Beatlemania – Idol Style

Tonight’s show kicks off with a lot of hoopla that has nothing to do with why I watch. Hooray for the new set, the blinding lights, the band’s new penthouse and the goofy "mosh pit" full of fans next to the judges. What I’m more excited to see is how our Top 12 fare on some of the best songs ever written, courtesy of the legendary Lennon-McCartney Songbook.

Syesha Mercado
"Got To Get You Into My Life"
Syesha shows off her lower register but it takes her off-pitch at first. Thankfully, she breathes a little soul into this typically pop song. She was pretty good for being the first fish in the sea, but as the husband notes, there is no "wow" factor in the whole package.

Chikezie Eze
"She’s a Woman"
Excellent song choice for Chikezie. It really shows a side of him we’ve never been treated to before. Yeah, he’s nervous, but he’s having a blast – as it should be! He’s proving that he deserves to be in the Top 12. I thoroughly enjoyed this performance! God, this is why I watch! Even Simon is smiling! Where’s Chikezie been hiding?

Ramiele Malubay
"In My Life"
She’s seems breathier than usual tonight but she’s does have a lovely and pleasant voice. Her interpretation of the song though does nothing to demonstrate what a beautiful and moving song it is. It also does nothing to showcase her vocal strength. She even ends on a sour note, to me. Randy seems to agree with me. As Simon sums it up, Ramiele is "better than that."

Jason Castro
"If I Fell"
Jason’s comfortably tucked behind his guitar as he strums along to the sweet lyrics of "If I Fell." He had a couple of bad notes, but it was so soothing that I don’t think I care. He’s precious.

Carly Smithson
"Come Together"
I’m 100 percent a Carly fan so she better not disappoint tonight! She looks totally comfortable on this beast of a stage. Her voice is great but she can do better than this – which is hard to believe – and that’s what I love about Carly. You never know what she’s going to bring to the table but you know you’ll leave satisfied.

David Cook
"Eleanor Rigby"
David C.’s voice is so incredibly different from anything else out there that I’m compelled to love it. He begins a little rough and has some pitch problems but once he gets into it, David C. delivers. I’m a fan. Simon calls it "brilliant."

Brooke White
"Let It Be"
Brooke takes on a big one – the Beatles last single. The only thing I don’t like is she didn’t take the high not on the "Be." That aside, she is the most loveliest young woman I’ve ever seen and I don’t mean the flawless skin, the wavy hair or her captivating smile. You can truly see Brooke’s soul shine and it shines through in every performance she delivers. The judges are happy, the audience has embraced her and it’s not 9 o’clock yet so I can’t start voting. Darn, darn, darn!!!

David Hernandez
"I Saw Her Standing There"
The band is fabulous. It’s a fun performance for David H. but it does nothing to say he’s the next "American Idol." We’ll see him singing show tunes on a cheap cruise in the near future … or I will be like so totally proven wrong. Based on the judges’ feedback, I’m not off base.

Amanda Overmyer
"You Can’t Do That"
Although it’s classic Amanda form, it almost sounds like Elvis doing the Beatles. Still, pretty amazing chops. That said, it really doesn’t do much for me but the crowd is lovin’ it. She’s like a female Gene Simmons.

Michael Johns
"Across the Universe"
This is the best and truest Michael’s voice has sounded in the last few weeks. It really puts his vocals in the spotlight ad I’m liking it. He definitely connects with the song, and with the audience. Randy and Simon rip him apart though and I’m left, oddly, agreeing with Paula’s critique that it was "brilliant."

Kristy Lee Cook
"Eight Days a Week"
In her vignette, Kristy Lee reveals she’ll be putting a country spin on a Beatles’ tune.
It’s a big risk but I think she pulls it off but will the voters buy her twangy rendition? It was different. Very different. I think people who live and breathe country will love it.

David Archuleta
"We Can Work It Out"
Have we saved the best for last? SHOCKER!!! Our sweet little cutie pie keeps forgetting his lyrics. Are viewers going to remember his genius performances from weeks passed or will they be unforgiving? Let’s see what the judges lay down. It didn’t work for Randy. Paula is forgiving. Simon says it like it is, telling David A. that it was his worst performance to date.

I have way too many favorites way too soon in the competition and tonight, I’m sad to say that Archuleta isn’t one of them. I still don’t pick him for going home. Tomorrow night I fear Ramiele will be sent packing. It’s hard to say who’s performance I loved the most though. I’m a huge Carly fan. David Cook is amazing. Michael Johns was flawless. But let’s face it. Brooke pulled off the vocals beautifully and didn’t miss a note on the keyboard. I better get busy and dial!