Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Poor Michael Johns.

He had the misfortune of singing Tuesday night with the rest of the Idols instead of Wednesday night when Teri Hatcher and Miley Cyrus took the stage as part of that Idol Gives Back marathon.

Anyone out there think Teri could have survived the cut with that dreadful rendition of the Carrie Underwood hit “Before He Cheats”?

Anyone out there think Miley has a good enough voice to compete in Idol’s final 12 after hearing her sing “See You Again” on Wednesday?

Oh, well, it was all for a good cause and raised more than $60 million, so we can overlook a couple of off-kilter performances.

As for Michael, I guess he was just the odd hunk out. I mean, with all the young girls screaming every time he, David Archuleta, David Cook and Jason Castro took the stage … well, there are only so many votes from screaming teens to go around.

That’s the only way I can explain the fact that Michael Johns is sitting at home today while Kristy Lee Cook and Carly Smithson will be competing next week as part of the final seven.

Now that number three from last week’s list is gone, here’s how I’d rank the remaining Idols.

1. David Cook: This week’s song choice was self-indulgent; the performance about as off-kilter as Teri Hatcher’s. But he’s still the most talented and unique of this bunch. Hands down.

2. David Archuleta: Whenever the music swells, young David’s voice seems to get lost. But he’s going to be around right down to the end.

3. Brooke White: Still the most consistent of the ladies, but she’s going to have to come up with some knock-your-socks-off performances to finish any higher.

4. Jason Castro: Just when he seemed to be in decline, relying on his smile and charm, Jason decided to prove he can sing this week. It’s the first time he’s done that since the finals began.

5. Syesha Mercado: I still think Syesha is one of the best singers left. But she has to stop picking songs where she’s instantly going to be compared to the likes of Fantasia. Based on talent, she belongs here. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see her go home next.

6. Kristy Lee Cook: Don’t look now but Kristy Lee finished in the top five this week — ahead of Michael, Syesha and Carly Smithson. Who would have thought that would ever happen? Of course, she can give part of the credit to this week’s theme — inspirational songs. It allowed her to go country for a third week in a row.

7. Carly Smithson: The days are numbered for this Irish lass, who’s failed to carve out a niche in the Idol competition. Brooke’s the folk singer; Kristy Lee’s the country crooner. What’s Carly? Even she doesn’t seem to know from week to week.