Contestants Try to Convert on Tunes From Their Birth Year

By Amy Carlson Gustafson, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

Mar. 26–Contestants try to convert on tunes from their birth year — Idol Chatter: Who rocked? Who bombed? St. Paul Pioneer Press pop culture writer Amy Carlson Gustafson and music critic Ross Raihala — both veteran “American Idol” watchers — dish on the competition episode of “AI.” Tuesday nights after “American Idol”

It was another mix of memorable and forgettable performances on Tuesday’s installment of “America Idol.” Taking on songs from the year they were born, some of the “AI” contestants shined — Michael Johns, Syesha Mercado, David Cook, while others fell flat — Ramiele Malubay, Kristy Lee Cook, David Archuleta.

On a different note, I kept wondering two things during this week’s show: Can we please get rid of the screaming girls in front of the stage? They’re a total distraction.

And the other big question of the night was what in the heck was judge Paula Abdul wearing? Fingerless shiny black gloves? A sparkly top that looked like someone forgot to finish stitching it? Yet another “AI” mystery.

Malubay sang “Alone” (1987). Very shaky on the intro to the Heart tune. Plus, it sounded like she was screaming through the big notes.

Jason Castro sang “Fragile” (1987). The camera loves him, but his cover of the Sting song was mediocre.

Mercado sang “If I Were Your Woman” (1987). A strong, soulful take on the Stephanie Mills song.

Chikezie sang “If Only For One Night” (1985). The Luther Vandross song was a perfect fit for Chikezie, who worked the tune with his smooth, rich vocals.

Brooke White sang “Every Breath You Take” (1983). She had a false start, but then nicely recovered by delivering a solid cover of the Police song.

Johns sang “We Are the Champions” (1978). He had such good luck with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” that Johns decided to

take on another Queen number. Good choice — he totally rocked it.

Carly Smithson sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart” (1983). She was a powerhouse on the Bonnie Tyler song except for that shaky ending.

Archuleta sang “You’re the Voice” (1990). His performance of the unfamiliar song was hard to get into.

Kristy Lee Cook sang “God Bless the USA” (1984). Another forgettable performance from the Oregon native.

David Cook sang “Billie Jean” (1983). An interesting and infectious take on the Michael Jackson hit.

See who gets kicked off “AI” this week on the results show tonight (8 p.m. Fox).

Who rocked? Who bombed? Veteran “American Idol” observers Amy Carlson Gustafson and Ross Raihala offer their thoughts in the “Idol Chatter” podcast at twincities.com.

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