no ladies’ night on mariah week (ai top seven review)

It took the producers of American Idol four seasons since they started having guest judges/mentors to get Mariah Carey, the diva-est of all divas to be on the show. And it was most certainly worth the wait as there could not have been a better set of contestants that is capable enough to try and take on the mostly-revered songs of the artist who indirectly helped in making this show a big hit – only about 90% of the zillion “Idol” wannabes are inspired by her and the remaining 10% is either a hater (for they can’t actually hold a single note when she can do a hundred and ten of them – for a single syllable) or an alien (even people who live under a rock know La Carey).

But this time it’s not about MC. Not entirely anyway. But to just get this out of the way, Mariah Carey looked so pretty, smart (pretty smart actually) and down-to-earth. Bless her soul (clad in that tight-fitting, form-hugging black ensemble). It’s so cute seeing how each contestant not only had a one-on-one session with her but they also get to hug the majesty herself. Yes, even Jason Castro (whose hair I wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole).

Proceeding to the meat of the subject, initial reaction towards this week’s theme would be that the male finalists would have a more daunting time trying to pull a Mariah, and that the girls would not have much of a struggle trying to find which Mariah song they’d pick. Things couldn’t have been more different.

WHEN YOU BELIEVE
David Archuleta

Ranking: 2nd of 7

Archuleta started the show with his chorus of the classic Mariah/Whitney duet “When You Believe”. Just a chorus because the first verse was just a warm up and well, totally unnoticeable. It was all about the vocal runs and acrobats for the 17-year-old which he showcased quite gracefully, and indeed, soulfully. Given that a Mariah/Whitney collaboration IS the definition of challenging in diva-dom, it’s still considered as “safe” for someone of his caliber.

WITHOUT YOU
Carly Smithson

Ranking: 6th of 7

There’s a reason why Mariah Carey’s version of “Without You” is the one almost always being played in mainstream radio since its release until well, today – it is THAT good. And anyone who will try to pull it off will most likely commit a career suicide (read: Clay Aiken, nobody does it like MC can dear boy). Sadly, Smithson was the first casualty of the night. I have to give her some credit for the good notes she hit and for wearing something with sleeves (thank God!). But I did not draw any emotion whatsoever from her performance. Yes, not even eewness.

VANISHING
Syesha Mercado

Ranking: 4th of 7

It was illogical to raise the issue of “Vanishing” not being a popular song. The contestants sang Dolly Parton songs two weeks ago. I can’t speak for everyone but the only “popular” Parton songs I know are “Islands In The Stream” and “I Will Always Love You”. That meant eight contestants sang eight “unpopular” songs (“Islands In The Stream” was not chosen by any finalist) that time. It all boils down to the singer’s talent in making a song relevant. Syesha was actually good, all things considered. Her vocal runs near the end of the song was flawless. Almost, dare I say it, Carey-like. And like what Cowell said, her performance was technically good but her lack of personality is still bothering.

HERO
Brooke White

Ranking: 5th of 7

I’ve always imagined how it would be like if piano-playing or guitar-wielding artists like Sarah McLachlan or Jewel covered songs of Mariah Carey (even just those from the Pre-Butterfly catalog). I got my answer from White’s performance of “Hero”. It was a huge risk taking on one of Mariah’s signature songs but it turned out alright. Her rendition was really heartfelt and the simple arrangement made it even more believable. I can feel her nervousness though most especially during the bridge when her tempo became a bit uneven.

FOREVER
Kristy Lee Cook

Ranking: 7th of 7

Can she be any more blonde? Did she really believe that she gave Mariah chills? For her voice? It’s called being polite sweetie. I couldn’t even tell it was country-tinged until that moment when I thought I was going to hear her yodel. Cook’s “Forever” was passable but bland. And I mean bland in the worst can’t-wait-to-get-this-over-with way.

ALWAYS BE MY BABY
David Cook

Ranking: 1st of 7

Cook committed the biggest risk of all – the risk of ruining MY favorite song of all-time. Fortunately, he was good. Heck, I’m no Cook-fan (cheering for the Arch here) but I agree with Paula when she said that the version could be used for a movie soundtrack – I honestly thought that it was in the same level with of that Armageddon song. No, not “Leaving On A Jet Plane”. The other big song. The arrangement was pure genius (unless some unknown and unsigned rock band have covered this song that Mariah’s camp is currently unaware of). I can safely rank this among the show’s best moments ever (Fantasia’s “Summertime”, Underwood’s “Alone”, McPhee’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, Spark’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and Archuleta’s “Imagine”).

I DON’T WANNA CRY
Jason Castro

Ranking: 3rd of 7

Wow. I don’t have words for Castro’s performance as I was too busy adoring his version of “I Don’t Wanna Cry”. Soothing and refreshing as a beach luau. He doesn’t have the best vocals among the group (Archuleta owns that) but his is unique and original. And sometimes, it’s enough to let him sail through a couple more rounds.

It’s really hard to predict who will be booted out. But possibly, tomorrow’s result might find three girls at the bottom three. And hopefully Cook (the girl) will get the long overdue dismissal she oh-so deserves (for being so pretty, lol.).

And who gets to have the last laugh? It’s no other than MC herself. Turns out that she’s the most constructive American Idol coach since Barry Manilow graced the show two seasons ago. She managed to appear focused and gave each contestant specific suggestions on how to make their song choices their own in terms of the arrangement, melody and vocal runs. Her guesting gave her a nod of approval from critics and journalists all over the world. And I have to say that those little nods will go a long way (especially now that her new album, E=MC² is out in the market). It just never occurred to me that her acceptance and credibility as a talented artist, singer and songwriter would be propelled and strengthened by a TV show.

In ending, how come no one dared sing her uptempo tracks – “Fantasy!”, “Emotions!”, “Dreamlover!”, “Heartbreaker!”? Or even “We Belong Together” – when there are like a hundred [well-sung] acoustic versions of it in YouTube.

Cowards.

*******

Images courtesy of AmericanIdol.com.