AI Predictions: The music of Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber

Or, in other words, the night of “Phantom of the Opera.”

I loved this show.  I have been looking forward to ever since last week’s results show.  And though a strange choice of mentor for a self-proclaimed “pop” show, I thought it was a smart move, considering the Idol finalists who’ve had great success on Broadway (Diana DeGarmo, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, to name a few).

I was not disappointed.  This was a great evening of some stellar performances, some not-so-stellar moments, and some surprising comebacks.  This show had it all!

Syesha began the evening with a defining performance.  Her showmanship was fantastic, she worked not only the song but also the crowd, and getting Ricky involved in the act certainly played into her hand.  Though I still don’t think she deserves to win, I do think she showed her amazing potential as a Broadway star, and as a result will sail right through to next week.

David Archuleta provided the first of our “Phantom” showcase with “Think of Me.”  According to Simon, the challenge for the contestants tonight would be to take these songs that were written for musical theater and make them relevant to a pop audience.  David did it.  His song would be a hit on any Top 40 list, hands down.  I loved his arrangement of the song, though he did make me laugh a little with his concerted effort to keep his eyes open.  This kid continues to amaze.

Jason Castro…what can I say?  Yikes.  Not good, my friend, not good at all.   Bad suit.  Bad interview.  No, make that REALLY bad interview.  Bad vocals.  Really, REALLY bad vocals, though that’s not entirely his problem.  Bad choice of song for him.  Frankly, I skipped through most of his performance.  It was really more than I could handle.   He’s had a great run, but I believe tonight, he may fulfill the promise of his song and become…a “Memory.”

Brooke White.  Oh, dear.  That false start really shook her.  She sounded so much better in the sound bytes with SALW.  I felt a disconnect between her and the song – the emotion wasn’t about what she was singing as much as it was about her own foible.  She’s been a strong competitor, but I’m not sure if this performance was enough to carry her past her own failings.  She may find herself in the bottom category tonight.

Carly Smithson came out and turned it around!  I am so glad she chose not to sing “All I Ask of You.”  “Jesus Christ, Superstar”, though an odd choice, really worked for her.  She showed amazing personality, she gave the audience a great performance, and chose a song that connected well with her vocal skills.  She’s definitely moving on, coming closer to becoming a superstar in her own right.

David Cook closed the night with a rendition of “Music of the Night” that showed a totally different side of him.  Though I wouldn’t say it was the best vocals, or even his best performance, he made it work and reemphasized why he has eluded the bottom of the pack every week.  No problem, David C., we’ll see you next week.

If Jason Castro doesn’t go home tonight, I’ll be sorely disappointed.