American Idol Recap | Week One | Guys Night

If you missed American Idol last night (Feb, 20 2007) here’s a recap of how things went down.

First off, Paula Abdul’s hair…OMG, it’s way too light.

Aside from that, it was guys night and here’s how they did.

Rudy Cardenas from North Hollywood, Ca opened the show with Free Ride. It was a pretty weak way to lead the group. I could see him going home on Thursday. I doubt any one will remember him long enough to vote for him. Randy didn’t like it. Paula did. Simon said it was nothing special and that no one would remember it.

Brandon Rogers from Altadena, CA busted out his rendition of Jacko’s Rock With You. Off to a slow start, by the middle he got the audience pumped up. Randy thought it was a bit pitchy. Paula thought he did a great job. Simon thought it was safe and predictable.

Sundance Head from Porter, Texas sang Nights In White Satin. IMO it was a pretty slow song to pick when you’re trying to leave an impression. He didn’t really hit the right tone and Randy and Paul both thought he picked the wrong song. Randy wants him to stay “bluesy”. Simon compared him to a dad at a wedding; very old fashioned, uninspiring and flat.

Paul Kim of San Jose, CA (The guy that doesn’t wear any shoes.) comes out with Careless Whisper. As I’m listening to this I can tell you it sucked. He did a horrible job. I hope he’s “never going to sing again!” Randy thought it started pitchy and weird. Paula thought he over sang it and didn’t find his “center” (whatever that is). Simon told him to put on his shoes. LOL! He said he was ordinary and a third rate version of the song. I think this guy will be gone Thursday as well.

Chris Richardson of Chesapeake, VA (He kinda looks like Justin Timberlake) sang I Don’t Wanna Be. Aside from the constant head twitching, so far he’s done the best. Randy liked it enough to say he started the show. Paula thought it was fun. Simon thought his voice sounded small and it was a bad vocal. He still thinks he has potential though and the girls will like him so that’s reassuring.

Nick Pedro of Taunton, MA chose Now and Forever. It wasn’t great, but better than the five idol hopefuls that sang before him. Randy said it wasn’t good for him. Paula thought it was a poor song choice. Simon didn’t think it was that bad.
Blake Lewis of Seattle, WA (The guy that does the beat box sounds with his mouth.) picked Somewhere Only We Know. Randy liked it. Paula was proud of him and liked his falsetto. Simon thought he was the first person that came out and sounded like he was in 2007. Simon said it was the best performance so far.

Sanjaya Malakar of Seattle, Wa. With some help from his sister they chose Stevie Wonder’s Knocks Me Off My Feet. Randy thought it was really bad and was surprised that he tried to tackle a Stevie Wonder song. Paula thought he was a sweet soul and he has an easiness, but she wants more personality and force in his performance. Simon thought it was the dreariest performance of the night. I’m with Simon on this one.

Chris Sligh of Greenville, SC (This is the guy with the bushy hair.) He came out strong singing Typical. Randy and Paula liked it. Simon felt his humor had gotten him there and compared it to a “student gig” whatever that is. After Chris referenced Il Divo and the Tele Tubbies, Simon was clearly offended. He told Chris he made it a very uncomfortable moment. Now that wasn’t really starting out on the right foot was it? I bet Chris was trying to pull the words back into his mouth. He’s still good though and bears a slight resemblance to Jack Osbourne.

Jared Cotter from Long Island, NY picked a Brian McKnight song to croon to the judges. Randy said it was alright. Paula felt there was more to him. Simon thought it was unadventurous and a bit nasally.

A.J. Tabaldo from Santa Maria, Ca sang Never Too Much by the late and great Luther Vandross. Randy thought it was pretty good. Paula thought he did a great job. Simon compared it to a theme park performance. But thinks that maybe he’s better than they originally thought. Kind of a back handed compliment of sorts.

Phil Stacey of Jacksonville, FL (The guy that missed the birth of his 2nd daughter.) ended the night with I Could Not Ask For More. Randy thought he did the best vocals of the night. Paula thought it was great. Simon thought it was okay. I think this guy has the most potential. I’d like to see him grow his hair out, but he did the best last night.

Tonight is ladies night. I’ll come back with a recap tomorrow.