Okay, so maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but seriously, if you saw David Archuleta on “American Idol” last night, you have to admit the kid is clearly the favorite to win it all. I mean, just, damn. Anyway, there were in fact nine other guys who sang last night, so let’s recap using our usual formula:

THE REALLY GOOD

The theme was ’70s, a decade that had some incredible music. David Archuleta, all 17 years of him, ended the show with John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Even before he took the stage, I was afraid that it was not a good song choice. I mean, it’s a pretty simple tune. But young David gave what was maybe the performance of his life. Before he did though, they showed footage of him singing six years ago in a hotel lobby during Season 1 of the show, to the likes of Kelly Clarkson, who was blown away by an even younger David. You have to think now it’s in the cards or something. Anyway, Randy said it was one of the best vocals ever on the show, Paula said it was “ridiculous,” but in a good way because she started crying, and Simon said David is the “one to beat.” In-freaking-deed.

THE GOOD

It was a night for the Davids of this thing. David Hernandez, who they showed footage of as a gymnast when he was a kid, sang “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and it was positively the right song. David gave a really ballsy, strong performance. Randy said it was “hot,” Paula said David has a purely good voice and great stage personality, and Simon said it was the best vocal of the night to that point, which was about six singers in.

David Cross strapped on a guitar and sang Free’s “All Right Now.” This was also a great song choice, and not that it matters, but the kid can play the guitar a little. David admitted to being a crossword puzzle addict before the performance, which Simon didn’t really think helped his cause. Anyway, he really picked the right song, and was solid. Randy said David is a real rocker, and picked the right song. Paula said David “has it.” And Simon said it was solid, believable, but lacking charisma. David then got obnoxious, saying he doesn’t have to win Simon over, just America. Um, dude, shut the hell up. The talking back thing this season is really getting annoying.

THE IN-BETWEEN

Michael Johns kicked things off, but first said something about being a jock growing up. Not a football or basketball player, mind you, but a tennis player. Sorry dude, I know guys like Roger Federer and Andre Agassi can kick my ass, but they are not jocks. Anyway, Michael sang Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” and it was a strange choice of song. It was okay, but not nearly to what he’s capable of. Randy said just that, Paula agreed, and Simon said it was Michael’s weakest performance so far.

Jason Castro strapped on an acoustic guitar after admitting that he’s sort of shy and not really good at being interviewed. If he thinks he has any chance of winning, he’d better get over that now. Anyway, Jason chose Andy Gibb’s “I Just Want To Be Your Everything,” and it was surprisingly a really cool take on the song. But the judges weren’t really blown away. Randy said it was “just okay,” Paula said it was not as bad as Randy thought, and Simon said it was “horrible.”

Danny Noriega was shown as a punk rocker before he sang, and that was kind of funny, but not really. Danny then sang The Carpenters and it was actually not that bad. Randy said there were a few problems with the vocal, but otherwise good. Paula said the vocals were amazing and that Danny is best when he just “lets go.” And Simon said it was much better than last week.

Chikezie told America that his name originated from his Nigerian background and that a lot of people, like Simon Cowell, still have problems pronouncing it. He sang Donnie Hathaway’s “I Believe,” and it was ballsy for sure. I mean, that’s the same as taking on Stevie Wonder or Whitney Houston–you have to be really good to pull it off. Well, it wasn’t all that bad, but not great. Randy said Chikezie is “back,” Paula said it was a clever song choice, and Simon said he looked better and sounded better than last week. But then Chikezie had to make some obnoxious comment to Simon, and I’m sure lost votes because of it. Dumbass.

Robbie Carrico admitted to being a drag racer in his spare time, hands down the coolest of the pre-performance videos. He then sang Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded,” trying to shed his boy band persona and prove that he can rock. Well, it was okay. Randy said as much, Paula said it was safe, and Simon thought it was just okay.

THE BAD

Luke Menard was shown in a vocal group doing a Queen song, then sang a Queen song last night, “Killer Queen.” As Mrs. Mike pointed out, Luke has a “karaoke voice,” and it really showed.
Randy thought it was a good song choice but pitchy in spots, Paula thought it was good, but Simon thought it was a mistake of a song choice, and that compared to the original was “whiney.” I completely agree with Simon and would not be surprised at all if Luke is sent home.

Jason Yeager sang the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Runnin’,” and it was kind of bland. Randy said it was not a “singer’s song,” and was pitchy, Paula said it was better than last week’s performance, and Simon thought it was boring and ordinary. At this point of the competition, that isn’t going to cut it.

So there you have it…..with Chikezie and Robbie having an outside shot at being sent home this week, I’d have to say that the clear cut favorites are Luke and Jason. But on the other end of that spectrum, and as Simon correctly pointed out, the other 19 contestants have got to be afraid of David Archuleta’s brilliance. Still, there are a lot of weeks to go. See you all tomorrow….