IDOL ROUNDUP

TV Fanatic breaks down your fave show of the night: American Idol!

"It’s Neil Diamond night and the Idols have to sing two songs. I wanna watch the show Paula watched. She’s critiquing Jason Castro's second song, even though the Idols have only gotten through the first round. It was the best moment of the night, which isn’t saying much. I’m with Simon on this one: Yonight’s show was kind of strange.

Okay, maybe it’s just me, but Jason did look a little tired during his first performance of “In Blue Jeans.” Even so, the song is suited for his light and melodic higher register. I could totally lay back, close my eyes, and feel the song just washing over me. But his second song, “September Morn,” is a snoozer. Jason seems like he’s over the competition (he told Paula, “Whatever”), and maybe he’s ready to go home. Hey Jason, we can oblige. There are a lot of girls in our office who really want to meet you.

Why is David Cook turning the tables on Ryan Seacrest during his pre-song interview? Viewers don’t like it when you get snippy with the host and judges, DC! Elizabeth and I might fight over you, but neither of us wants you to do something that could get you kicked prematurely off the show (though you would stop by the office, mmmmm!). David sings “I’m Alive,” and it’s alright. Nothing special. The guitar was nice. It’s weird not hearing the judges give comments immediately after a song is performed. David's back to the rocker we love on his second song, “All I Really Need is You.” Yes, David, I am all you really need, trust me. Paula says she feels she’s looking at the American Idol. Wow.

I see Brooke White, and all I can think is, Will she remember the words? Hey, I didn’t know Neil Diamond wrote this Monkees’ classic, “I’m a Believer.” I’m a believer – that it’s time for Brooke to go. Was she singing in the right key? Her eyes looked a little possessed as well. Maybe she took a little something to help take the edge off her nerves? Maybe. Oh, no, she didn’t write the lyrics for her second song “I Am... I Said,” on her hand. Ooh, girl, you need to go, but I think Jason did you a favor. And your second song was better. Love the pants. Your legs just keep on going!

David Archuleta decided to take on the biggest karaoke song of all time, "Sweet Caroline," for his first pass. Simon’s going to love that. Not! Just for the record, he missed a note, a major note, in the chorus. Then he sings “America,” another big crowd pleaser. Picking these songs just shows how young he is, since there's nothing special about them, not to mention his voice squeaking. He’s got to learn to hide his emotions when he messes up. It’s not a good night for him, but singing about our country should push him into the final four. Simon says it too. We are so in sync tonight!

Got to say it, but Syesha Mercado, singing “Hello Again” actually sounds good. She’s going for the power notes (and hittin’ 'em hard), she’s adding a little somethin’ to the high notes, and she looks ah-mazing. She just may be the underdog who makes it to the top three. Her second song is “Thank the Lord for the Night Time.” Now, Syesha’s no Queen of Soul, but she's working it like the rent is due. Yesterday. Too bad she goes off-key when she tries to hit the low notes.

It’s over. Thank goodness. I think the Idols said the same thing. Buck up, guys. It only gets harder from here…" -- TV Fanatic