March Madness arrived last week as the much-hyped David Hernandez (much-hyped for more than just his singing), who was ranked No. 3 in the Scott Fuller poll, was dismissed from the show. Let’s see which Cinderella fits the glass slipper.
DAVID ARCHULETA, 17
» Murray, Utah
Yikes. David went from future recording artist to current choke artist with one truly cringe-worthy performance last week. (He even forgot the words!)
Fuller Power Rank: 1 Vegas odds: 11/8
Turn up or tune out: The Patriots made it all the way to the Super Bowl before they blew it. David has revealed himself to be very beatable. I think he stops the slide. Turn up.
CARLY SMITHSON, 24
The tattooed titaness showed off her dynamite pipes again with a strong rendition of “Come Together.” She’s a keeper.
Fuller Power Rank: 2 Vegas odds: 17/4
Turn up or tune out: Timing is everything: When and whether Carly hits her “magic moment” will ultimately determine her success. Turn up.
BROOKE WHITE, 24
Brooke delivered yet another solid performance with “Let It Be.” With each appearance, this melodious Mormon is becoming less Rebecca De Mornay nanny (“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”) and more Piper Perabo superstar-to-be (“Coyote Ugly”).
Fuller Power Rank: 3 Vegas odds: 4/1
Turn up or tune out: How bizarre that Brooke’s performances are now routinely among my favorites. Turn up.
JASON CASTRO, 20
» Rockwall, Texas
Jason did not receive great marks for “If I Fell”; however, I’m now convinced that if you can look past his dunderheaded, third-grade interview skills, you’ll find Jason is a pure entertainer.
Fuller Power Rank: 4 Vegas odds: 14/1
Turn up or tune out: Again, I am surprised to now call myself a fan. I noticed Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” was No. 1 on iTunes. Coincidence? Turn up.
RAMIELE MALUBAY, 20
Ramiele was like NyQuil last week. Another snoozer like that and her fan bus is headed for the berm.
Fuller Power Rank: 5 Vegas odds: 25/1
Turn up or tune out: Ramiele is twinkling with charm, and her voice is one of the best. Time to step it up, girl! Turn up.
MICHAEL JOHNS, 29
I like Michael a lot. He seems like a right-on dude, very cool. Too bad his performances are getting increasingly repetitive.
Fuller Power Rank: 6 Vegas odds: 14/1
Turn up or tune out: I may not have yet seen Michael’s performance tonight, but I have already seen Michael’s performance tonight. Tune out.
DAVID COOK, 25
» Blue Springs, Mo.
If this guy is a rock ’n’ roller, then I’m Ozzy Osbourne. I first thought his “Eleanor Rigby” was laughable, but another listen proved it wasn’t all that awful.
Fuller Power Rank: 7 Vegas odds: 9/2
Turn up or tune out: It’s fun each week to see what David comes up with. My fear is that there’s not enough slack in David’s “Idol” rope to survive a really bad outing. Tune out.
SYESHA MERCADO, 21
» Sarasota, Fla.
My notes say Syesha showed a good voice last week, but I’ve already forgotten what she sang. She’s not tickling my ivories just yet.
Fuller Power Rank: 8 Vegas odds: 50/1
Turn up or tune out: I haven’t closed the book on Syesha. But this Floridian needs to fly, and fast. Tune out.
CHIKEZIE EZE, 22
You go, boy! Chikezie delivered with “She’s a Woman,” a fun and energy-filled performance. He needed to turn the corner, and he did.
Fuller Power Rank: 8 Vegas odds: 40/1
Turn up or tune out: Reality check: Chikezie is not going to win. But at least he’s giving it a go. Unfortunately, this Little-Less-Than-Luther Vandross is one poor performance from the exit. Tune out.
AMANDA OVERMYER, 23
» Mulberry, Ind.
Amanda has talent. No doubt about it. So do jugglers, and once you’ve seen their act for a few minutes, you’re ready to move on.
Fuller Power Rank: 9 Vegas odds: 30/1
Turn up or tune out: This one-trick pony can’t have too many more rides left. Tune out.
KRISTY LEE COOK, 24
» Selma, Ore.
What do Kristy’s “8 Days a Week,” Tom Cruise’s “Lions for Lambs,” Britney Spears’ comeback attempt and Eliot Spitzer’s political career all have in common? It starts with “F” and ends with “L-O-P-S.”
Fuller Power Rank: Elimination imminent. Vegas odds: 60/1
Turn up or tune out: If the country crowd sticks to its kin this firmly, Sanjaya really should’ve taken up the fiddle. Tune out.
Each week, Scott Fuller breaks down the sinkers and swimmers on “American Idol.” Sound off: [email protected].
