The Final Four chose songs out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Songbook. Since most of the contestants were just being born around the time the Hall of Fame came into existence, i wondered how their limited scope of music history would serve them in this week's task. I quickly found out who was- and was not- up to the task.

Song #1

David Cook's take on Duran Duran didn't blow me away. I was hoping to conjure up some fond memories of my first concert, but alas, it felt more like i was in a karaoke bar watching the ambitious guy with tequila inspired confidence coarsing thru his veins. Don't get me wrong...he's entertaining and he's easy on the eyes...not bad at all for a night out! BUT, this is Idol, the stage is a whole lot bigger and David's going to have to get a whole lot hungrier if he's gonna win this thing.



Syesha looked like a different girl tonight. Anyone who attempts to take on Tina better be damn good. Well, she wasn't that good, but, color me surprised, she had some impact on me for once! Her voice lacks power so she'll never be able to mirror the vocals of any of the Divas she continues to cover, but it was better than i expected. Nice effort.


If the Sheriff were to have survived after being shot, he surely would have keeled over the minute he heard Jason Cook's piss poor version of that song. God forbid if any of Bob Marley's 13 children witnessed that DISASTER. There was nothing redeeming about it in the very least. He is ready to go ... even HE is shocked to be still be there. Seems to me he was stoned beyond repair up on that stage. How the hell is this kid in the Final Four? It is infuriating.

Considering David Archuleta spent his formative years in front of his bedroom mirror singing "Stand By Me" into his hairbrush, he was rehearsed and ready to go. I should just stop watching now because i'm soooo over him already.

Song #2

David redeemed himself with The Who. Despite the wardrobe malfunction (as in, the ill-advised selection of that jacket), he did a good job breaking down a 7 minute song to find the money minute. Not my favorite night for him, but i still have all kinds of faith in him.



Syesha looked great, but that's really the only positive thing i could find on this one. I wish they all would stop rearranging these classic songs to the point where they are almost unrecognizable. She's just a good singer. She's not great, she's not wow, but she is good enough to stay another week.

Hey kids of America and fans of Jason Castro... here's a news flash: there is NO improvisational humming in "Mr Tambourine Man" ...that was the stoner forgetting the lyrics to Bob Dylan and thinking it was quite amusing. PACK IT IN.



I really thought tears were going to start rolling out of Archuleta's half closed eyes during that song. Give me a break. It was sappy and syrupy. In other words, nothing new.


So, unless the tide takes a major turn, it looks like this: David Cook should win, but David Archuleta will win. Join me tomorrow as we raise a toast to Jason's departure!

Analyzing Your Idols,
Mattie Walsh