Tuesday, 11 March 2008

• American Idol Season 7 Top 12

  Here's a rundown of the top 12 competitors on American idol.
  
  Later today I'll post again before the show with a list of my personal favorites, and after the show with a mini-recap. See you then!
  
  Disclaimer: The following is merely the opinion of a single American Idol viewer. You are free to agree or disagree with me completely. That is all.
  
  

  
  David Archuleta - Age 17 - This 17 year old young man has been pegged by Simon Cowell as the one to watch. There is no doubt that David has a God given gift - he sings like an angel - with a few minor flaws. For a couple of things, he seems to gasp loudly when he takes in a breath when singing, and he licks his lips incessantly. It's distracting. Still, he's certainly a contender, what with him being the last "youngin'" in the competition. He has the teen/tween/grandma vote. I think he'll have a good career even if he doesn't win AI. I'll be watching his career with a lot of anticipation, and as long as his vocal paralysis doesn't come, he'll have a good shot at being a star. Many in the blogosphere have accused his parents of breeding a child to be a star, or of being stage parents (He won Star Search in 2003. Another bone of contention amongst some viewers) . My take on it is they have encouraged a love and talent in a child. I can't fault them for that. It wouldn't kill me if he won the whole shebang.
  
  
  Carly Smithson - Age 24 - Here's one that the powers that be at AI wanted us to swallow hook, line, and sinker...but the masses refuse to bite (as of yet). She's an okay singer...but no real "wow" thus far. Carly had a $2.2 million recording contract with MCA, under the name of Carly Hennessy, before they were absorbed by Geffen Records. Long story short, either her recordings didn't get pushed enough, or they just plain flopped. Regardless, many seem to feel like she had her shot, and they may not be so gracious as to give her another one. Personally, I don't think her sound is distinctive enough to make her a star, let alone win AI. I do think she'll be around for a while, unless she is sacrificed as a "shock exiter." Time will tell for this Irish lass.
  
  
  Michael Johns - Age 29 - Here's another one who has had a name change...he was the lead singer for a while of a band called "The Rising" under the name of Michael Lee. Originally from Perth, Australia, he's lived in the states since the age of 18. Michael seemed like a promising talent in auditions, but has since given fairly flat, lackluster performances. Promoted as a rocker, and a favorite of the judges, Mr. Johns will have to kick it up a notch to stay around for very long in the competition.
  
  
  Amanda Overmeyer - Age 23 - Seemingly stoic, Amanda, is a nurse, and a genuine rocker girl. Her raspy voice reminds one of Janis Joplin. Amanda is a rare find in this day and age of divas - she seems more suited to being on stage backed up by her own band than on the AI stage. Rarely a smile on her face (unless cajoled into flashing one), she seems like a fish out of water at times. She has talent, but will that be well translated when "Country Night" comes around? We'll see. She may not be long for AI, but she has a following, which may do her well even after the competition.
  
  
  David Hernandez - Age 24 - Being a former male stripper at a gay bar in Phoenix, AZ hasn't seemed to hurt AI hopeful David Hernandez. And why should it? He can "sang." One of the contestants that didn't get much air time before the final 24 were selected, he is making a great showing of his talent on AI. In addition to his stripping past, he has also performed on cruise ships, and was a contestant on Arizona Idol, which he did not win. It may be that he can wow America enough to make it to the top 10 and beyond, putting him at least in the AI tour this summer. Who knows, maybe he'll even make the top 3 or 4?
  
  
  Syesha Mercado - Age 21 - Beautiful actress/singer Syesha appeared on the reality show "The One" before her acceptance into the AI fold. Her father was a Motown backup singer, and it seems the talent hasn't fallen far from the tree. Pretty voice, but like Carly, she hasn't given that goosebump raising performance. In interviews it is obvious that she is schooled in poise and self-promotion, which aren't such bad things. Now, if she can back it up with some great song choices and a wider range of vocalization, she might stick around for more than two or three more weeks.
  
  
  Jason Castro - Age 20 - Dreadlocked Jason is continuing to sing his way into America's heart. His rendition of "Hallelujah" last week wowed the judges and evidently the voters as well. His soft, folksy style, his blue eyes, and shy yet kind of goofy air has endeared him to young and old viewers alike. He has talent, and seems to be a top contender in this competition.
  
  
  
  Ramiel Malubay - Age 20 - Filipina beauty Ramiel has been singing since the age of 12. A petite young woman with a mighty voice, she sang "Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin for her audition. So far in the competition she has yet to really make her talent shine. She can sing, I can hear it, but she hasn't quite "brought it" yet, as the judges are so fond of saying. I hope that this week Ramiel finally has her breakout performance.
  
  
  
  Chikezie Eze - Age 22 - California native Chikezie is, well, rather boring as a performer. It seems that Chikezie made it to Cali last year in the AI Season 6 competition, but no further. This year he's made it all the way into the top 12. I don't know how. Don't ask me. On the American Idol site he lists his toughest obstacle in life as, "Constant rejections in musical endeavors." Clue #1...maybe you should pursue another avenue? Just a thought. I don't foresee him sticking around for very long at all.
  
  
  
  Brooke White - Age 24 - Brooke is a former nanny who has never seen an R rated movie in her life. Some of her favorite performers include  Carly Simon, Carole King, Carpenters, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell - and it shows. Her performance of "Love is a Battlefield" impressed the judges and viewers last week, but can she keep things contemporary enough to win the whole thing? I am sure Brooke has her audience (albeit they are probably middle aged like myself), but that may not help her make it much past the top 10. Still, she seems to remain solidly in the competition, and I won't call her out of this thing yet, not by a longshot.
  
  
  
  David Cook - Age 25 - Proving himself to be force to be reckoned with, David Cook rocked a totally "today" rendition of "Hello" by Lionel Richie. Though many seem to find his emo-combover hairstyle to be a detracting feature, there is no doubt he has the charisma and talent to put him on a collision course with music industry success.
  
  
  
  Kristy Lee Cook - Age 24 - Oh my, how could I forget Kristy Lee Cook? Easy...she's pretty forgettable. She sold her favorite barrel racing horse to pay for her fare to audition. When she sings she looks like she's still on the back of a horse...kind of a trot squat or something. She sang with a country twang last week and the judges loved her. I think she slipped them drugs because I just didn't get it. Still, America put her in the top 12, knocking out Asia'h Epperson (who had a much better voice, in my opinion). I hope that she can get her horse back when she's finally voted off the show.
  
  

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