It must have been my week, because not only did this space nail Chikezie’s elimination, but my NCAA bracket rounded out rather nicely, too. I also hoped for one of the “Idol” contestants to transform into a gaudy stereotype — and, suprisingly, it really happened. Just not with the singer I expected. Read on.
DAVID ARCHULETA, 17
» Murray, Utah
David offered another fine performance — and it was not very good. I finally realized David’s wheelhouse just isn’t my cup of tea. Give him a Christian rock band or Disney Channel show, though, and watch this young one take off like a rocket.
Fuller Power Rank: 1 Vegas odds: 6/5
Turn up or tune out: During commercials on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” for a while, an ad was repeatedly airing for a Christian rock album. It took a few weeks, but then I found myself singing along. Turn up.
BROOKE WHITE, 24
Brooke is personality plus (i.e., she’s nuttier than a Christmas fruitcake), but her energy is enough to catapult her to No. 2 on the Scott Fuller Chart.
Fuller Power Rank: 2 Vegas odds: 12/1
Turn up or tune out: Brooke’s pipes aren’t mind-blowing, but with every blond bombshell makeover, I feel her star power radiating ever stronger. Did anyone else notice a Faith Hill/Trisha Yearwood thing going on? Turn up.
CARLY SMITHSON, 24
I thought the judges were a little harsh on Carly for her “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” But the fact remains that, despite her skills, this tattoed talent seems to be missing that special something.
Fuller Power Rank: 3 Vegas odds: 11/1
Turn up or tune out: Carly remains a formidable competitor, but she needs to turn things upside-down to keep her performances fresh. Tune out.
DAVID COOK, 25
» Blue Springs, Mo.
Critics are bashing David for covering other bands’ covers to classic tunes. What, like people are supposed to be performing original music up there? Gimme a break.
Fuller Power Rank: 4 Vegas odds: 11/5
Turn up or tune out: I read somewhere that David is now the frontrunner. I must have seen it in the funny pages. Turn up.
JASON CASTRO, 20
» Rockwall, Texas
There’s something inherently intoxicating about someone sweetly singing over acoustic guitar. So, naturally, I like Jason — but then I’m reminded: Isn’t this kind of, like, cheating?
Fuller Power Rank: 5 Vegas odds: 16/1
Turn up or tune out: I think I’d be most likely to buy Jason’s album right now. But he has to start showing something more, or he’s back to the hippie commune. Tune out.
SYESHA MERCADO, 21
Syesha’s cleavage went down last week, and her judges’ marks (for a great “If I Were Your Woman”) went up. So I guess she broke even.
Fuller Power Rank: 6 Vegas odds: 12/1
Turn up or tune out: If Syesha pulls out one more of those dreadful baby-crying imitations, I swear, she deserves to get punted. Tune out.
MICHAEL JOHNS, 29
The judges claimed to see star power for the first time during Michael’s “We Will Rock You.” I saw an uninspiring hack. Once one of my early favorites, Michael is now without mystery and flavor.
Fuller Power Rank: 7 Vegas odds: 19/2
Turn up or tune out: The girls were screaming pretty loud for him, so maybe Michael can garner votes where he may. Tune out.
KRISTY LEE COOK, 24
» Selma, Ore.
With the first note of “God Bless the USA” Kristy Lee officially signed herself into Camp Sanjaya — a full-on joke. (And, she made me laugh out loud.) Words can’t express how happy this makes me, in hopes that she will follow this road as far as it leads. This week, I vote for the national anthem — but pray for even better.
Fuller Power Rank: 8 Vegas odds: 100/1
Turn up or tune out: I fully expect to be let down. But this week, I look forward to one performance above all: Kristy Lee’s. I never would have said that but one week ago. Turn up.
RAMIELE MALUBAY, 20
» Miramar, Fla.
I can’t remember what Ramiele sang — only that I once slid all my chips into Ramiele’s corner and now she’s fallen behind Kristy Lee. The horror! Ramiele, you broke my heart.
Fuller Power Rank: Elimination imminent Vegas odds: 30/1
Turn up or tune out: I’ve gone back and watched last week’s performance, “Alone.” Apparently, she was sick. More apparently, she was awful. Most apparently, she’s the one to walk this week. Tune out.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
