Dredlocks Must Go
We are down to the Final Five. After last night's performances of Neil Diamond songs, I have to say it is time for Dreadlocks Dude to go. Jason Castro has hit a musical rut and doesn't seem all that interested in getting out of it. His versions of "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "September Morn" were bland and boring. Of course it's a shame we can't vote off Paula after that ridiculous mistake when she talked about Jason't two songs and he had only sung one at that point in the show.
Syesha Mercado has been improving weekly. Her "Hello Again'' was one of her best performances to date and her fun-filled ''Thank the Lord for the Night Time'' wasn't bad either. Brooke White recovered from her weak "I'm A Believer" with a fabulous take on "I Am ... I Said." Brooke finds her zone when she is barefoot at the piano. David A. was in his comfort zone with the all-American appeal of "Sweet Caroline" and "America." David Cook is still the front-runner in my book and he earned props from Simon for taking songs that weren't that well known ("All I Really Need Is You,'' "I'm Alive") and making them his own.
My top five:
1) David Cook
2) Brooke White
3) David A
4) Syesha Mercado
5) Jason Castro
I usually skip commenting on the Idol results show, but Yo Dawg, that was a bummer! Michael Johns has been one of the top performers and he had one of the better vocals during the bland “inspirational song” week. I’m really shocked; if fact I haven’t been this shocked about a vote since Chris Daughtry was booted off. He as least had a fourth place finish. MJ, hang in their baby, with your talent and good looks your national profile and career will continue. If Bucky Covington can have a hit record … any ex-Idol can.
The inspirational night wasn’t all that inspiring. David Cook stumbled, but not enough to put him in the bottom three. David A. has some rough moments but Simon loved the song so he had a bit of a comeback.
As the American Idol contest has continued, the experience of the more veteran performers has pushed adorable David A. out of the top spot in my personal top ten.
American Idol is back. Randy, Paula and Simon have been calling it the best group of singers EVER, but don’t they say that every year? While I’ll agree there is plenty of talent onstage, it also seems that physical appearance played a bigger role this year. There are no ugly ducklings this season, and some of the ladies appear to have been picked because they might have Brittany Spears potential without the downside. There is also, thankfully, no Sanjaya, although Danny Noriega could be called a Sanjaya with talent and attitude, two snaps please. You could also say that this year’s Sanjaya was Garrett Haley, already eliminated.
After last night’s American Idol smackdown, there should be no doubt that Jordan Sparks is the winner. Her vocal superiority was evident. The litmus test was the interpretation of the new song, “This Is My Now,” that will be the winner’s first single. 
When Blake Lewis sang the song, all its cheesiness and sentimentality came out. It seemed bland and boring, and Blake appeared uncomfortable, knowing the song was a dud.
Taylor Hicks, after a sold-out solo debut at Borgata April 14, is coming back to town. He’ll perform Sunday, June 24 at the House of Blues at 8pm. Tickets, $33 and $38, go on sale this Saturday from 
I’m still steaming about Melinda Doolittle not making it to the final two. It was a combination of the youth movement for Blake and Jordan, plus and the kiss of death: Simon said Melinda should be in the finals. However, I know that Melinda will get a recording contract and career out of her Idol exposure, as will the talented teen and Mr. Cool.
