Since I've already made my opinion known in previous posts, I figure why stop now? So here goes........

The theme of the evening was the music of Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (who was watching from the audience). Not an easy task to sing music made for Broadway when the contestants are trying so very hard NOT to sound like they belong on Broadway.

Syesha Mercado sang “One Rock n’ Roll Too Many” from Starlight Express. She was able to refrain from sounding “too” Broadway but I don’t think that she “brought the house down,” like Webber suggested she might at the beginning. Yet, her vocal was right on. This girl does seem to get better every week, or maybe it was just a good song selection, combined with a voice that – in other years – may have won her American Idol. This year she just happens to be up against some amazing singers and overall talented musicians.

Jason Castro sang “Memory” from the Broadway show Cats. It was a brave selection, according to Webber. I have to say I agree. The performance nearly put me to sleep. Simon was certainly not impressed. I’m not sure Jason will get a pass this week. I predict he’ll be in the bottom three.

Brooke White selected “You Must Love Me” from the film adaptation of Evita. Unfortunately, she totally lost her way at the beginning of the song and had to start over. She “lost the lyric” (her words) and I have to give her kudos for being able to keep it together after that. Paula was speechless (I didn’t think that was possible). This performance was probably the nail in the coffin or at least her ticket back to Arizona. If this doesn’t send her home, America is not paying attention.

David Archuletta chose to sing “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera. He brought his own style to the tune tonight. He owned it – but then, David is the King of the ballad. Simon thought it was “pleasant” and “forgettable” but I think America will push him through yet another week. It’s a no-brainer.

Carly Smithson selected “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera but thankfully switched to the title song from Jesus Christ Superstar. We always say how important song choice is. This time Smithson got it right. I have to believe she’s sang this song from a do-or-die perspective. It was pretty soulful.

David Cook finished the show with “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera. I’m not really sure that anyone else could have gotten it more “right” than David Cook. The song was definitely not his “style” as Simon pointed out during his critique. Cook has shown that he can catch anything that is thrown at him.  He's easily the one to beat this season. 

Edit:  You get into trouble when you blog late into the night.  I had David Cook down as "Jason" (but have since changed it above).  I promise I know his name!  Soon I think all of America will know it too.  Thank you to the individual who pointed that out!  

Update: (4/23/08):  Carly Smithson (no, not Brooke White) was sent home this evening.  This was nearly as shocking (to me) as Michael Johns' early exit from the show.  It's not as though I expected her to make it to the finals, but Brooke forgot the words to her song.  This far into the competition (it is a competition, right?) we should not let that slide, especially considering her lackluster performances over the past few weeks.  All I can say is this.  Wow. 

Stay tuned for an evening of Neil Diamond next week.