American Idol: Final 5 Contestants

Neil Diamond theme night!  Were it not for my father-in-law, Ed, and Matt, I would certainly be less interested in tonight's American Idol theme, but I know these two men really like Neil Diamond!  Forever in Blue Jeans is a song that both of them would likely choose to play as the theme background music to their life.  In fact Matt said tonight, "It's the song of my life; I want to be forever in blue jeans."  Oh, little does he know that at least his wife would beg to differ on the forever in blue jeans part!  The message of love and commitment behind it is great, but I like my man to throw on a pair of khakis and a button down shirt every now and then!

Let me also say that I did not like the format of tonight's show having the performers sing two rounds of songs and rushing through the judges' comments!  What was up with Paula!?  In a way, I'm not surprised she got confused; I even couldn't keep up fast enough with how the judges rapidly shared their comments at the same time for the performers' Round 1.  We recorded the show and I kept hitting the rewind button.  Seriously though, Paula must have been on another planet to start sharing her critiques on both songs of Jason Castro when he'd only sung once!  She must have written down comments from the dress rehearsal and started going off on sharing her thoughts about Round 2 prematurely, or somethin' went really haywire there!  The first half of the show felt rushed through with much lack of substance.  Round 2 was better, but I agree with Simon, it was a chaotic night!

Lastly, I'm still shocked Carly Smithson was the one to go home last week!!

Jason Castro:  Forever in Blue Jeans and September Morn
1)  His soothing voice is great for this song!  I like how he kept it simple.  I'm not sure what unique aspect he brought to his performance, but I think the song choice will carry him through to the next round...or maybe I'm just biased about the song choice.  <grin>
2)  I like Jason, but I agree with Simon, it just doesn't seem like he's trying that hard.  He's so laid back, which I appreciate, but honestly, I am not sure the music business is really his passion or something he'd enjoy that much.  The song choice was boring and it was a bit of a rote performance. 

David Cook:  I'm Alive and All I Really Need is You
1)  David just does a good job with everything, it can be said!  He also has great stage presence and the song choice for him was really good.  Solid performance!
2)  I am not familiar with this song, but the way he presented it made me like it!  He really has a good range of vocals and sings with much emotion, but it's never over the top.  And I gotta say, I think he will be the next American Idol! 

Brooke White:  I'm a Believer and I Am I Said
1)  Sorry, but I like other versions of this song MUCH better.  It was a fun song choice, but I didn't like the style she brought to it.  It was good to see her jammin' away after last week's goof, but I don't think it was one of her better performances. 
2)  I enjoy Brooke on the piano, and I liked this song much better than her first one.  One of her best performances in awhile!

David Archuleta:  Sweet Caroline and Coming to America
1)  I know BigMama loved this one!  I'm sure there were several Carolines in the audience that swooned over this song choice.  In my expert opinion (please hear the strong sarcasm behind those words), I felt like he was signing towards a teeny bopper crowd, so it didn't appeal to me.
2)  Fitting song for American Idol!  Sure got me pumped and the chills runnin'.  I really liked his additions to the song, and the ending...awesome! 

Syesha Mercado:  Hello Again and I Thank the Lord for the Night Time
1)  After the face paced songs, I wasn't quite in the mood for a slow song; I thought it was a bit boring.  Her high notes felt like she was shouting to me.
2)  So-so.  I think the fact that I don't have much to say about her performance is indicative that it was just not a memorable night for Syesha. 

Bottom 3: Jason Castro, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado
Prediction of Who's Going Home:  Jason Castro...but I hope Syesha Mercado
Favorite Performance:  David Cook