Now I’m a little confused tonight. Are we watching the Top 7 “American Idol” hopefuls in action or are we in the Finals when we bring out the rest of the season’s “rejects”. Okay, I’m sounding a little mean here. That’s not exactly right. I should have phrased it as “America’s rejects” seeing that folks like myself being outside American soil have no voting privileges whatsoever but have plenty to gripe about.

Anyhow, those tuning in tonight would probably understand what I’m talking about. For those who did not chance upon this evening’s segment, this is what you missed. The show started with a scene right out of the popular phrase “A thorn among the roses” and by that I’m referring to Paul McDonald being the “thorn” and the rest of the 5 ladies being the “roses”. Yup! We’re talking about an early “reunion” of sorts.

“Why?” must be on everybody’s mind right now. Well, for whatever the reason, it was good to see my gal Thia Megia back on the Idol stage. Unfortunately, she did not get any prominent screen time. Karen Rodriguez looked stunning in a new hair makeover and so did Ashthon Jones but they could be wearing wigs for all I know. Pia Toscano and Naima Adedapo were still sporting their usual boring hair styles and Paul McDonald dorned his familiar floral jacket which probably got him eliminated in the first place. Lol!! Just kidding. Nice to see them all back together again but it’s a little too much too soon?? Makes you wonder as to whom they’re out to promote – Pia?? Well, I’ll leave you to wonder.

To more serious matters – the reason why we’re tuning in tonight. Yes, to witness the performance of the remaining, “hopeful” contenders who still have a shot at winning the “American Idol” title. As always, I will begin with my “critique” on my man James Durbin. But week after week, I don’t have any. Yes, the man can do no wrong (in my book anyway). This week is no different. But unfortunately, his rendition of Muse’s “Uprising” did not get me all “hot and bothered” although I found the whole getup (he was wearing a really, really strange outfit) with marching band and everything, rather too “theatrical” to my liking. It actually felt like a prelude to a “Star Wars” Blockbuster Movie – be it “prequel”, “sequel” or the “original” or did it remind me more of a “Storm Troopers” clip? Whatever… But entertaining it surely was although this is not up my alley as far as music goes.

However, there were moments there (when he’s not doing any stomping with his boots or whatever he’s wearing) when he reminded me of the late Freddie Mercury of “Queen”. Yes, James Durbin possesses that unique vocal quality which puts him up there with the likes of great artistes who had left us too soon when they were in the prime of their musical career. Anyhow, being a really, really loyal fan of James, I could never fault him on his singing which is by far more superior and more consistent than the rest of the remaining Idol contenders. After all, what would you expect from this very talented and unpredictable entertainer. He has once again surprised us. So, I say “well done”, James!!

Now to the rest of the still “hopeful” though sometimes “hopeless” contestants (okay now I’m being really mean, sorry kids!!).

First up to take on this week’s theme which is “Music Of The 21st Century” is country boy Scotty McCreery. With his “unique” handling of his microphone being more pronounced than usual, he made his way through his song “Swingin’” which sounded pretty good albeit sounding a little old-fashioned. But that’s fine with me. In fact I personally feel that Scotty is getting more and more “professional” by the minute. The easy way he sashayed around the stage speaks volumes of this very young man who has matured before our very eyes. The judges were hard on him which was most unfair I think. But then again, the judges have been doing a really “lousy” job lately so that’s to be expected. Praises to the wrong contestants and critiques to those who certainly did not deserve to get “bashed” at all. Are the judges and those at home watching the same show? Or is there something seriously wrong with the judges’ hearing?

Haley Reinhart came on next and although she did not look or act as great as she did in the last few occasions, she sang real good. Taking on Adele’s
“Rolling In The Deep”, she got my attention although she still lacks the “star quality” in her performance. This girl obviously needs some help in the “image” department. But at least she doesn’t try to be someone she is not. Just on the voice alone, I think she’ll be able to make it in the music world. But on the Idol stage, does she require more grooming? Another thing: Did anyone notice the 2 blondes attempting to out-sing her? Aren’t they supposed to be “back-up” singers? Someone please tell them what “back-up” actually means!! Yes, you don’t “upstage” the lead singer – especially not in a competition!!

Jacob Lusk – what is left to say about this overly-emotional, over-singing young man? After being placed in the Bottom 3 a little while back, he seems to have lost not only his “confidence” but his “personality” as well. And did anyone realise or notice that he’s been choosing his words carefully of late? Since his recent “arrogant” comments on an earlier round, he apparently fell from grace. Did he receive a backlash from the American voters? And tonight, was he fishing for “sympathy” votes when he went on and on about his departed dad and the late Luther Vandross when he sang “Dance With My Father”? Were the tears a little too melodramatic? Would any of the voting crowd notice the “unnatural” way he went about everything? We’ll see. I’m all for the “tears” but I smell something “fishy” here. Call it a “woman’s intuition” as I suspect he’s being tutored to show his “humble” side. But it’s just not working with me. I can see a “fake” a mile away. It’s a pity though. I wish all the contestants would just “be themselves” and let us be the judge. Too much interference would get them eliminated sooner than they expected.

Next on is Casey Abrams who did the unexpected tonight. No, he did not surprise us with a different approach to singing. He sang like he always did – as only Casey Abrams can – in a unique, quirky way when he growled his way through Maroon 5’s “Harder To Breathe” while whacking his electric guitar. But he followed up with a smack on J.Lo’s cheek – no, not a “slap” but a gentle kiss on the recently-declared “World’s Most Beautiful Woman”. Yup, mild-mannered Casey has been transformed into a “Casanova” overnight. Lol!! I bet the entire online buzz will be reporting this incident for the next few days… or weeks… or months!!

After this hilarious scene, Stefano Langone came on stage to once again attempt to “woo” the American audience. He took on Ne-Yo’s “Closer” and sounded very contemporary and was less “irritating” than his usual self (meaning less “straining” of his neck muscles). All his usual “love declaration moves” were toned down quite a few notches but I still feel that he has a lot more to learn to get the audience going. He should have taken lessons from last season’s winner Lee DeWyze who would just stay quiet, slouch a little bit, give the camera a “puppy dog” look and still personify “sexiness”. Sigh!!

Lauren Alaina, another Idol aspirant who seems to have also lost her “personality” was last to sing on this night. Giving us Sara Evan’s “Born To Fly”, I was expecting her to sore into the sky or do something as equally “magnificent”. Unfortunately, it was another let-down. Whatever happened to the “bubbly” kid who first auditioned not so long ago? If we don’t find her soon enough, she’ll be another “casualty”. “Chop-chop”, I say. Lol!!

I have to end by saying that of all the songs that these young singing aspirants could select from this week’s theme, they certainly did a rotten job of picking some pretty mediocre titles. What were they thinking of? Do any of them realise that they’re in a singing competition? Or are they just practising their vocals?

Anyhow, for those who had missed Casey’s performance and his “cheek-pecking”, here’s the videoclip that showed him making “Idol History”. I’ll bet that when you finish viewing it, you’ll have a “smile” on your face. The world needs a “smile” these days… what with all the “tragedies” going on around us… don’t you agree?

So for just a little while, think of all those people who are not as fortunate as us – we who are residing in safe havens, who have never encountered natural disasters or experienced man-made wars. Think of those still struggling under extreme conditions and pray that their sufferings be over soon. God bless!!