American Idol - Top 10

Tad and I are enjoying some jellybeans during Idol tonight. Maybe that will make me like the performances more.

Doubtful.

This week's theme is soul and R & B and our mentor is Usher. I'm pretty "meh" about him.

Siobhan is up first. She's singing "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan. I actually never liked this song. Ouch. Rough spot. There's definitely one spot in the song that's hurtin' her. Hubby's making faces. Randy said it was a little all over the place, but he still loves her anyway. Ellen said it wasn't her best, but she still loves her too. Kara is saying the same thing. Simon said it was all over the place. He's the only one who's making sense to me tonight. He didn't gush and give her warm fuzzies when she didn't deserve them.

Casey is singing "Hold On I'm Coming" by Sam and Dave. It totally suits his style. Tad stopped when he heard the guitar. He said he likes him. I have to agree. Randy loved it. He called it a perfect selection. Ellen said he's consistent, but that it felt a little generic. She still likes him though. Kara used her fancy music speak to blab for awhile without saying anything. Simon thought it was his strongest week.

Big Mike picked "Ready For Love" by India Arie. I like it. Not sure I love it. It was good though. Maybe I'm just bored. Randy liked it even though it wasn't exciting. Ellen said it was beautiful. Kara loved it. Simon said he felt like he can finally take him seriously as an artist.

Didi is up and singing "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." Gotta get it out: I don't like her hair. It's too flat on top. Now the song... I like it, but don't love it. She sounds good. But I like her voice anyway. Randy said the whole performance flat-lined. Ellen said it was dramatic and not her best. Kara said she's lost her way since Hollywood week. Simon said it was over the top.

Tim is singing "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker. He really can sing. I don't know if I'd ever buy anything from him, but he does have a decent voice. And he sounds good tonight, he's just not terribly exciting. Tad says he's good. This is the kid who liked Allison Iraheta, so I can go with his taste. Randy didn't love it. Ellen said it was a tough song and wasn't sure why he chose it. Kara said he took the soul out of the song. Simon laughed at Tim laughing when the judges don't like him. And didn't really judge him besides that.

Andrew's turn. He picked "Forever" by Chris Brown. I'm not a Chris Brown fan (stupid woman-beater), but I like this particular song. Andrew is doing it acoustic. I LOVE it!!! It's better than the original for me. Tad says, "Great." Listen to the kid. He's right on this one. Randy said Andrew is back. He called it his best performance in a long time. Ellen said it was amazing. Kara said it was a giant leap in the right direction. Simon said it was miles better than where he's been the last few weeks. Then he called him boring.

Katie is singing "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin. Hubby's eyebrows went up when he heard she's singing Aretha. She sounds good, but I'm a little bored. I don't think this song is doing her any favors in the "stay young and relevant" area. Randy said it was one of the best vocal performances of the night. Ellen thought the vocals were great, but wished for a more current song (told ya). Kara called it one of her best performances. Simon thought it was "pretty good." He thought she came over as cold.

Lee picked "Treat Her Like A Lady" by The Cornelius Brothers. He made Usher "wow" in rehearsals. He sounds REALLY GOOD tonight. But I'm already a fan. He looked a little more natural and comfortable up there tonight. Randy said it was the best he's heard him in weeks. Ellen said it was unbelievable and probably his best so far. Kara called it amazing. Simon said this was the night his life might have changed forever.

Crystal is singing "Midnight Train to Georgia." She put down the guitar and decided to play piano this week. She sounds good. And she actually looks like a girl this week. But I liked Andrew and Lee better. Randy said it was another great performance by her. Ellen said it was a great performance. Kara said the risk paid off. Simon said the song choice was sensational, but she was uncomfortable with the piano.

Aaron is last tonight. He picked "Ain't No Sunshine." I LOVE this song. LOVE IT. I like it, but I don't think I love it. The idea of it made me want to vote for him, but the actual performance didn't. haha Tad says he was good, but he was falling asleep so I'm going to go with a little boring. Randy said it was alright. Ellen made another age joke. She called it a good song choice. Kara liked it, but didn't love it. Simon said it didn't make him jump out of his chair.

Alright... bottom tomorrow... Didi, Tim, and maybe Katie again?