Michael Johns
performed Dream On by Aerosmith

Faux-rock continues to absolutely DOG this guy. He can't get over trying to sell us on being a rocker. He's NOT. The blues-y thing last week is his genre, and he should stay there. As a result, we got an AGONIZING attempt at Steven Tyler's falsetto screaming...and it was just stupid. GO BACK TO RUSSIA, AUSSIE!

This was DEF one of the more memorable first performances of this season. I think he’ll make it through this round, but when he started getting screechy high up there it was a bit much for me. I don’t know if that was a song I would have expected from him, but it was alright….and, yes, Artie he is looking like Scooby-Doo’s Fred with that ascot.

(L-R David Cook, Michael Johns, Brooke White, David Archuleta, Jason Castro)

I really like that song a lot...but, I don't really think I liked his take on it that much. Uuuuuuuugh...it's hard to sing that song. Let's just say, I was left hoping that wouldn't be the best performance of the night, because it wasn't that cool. As soon as I heard the opening notes and heard what song it was, I was IMMEDIATELY scared to hear how it would end. Not sure he pulled it off with Steven Tyler-esque finesse.

Syesha Mercado
performed I Believe by Season 3 American Idol Fantasia

I'd like to opt to go last, here. Thanks.

This was a really good song choice for her. I doubt many people knew Fantasia’s version, well ya never know, it was idol fans watching. I like how it started slow and then jumped up the energy. And when she hit that high note…WOW that’s impressive. This was a big song, but I think Syesha rocked it. She may not have had the overwhelming emotion that Fantasia gave when she won, but how could you when you’re just singing to survive another night.

Dear Syesha...you should never, ever, EVER do that Mariah Carey screech again. You break my heart when you do that. Thanks. Love, Artie. Other than that...I thought it was good. I was with her until she busted the octave pop stuff at the end. I question her song choice, because...really? Fantasia? Really?!

Bad song choice. Fantasia sings that song quite well. In fact, singing this song immediately invites comparisons to Fantasia. That Mariah screech was horrible, and she's in trouble. Here's how this song is SUPPOSED to sound. Boo, Syesha.

Jason Castro
performed Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, playing a UKULELE

Love the Fat, Hawaiian Guy version. LOVE IT. And I love that he came RIGHT OUT in his intro vid and gave credit to the original singer, Brother Is. It was a nice performance, clean and genuine, simple and surprisingly memorable. Kat McPhee used this song to secure a spot in the finale, and...well, I don't think Jason has the staying-power to be there till the end...though I HOPE he does. We'll see, but he's safe this week.

BOOM! I really, really liked that. I'm a fan of that arrangement, and a fan of him mentioning that right off the bat. I don't believe Julie when she says David Cook gives credit for the songs he steals, so good for Jason. Anyway...REALLY good. Awesome. I still love Jason Castro, he's awesome. I might even download the full version on iTunes! And hot use of "novelty" instrument, once again. Keytar, say hello to ukulele.

BAM! Hot.

I love this version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow!" It was used perfectly in an episode of Scrubs, and I really enjoyed Jason singing it too. His vocals were great, and when he had those high notes they were perfect. He really made a comeback in my book with this performance, it was a great song choice for him and I loved it. His interview this week was even good-without all that awkwardness. Jason is back!

Kristy Lee Cook
performed Anyway by Martina McBride

Blasted Country singer. The monster they call KLC survives another week. Move on, she's got too many fans. And NOT a horrible performance. It was actually quite good, for Kristy Lee. I'm just over her. She outlasts some other more-talented but less-adorable singer.

I'm saying this because I WANT HER TO GO HOME SOON. That was pretty good. I mean...still playing to her audience, solid vocal. I'm not an expert on pitch and tone, but...when I have to question whether or not it was really solid, I'm assuming it's NOT. And I questioned a few times with this performance, so...maybe a bit off at times. I think she's safe, given that performance and song choice. May still be in the Bottom 3, but...safe.

Her vocals sounded really good, but she seemed weird just standing in front of the microphone in the beginning. All and all this was a good performance for Kristy Lee, but I hope it’s not enough to keep her around-there are just too many better singers in the competition that I don’t want to see leave before she does.

David Cook
performed Innocent by HIS FAVORITE BAND, Our Lady Peace

Going last, again. Ugh.

Clyde, just go ahead and bash him.

Sure? Because I really hated it.

(Sigh.) Yes, yes. Go ahead...

I really hated it. The song was dreary and just muttered, and I don't care WHO his favorite band is...it's awful. Bad choice, worst of the season for him, and the first week he TRULY DESERVES to be in the Bottom 3, even if he won't. I'll stop there, there's nothing positive I can say about his performance or his awful, showy, indulgent, Bono-style hand message at the end. Just terrible.

He’s already a star, and he proves it every week. He has the “it” factor and I think he was very original choosing Our Lady Peace when everybody else seems to be picking the same kind of song that they thing is inspiring so far. I liked him going into the crowd and singing in front of the judges I thought that was cool. The one thing I will have to agree with Simon on is that white coat though, it looked like it was two ties short of a straight jacket.

Jeesh. Get OVER him, Julie. This was a trainwreck. Artie? Please, break the tie.

I'm a BIG fan of Our Lady Peace. This could've been either REALLY good for me...or REALLY bad. And...I HATED it. It was terrible. No one has ever heard that song, and now, no one ever WANTS to hear the original after hearing him murder it. That's a TOUGH song to interpret anyway, and that lead singer has a STRANGLEHOLD on that particular style. And most people might not like that anyway. It was just too much for him to try to sell to the audience. It was a tough task, and the did NOT pull it off. There's NO WAY his legions of fans are going to stick with him through THAT.

Carly Smithson
performed The Show Must Go On by Queen

OK. If I have heard that song...she really made it her own, because I didn't recognize it. It was OK. I didn't have a real problem with it. Sounded OK. I liked the 'tude she was showing off, kind of fit the song. I liked it.

When I first heard it, I thought it wasn't a TERRIBLE performance...but, since I had no idea where she was going with it, I was paying too much attention to the arrangement. Once I thought about her shouting vocals...all she has is power-shouting. Her arsenal is pretty limited. That kind of thing will get you to the Top 10, but you have to show some range and subtlety in your vocal style. She has FAILED. Carly, you looked better this week...but I'm thinking you're in a LOT of trouble.

It was good for Carly to do a song very not "Celion" this week, it reminded people who Carly is, and she’s not always Celion. Her voice is strong as always, and I disagree with the judges, and think that she did connect with the song. But I do have to agree with Simon she looked good last night, and did sound a bit too angry for what was supposed to be inspiring.

David Archuleta
performed Angels by the spellbinding John Farnham! (Robbie Williams)

I think this is the first time we’ve seen David at the piano since maybe Hollywood week, and I loved it. He looks so much more natural when he’s playing and singing, rather then the awkward theatrical moving around the stage we’ve been used to the last couple weeks. Great song for him, but it was slightly nasal. I am so glad that he’s showing us why he deserves to still be in the competition again, because I was starting to think his unoriginality was going to bore me to death.

To be honest with you...I don't think I've actually HEARD any of the songs he's chosen in the last 4 weeks. This was OBVIOUSLY his week. He did fine. He's totally safe. Sounded good, didn't really know the song...cool that he tickled the ol' ivories. It's David Archuleta, man. He's...gonna' be rackin' up the votes. So...decent job.

Let me preface this by saying I still can't STAND this goony kid. With that said, it was actually pretty good. Not perfect, a bit nasal and muddy in the lower notes. He was MADE to belt out big notes. I didn't hate it, I wasn't as bored as I've been the past few weeks, with him. The piano thing was a good idea...but, you know what? It doesn't matter what I say. Love him or hate him, he's cruising toward the finale. Safe, safe-ity, safe-safe.

Brooke White
performed You've Got a Friend by Carole King (w/ a loving nod to James Taylor)

I love this song, and her vocal was okay. A bit forgettable, so good that she went at the end. Hair was a bit flat, cute outfit, surprisingly leggy. I don't think she's in trouble this week BECAUSE she keeps up that lovely eye-contact during her performances. Still genuine, nothing fake about her...deserves to win over all the other females still in the competition. There were worse, she's adorable...she'll be safe. Better knock it out of the park next week, though...or we're seriously stuck with a dreary, all-male Top 4. And, and by the way...KEEP THE GLASSES. She was wearing them in the intro video...and they're super-hot on her.

Yo, SECOND THAT, dogg! Love the glasses, Brooke! Anyway, about the performance...awwww! Yay, Brooke. That was solid! Good! I like that song, and I liked her take on it. Nice and mellow, subtle...very Brooke-y! Didn't knock it out, and that worries me a little, because she's been in the Bottom 3, like Clyde said...but yeah, at least she didn't go first, again! Good enough to keep her safe, good for her. I just wanna' hug her!

She really is a flower child stuck in a new generation. I liked it but I don’t think it was her best performance. It’s probably better that she closed the show rather than opened with that song, because I think it could have put her in the bottom three for sure. After being in the bottom three last week, though…I’m not sure if she really is safe.

Best of the Night were Castro, Archie and, I don't think I'll ever say this again...but either Brooke or KLC. Wow. Weird. Did I just say that? That's just spooky. I'm scared too, America. I better wrap this up. Worst of the Night was EASILY, HANDILY David Cook. That was such a mess. Bottom 3 would be David Cook, Michael Johns...because it wasn't great and he went first...and a toss-up between Carly and Syesha, I think. They both had OK performances with rough aspects that I could say easily led to their being in the Bottom 3 this week. I'll have to pick...Syesha. And going home this week...dogg, I have NO idea. I'll say Syesha's leaving. Tough for me to say, because I thought most of her performance tonight was strong, vocally. But the pitch pop thing may have boned her, and she's been unpopular for the last few weeks anyway, and that may just be the equation that takes her out. =^(>

I’ve decided that I’m not going to name names this week of who I think is in the bottom three, because whenever I say anything about this person they never go home-and I think I’m jinxed. So I’m just going to say that I think the bottom three is going to be all female, and I’m a little disappointed in my girls after this show –the boys kinda kicked your butts.

I'll keep this brief, because it's getting harder to call and I'll write 8 pages if I try to explain it all. Best of the Night were Jason Castro and David Archuleta. Worst of the Night was David Cook, honorable mention to Michael Johns. The Bottom 3 will be Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado and....this third one's a big, dumb toss-up. I'll go nuts and put Michael Johns in there, even though David Cook BELONGS in there and Brooke was underwhelming, if pleasant. Mostly, because he went first and that attempted Steven Tyler falsetto scream was godawful. So, who's leaving?

Sorry, Carly. You're headed home. And take that awful tattoo with you.

***** DISCLAIMER *****
The opinions expressed by the three "FOX43 Idol Experts" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOX43, Tribune Broadcasting or FOX.
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