When David Cook turns in the worst performance of the night and Kristy Lee Cook is actually impressive, you know it’s not a typical “Idol.”

With “inspirational songs” as the topic for the week, I feared we were in for a night of horribly limp gospel songs – or at least one version of Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel.”

But, it turned out that “inspirational” in Idol Land literally meant songs that inspired the contestants. You know, like the work of that legendary ‘90s alt-rock band, Our Lady Peace.

David, David, David. Not only did you choose what I’ve now declared one of the worst rock songs ever, but did you have to make your surprisingly off-key performance cheesy as well, with that I-Am-Rock-Star-Hear-Me-Roar stroll through the crowd and the pensive stare into the camera while holding your palm to the lens? Yes, as Simon noted, your message to “Give Back” dovetails nicely with the spirit of tonight’s “Idol Gives Back” show. But it all seemed unusually contrived for the coolest guy on the show.

I wasn’t as lukewarm as the judges on the performance from “Idol”’s second-strongest dude, Michael Johns, who bravely tackled “Dream On,” an Aerosmith song that not even Steven Tyler can sing anymore. (For a really kick-butt version, check out Train – yes, Train – covering it live in concert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH01e-O2lOc&feature=related).

I thought Michael sounded potent and raspy (in a good way) throughout, and as the verses crept toward that inevitable climax, my husband cringed and said to the TV screen, “You actually gonna try to hit that note, buddy?” And at that exact moment, Michael did. It was messy, but so is rock ‘n’ roll.

Now, we’re all used to Simon’s forthrightness, but was anyone else surprised to hear Randy get all, “This isn’t about dreams, dawg, it’s about picking the right song” on Michael? Did the manly Australian really deserve such a scolding?

Randy’s grouchiness carried into Syesha’s performance of Fantasia’s showstopper, “I Believe,” but this time I agreed with him. She’s a technically proficient singer who has now proven she can run with the big-voiced divas, but she never seems to connect with a song -  and more importantly, with an audience.

Last night she was hardly the worst (ahem, David C. and Carly), but I wouldn’t be shocked to see her sent back to Sarasota, Fla., tomorrow night. At this point in the competition, personality counts – and she really doesn’t have one.

Neither does the space-faced Jason Castro, but his insistence to be different is commendable. I’m told that the ukulele version of “Over the Rainbow” he performed has been heard countless times in countless TV shows. Me? Never heard it in my life – and I watch a lot of TV and listen to a lot of music.

But a quick Google search taught me that it’s the work of Hawaiian singer “Bruddah Iz” (not Brother Is, as I thought Jason said in the video clip). Hey, even if you don’t dig Jason’s sweet, smooth voice, you’ve gotta give the guy credit for breaking out the Tiny Tim moves on national TV.

Posted by Melissa Ruggieri in • Entertainment • Music • Television
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