AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 TOP 20 PERFORMANCE BETS February 28, 2008

I now have a new addiction: American Idol.

I’ve never religiously followed previous seasons of this hit reality singing competition which served as the mantle on how pop singing contests should be done in this new millennium. Not until this season. I don’t know why I got hooked. Maybe because I had spare time to follow it since I am currently in the morning shift or maybe because this season is just interesting. Or maybe because there is one great Filipina in the show who is really worth looking forward to.

Having seen the audition tapes & last week’s Top 24 performances I believe I most likely have my favorites & votes. If I am to judge the Top 20’s performance for this week I believe the following are the best performances or let’s just safely say that the following contestants deserve to stay up until next week so they can show more of their talent.

Guys—

1. Michael Johns. Among all of the guy contestants he is one of the strongest. With his sexy & dashing looks & the comfort he has everytime he performs on stage I think he deserves to stay for the long run. His performance that night was fantastic. Though not too powerful it resulted into pro-like performance. 
2. Jason Castro. With his guitar & laidback personality, Jason definitely has the charms to make it to the top. His dreadlocks are also interesting adding more mystery to his personality. Although he doesn’t have the super vocals that Idols are known for his boyish charm & passion for music which shows in his performances are a thing to beat. He may not be Idol type but definitely he deserves to hold his own place in the music business. His performance that night to sum it up in two words it was UTTERLY CUTE.

3. David Hernandez. He was a revelation that night. This boy could really sing. Although he has angles & mannerisms that appear really gay to me. With the right song choices & polished performances this guy is one to beat in the vocals department. 

4. Chikezie. Truly soulful vocals but I’m afraid that he’ll get stereotyped. We’ve seen a lot of him in past seasons & even in other singing shows. If amazing vocals are what we’re talking about he’s definitely in but he needs to make more uhmps & should create more interest if he wants to stay longer. 

5. David Cook. Just like Michael Johns the comfort & ease in Cook’s performances are undeniable. He is one to beat performance wise. Although not too handsome he is able to compensate that with being charming & confident. 

6. David Archuleta. He definitely has the makings of an Idol. Even if he doesn’t win this competition he still will outsing everyone else because of his star appeal. He really is the one to beat as Simon said not only because of his star quality but mostly because of his amazing voice & raw, incredible talent. 

Gals—

Honestly, I liked the performance of the boys better than the girls for this week. The girls were quite boring. But anyway here are my insights..

1. Syesha Mercado. Although her performance tonight wasn’t too strong she still is a strong contender because of her star appeal. She registers well on screen & knows how to project like a pro. She’ll definitely make it ‘till the final round. 

2. Brooke White. For me, hers was the best performance of the night. Right song choice. Right get-up. Just the right soothing voice. She was able to justify the Carly Simon original she performed that night. I never liked her before but with what she showed tonight I am crossing my fingers on her since she could be the underdog to watch for. 

3. Ramiele Malubay. Her performance last week was more interesting than tonight. This girl has superb vocals but could make a mismatch or sudden downfall with the songs she chooses to sing. The very hard to please Simon Cowell opined that Ramiele is one of the Top 3 best singers in this season’s competition & that is enough praise that should land her among the Top 3 finalists. Although she was just okay tonight she could still sleep soundly since for sure she’ll make it to the long run. 

4. Alaina Whitaker. Hers was a very safe performance. She sang “Hopelessly Devoted to You” with such nostalgia. Slowly, Alaina is showing her strengths. Not to mention that she’s very beautiful too. With this she could be up joining the Top 12. 

. Asia’h Epperson. I love this girl. She is able to transform herself from Bohemian to Diva to Classy then Edgy. That’s what a star is. Although her performance tonight was not vocally impressive she never lost composure. She sang with attitude. An attitude worthy of an Idol.