Phantoms at the Idol – Final Six Sing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Songs

For the final six at American Idol, last week’s musical theme – the songs of Mariah Carey – would seem like a walk in the park compared to what they had on their plate this time around – The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Many may question the wisdom of using the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber to find the best contemporary artist in America, the fact is that this would be a tough act to do, and that is what would set the real deal apart from those talented ones who would have to fall by the wayside. As it turned out, some fared well, and some did not.

Syesha Mercado sang One Rock & Roll Too Many, a song she said she was excited to sing simply because it would give her the opportunity to put on display some of the spunk and personality she has. She sang it well enough, but not so well that it could help set the bar so high that others would find it hard to catch up with her. The judges, however, seemed optimistic, with all three of them agreeing (phew! One of those American Idol moments, I guess) that it was good and sexy.

Jason Castro chose to sing Memory, and that was where he made the first mistake, I think. First up, this is not one of Andrew Lloyd’s songs for men. It is a song meant for a woman with a powerful voice. As it is, by trying to take away a tinge of the operatic in the song, he ended up stripping it of most of its notes. The judges, as usual, were in disagreement. While Paula thought the choice was ‘wise’, Randy said it wasn’t and that he felt miserable and Jason actually looked that way while singing. Simon let Castro have the full benefit of his stinging criticism, calling it a train wreck.

Brook White’s choice, You Must Love Me, seemed like the right song choice at first glance. But then she started her song, stopped, and had to restart. The fact that this is the second time it has happened makes you wonder. While the sentiment the song conveys may be appropriate, her voice was a tad thin for it. At this rate, it will not be long for her here. The judges seemed low key on this, with Simon going on to call her brave. But Randy hit it on the head when he said it wasn’t good enough. Add to the mix Paula’s comment of ‘You must never start and stop,’ and you know what I am talking about.

David Archuleta’s rendition of Think of Me impressed the judges. Simon actually called it one of David’s weakest performances, but still tagged it pleasant. Randy liked it, while Paula said it was just perfect. David managed to do a fair job of adapting the song to the pop genre, and while a lot of its original operatic charm is lost in the process, the end product on its own is still likeable.

Carly Smithson’s rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar was commendable. This is simply because the original song itself a masterpiece in terms of difficulty and range, and Carly actually managed to a version that was somewhere close to the original. The judges liked it too, especially Simon, who thought this was one of the night’s best. Paula loved it too, though Randy said he did not know if this week’s performance ranked as Carly’s best.

David Cook, as he has been doing week after week, turned in another wonderful performance. What was special this week was that the song he chose, Music of the Night, was way out of his comfort zone. And yet, without any overkill, he managed to sing the song just right. The judges loved it, though Simon said he did not think this was the best side of David he liked, but agreeing that he has the knack of delivering whatever is asked of him.

About who could probably be in danger, there are only two names I can think of straightaway – Jason Castro and Brook White. Whoever would be the third person, possibly Syesha, can certainly feel good knowing their performance was definitely better than these two. However, what with the fate in the hands of the viewers, you never know who is going to leave American Idol.