American Idol: Week Seven; The Top 9 Compete

The Lennon/McCartney songbook is one of the greatest songbooks in the history of music. I look forward to these nights when Idol allows the contestants to choose songs from this library. Granted, that could either lead to great performances, or absolute disasters.

Thankfully, last night there were no outright disasters, though I have to question some choices. (Bagpipes, Lee? Really?)

Back in season seven, when they last opened up the Lennon/McCartney songbook, there were some great performances. This time, there were just as many, and it will be hard for me to choose a bottom three this week. In fact, I'm pretty sure I may be way off in my choices.

Without further ado, let's jump right in, feet first, into the individual performances, starting with the most adorable contestant, that being:

1. AARON KELLY – sung “Long and Winding Road” - David Archuleta sung this back in season seven, and I'm sorry to say Aaron didn't even come close to how good that was. I love Aaron, but this performance lacked passion and dragged a bit for me. I think the problem was exactly what Randy pointed out; Aaron didn't change it up enough. It sounded to "sound alike", and too slow. I agree with Kara, that Aaron needs to start picking a few more up tempo songs, so know one begins to pigeon hole him into being a "ballad singer". I think he'll become more contemporary, as Simon puts it, and not as "old-fashioned" as he put it. Despite the rough judge's comments, Aaron not going to be in the bottom three. Why? His popularity is growing, as is shown by the loud boos Simon got when he judged him. SAFE

2. KATIE STEVENS – sung “Let It Be” - Surprisingly, I really liked Katie's performance. This is one of my favorite Beatles songs, and she did a pretty decent job of it. (my favorite still remains the version performed in the musical movie, Across the Universe.) I loved her tone throughout the performance, and she added just enough depth and emotion to make it stand out. Most of the judges loved it, and said that this is Katie's best performance in weeks. Though I agree with them 100%, however, it will not be enough. Katie just hasn't made enough of an impression and impact compared to the other contestants, and unfortunately this will lead her to being in the bottom three tonight. Sorry Katie, I wish it wasn't, but I have a strong suspicion it is. IN DANGER

3. ANDREW GARCIA – sung “Can't Buy Me Love” - Meh, I have to agree with Randy on this one; it was sort of corny. The song choice was not as perfect as Ellen pointed out. I don't this it was the right song choice or arrangement, because as Simon pointed out, the band overpowered his vocals. Andrew had a very strong performance last week, but this week came back to a mediocre standing. I'm not quite sure what it is about Andrew that doesn't seem to work. Is it the glasses? Is it the big "Snookie poof" of a hairdo? Whatever it is, he needs to change it fast because there are at least 3 other contestants that not only are outshining and outperforming him, they are fast overtaking him. Believe it or not, I think Andrew might be in trouble tonight. IN DANGER

4. MICHAEL LYNCHE – sung “Eleanor Rigby” - When Michael's performance first started, and he came in with those smooth vocals, my first thought was "wow, this sounds a bit like an R& B song". I was right, because by the middle of the song, I could definitely hear this song on the radio and debuting on the R&B charts. I have to admit, I loved the R&B spin Michael put on this Beatles classic. It was well arranged and well performed. Now, as for Simon saying it sounded a bit like a musical, I sort of agree. Yes, it did sound a bit like a musical version of the song, but Randy is right...that's what's in right now. Glee is hot right now, and it's not because of the cute cast members. (well, partly, but I digress. Also, side note - If you are not watching Glee, you are missing out on one of the best shows on TV). I'm still not on the Michael fan club all the way, but I'm almost there. He's not going anywhere this week. SAFE

5. CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – sung “Come Together” - I could have sworn Crystal would have chosen a different song. Not that she didn't sound great, but I thought this was more of a Lee Dewyze song. And ironically, Lee's song choice sounded more like a Crystal song. Shows what little I know, because they both did amazing jobs with their respective choices. I agree with Randy when he said this wasn't Crystal's strongest performance, but by far it showed her range and vocal skills. I know I can't stop spouting my love for "Mama sox", but honestly, with the exception of Casey, Lee and maybe Michael, no one is even coming close to slowing this girl's ride to the finale. Totally here next week. SAFE

6. TIM URBAN – sung “All My Loving” - I can't believe I'm going to say this, and I know what you're all thinking when I say this...but I actually enjoyed Tim's performance. Okay, after you stop throwing things at the computer screen, just remember I need to be unbiased. And I've always said, I don't hate Tim (like I hated Sanjaya, back in the day). Tim seems to honestly be trying and he really does take a beating week after week. Despite that, he smiles through it, which, instead of coming off arrogant, comes off as charming. Tim may not be the best performer, but he is probably the most charming. this was a cute version of the song, but it was by no means a song from a star. To me, it sounded very "wedding singer", but what sold the performance more was his charm. I agree with Simon, that considering his past three performances, this was by far his best one. BUT...it will not stop him from being in the bottom three. I know he did well, but being in the bottom three for 3 weeks in a row will pretty much guarantee his spot there this week. But will he go home? IN DANGER

7. CASEY JAMES – sung “Jealous Guy” - I loved, loved this performance. It was heartfelt, emotional, and it showed Casey can be more than just this "rocker country dude". Seriously, I loved it so much, I'm probably going to download it. It was that good. This was definitely Casey's best performance since...well, since I first saw him. His vocals were spot on, and like Kara said, it showed a vulnerability that helped put a great emotional spin on his entire performance. I could actually hear this version of the song playing as the background song to a scene in a love story. Casey just cemented his spot this week, and I can see him going pretty far now. SAFE

8. SIOBHAN MAGNUS – sung “Across The Universe” - This was different from Siobhan, but it is what I wanted. I didn't want the "scream" this time, and Siobhan obliged by giving a tender, soft version of another of my favorite Beatles songs. I don't know what Kara is talking about when she said that she was confused after her performance. I think it's pretty clear Siobhan wanted people to see how versatile she is, and though it did have a few pitch problems in the beginning, by the time she got to the chorus, it sounded fantastic. I think this was a very strong performance by Siobhan, and made it clear she is a force to be reckoned with. I don't think she needs to worry tonight. SAFE

9. LEE DEWYZE – sung “Hey Jude” - Okay, though the bagpipes did sound good with Lee's performance, really, did he actually have to bring the bagpipe guy out on stage with him? Simon was right, it was very distracting. I was full on listening to Lee's vocals on yet another of my favorite Beatles tunes, until that bagpipe guy showed up. At that point, I stopped listening and was distracted, wondering "what is he doing there? what gives? why is he out there?" Kara is right, Lee is looking more comfortable on stage then I've seen in weeks, but the bagpipe idea is sort of a mixed bag for me; bagpipe sounds was a plus, having the guy come on stage with him, minus. Regardless, overall this was a great performance, so I doubt Lee is going anywhere this week. SAFE

My Bottom Three Picks: I can't believe I had such a hard time this week choosing my bottom three picks, and even as I begin to end this week's blog, I have to admit, I could be waaaay off in my choices. But, I will stick with my choices and my reasons for them, and they are: Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban and Katie Stevens.

My Pick to be Eliminated Tonight: Dear readers, don't think me crazy. Don't think me losing my mind. But despite needing to go home weeks ago, I don't think Tim is going anywhere this week. Yes, I know, I feel your pain, but I think I'm right. So who goes home? I want to say Katie Stevens, but I think tonight will be one of those surprise eliminations, and Andrew Garcia will go home. BUT...here's the twist...if he does get eliminated, don't be surprised if the judges utilize their "Judge's Save".

So what did you guys think? You guys aren't as chatty in the comments area as in past seasons. Are you guys that bored with this season? One of my readers outright told me she isn't watching, and only gets her updates until the finale from reading my blog. Ha!

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Until next week my readers, I bid you farewell for now!!