Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Just so there’s no doubt that this show isn’t an American Idol rip-off, The X Factor trots out Michael Jackson as a theme tonight.

Let’s see, Idol hasn’t used Michael Jackson music as a theme since … wow, way back in season eight.

I’m not a fan of single-artist theme nights, but at least the King of Pop served up plenty of splendid songs to go around, especially considering only seven remain in the pursuit of that $5 million prize.

Here’s hoping the less-than-magnificent seven — I count a magnificent three and four also-rans — serve up some splendid performances over the next hour and a half.

Because tomorrow’s results show might not be up to Bruno Mars and Kelly Clarkson standards.

We’re going to be treated to a guest appearance by someone named Tinie Tempah, who is a British rapper on the verge of becoming the first British rapper to make it big in the U.S.

So says FOX. So it must be true.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand, which is hoping was get standout performances tonight from Josh, Melanie and Drew.

And that after tomorrow night, Rachel and Astro, or Astro and Chris, or Chris and Rachel, are through.

Any one of those combinations would be fine with me.

Oh, have you heard, Astro is now the poster child over at Vote for the Worst, a honor well deserved and truly earned.

We start tonight’s episode with a Michael Jackson tribute, of course. But here’s a nice touch, his children and his mother are on hand. Now that’s never happened on Idol.

Josh Krajcik: The last of the Over 30s and the guy who turned in the best performance last week kicks off this week’s show.  Josh played piano last week.  This week he’s breaking out his guitar.  Has anyone else used an instrument on the show this season?  He’s going to perform “Dirty Diana.”  Wow, it took me a long time to recognize the song.  For one thing, the background music is drowning out Josh’s vocals.  Safe to say, this is going to be Josh’s weakest performance.  They’ve changed the song so much, it’s barely recognizable.  Now Josh launches into a guitar solo, which is probably going to be the best thing about this performance.  Not good at all.  His weakest vocal by far. But please vote for Josh.  He could have forgotten the words and stopped singing halfway through the song and he’s still a contestant worth keeping around.  Grade: D+

Astro: Two weeks removed from his tantrum, Astro is going to perform “Black and White.” If you were expecting Astro to sing, no chance. He’s rapping over a Michael Jackson backing track. I have no idea what those uniforms on the background dancers are supposed to signify. Well, that was sorta a bizarre mess. And with the two-grade penalty still in effect from the tantrum, Astro checks in with a solid … Grade: F.

Drew Ryniewicz: After the circus of those first two performances, we get Drew, sitting on a chair, under a single spotlight, singing “Billie Jean.”  Well, that was the best vocal we’ve heard so far tonight. But you know what? I agree with Nicole.  I just wanted her to get out the chair and kick that version of “Billie Jean” into high gear. And I agree with Paula, it’s about time for Drew to do something fun and upbeat.  That said, I’m sorta rooting for Drew to win this thing.  That said, I doubt anyone will do “Billie Jean” as well on TV again as David Cook in season seven of Idol. Now that was special! Grade: B

Rachel Crow: I think they’re still trying to figure out who to blame for Rachel’s outfit last week (see pic in upper right). Problem was, the vocal was every bit as much of a mess as the outfit.  She’s singing “Can You Feel It,” which must be the least challenging song a singer has tackled so far, and she’s still butchering it.  Sorry, I just can’t imagine putting this girl in a recording studio, where her personality and charisma can’t carry her through.  Grade: D.

Marcus Canty: A week removed from a survival song he shouldn’t have survived, Marcus shows up on stage wearing a sleeveless jacket and trying to sing “PYT” (Pretty Young Thing).  This is one of the most fun performances of the night. But Marcus’ swagger just isn’t convincing.  And that is absolutely nothing more than mediocre about his vocal. Prediction: This will be Marcus Canty’s last week on The X Factor. Grade: C-

Chris Rene: Now the guy who’s pretty much proven his singing isn’t up to par will tackle Michael Jackson.  Please, someone lend me some earplugs.  That opening was horrible.  And this performance is corny.  Beyond corny, as a matter of fact.  I will give Chris this:  He found his vocal groove later in the song … with the help of all those backup singers.  As for Paula’s comment about an upcoming CD … wow, what’s he going to do? Twelve versions of “Young Homie?” That’s been his only strong performance in what … seven or eight weeks now. Grade: C-

Melanie Amaro: Again, they have Melanie looking amazing, don’t they?  She’s singing “The Earth Song,” which Simon acts as though no one ever tackles … hmm, how about Haley Reinhart just a few months ago? Well, needless to say, that was the best vocal of the night.  Wish they had kept the background singers off the stage. Now I’m going to have to go and compare that to Haley’s version.  That said … Grade: B+