For those of you paying attention, you'll notice that this is actually supposed to be Nadia Turner's week to write for EW.com. Unfortunately, Nadia had a prior obligation, so she couldn't write tonight — she will be back next week, though!
I am in the midst of four days of rehearsing with my band for my first headlining tour, which starts May 1. We worked until after the show was over tonight, but by the magic of my brand-new DVR, I was able to watch the show... Oh, technology is beautiful! It's my first experience with this magical thing, so I had to share...sorry.
Well, obviously I didn't make it to the top 7 during my season. But from what I've been told, every week is about the same. However, I don't really have any ''behind-the-scenes'' insight... I'll just be doing a review of the singers last night. Before I get started, though, I want to call out America: Seriously, people, Michael Johns?!! Michael Johns! I thought he was gonna be around for a while. I mean, Paula put him in her top 4! Don't you listen to Paula? And moving on....
Mariah Carey is one of the most talented singer/songwriters in the history of music — she is a rare mixture of diva and songwriter. Mariah is a great businesswoman who in recent years has reinvented herself successfully. Yes, she deserves to be a mentor. And frankly, she's one of the few female singers whose songs a guy can pull off honestly and effectively. Seriously, why has this season gotten all the great mentors? Anyway...
David Archuleta started off the night. After I woke up, I realized that the judges were praising him. I thought it was okay, but it was such an incredibly boring way to start off the show that I was surprised that the pimping seemed to be in full effect. At least put him in the middle so the pimping isn't so obvious. I mean, time and again, I want to love Archie's performances, but time and again I am bored to tears.
Carly Smithson started off pretty good but hit a few sour notes when she started to try to melisma her way into Mariah Carey fans' hearts. I think Simon was right on: Carly was good, okay...not great, in my opinion. I think that Nigel and the producers definitely encouraged her to hide her tattoos — I think they want the last non-American to stick around for a while. I'm hearing from friends and online that the tattoos are a distraction at least and a turnoff at most. I'm not judging — I actually kind of like them — but I think it was a smart move to cover them up. However, the covering of tattoos doesn't take away from a mediocre performance.
Syesha Mercado is, in my opinion, making a case for being around for a while. She is proving she is a great singer and she is easily the most beautiful woman in the competition. I really think that with the right record, Syesha could be one of the most marketable contestants on a very, very marketable season. I wasn't a fan for a while, but she has proven to me (and I think to a lot of other people) that she deserves to be here for a while.
NEXT PAGE: Sligh picks ''the best woman of the night''
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