American Idol 2, May 13: Sing A Song of Three Picks

If I had to rank the performances for the Random Round, it would go like this.

1. Ruben - because it was such a departure for him, and a successful one.

2. Kimberley - it wasn't a departure for her, but it was brilliantly done.

3. Clay - I hear Clay Nation has banned the name "Vincent" from being spoken in the chat rooms! Not Clay's fault, he did what he could. Even with the repressed memory-damaged lyrics.

Now, for the Judges' Choice Round.

Randy announces that they have selected for Kimberley Locke, Burt Bacharach's "Anyone Who Had A Heart," which Kelly was supposed to have done last year, but changed her mind in the eleventh hour, if you recall. Randy thinks it will suit Kimberley's voice well.

Kimberley Locke, "Anyone Who Had A Heart"

Randy - "sounded beautiful on you... great job"

Paula - "beautiful... I liken you to Sarah Hughes and you are skating through the competition" (oh please)

Simon - "What?... it was good, not blown away, but safe... good... ish"

Sting7 - This is another one of Kimberley's calm, measured, safe performances. When she does this safe routine, it seems to expose that she is intimidated by the song. Or maybe it just seems that way. The performance had a controlled passion to it, but I felt like she could have let it go a bit more. Loosen the reigns. That said, I still liked it.

Is that Quentin Tarantino in the audience? It is Quentin Tarantino! American Idol pulling the A-list celebs this time!

Simon announces that the judges considered a number of songs for Ruben and decided to choose one that encapsulates his personality, his winning smile. So, they chose "Smile." Simon also said he hopes Ruben does because he wasn't in rehearsals.

Ruben Studdard, "Smile"

Randy - "beautiful... you did your thing... you represented on that one!"

Paula - "you make every one smile... see those dimples? That's the money shot!"

Simon - "(smiling) job done... well done!"

Sting7 - I think Simon's smile was because when Ruben started, he sounded like he was heading for the dentist's chair. Believe you will never hear Alabama's Ruben Studdard sing this song ever again. For money. Never. Ruben hated this song, you could almost see him try to psyche himself up for it, and who can blame him? But, wow, did he kick it! Once the first verse was over and he could get stretch his vocals, I felt the hairs stand on my arm. Then I actually welled up! Excellent job.

Ryan points out that even Quentin Tarantino was brought to his feet with that performance. Quentin shouts 205, for likely the last time in his life.

Paula announces that Clay has been assigned an 'American classic' known as "Mack The Knife" (we've already had an emailer disputing that, saying the song was actually German. I've heard a lot of music, and I've never heard it in German, but I've heard it in Frank! Sinatra, that is). She also says if he pulls this off, he will be cool and not a lounge lizard. O-kay.

Clay Aiken, "Mack The Knife"

Randy - "You know I don't do this much but (standing ovation)... you did your thing, man!"

Paula - "You were ultra cool... I'm scared of you!"

Simon - "You didn't wink!... earlier I thought you were in trouble, but you just pulled that out of a hat!... brilliant!"

Sting7 - I have to make a confession about Clay. Somewhere around "Fill Me Up Buttercup," I changed my mind about him. He was an original Sting7 Pick To Click (all three remaining were!), somewhere around Round of 10 or so, he got a bit Hollywood for me, but "Buttercup" brought me back. Fact is, Clay has had a stellar performance every week since Kimberly Caldwell left, and performances like this only add to his collection. Pow! That last note? Star stuff.

Ranking the Judges' Pick Round, I say:

1. Ruben - he made my cry, bastard. That's a good thing.

2. Clay - bang! He's back! Vincent is forgotten.

3. Kimberley - a close three. A little too reserved, though.

Now for the Idol's Picks. They are supposed to pick songs from their own idols: