American Idol’s Top 10 had to tell everyone the date of their birth and then sing a song from that year. I wouldn’t really call this a “theme” - it’s more of a chance for the contestants to be able to have another shot at picking a song that they might be more familiar with, rather than, say, 60’s week - which gives them a chance to shine in their element more, or something. And a few of them did.

What was the deal with Paula’s fingerless black leather gloves? Does she have arthritis and was trying to keep her joints warm? Whatever … they were ugly and she should fire her wardrobe consultant. On to the opinions of the performances. They’re going to be rushed - I’m really tired and still have a ton of things to do today.

Ramiele Malubay -”Alone:” This is a good song by Heart. It’s a big song. While I didn’t think it was bad, Ramiele wasn’t quite up to it. Her voice isn’t “powerful” enough to make those big notes resonate with the listener. I like Ramiele well enough, but I think she’ll be in the bottom 3 this week. And the fact she had to go first might seal her doom.

Jason Castro - “Fragile:” I used to be a big Police fan, but after his first solo album, I stopped paying attention to Sting’s music. So I wasn’t familiar with this tune - ie, I had no bias. I considered Jason’s performance to be pleasant but not very engaging. He was too quiet, as well. I don’t think he’s in danger this week, but if he doesn’t give America another “Hallejuia” type wow-factor, he might be next week.

Syesha Mercado - “If I Were Your Woman” (Gladys Knight and the Pips): The first half or so of her performance was pretty good. But her power-vocals in the 2nd half were more like shrieking than singing, imo. And she went back to the pom-pom/bozo hairdo. The judges seemed to like it a fair amount - I’m betting the voting audience will as well, but I don’t know if her fan base is large enough to overcome the fact a few others were so much stronger tonight.

Chikezie - “If Only for One Night:” Cheesy doesn’t do slow ballads very well. He doesn’t seem to know what to do with himself on stage if he can’t bounce around to the beat and all that stuff that the judges call his “personality.” Was it just me, or did he look like he was ready to burst a vein trying to hold in an outraged reaction to Simon’s initial comments? I still don’t like him and with that performance I’m hoping he’ll be in the bottom 3, but I don’t think he will be.

Brooke White - “Every Breath You Take:” I have HUGE teen-ager memories about this song, so my bias is strong. I love Brooke, but this wasn’t her best. She seemed to try to turn it into a love song, when that’s not what this Police song is about, at all. Vocally it was ok, but Sting’s vocals made you feel something down in here *thumps chest* while Brooke’s was just generic and made me feel nothing.

Michael Johns - “We Will Rock You”/”We Are the Champions:” Have I mentioned that Michael is hot? Oh yea. Tonight he was lucky enough that his birth year allowed him to sing another Queen song. Again, no one - I repeat no one - can ever beat Freddie’s vocals on these songs, but Michael’s performance was solid. He hit all the big notes, he didn’t look foolish, and he got the studio audience really excited. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t make me believe Michael can be a consistent performer with anything but Queen songs. He did seem much more serious during the judge commentary and more confident on the stage etc. - so we can hope that maybe he’ll finally start picking it up every week.

Carly Smithson - “Total Eclipse of the Heart:” If you grew up in the 80’s and don’t love this song, well, poo on you. :) At first I was worried Carly would blast my eardrums away singing this one, but the arrangement was in a low enough range that I was able to listen without pain. And it was good. I thought she nailed the vocals …except for the last note-run. I also think the judges had cotton in their ears, since they didn’t like it as much as I think they should have.

Kristy Lee Cook - “God Bless the USA:” As Kristy started singing, my husband stared at the US flags being displayed on the stage screens and said “Vote For Kristy - Support Our Troops! - End the War!” I laughed. I don’t care if Kristy actually loves this song or not - it’s a song choice that seems designed to garner patriotic votes - ie, “if you don’t vote for me, you don’t like the USA!” and I hate that kind of crap. Simon even said it was a “very clever” song choice, and you know he was thinking the same thing. However, Kristy’s vocals actually weren’t terrible. A little pitchy and bland and always forgettable, but probably some of her best vocals so far. So she just might be safe this week. Then again, her fans might believe she’s safe too, and vote less since they’ll think they don’t have to “save” her, causing her to fall.

David Archuleta - “You’re the Voice”: Never heard of the song, and I wasn’t enlightened as he kept singing. The song seemed somewhat campy and childish - I’d have to agree w/Simon that it felt like an amusement park performance number - or perhaps a “high school musical”. The lyrics slammed you over the head with “don’t miss the message, people, here’s a message!” Even his vocals weren’t top of his game, being a little pitchy here and there. But of course, The Chosen One is safe. I’m beginning to wonder, however, if he’s one of those performers that starts to freeze up towards the end of competitions and will continue to impress less and less.

David Cook - “Billie Jean”: I’d never heard Michael Jackson’s hit arranged in this fashion before. At first I thought David C. had done this all on his own, which would have been big bonus points, but a quick Google and I discovered that no, he was essentially playing a cover-arrangement originated by some guy called Chris Cornell. So basically, David did a great job singing an emo-alt rock version of a famous song. I’m not sure whether to be impressed or my usual “meh.” Still, I can admit he had a fine performance that outshined everyone else and he is definitely safe.

My warbling predictions - Ramiele, Kristy Lee Cook, Chikezie, with Ramiele going home.