But first, I just need to note one more time - this guy is hilarious. He's just so funny, you can't help but love him.

I have never heard of Mute Math, so I had never heard "Typical" before. But it was a really good song, or maybe it's just that Chris can sing anything. I think Chris is unstoppable!! A little risky that he insulted Simon with his Il Divo remark, but it was so funny, I'd say it was worth it.

Look out for Blake Lewis

How dreamy should one man be allowed to be? Nick Pedro has it all - the looks, the voice, the charm, even the cute little dimple.

He sings "Now and Forever" by Richard Marx, and you can hear the shakiness in his voice. But that's just nerves - that can be fixed. He carried the tune and pretty well, I thought. No major screw-ups, nothing to cringe at. It could be that I was distracted by how hot he is, but I thought he was pretty good.

I'm a little shocked by Randy's complete bashing. He tells Nick it wasnt good and Paula actually agrees. Randy said it was boring and pitchy. I'll give him the boring thing - as mentioned earlier, I think ballads are dangerous because of how boring they can be - but I really didn't think he was pitchy. But thank goodness, Simon is right on once again!!! He says that Nick was obviously nervous and that while he lost a little of his spark from his original audition, it was still pretty good and he'll be back next week. Agreed.


Blake Lewis, the beatboxer, is endearing in his originality. And holy cow, he's got a voice on him. I feel like throughout the auditions, we haven't really heard him sing all that much - he was afarid of being pigeonholed with the beatboxing, and I think he was a little, but there was ever a break-out performance on "Idol," I'd say it was this one. He sings "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane, and it's just crystal clear - the tone of his voice is so pure. I think, for me, this is the performance of the night so far, simply because I'm taken aback by his talent - I kind of thought he was a one-trick pony and I couldn't have been more wrong.

Simon agrees with me too - says it's the best performance of the night...

Somebody please step up

Paul Kim's awesome - he's definitely in my top three - has been from the beginning. I love that he seems to enjoy the same cheesy, sappy songs that I adore - the ones no one else admits to loving. This week he sings George Michael's "Careless Whisper" and it's not his best performance. I'm a little disappointed - I really thought he'd be perfection, but you know? He was still better than the other guys so far.

I think the judges were incredibly hard on him - a lot meaner than they were to the other guys - could be that they expected more from him. I'm not worried - he'll kill it next week.

Chris Richardson is a cutie, but I have to set the record straight - he does not look like Justin Timberlake!! He picks a super risky song - Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want to Be." It's funny, too, because I don't think it's risky because DeGraw is so amazing that it'll be a tough comparison. I think Chris runs the risk of being compared to Bo Bice, who sang the song two seasons ago. The fact that I remember that performance says it all - I remember that night - I remember I replayed Bice's performace like four times because it was so good. Chris is really going to have to do something special to avoid being compared - and found lacking.

Oooh... not good... at least in my opinion. Based on who's gone so far, I think he'll be joining Sundance in the bottom two. Let's see what the judges say.

Are you serious? Randy thinks the show started here with his performance - he liked it - tells him not be scared. I'm scared. It was bad. Glad to see Simon's got his head screwed on right tonight. He says the vocals were not great - at least a little sanity amid the craziness.

Sundance's rocky start

I'm so easy to win over - such a pushover. At the end of last week, I was ready to see Sundance Head go home. I felt like he had had one good audition and then a week of garbage. But, all it took to turn it around for me was his interview tonight. A little humility goes a long way in my book and I loved how he admitted that he went into Hollywood thinking it would be a piece of cake and I loved how he talked about being embarrassed and wanting to be pulled off the stage. It takes a lot to own up to one's shortcomings and just for that, I'm hoping he nails his song tonight.

But it's not meant to be. He sings "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues, which I'm not really familiar with, so I can't say I'm totally into it. The song's a bit too slow, a little uninteresting, and just way too hard to go off key, which he does - a lot.

I think it's always a mistake to sing a ballad - at least on your first performance. It's risky - slow songs are too easy to be boring and you don't want people's first impression of you to be a bad one. Sundance may have sung himself into the bottom two with his choice of song and inability to knock it out of the park. It's too bad - I was hoping he'd pull it off.

Not really rockin' with me

Brandon Rogers, the backup singer, got on my nerves a litle bit last week - he seemed to be getting a little too cocky a little too soon. But I loved his voice so much, I erased it from my mind and went into tonight fully expecting to be blown away - fully expecting to excuse the cockiness because he has the talent to back it up. And while I still believe he does have the talent, and while I'm sure he's safe for next week, I wasn't blown away like I expected to be.

For starters, "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson was maybe not the greatest choice for him. His vocal range, I think, is a bit too low for that song and he was off key just a little in some parts. Plus, the beginning of the song was kind of dull, for me. He pulled it together toward the end, but I was left feeling like there should have been more.

And Randy agrees - says it wasn't Brandon's best performance. Paula actually throws in a bit of criticism, which is fairly early on for her. Simon actually blames the song, which is interesting, but ends on a good note and tells him he's better than this perforance. I guess we'll see how true that is.

Free ride... but to where?

So, due to some technical difficulties here at the office, I tuned in tonight about 10 minutes late. I got to a TV just as Rudy Cardenas came on the screen.

He's adorable... I'm sure I've said that before and I have no doubt I'll say it again. His interview was candid and honest - I think he's pretty likable. Plus he sings a really upbeat song, "Free Ride" by the Edgar Winter Group.

His rendition of the song was pretty good - not fantastic, his words were kind of slurred and hard to understand. But he was in tune, which can be tough - especially when you're the first one up.

Huh??? Randy says it was corny. Not sure why - it's a terrific song, but whatever. Paula, of course, makes her usual kind remarks and while Simon makes a few good points about the song being dated and his voice being just OK, I think he's being a bit harsh by saying he wasn't original.