American Idol: Final Five Perform

Oy.... I didn't know Neil Diamond had so many hits.  This could go either way....  Anyway, each contestant gets to sing two songs tonight. 

• Jason Castro sang Forever in Blue Jeans -- I thought he actually sounded like Neil Diamond!  (I'm not sure that's exactly what we're looking for here, though.)  I think it was a safe choice for Jason, but then again, I'd bet that a number of Neil's songs would sound the same for Jason.  (Numbers 01, 06)  He is such a DOOF!  His second song was September Morn -- zzzzzzzzzz Oh, wait, maybe that's just the song itself.  Gotta wait to see what the judges say... they said his songs were safe and forgettable.  I tend to agree.
  
• David Cook sang I'm Alive -- Love, love, LOVE!!!  (Numbers 02, 07)  It rocked -- could be a hit today!  His second song was All I Really Need Is You -- This guy is already a star.  End of story.  Judges say...?  R: Loved it / P: Proud / S: Brilliant.  'Nuff said.
  
• Brooke White sang I'm a Believer -- she played the guitar on this one.  I wish she wouldn't have done that and paid more attention to her vocals (once again).  I didn't like her voice in the lower octave, but when she belted it out and went a little higher, it was much better.  Bottom two this week.  (Numbers 03, 08)  For her second song, Brooke played piano and sang I Am I Said -- I think this was a stronger performance for her, but again, she's in my bottom two.  Judges say....? R: Nice job / P: liked it / S: much better than first song, it's the Brooke we know and like.
• David Archuleta sang Sweet Caroline -- It's nice to see him bump things up a bit and have some fun and NOT sing a ballad for once.  Not bad, but not my fave of the night.  (Numbers 04, 09) For his second song, David Archuleta sang America -- I thought this would be one of the group songs.  Anyway, it was pretty good, but not my fave.  Judges say... R: in the zone / P: loved it / S: clever song choice, liked it.
• Syesha Mercado sang Hello Again -- I wasn't fond of the song, but I think she sang it well.  She seemed very confident.  Definitely better than Brooke's performance. (Numbers 05, 10) Syesha's second song was Thank the Lord for the Nighttime -- she had plenty of livliness to add to the song (more than David A).  The judges.... R: liked it, said she would be good on Broadway / P: loves the texture of her voice / S: said she demonstrated that she is a good "actress/singer".

Bottom Two: Brooke White, Syesha Mercado (I think it should be Jason Castro here, but he has a larger fan-base than Syesha.)

Going Home: Brooke White