Will the Idols Inspire?

Alicia Keys is the mentor tonight, which is really exciting for me. I love her and her new album is just so moving and perfect. Let me say that I took a look at the songs the Idols could choose from and it was such a weak list. 1/3 of the songs have already been performed on Idol and 1/3 are songs by past Idol contestants themselves (Kelly's A Moment Like This, Fantasia's Believe, etc.) So I don't know how they could do well. Plus giving this competition 1 hour for 7 contestants means such short performances. I think I will hate the judges comments because they will keep picking on song choice when the contestants were so limited.

Casey -- "Don't Stop" Fleetwood Mac hit. I love Casey, but I hate the background singers. But his raspy voice is great. Randy and Ellen thought it wasn't new. Kara thought it was a step back and Simon hated the song choice -- surprise -- I nailed their commentary before the show even started. VOTE like crazy because he can't go yet and this performance going first may not compel anyone to vote.

Lee -- My fave right now. "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. Alicia gave him great advice. His voice gives it originality, but something is off, I wish he had just done it acoustic? Oh I know what is wrong -- he barely got to sing two verses. Oh I am so mad about this week. Randy thinks he is a great artist. Ellen thinks he has so much soul and depth. Best performance? Now let me be clear. I LOVE him, but I wanted to hear more, I did not get enough. I just watched it again and it was very good, but he wasn't allowed to have a moment in such a short time. Kara thinks this was his moment. I want to hear the iTunes version (which is the complete song). Simon thinks it was sincere, emotional and inspirational and current. Absolutely brilliant. Okay, I'll take it because Lee needs to stay and get to sing a whole song. VOTE

Captain Sully is in the audience. Wow, this guy is really famous.

Tim -- "Better Days" I love this song. LOVE this song by the Goo Goo Dolls. When I saw the list this was the song I wanted to hear most. Like that he tried to build it, but this is a rock song, not a violin number. He needed more support from the arrangement. I wish these people would put down the instruments. I'm sick of none of them moving around. Tim was okay, but I had high hopes for the song and this did not cut it. Ellen said he was soup of the day and today she did not like it. I agree. Tim smiled at Kara's criticism. Simon said it was a let down and I agree. He has been doing well, so I guess I thought with this song especially he would bring up his game. OK

Aaron -- "I believe I can fly" Alicia thinks it could be great. If he really soars. Is it just me or is Aaron hitting puberty during this show and is his voice changing? His body language seems to have given up. Stand in one place, with conviction and belt this sh** out! Much better than his recent performances, but he doesn't do anything to hold the audiences attention. Randy thought good job with a giant song. Ellen thinks it was real good. Kara thought by the end he got there. Simon thought it took guts to take on that song but it wasn't good. BUH BYE I don't need to hear him anymore.

Siobhan -- "When You Believe" Oh boy, I sense the drama is about to come. Alicia is very impressed with her voice. Stop holding back, let it all out. I feel like this is a soprano from my chorus group trying to sing solo. She is capable of singing, but her style is too weird for me. I can't stand her. Are we in 1979 weird TV variety show? It is retarded. Randy did not like it. Ellen liked it. Kara thinks she sounds like she is in a musical. Simon thought it was old fashioned and hated her weird outfit. They celebrated what made Adam Lambert different and unique because he was entertaining and great, seeing Siobhan makes me feel bad for all the bad things I said about Adam -- he was a thousand times better. And then her weird explanation made me so uncomfortable. OK I guess.

Mike -- "Hero" by Nickleback. This guy knows how to change it up enough to suit him. My problem is that this song does not have much range, but I like that he slowed it down a bit. But Chad Kroeger is not some superstar singer. Another reason why the song list was so bad. He did a good job with his 30 seconds of song. No seriously, better than several others tonight. Randy and Ellen liked it, Kara did not, Simon thought he sang it pretty well, but it was not inspired. Simon, don't criticize song choice - did you see the list??? ARGH. OK

Crystal may get cut off, very stressful. "People Get Ready" Alicia loves her. I liked it from the first second. Love the accapella beginning. Love her gospel overtones. She is believable. Did she get more time or was it so good that it felt so long? Why the crying? She freaked me out a little. Randy gave her the standing O. Ellen said she is beautiful. Kara said she schooled all the other contestants. Simon said that was inspirational and liked seeing her emotions. I agree that this was in a completely different class than everyone else. I'm scared that she is fragile. But she is amazing and you know what? Kelly was fragile too.

In order of preference:
Crystal
Lee
Casey
Siobhan?
Mike
Tim
Aaron

Honestly, of the last four, I don't care anymore, but I think it is time for Aaron to go.

Today was asked if I was a GLEEK. Totally. I love the songs, the stories are so twisted that they are so funny. Such a great fun ride and I can't wait to see the concert! And now I can get to the Madonna episode!!

Til tomorrow folks and Idol Gives Back. Get out your tissues and check books.