It’s do-or-die time on American Idol, and I can happily say that Syesha Mercado is still alive and kicking. While most Idol “experts” (and even some judges) will tell you that the finals should come down to a battle of the two Davids, I’ve been hoping for a small miracle that would allow Syesha to strut her stuff into the finals. Last night she may have gotten her opportunity.

The show was split up into three pseudo-rounds: In the first round, songs were chosen by a judge, in the second the contestants chose their own songs, and lastly the producers made selections.

Photo credit: FOX

For boy-wonder David Archuleta, the evening resulted in mixed reviews. Paula Abdul chose “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel for his first song, and Randy Jackson said he was completely “in the zone.”

Photo credit: FOX

David’s personal choice was possibly the most interesting of the season, singing “With You” by Chris Brown. Though it’s definitely the first time he’s tackled something that’s even remotely targeted towards his age bracket, it didn’t necessarily make it a good decision. Simon Cowell’s assessment of the situation (like a chihuahua acting like a tiger) was right on the money. Lastly, the judges had him sing “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg. Bor-ing. … continue reading

And then there was one — one female that is. Brooke White left us last week, leaving Syesha Mercado as the only female remaining on American Idol for Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame week.

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

I have to say, if someone had told me that the last girl standing would be Syesha, I would have told them they were crazier than Paula Abdul. And then I would have been wrong. It goes to show you how much I know.

Last night, contestants chose songs from the Hall's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, and in the wake of Paula-gate, the judges went back to their normal format of critiquing them after each performance. It's too bad, really. Last week was so entertaining.

The resident rocker — David Cook — started off with "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran, which kind of surprised me. I had him pegged for some Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin or at least the Rolling Stones. Perhaps he should have started off with one of those, because all three judges gave him lukewarm praise at best. … continue reading

We're halfway through the finals on American Idol, and yet I feel as though we've been watching these "singers" for months. Oh, wait. We have been. (It's amazing how much they can stretch out these seasons!)

On our first Kristy Lee–free (thank goodness!) night, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was the mentor, and his songs were the theme.

The top six contestants with Andrew Lloyd Webber

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Kicking it off in the opening time slot was Syesha Mercado, and she looked absolutely stunning.

Photo credit: Frank Micelotta/FOX

She sang "One Rock 'n' Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express. All three judges sang her praises, and I wholeheartedly agreed with them. For the first time all season, I felt like she showed personality in her performance. According to Paula Abdul, theater is Syesha's "thing," and it definitely showed. Simon Cowell even called it "sexy!" (Look closely at 4:08 to see Allison Janney in the audience!) … continue reading

Tonight is the second annual Idol Gives Back special on American Idol, and it promises to be a celebrity-studded event. Due to the success of last year's event, it is going to be longer, it has brought in even bigger performers and more corporate sponsors. Idol producers have set a goal of $100 million in donations and pledges — $25 million more than last year's total.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, because there were performances last night, to the tune of “inspirational songs.” And I have to admit that for the first time all season, I don't have any major complaints!

Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX

Syesha Mercado got things started for the ladies by singing former Idol winner Fantasia Barrino's first single, “I Believe.” Randy may have thought she got in over her head on the performance, but I begrudgingly agree with Paula Abdul's grammatically correct yet awkward statement, “I just think hands down this is one of your most shining nights.” … continue reading

It's been a long time coming, but Dolly Parton finally stepped into the American Idol arena last night as a mentor. Though I was a little uncertain about how well the contestants would handle her collection of music, I was excited for a never-before-done theme. Dolly was fun and bubbly and encouraging and absolutely everything an Idol mentor should be.

One of my favorites, Brooke White (along with a bluegrass band), opened the show with “Jolene” and failed to impress the judges. I admit I wasn't completely blown away either, but I thought it was a solid performance. She's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Ramiele Malubay sang “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” and for the first time in several weeks, I feel like she chose the right song and sang it well. Simon Cowell, however, didn't like it and called her performance “forgettable.” (Is anyone surprised? He uses this insult every week.)

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The American Idol producers thought last week’s show went so well, they might as well do an “encore night” of Beatles songs. I guarantee you they regret their decision today. Last night, most of the contestants chose to pass on some of the more well-known Beatles songs, and very few performances stuck out. Luckily, for Kristy Lee Cook though, no one was completely dreadful this week, either. Amanda Overmyer finally got a chance to open the show last night, and I thought she looked great. Thank goodness they stopped overdoing it with her style.

As far as her sound, well, it was the same-old, same-old, and I think her time might be running out unless she can show us something new next week.

Kristy Lee Cook was as boring as usual. She is so out of her league in this competition, it’s ridiculous. Sadly, my favorite lady, Brooke White, was also fairly bland. She sang “Here Comes the Sun,” and when I say that’s what she sang, I’m being literal. Those were virtually the only lyrics she used in the entire performance. It was repetitive and awkward. She was totally out of her element, and I was totally disappointed. I’m just going to forget about that performance and focus back on “Let It Be” and “Love Is a Battlefield.”

The one bright spot on the night was our favorite Irish lady, Carly Smithson. She definitely loses points in my book, though, for her odd (and unnecessary) use of symbolism while explaining to Simon why she chose, out of the entire Beatles’ collection, to sing about a blackbird. … continue reading

Now that the weeks-long exercise in public humiliation — aka the audition phase — is over, I can finally watch American Idol. Last night, the Hollywood round began, which means tonight we'll meet the 12 women and 12 men who will vie for the ultimate title.

I already have a favorite: Amanda Overmyer, the goth nurse from Indiana. The Janis Joplin comparison is probably going to get old, but she really does have that groove. The minute Amanda started singing last night, my girlfriend laughed and said, "You're such a sucker for a gravelly voice." I am, I am! Plus, Amanda reminds me of Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde.

Here she is with that whiskey-soaked voice of hers:

Meanwhile, I'm not quite sure what I think of Carly Smithson yet. She's the one who has already had a record deal, which still makes me go hmm. But she did belt the hell out of that great Heart song "Alone" last night (after a slow start), and I can't help but dig her tattoos. … continue reading