Idol Chatter & Voice Views

So, what does American Idol do after some singers confessed to not knowing the Beatles songs they were asked to sing last week?

The expected, of course.

The show simply trots out another tired-old theme that will force the Season 12 cast to sing more songs released before they were born.

This week, it’s songs from Motown, which we last heard in Season 10 on the night before Casey Abrams’ memorable save.

You say you want to hear more current music?

You’re watching the wrong show.

Tune into The Voice on Mondays and Tuesdays. After all, I live blog those shows as well.

Meanwhile, it’s time for the weekly Idol rankings.

Perhaps the biggest question: How long can Lazaro Arbos hang on if the singing doesn’t improve?

I suspect for a couple more weeks at least.

Now, the rankings with last week’s ranking in parenthesis.

1. Kree Harrison, 22, Nashville, Tenn. (1): After hearing the touch of soul she delivered on “With a Little Help From My Friends,” I have a feeling she’ll have no trouble with the Motown theme even though she’s known as a country singer. If anything, it will serve up another chance for Kree to show her versatility.

2. Angie Miller, 19, Beverly, Mass. (2): Jimmy Iovine has been pretty harsh on Angie. First, she performs too much like she’s in a beauty pageant. Then she’s too dramatic. Check the social media sites, Jimmy. Her many, many fans seem to like Angie just the way she is.

3. Candice Glover, 23, St. Helena Island, S.C. (3): She’s been nothing short of superb the last two weeks. And with this theme, you’d expect her to hit a home run and receive another round of rave reviews from the judges. But I still don’t think she’ll win.

4. Janelle Arthur, 23, Oliver Springs, Tenn. (6): After stumbling in Vegas, she’s built a bit of momentum with back-to-back solid performances. Motown with a twang could pose a problem, but Janelle’s fortunate that the theme comes this early in the finals with so many lesser contestants still around.

5. Lazaro Arbos, 21, Naples, Fla. (4): Not where I think he should finish, but where I think he will. In a season devoid of anything remotely resembling a special male singer, are you surprised voters are rallying around a good-looking guy with a helluva back-story who wears his heart on his sleeve?

6. Amber Holcomb, 19, Houston, Texas (5): She needs to embrace her beauty, summon up some sass and start acting young and fun. Right now, before it’s too late. Last week’s bottom three finish is proof the weekly Amber ballad isn’t doing it for Idol viewers.

7. Burnell Taylor, 19, New Orleans, La. (8): After four live performances, I still don’t understand the judges’ love for Burnell. He’s usually on pitch. He usually sings OK. Perhaps that’s the most we’re supposed to expect from a male singer in Season 12. Special? I don’t think so.

8. Devin Velez, 18, Chicago, Ill. (7): If a singer enters Wednesday’s show needing a knockout performance, it’s Devin. He was next to last two weeks ago and here’s betting that’s where he landed in the voting after Lennon and McCartney week as well even though he was much improved.