"They're Coming To America" - American Idol, That Is

It was my junior year at the University of Georgia and I lived on the third floor of Creswell Hall. Within the first week, I made friends with one of my dorm neighbors who was a HUGE Neil Diamond fan. I'm a fan too - just not like she was. I'm pretty sure she went to concerts and collected memorabilia and stuff like that. Me, I'm more into the Carpenters.

Tonight, our five finalists sing two songs each. To keep this post organized, we'll go in order of performer but list both songs they do with my snarky feedback. We'll forgo judges' comments because I've typed all day long and my fingers hurt.

Jason Castro
"Forever in Blue Jeans"
Not bad, but still goes to prove how one-dimensional Jason is as a performer.

"September Morn'"
This might have been Jason's best performance for me. The song totally fit his personality and voice. Nice.

David Cook
"I'm Alive"
I'm not off the couch hopping around with happiness but it's enjoyable enough. Not his best performance. His outfit and guitar are fully decorated with his ailing brother's initials, "AC."

"All I Really Need Is You"
Perfectly incredible.

Brooke White
"I'm a Believer"
This is a power voice song. Brooke doesn't really have a power voice. I preferred Eddie Murphy's donkey version on "Shrek." Not good.

"I Am I Said"
A huge improvement over her first song. A huge improvement over last week. Is it enough to save her pretty self?

David Archuleta
"Sweet Caroline"
This song is too identifiable with Neil Diamond that I just can't even imagine anyone else singing it. Not even Archuleta. For me, this has been his worst performance to date. It just doesn't fit him.

"America"
He misses a note and/or it's pitchy. I'm not feelin' the Archuleta today. Then he hits a big not beautifully. Little girls across the globe will vote.

Syesha Mercado
"Hello Again"
She totally gets this song and delivers one of her best performances. Did I just say that?

"Thank the Lord for the Night Time"
She shows a lot of personality on this performance. Despite her lack of distinctiveness, Syesha had a very good night. I'd say she's safe. Then again, I thought Carly was safe last week too.

Based on his second performance, David Cook is my favorite of the night. I still vote for Carly. Who is going home? It's between Brooke and Jason. Simon thinks it's Syesha. She's certainly been in the bottom enough to know her way out the door.