American Idol 4, April 12: They Were Just Babies Then!

I’ve been away for a bit, and it seems there is plenty to talk about. So, I will.

There has been plenty of discussion about Scott Savol and the domestic abuse charge. He was charged with it at one point, so some people want to make him a domestic abuser. I’ve read some recaps where folks blatantly called him that. I hope they have lawyers, because they are committing slander. Scott was never convicted of domestic abuse, he was convicted of disturbing the peace.

What went on in that house, only he, his ex-girlfriend, and the big man upstairs know for sure. I personally don’t see the point in judging a man based on a website that makes its living finding nasty, dirty little secrets, gleefully publishing their mugshots, and openly admitting reality stars are its favorite targets. I wonder how many of them have arrest records, or things they regret and would rather the world didn’t know? I also don’t think any man can be defined by one single event. And, let’s not forget, it’s none of my business. Or yours. His ex-girlfriend has forgiven him. She didn’t even want him arrested. Why should I carry a grudge that she isn’t?

If it feels like I’m taking the high road, I’m not. The road is rather low – I don’t care. I want to hear the contestants sing. Sing well, show that star quality and charisma, you get a record contract. You don’t get to be president, nanny, my employee, my friend – you get a record contract. Scott would not be the only entertainer with an arrest on his record. Far, far... far from it.

That’s what I think. On with the show.

Ryan welcomes us in an eerily quiet auditorium. He says there are eight contestants left and, "tonight, it’s gonna get personal." Hmmm. What does that mean? Flashback to last Wednesday when he told the Idols this week’s theme. He teases them with adorable baby pictures of Constantine (smoldering, even then), Vonzell, and Carrie. The gang will be singing songs from the year they were born!

Interesting! I like it! We’re sure to get some ‘80s music now! The contestants tell more amusing anecdotes I’m sure you don’t really care about, so let’s get on with the singing, shall we? Up first...

Nadia Turner, "When I Dream"

Randy - "Wow, a year’s worth of song and you picked that one... it was just an okay performance... I didn’t love it."

Paula - "You look outrageously stunning... I am not crazy about the song choice... I was kind of like mmh."

Simon - "That was like the musical equivalent of wallpaper – you see the wallpaper but you won’t remember it. It was an appalling choice of song and you could go home for that."

Sting7 - Judges are waaay to hard on Nadia here. I think it was her best vocal performance in a few weeks, and though it’s not a song I know all that well, she performed it very well. Isn’t that what they are supposed to be judging? I would be dead-shocked if Nadia goes home tomorrow. I was impressed!

Bo Bice, "Free Bird"

Randy - "I love that song, I’m one of your biggest fan... you could have a hit with that song again, man!... excellent dude excellent!"

Paula - "See you at the finals, Bo, see you at the finals!"

Simon - "I’m going to disagree with Paula... I think a huge part of the audience is going to say, "what the hell is that?"... if you walk across the stage and sing a sacred song like that, I don’t think you’re gonna get many votes." (Paula and Randy are stridently disagreeing.)

Sting7 - I’m leaning closer to Simon here. There was just something kind of effortless and lazy about Bo’s performance. I didn’t feel him feeling anything about the song. He just sort of paced around, hoping to get a few screams. It’s as disconnected as I’ve ever seen him. Big time disappointed.

Anwar Robinson, "I’ll Never Love This Way Again"

Randy - "Technically I think you’re the best singer in the competition... I’m proud of you tonight."

Paula - "Your consistency is great... the openness of your voice is mesmerizing."

Simon - "One of your best performances in weeks... you are the equivalent of a blanketing – just comforting and safe, aren’t you?"

Sting7 - Anwar’s rendition adjusted the key a bit more to suit his voice, and it was a smart choice. It was the best I’ve heard Anwar sound in weeks. I still think it’s risky for a man to sing a woman’s song, but Anwar pulled it off. Good for him.