One week down, four contestants down in the sixth season of “American Idol.” No huge surprises thus far — though I am sad to see the best style statement of the contest (Paul Kim’s shoeless approach) did not save him from America’s voting guillotine. But no time to pause and reflect — this train ain’t a-stoppin’, and four more overall will be eliminated this week before you can say Jimmy Crack Corn. Let’s have a look at the remaining male crooners:
Blake Lewis, 25
» Bothell, Wash.
Blake disappointed fans by not ripping off some wicked beatboxing riffs last week, but he did not disappoint. Unwilling to be pigeon-holed, Lewis tore through Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” and entrenched himself as one of Scott Fuller’s two early-season favorites.
Turn up or tune out? If he remains more Orlando Bloom than O-Town, he’s here to stay. Turn up.
Chris Richardson, 22
» Chesapeake, Va.
Yes, he sounds a lot like Justin Timberlake. And the others sound a lot likea pile of vomit. Chris actually made Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be” a non-stupid song.
Turn up or tune out? My other early-season favorite. Confession: I like Justin Timberlake, too. What about it? Turn up.
Jared Cotter, 25
» Kew Gardens, N.Y.
Jared was given a wonderful chance to butcher a song I’ve always liked, Brian McKnight’s “Back at One.” Instead, he held his own. I apologize for last week’s meanness.
Turn up or tune out? My girlfriend suggests it’s no coincidence my top three picks are the best-looking, “coolest” kids of the gang. She alleges man-crush. I’m not pleased. Turn up.
Chris Sligh, 28
» Greenville, S.C.
Sligh fell all over himself bestowing praise on Simon Cowell after getting in a major-league dig on Simon the week before. Boo: What a back-down.
Turn up or tune out? Worth keeping for humor’s sake. Now get funny. Turn up.
A.J. Tabaldo, 22
» Santa Maria
A.J.’s “Never Too Much” was a classic Cowell “amusement park” performance. Still, I was amused.
Turn up or tune out? Not going to win. But we’ll listen. Turn up.
Brandon Rogers, 28
» Hollywood
Brandon’s absolute mediocrity almost made Michael Jackson’s can’t-miss hit “Rock With You” a snoozer. A downward plummet is likely.
Turn up or tune out? Brandon is forgettable. Tune out.
Nicholas Pedro, 25
» Taunton, Mass.
If Brandon is forgettable, Nicholas is invisible. What did he sing again?
Tune up or tune out? A poor performance and he’s gone. He will be. Tune out.
Sundance Head
» Porter, Texas
Sundance is still coasting on his potential and quirky personality. His Moody Blues performance was laughably badlast week, the only one of its kind.
Turn up or tune out? Needs to sing better than Pedro tonight or it’s off with his Head. Tune out.
Phil Stacey, 29
» Jacksonville, Fla.
I do not like Phil Stacey. Maybe it’s because he skipped the birth of his daughter to audition for “Idol.” Maybe it’s because of his too-cool-for-school attitude. Or maybe it’s because I just don’t care for him. Listen, I’m not so fond of the color red either. Do I really need a reason?
Turn up or tune out? Phil’s below-average, above-pathetic performances are just enough to keep him from getting canned. Tune out.
Sanjaya Malakar, 17
» Federal Way, Wash.
Sanjaya is a little mouse. A smiling, spirited mouse who peeks his little head out of his hole and scampers around the room for a few delightfully cute moments. The li’l guy bravely tries to sing, but it’s only a squeak. Awww.
Turn up or tune out? The American audience is a vicious mousetrap, poised to snap down when the moment’s right. (That moment is tonight.) Run, Sanjaya, run! Ouch. Tune out.
Watch it
» American Idol
8 to 9:30 p.m., Fox
The Top 10 men perform, and hopefully pick better songs than last week. Are your favorites still in the competition? Ryan Seacrest continues his hosting duties — most importantly, trying to embarrass Simon Cowell at all costs.
– Zap2It.com
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
