American Idol 4, March 15: Opening Night Jitters

Carrie Underwood, "When Will I Be Loved"

Randy - "I have high hopes for you, it just hasn’t showed up for me lately, just a very okay performance." (Audience boos)

Paula - "Now is the time to take risks, this was not a risk at all, just very safe and boring." (Audience boos)

Simon - "This has never happened before, those two have been horrible and I’m about to be nice. There are three people in this competition who know who they are musically and you are one of them."

Sting7 - If you ask me, the Carrie Underwood who has been MIA the last three weeks is back! She looked great, she started a wee bit rough, but she pulled it together for three-quarters of the song, and nailed it. Adding the money note at the end was a bit cheesey, she could have maintained her key and been as effective, if not more, but I am encouraged that the fog Carrie has been in has lifted.

Nikko Smith, "I Want You Back"

Randy - "Welcome back man. I’m glad that you’re back, you brought some fun, some excitement."

Paula - "You did it, you did your own thing and that’s what it’s all about."

Simon - "Nikko, forgive me but I thought you sounded horrible. I think I’m the only one in this audience who can obviously hear."

Sting7 - Nikko is back and attempting to tackle another legend. Sadly, I’m with Simon on this one. Marvin Gaye to Ray Charles to pre-pubescent Michael Jackson? Doing songs so utterly associated with legendary artists is just dangerous! Ray Charles bit him in the butt. As Nikko was singing, I kept hearing Michael Jackson singing in my head, and Nikko was just not winning the comparison. I like Nikko, but I wish I could get him to choose songs that he wins. The ‘60s, of all decades, are chock full of them! I am praying his American Idol return is more than a revolving door.

The ladies were especially beautiful tonight. Eyebrows freshly plucked. Mikalah was particularly stunning, considering she sometimes looked like Groucho Marx up there. I do find it ironic that the contestants with the most significant stage experience (Nadia, Bo, Constantine) flourished under the pressure of the new stage, the new band, the brighter lights and the bigger audience.

So, in a nerve-wracked week one, let’s see how they shake out. I think the Top 12 should be ranked like this:

1. Nadia
2. Bo
3. Jessica
4. Vonzell
5. Constantine
6. Carrie
7. Anwar
8. Scott
9. Anthony
10. Mikalah
11. Nikko
12. Lindsey

Here’s how I think the voting will go:

1. Bo
2. Carrie
3. Nadia
4. Constantine
5. Anwar
6. Jessica
7. Vonzell
8. Scott
9. Anthony
10. Nikko
11. Mikalah
12. Lindsey

I see Nikko and Lindsey at the bottom. I think Nikko’s fan club will definitely rally for him, especially after they dropped the ball last week. Mikalah has started yapping again. It will show in her vote totals that she should just stop it. Randy gave her a critique, she called him "dawg" like she wasn’t even listening. She made a play for the audience, ill-timed and awkward. Lindsey just looked outclassed out there. I think she will be gone.

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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