top4.jpgTuesday night, the final four took on the huge selection of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” This was the night that was supposed to be David Cook’s, after all he is the “resident rocker” of the group. Oddly enough, the night was owned by the 17-year-old “pop sensation,” “lil’ David”(as Seacrest likes to call him). Let’s break it down by performances now:

4. Jason Castro

As Simon stated, Jason should pack his suitcase. He tackled two “Bob” songs. The first, “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley was slightly awkward, especially when he tried to dance amd bob his head. Did anyone else notice that?
His second song, ”Mr. Tambourine Man,” by Bob Dylan, I thought was a better choice. I actually thought he sang it pretty well, but he did commit the ultimate ‘Idol” no-no by forgetting his lyrics. Although, he is the third contestant to do that this year following in the footsteps of Brooke White and David Archuleta. Whoops! It’s hard not to like Jason because he is so charming and laid-back, but he will go home Wednesday.
Grade: D

3. TIE between David Cook and Syesha Mercado

David Cook

Did anyone else expect more out of DC tonight? His first song, as Simon said was a bit of a copycat version of Duran Duran’s ”Hungry Like the Wolf.” He sang it pretty well, but had some trouble hitting those lower notes. He also sang with a more nervous energy than he has in the past few weeks.
However, David seemed more in his element with ”Baba O’Riley” by the Who. I do agree with Randy in that something weird was going on with him tonight. He definitely will survive and I fully expect he will be on his A game next time.
Grade: B

Syesha Mercado

Once again, Syesha has proven why she is the last female standing. She has such a strong, powerful voice that causes one to have goosebumps when she sings.
Her first song ”Proud Mary,” by Tina Turner was quite theatrical, which seems to be her nitch. I don’t know if it was the best choice because she did not get to show that powerful voice.
She definitely redeemed herself with the second song, ”A Change Is Gonna Come,” by Sam Cooke. She truly connected with that song for various reasons as she stated and we saw her completely lose it when Randy told her she tried too hard. Surprisingly, Simon and Paula both loved it and Syesha seemed to calm herself down after hearing Cowell’s approval.
Grade: B

1. David Archuleta

“Lil David” had the best night by a mile or as Simon said “he crushed the competition.” His version of ”Stand by Me” by Ben E. King was excellent because he truly made it his own and connected with the audience by opening his eyes, as Paula pointed out. His vocals were also outstanding.
For his second choice, David sang the more subdued “”Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley and I don’t think it was quite as good as the first because of the lack of vitality within his vocals.
One slightly negative thing to say about David is that he sometimes chooses songs that may be a bit too mature for a person his age and in the process loses some of his youthfulness. No harm done, though. He definitely rocked and had the best night of the remaining competitors.
Grade: A

I am still thinking that it will be a David vs. David final, but both men better be at the top of their games next week because Syesha is on fire right now.
What do you think? Do you think Jason Castro will be the one packing or do you think there may be a “huge shocker” in store for us?

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