Why do I say “baker’s dozen?” Because there are 12 contestants remaining on “American Idol,” meaning the finals began last night. But host Ryan Seacrest keeps trying to hog the camera and the attention, like he’s the thirteenth contestant or something. Dude has been pretty low-key lately, but now he’s become annoying again, and the banter with Simon just makes everyone uncomfortable….dude, EAAAA-SY.

With that, let’s talk about the performances. The producers finally cracked the code to open The Beatles’ catalog, and with those songs, you know you’re at least going to be entertained. Here we go….

THE GOOD

Chikezie gave the performance of his life. I mean, his version of “She’s a Woman” was so good, it makes you wonder what he might do for an encore, or if he can keep it up. It was a bit country, then rocking, and no joke, it was awesome. Randy said he was “thoroughly entertained,” Paula said Chikezie took a risk and she was glad he did, and Simon said he took control and it was “terrific.” High praise, and all deserved.

Carly Smithson has one of the strongest voices in this thing, and proved it again with a rocking version of “Come Together.” Randy said it was “stellar,” Paula said Carly is already a star, and Simon thought it was the right song for Carly and that it reminded him of Kelly Clarkson’s version of the same song (we all know what’s happened to HER career since winning Season 1).

David Cook dropped the guitar this week, and did a cool version of “Eleanor Rigby.” This dude doesn’t mess around, he just comes to sing. Randy thought it was rocking, Paula said David is a dark horse (more like a clear-cut favorite), and Simon said it was “brilliant” and admitted that David could possibly win this thing. At this point, who can argue?

Brooke White sat down at the piano and sang “Let It Be.” Simple melody, and while aspects of her performance were simple too, Brooke practically gave me goose bumps. I can’t explain what it is about her, but I think she’s already a star. Randy said it was performed with conviction, Paula said Brooke has found her niche, and Simon said that it was a brilliant song choice and one of the best performances of the night.

THE IN BETWEEN

Amanda Overmyer chose a rocking song, “You Can’t Do That.” It was sloppy in spots but still strong and a good choice of song. Randy said Amanda rocked it out, Paula said Amanda looked like she was having fun, and Simon said it was good but not as good as last week. Compared to some of the others I’ve already mentioned, Simon was absolutely right.

Syesha Mercado sang “Got To Get You Into My Life” and pretty much did the Earth, Wind & Fire version. It was karaoke-ish in spots but Syesha has a really good voice. Still, she went first and if you go first on this thing, you really need to give your best performance, and I don’t think Syesha did that.
Randy said it was a nice arrangement but started rough, Paula said she picked things up halfway through, and Simon thought it was a great choice but that Syesha looked nervous.

Jason Castro strapped on a guitar and sang “If I Fell.” For me it was just okay, and not what this dude is capable of. Randy said he liked it but didn’t love it, Paula said she disagreed with Randy, that it was special and unique, and Simon thought it was boring, and like a “student in a bedroom at midnight.”

David Archuleta closed out the night with “We Can Work It Out,” but he was scared before it even started. Then he proceeded to forget some of the lyrics. Uh-oh. Young David is one of the brightest talents in this thing but he was very average last night. Randy said it seemed forced, Paula said it was not David’s best showing, and Simon thought it was “a mess.” No worries though, this kid is going to make it far in this competition.

Michael Johns sang “Across the Universe” and it was kind of boring and uninspired. Randy said he kept waiting for a payoff that didn’t come, Paula said Michael has a quiet confidence, and Simon said that while he is a big fan, this performance was a bit monotonous. Seriously, ol’ Michael needs to be careful.

THE BAD

Ramiel did a really boring version of “In My Life,” and she had the disadvantage of following Chikezie last night. Randy said it was “pretty but boring,” Paula said it was too safe, and Simon was “bored to tears” and even used that dreaded word again–forgettable.

David Hernandez gave a very karaoke performance of “I Saw Her Standing There,” and while he has a strong voice, the overall vibe was very annoying. Randy said it was “overdone,” Paula said the same thing, and Simon said it was “corny, verging on despearate.” Yep, pretty much.

Kristy Lee Cook is lucky she’s still hanging around in this competition….I’m sorry, but Alaina Whitaker should be here instead. Kristy did a countrified version of “8 Days a Week,” and it was a bit painful to watch. Randy said parts of it were good but that it was “forced,” Paula said she didn’t enjoy it at all, and for that to happen you know it wasn’t good. Simon called it “horrendous” and like “Dolly Parton on helium.” Yikes, but he was right. Still, I think Kristy will receive votes from every country music fan in America. The genre right now is about good-looking people singing mediocre songs anyway, so she fits right in to that.

So there you have it…..it looks like some of these contestants really want to win, and keep getting better each week. And others are just losing steam. I think David Hernandez or Ramiel is going home tonight, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Syesha or Jason Castro either. It will no doubt be a painfully long hour just to deliver one result, so as T.O. would say, “Get your popcorn ready!”