Last night kicked off this week’s installment of “American Idol” with the guys going first, and the theme was ’80’s music. There have certainly been some surprise song choices the first few rounds, but last night almost every choice was out of left field. And some of the guys sounded awesome, while others did not….at least two of the Davids will sail through, but you already knew that.

And they did a bit about the contestants’ most embarrassing moments before they sang…but aside from David Hernandez’ giant booger story, they were all forgettable, so we’ll leave that alone. With that, let’s go to the videotape…..

THE GOOD

David Archuleta proved that he is mortal with his version of Phil Collins’ “You and Me in Paradise.” Who knew he could play piano too? So it kicks off, and the one thing I notice about young David is that he knows how to take a song and play with the melody just enough to make it his own…something even more remarkable when you consider his age (17). But he had a few pitch problems last night. Still, it was one of the two best of the night. Randy said it was like a “concert” but there were some pitchy spots, Paula appreciated that David actually showed some flaw, and Simon said it wasn’t as good as last week but still very good. I think Simon even added that he thinks David will be in the final two, and at this point I don’t think anyone can disagree.

David Cook strapped on a guitar and took on Lionel Ritchie’s “Hello.” What? Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either, but it was damn good, like one of those cool rock versions of fluffy pop you hear on the radio. Randy said it was a really cool “emo” version, Paula said she loved the surprise factor and Simon said he “loved it” and that it was a very cool risk to take. He then added something about bumping into Ritchie in the grocery store on Sunday, and that ‘ol Lionel is probably thrilled about David singing his song (read: mailbox money).

THE IN-BETWEENS

Michael Johns sang Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me” and when he started I thought it was a great choice, but Michael either sang it up a few keys too high for him, or was just straining to hit some notes. Still, the judges loved it. Randy said it was “so you,” Paula said Michael is defining who he is, and Simon said he liked it but didn’t love it.

Jason Castro did Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” something Jeff Buckley took to new heights in the ’90’s. This time, Jason took off the guitar and just went for it, and it was really pretty good. The juddges were all impressed considering the level of difficulty. Randy said it was pretty good for a tough song, Paula said Jason made it sound effortless, and Simon said it was “absolutely brilliant.” Whoa, dude….I wouldn’t go that far.

Chikezie sang Whitney Houston’s “He Fills Me Up” but switched it to “She.” It was bland in spots, but really good in spots too. I’m not sure what it is, but something makes me like this dude a little more every time I hear him sing. Randy said it was an interesting song choice but a good job. Paula said she loves Chikezie’s personality and Simon thought it didn’t work at all, that it was a “cabaret” performance. But this time, Chikezie took the criticism like a man.

Danny Noriega did Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” and as you would expect, was a very, um, effeminate performance but a decent version. And I have to say, the kid can sing. Randy said a few spots were pitchy but he liked the arrangement, Paula said it was great vocally, and Simon said it was “horrible” and “useless.” Can you tell Simon wants this kid off the show?

THE BAD

Okay, David Hernandez was not that bad, but in my mind was one of the bottom two last night, singing Celine Dion’s “All Coming Back to Me Now” (I know this wasn’t released in the ’80’s by her, and I need help finding out who did it first!)….anyway, it seemed like a weird choice to me, and considering that word leaked out about Mr. Hernandez having worked as a stripper in a gay bar, I thought that maybe the producers made him sing this song to get booted off. But the judges disagreed with me. Randy said it was a nice choice, Paula said David is getting into a groove, and Simon said it was not as good as last week but that David should sail through. We’ll see.

Luke Menard should have been kicked off last week, and his version of Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” was very, very karaoke. Randy said it was rough at first but got better, Paula said it was a weird song choice (and then babbled on about something else), and Simon said it was “weak, girly,” and that Luke has no chance of lasting past this week. Amen to that.

So there you have it. If Luke doesn’t go home, it’s because America cannot judge talent. Beyond that, it’s a crapshoot, and I think the only two that are completely safe are David Archuleta and David Cook.
I’m not even going to call the second ouster. See you all tomorrow!