I didn’t write an entry for the Top 9 show last week, as I was in the middle of moving. I did see it, but we didn’t have our internet hooked up yet…but never fear, I’m back…just in time for the Idols to sing “inspirational” songs as their theme. I cringed a little at this, wondering if we were to be treated to a bunch of boring ballads, but while there were some ballads, they weren’t all boring. Most were, but not all. Maybe I’m still tired from moving, but I didn’t feel like this was a great Idol week.

Before I blather on about my opinions of the Idol performances, I’d like to make a snide comment about Paula Abdul’s dress this evening. Let’s just say that it didn’t flatter her upper half. First those funky black gloves, then this strapless top that bound and bunched her chest into unflattering oblivion. Ugh. Yes, Paula, please fire your tailor. Anyway, on to the performances:

Michael Johns - “Dream On”/(Areosmith): I’m not sure I’d call this an “inspirational” song, but whatever. After last weeks great bluesy performance, at first I was a little disappointed that he was reverting back to a heavy rock anthem. But he did a good job with it - even the falsetto part, while not stellar, wasn’t too shabby. The audience loved it and the judges thought it was good to all right. Not his best, but far better than those lackluster weeks early on.

Syesha Mercado - “I Believe”/(Fantasia): ARRRRGH. Syesha, Syesha, Syesha. Please stop singing well-known songs by famous female divas. She did ok with it, although it went back to the high tones that my ears don’t like. It was also, imo, a boring performance, with no emotional resonance/strength. But I don’t like these kind of songs to begin with, so what do I know.

Jason Castro - “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”/(Israel Kamakawiwo’ole): The judges loved Jason’s performance this week, and I’m going to have to disagree. I liked Jason several weeks ago, but I guess I’ve become tired of him already because he’s beginning to feel too one note. Always that quiet subdued voice, always playing an instrument. But it was a decent performance for him, better than last week. The ukulele was a little different, but I wasn’t too fond of the repetitive and overly loud - compared to his vocals - strumming. And last, I don’t think I liked this arrangement of the famous song.

Kristy Lee Cook - “Anyway”/(Martina McBride): She wants to not be in the bottom three, and with this performance, she might not be. It wasn’t spectacular, and I still don’t like her voice or song choices very much personally, but she controlled her pitch for the most part, she looked good, and I think her fans will love it. I’ll go out on a limb and predict that she will avoid the bottom 3 this week.

David Cook - “Innocent”/(Our Lady Peace): Oh, ugh. The opening bit I couldn’t understand a word he said, and the whole performance felt self-indulgent and a bit cheesy. Not his best vocal, either, with some pitch and tone issues. It just didn’t work. Still, David C. at his worst is still better than many, and with his current fan base, I’m sure he’s safe. I loathed that white jacket of his, tho, and the open palm with the words “GIVE BACK” written on it made me groan. It’s a nice gesture I suppose, but cornball as hell.

Carly Smithson - “The Show Must Go On”/(Queen): Dear Carly, I’m tired of you always wearing sleeveless shirts and tanktops. We all know you have a huge tattoo on your arm and we’d like to see you in an outfit that’s not plainly designed to show that off, more often. What’s that? Her performance? Oh yeah. Carly was in her top “I’m very serious/angry” facial expression form, which combined with her shrieky vocals, made her performance more torturous than inspirational. We all know she can sing a lot better than this, so it’s kind of a shame. Considering most of the others did better and/or have larger fan bases, I think Carly may end up in the bottom 3 this week.

David Archuleta - “Angels”/(??): Never heard of the song. Never wanted to hear it. I’m bored of David A. by now. The first half of his performance was a little strained in the low notes, but the second half he inspired with his big notes and runs. Of course he’s safe. I don’t think there’s any chance of him not being safe until we’re down to the last four, at least.

Brooke White - “You’ve Got a Friend”/(Carole King): When her song choice was announced, my husband immediately said “This should be good.” Because, y’know, it just seems like a Brooke kind of song, that she’d do well performing. But Brooke, you disappointed us. She seemed nervous or something, straining/ruining a few notes/words here and there. And either the arrangement was a little too fast for my liking or in her nervousness she sped it up a little, which didn’t help. Carole King’s version of this song is one of my favorites - perhaps Brooke’s voice doesn’t have enough smoky resonance to sing it as well as one might expect. Maybe Brooke should have tried to change the arrangement a little more or something. Anyway, while not awful, it was still disappointing, so I think she might be in the bottom 3.

Bottom three predictions: Syesha, Brooke, and Carly. I have no idea who’s going home, and I don’t think I’ll even try and guess. :)