American Idol - 80’s Week Song Choices For The Guys
Well oingo my boingo - it’s finally 80’s week on American Idol! After listening to 80’s playlists on my iPod for 2 straight days, I feel that I am now a bona fide expert on what songs the Top 16 Idol contestants should be performing this week. As long as 80’s night is a Whitney-free, Stevie (Wonder)-free and “Black Velvet”-free zone, the show should be totally boss!
I got carried away, and picked 4 songs for each of the guys (yeah, I need a life - please submit suggestions on where I might acquire one in the Comments field). I’m listing a first choice, a runner-up, a more predictable choice that I would settle for, and lastly something so far off the radar that it might just be brilliant!
By the power of Grayskull, here are my choices of song for the Dudes:
Let’s start with…
Chikezie Eze
Chickezie has come on strong the last couple of weeks, and his song selections have been rather cocksure and expected. This week I think Chikezie needs to tone it down, chill it out - come on Chikezie, have you never been mellow? Give us something smooth and soulful, and make me fall head over heels for that voice again. Everyone will be expecting you to sing some Luther, which is ah-ight for me for you, but how about something with more of a heartstring tugging melody?
First choice: “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” by Peabo Bryson
Runner-up: “Still” by The Commodores
I’ll settle for: “Loverboy” by Billy Ocean
Off the radar: “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour
Danny Noriega
Danny is adorable to me, and I do enjoy his carefree style, especially when he shows it on stage. However, this week is his time to shine vocally, because I believe that our proud little Mary is in real danger of going home this week if he doesn’t turn in the best performance of his life. I say match that big voice up with a big melody, and don’t try to be anything you aren’t - Robbie Carrico would certainly tell you the same thing. Since Danny has a very respectable range, and that slow vibrato-o-o-o-o-o (thanks for pointing that out, Randy!), my picks are ballads, but they don’t have dragging tempo like Danny’s previous choice, “Superstar”.
First choice: “The Best of Times” by Styx
Runner-up: “Careless Whisper” by Wham!
I’d settle for: “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” by Elton John
Off the radar: “Blue Jean” by David Bowie
David Archuleta
David is gonna Slip ‘N Slide® right on through this week, regardless of any chance he might take. If he wants, he can choose a safey-safe song as well. He pretty much owns us all by now, doesn’t he? Too keep the “cool and laid back” vibe going on, I think he should stick to the melodic mid tempo or ballady type songs.
First choice: “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” by John Parr
Runner-up: “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
I’d settle for: “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera (I believe the Cetera schmaltz would evoke the memories of thirtysomething chicks like me who once thought Ralph Macchio was a babe - like, totally).
Off the radar: “Make Me Lose Control” by Eric Carmen (maybe edited for ‘mature’ content, given David’s pureness)
Jason Castro
Jason’s first two performances have been solid, but his downfall for me is that I sometimes have trouble remembering what his voice sounds like. He needs to sing a song that will haunt me, or that is catchy enough to get stuck in my head all day long. And if he decides to ditch the guitar, I will forgive him - but I find his vulnerability attractive, so maybe he can hide behind the mic stand a little.
First choice: “Pride (In the Name of Love)” by U2
Runner-up: “Drive” by The Cars
I’d settle for: “Follow You, Follow Me” by Genesis
Off the radar: “Heat of the Moment” by Asia
Luke “Lucas” Menard
We all know that Lucas is just too puny to make the team, don’t we kids? Time to send him home to tend to his bug collection and stuff. However, I always love me an underdog story, and maybe Leukoplakia will be our man if he chooses one of these most appropriate songs.
First choice: “Arthur’s Theme” by Christopher Cross
Runner-up: “Ghost Town” by Cheap Trick
I’d settle for: “Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon
Off the radar: “Mary’s Prayer” by Danny Wilson
Michael Johns
Michael could sing Motorhead songs and make me swoon - though I do hope he doesn’t. I fully enjoy the rock vibe Michael has been throwing out there with those savory biceps of his, and if he opted to sing a loooove song this week… well, I would not be offended.
First choice: “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel
Second choice: “Love Somebody” by Rick Springfield
I’d settle for: “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crew
Off the radar: “Animal” by Def Leppard
David Cook
I am starting be to slightly convinced that David just might have a pretty decent melodic rock voice under that funny hairdo of his. I am not sure why, but I have given David my very favoritest of song choices, even though I don’t really care for the guy - probably because he is the only one that might be able to pull them off. We need to see true humility, passion and sensitivity from David this week - let’s hope he picks a song that will expose a softer side. Mr. Cook, tear down this wall!
First choice: “Your Love” by The Outfield
Runner-up: “Change” by John Waite
I’d settle for: “Stone In Love” by Journey
Off the radar: “When You Close Your Eyes” by Night Ranger
David Hernandez
David has been going the right direction of late, and is finally showing some personality and appears much more relaxed on stage. He is fast becoming a favorite of mine, and I would love to see him just sing the crizzap outta any of the following songs, like only he can.
First choice: “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
Runner-up: “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News
I’d settle for: “Misled” by Kool & the Gang
Off the radar: “Nobody’s Fool” by Kenny Loggins
Isn’t it trippy that there are no country dudes in the competition this year? Not that I am complaining…
My song choices for the Girls will hopefully be up sometime tomorrow - pending my state of mind after *groan* jury duty. I sure hope Pauly Shore isn’t in my pool of jurors!
This entry was posted on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 pm and is filed under Television, American Idol.
