Digital Brainwaves

Liveblogging as I go, watching an hour and a half or so delayed.

• Beatles tonight. Slight expansion beyond just Lennon/McCartney from last week.
• We’ll test the theory again that the initial intro order is the performance order…
• Randy yawns through his intro spot.
• Simon may be “sexy”, per the sign in the audience, but the sign is gawdy.
• Beatles intro video.
  1. Amanda Overmyer - “Back in the U.S.S.R.” - I’m not sure if it sounds pitchy or not; it seems like she’s coming up to some of the notes from underneath. The performance is good, but it doesn’t really stand out. It’s “classic Amanda” at this point. It’s good that she signs to her style, but seeing some flexibility would be nice.
• Did she just say… *rewinds* “That chick looks fun…” Ahh. Not what I heard the first time.
  2. Kristy Lee Cook - “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” - Got a smidge pitchy when the chorus came in, but sounded pretty solid overall aside from that. This performance coming from anyone else would sound just kinda safe, but it’s a decent show from someone with a more country-ish background. Definitely a better show than last week.
• Was that a challenge or a proposition? O.o
  3. David Archuleta - “The Long And Winding Road” - Safe but solid show, and a marked improvement over last week’s weak showing. He’s gained back what he lost last week, now to go on and do experiment from here. Good for a vote.
  4. Michael Johns - “A Day In The Life” - Hard to say who’s getting more screams from the 13-29 set, Michael or David A. (I think David might have a slight edge). Still kinda safe… not a lot of experimentation and flash yet this week yet.
  5. Brooke White - “Here Comes The Sun” - Interesting arrangement, slight country feel. One of the better performances so far, to me, despite the judges’ comments.
  6. David Cook - “Day Tripper” - Playing off a White Snake version of the song, and tossing in a little bit of Frampton-esque talk box, David once again demonstrates what Simon keeps saying about making a performance that stands out and makes people remember it. Easily the show-stealing best show of the night.
  7. Carly Smithson - “Blackbird” - Solid performance from a solid performer. Not much else to say.
  8. Jason Castro - “Michelle” - As Simon might say, sounded rather forgettable. Jason’s performance doesn’t stand out much tonight. It’s a decent job singing, but there isn’t anything special about it.
  9. Syesha Mercado - “Yesterday” - Great job. To use Paula’s word, the performance had an air of “vulnerability” to it that sounded authentic. Neat arrangement with the guitar.
  10. Chikezie - “I’ve Just Seen A Face” - Was kinda iffy to start, but the harmonica and the transition to double-time sold it. Sounded great to me, though Simon is less than impressed.
  11. Ramiele Malubay - “I Should Have Known Better” - She sounds a bit pitchy. I’m not completely sold on it, though it’s not horrendous.

I’m voting for: Amanda (1), Kristy (2), David A. (3), Brooke (5), David C. (6), Carly (7), Syesha (9), Chikezie (10)

Predictions
Bottom three: Amanda, Jason, Ramiele
Going home: Jason