Ahhh…American Idol. I was not going to blog about it this year…but I just can’t be silent…especially when the judges are off-track here and there. I enjoy the potential of this show, if not its execution…it could be so much better, but in some cases, they’d have to make less money, and that’s obviously not going to happen. Regarding last week’s show, the right people were sent packing. Overall, the level of talent seems decent this year, but there’s only one guy that’s consistently impressed me to date. It’s too soon to judge the overall potential of most of them. I just haven’t seen enough yet.

Michael Johns: C’mon, people. This performance of the Fleetwood Mac classic “Go Your Own Way” was just god-awful. It’s not a great song, but did just butchered it. He was bad last week, and worse this week. He looks OK and people want to like him. But he’s been terrible both weeks. He was pitchy and strained the whole way through. And when the judges watch the tape back on this one, they’ll realize it. They couldn’t have been able to hear him well. They need to be more responsible in reviewing this guy. He’s fooling a lot of people because he’s fooling the judges. Or there’s a secret agenda here somewhere. (D)

Jason Castro: This guy did a fine job last week with a Lovin’ Spoonful song as I recall. He can sing. The dreads are OK. He’s got nice eyes…so he cuts a decent image. The BeeGees “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” is a lightweight pop piece at best. He did OK…nothing spectacular and a bit pitchy, especially at one spot. The guitar adds to his schtick. It was decent, nothing more. (B-)

Luke Menard: “Killer Queen” is a strong song…and he did a terrific job for the first 45-60 seconds, but then he just got kinda goofy…bad improvisation points, especially. He needed to have keep the really sassy attitude all the way through. He’s got an interesting vocal range…but I’m not sure he can keep up his strength for a whole song. (B-)

Robbie Carrico: This guy’s got the look (hair, beard, smile, do-rag), but not the voice to match it…so far, at least. He lacks power and growl, so he’s just not believable on these songs. He seems like “rock singer lite”. Lou Gramm was one of the great rock voices ever, and if you’re going to tackle a tough song like Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded”, you really have to have the stones to deliver. Carrico’s voice is too pretty. If he’s got it and is just hiding it, he’d better reveal it soon. I’m not buying what he’s selling. (C)

Danny Noriega: Danny isn’t really my style…over-the-top gay stylings are just a bit much for me (not commenting on his sexual orientation…I don’t know anything about him personally…just the style). But he’s certainly a born entertainer, and seems quite at home on the stage…so I actually hope he hangs around for awhile, although I suspect he’ll get old sooner than later. I bet he’ll bring some fun while he’s around. “Superstar” by Leon Russell, is an absolute classic. His voice lacked the richness to really deliver it. He went with the soft airy delivery, which was passable in this case, nothing more. (C+)

David Hernandez: “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” is a great song…when performed by the Temptations. Not a great solo vocal song. Solid performance…decent groove…nice vocal quality…a little overdramatic. (B+)

Jason Yeager: The lame intro segment displayed his ineptitude on several instruments. He’s got the stage presence and improvisational ability of a cruise ship singer. The judges were right on regarding the song selection on this one. “Long Train Runnin’” is a great groove song, but a terrible selection for a solo singer. Big pitch problems two places. Terrible cheeseball finish. (C)

Chikeze Eze: I really like this guy’s voice and personality. Last week, he never found the groove of his song. This week he chose a song that I’m not familiar with, and I can’t say the song had enough identity for me to tell whether it was any good or not. But he’s got great power and character in his voice. I really liked this one. This guy’s a keeper. (A-)

David Cook: Free’s “All Right Now” is a killer rock standard. His electric guitar didn’t add much, and the overall arrangement was muddy and lost a lot of the charm of the original. He’s got about 85% of the voice to pull it off. It was not impressive. Should have been much punchier, and he should have focused on his vocals, which seemed throwaway. Unnecessary attitude back at Simon…there are times and ways to do that…he completely missed it. (B)

David Archuleta: This kid has been the class of the competition so far this year. Either he’s a damn fine actor, or he’s just a really likeable guy. His vocals have been superb so far. Like all young guys, he’s given to oversinging…and I’ve never been a fan of Lennon’s “Imagine” (yes, I realize I’m the only one). His vocals are so beautifully textured and seem so effortless…it’s simply a pleasure to watch and listen to him sing. I didn’t really care for either the song selection or the arrangement, but I still think he knocked it out of the park. As Simon said…this kid is way out in front of everyone to this point. I hope he doesn’t stumble. (A)