Final 7 of American Idol

I confess: I'm a total AI freak. Ever since Lisa started watching in Season 2, I can't tear myself away from the circus. Now my son Max watches with us (at least as long he can stay up). He likes all the contestants, but he was partial to Chikezie (as was I, since he was our homeboy from Inglewood). Anyway, here's my recap of last night's show:

I thought Mariah week would be a disaster; she's such a diva. To my great surprise, I think she provided some of the most cogent, musical support from any mentor since David Foster in Season 5. She listened, suggested, complimented, and she was fair in her assessments (although I don't think she or the producers would have had her say anything too negative).

1. David A. -- the LA Times blogger calls him "The Chosen One" and he lives up to that name every week. Song and presentation were great. My only critique, and probably what makes him so endearing to young girls, is that he doesn't look like a star -- yet. His physical presence is nerdy, like someone who hasn't quite discovered what his body can do. It's almost as if he hasn't discovered he has a penis yet. And it might be true, at least figuratively, since he hasn't yet sung one song that was about romantic love.

2. Carly – She sang “Without You,” the Badfinger classic. I love her voice, but I actually think she should stop trying to hit the glory notes too often. Not only do they sound "shriek-y," as Simon has often said, but they detract from her smooth style. The nature of the competition makes her do it week after week, but once she enters the pop world again as a solo artist, she should sheath that sword and bring it out more sparingly for better effect.

3. Syesha -- Technically a beautiful rendition of Vanishing, one of my favorite Mariah tunes from the first album. I had predicted that she'd stumble this week and get eliminated, but now I'm not so sure. Her biggest problem is that she thinks she's better than she actually is, as in she attempts these songs to prove to America that she's as good as Whitney or Mariah or Celine. As Simon said, she's just not that good. Still she was better than…

… 4. Brooke -- Total disaster with “Hero.” I had to close my eyes when she performed. Her rushing started earlier than when others have said. Her pitch was all over the place. I’m a little tired of the nasally honk that escapes her mouth so often when she sings. It’s a fine affectation once in a while, but she seems to overplay it. I also am tired of her not standing there quietly when the judges are talking, even if she’s being polite by saying “Thank you.” Hated her pouty face after Simon’s burger/bun analogy.

5. Kristy – Actually liked this performance of “Forever.” She’s gorgeous, she’s likeable, and her slight country lilt in this arrangement was just the right touch. She’ll probably be in the bottom three, but safe.

6. David C. – I actually did NOT like this arrangement of “Always Be My Baby.” David’s pitch wobbled frequently in the lower registers throughout. It was a daring arrangement, and Blake Lewis’s take on Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” already proved that risk-taking is prized. I didn’t go back and listen again, but perhaps I’ll do it tonight before the results show. Of course he’s safe.

7. Jason – After last week’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” success, I think Jason is going to be a huge star. His version of “I Don’t Wanna Cry” was more of what makes him so unique, and provides insight into how he’d show up as a songwriter. He seemed so much more comfortable in the last two weeks than I’ve ever seen him. I predicted he’d go out next week, but I am withdrawing that prediction.

Here are my predictions now:
7. Brooke White
6. Kristy Lee Cook
5. Carly Smithson
4. Syesha Mercado
3. Jason Castro
2. David Cook
1. David Archuleta