Tonight the remaining contestants had to sing a song from the year they were born. It was a real mixed bag of yawners, pleasant diversions and one stroke of brilliance.
     Unfortunately that adjective could not be used for Ramiele Malubay’s performance. This girl has tons of potential but she’s ruining her chances with uninspired song choices. Her version of Heart’s “Alone” was both pitchy and a tad screechy. Not the smooth, well-phrased sound we know she can produce. She’s vulnerable.
     Jason Castro picked up the guitar for an Inglés/Español verson of Sting’s “Fragile.” It was pleasant but no showcase for his voice.
     Syesha Mercardo took a spin with Gladys Knight’s “If I Were Your Woman.” She’s got great pipes, for sure, but it wasn’t something we haven’t heard before.
     Chikezie chose a Brenda Russell song, “If Only For One Night.” The judges jumped on him for being old school. SO WHAT! He sounded wonderful, ranging from an effortless falsetto to smooth R&B stylin’ a la Mr. Luther Vandross. One of the better performances, IMHO.
     Brooke White stumbled on the first notes, but kept going like a pro and delivered a nice version of the Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” I agree with the judges that it might have been better if she just kept playing the piano herself. Simon LOVES him some Brooke! He called her performance fantastic yet called Chikezie’s much better vocals “cheesy.” (Was it because it rhymes???)
     Michael Johns returned to what earned him praise before, channeling the spirit of Freddie Mercury. His rendition of “We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions” rocked the house and his voice was the most powerful it’s ever been. Simon said he has “star potential.”
     Carly Smithson belted out a song I can’t stand, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Fierce, but forgettable.
     David Archuletta sang a song that no one knew (and Paula chided it for not being by an American composer) called “You’re the Voice.” He did his usual nice job on the song and the crowd picked up on its emotion. Simon hated the song, saying it reminded him of a theme park performance with animated creatures. (Actually, Simon, it reminded me of every “American Idol” finale winner’s song. Meow!)
     Kristy Lee Cook guaranteed herself a visit to Iraq/Afghanistan on a future USO Tour by singing the uber-patriotic “God Bless The USA.” I agree with Simon, a smart move. This season’s “Jasmine Trias” will survive for another week! 
     The best was last. David Cook blew everyone away with his mondo-minor chordage take on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” He took away its dance-ability, but made it more vulnerable and raw. Randy called it “blazing, molten hot!” I concur.
Bottom three for Wednesday? I predict Ramiele, Carly and either Chikezie or Syesha.