American Idols Just Let Their Soul Glo

It always seems that the performances elevate sharply once we've reach the final ten. Everybody's in the money now and no one has to be concerned about how they will be making a living for the next year or two. The contestants can redirect their focus on winning this contest.

Usher is tonight's mentor. (Have you heard? Usher has a new record dropping today! It's called Raymond vs. Raymond — like when TBS and WGN are both showing Everybody Loves Raymond reruns at the same time, but not really. How could you NOT know? He's been everywhere in the last 24 hours!) But forget all that. Get your groove on and go in search of your alter ego, 'cause it's soul and R&B night!

Siobhan Magnus

Through the Fire
Siobhan reinforces the notion that the Irish people are incredibly white. Completely absent of vibe, in bad costume, with an enervated vocal, it was a Siobhan's most dreary performance to date. There will be worse acts to follow. I promise.
ODDS ON STAYING: 5:1

Casey James
Hold On, I'm Comin'
Often times, the judges evaluation of performances are based on relativity. Sure, Casey gave his "best" performance tonight, but compared to what he's done to this point, his "best" is marginal when held against the stronger contestants. When is Casey going to take a step forward and grab hold of an audience? He voice is slightly better than ordinary and he intermittently mingles in a nice guitar riff, but he lacks fluidity and drama and is never ever better than just, "okay." Ellen echoed what I've been saying all along, Casey plays it safe and safe is getting really boring.
ODDS ON STAYING: 7:1

Michael Lynche
Ready For Love
I'm a little disappointed. This was to be Michael's night and I think he missed the mark. What a confusing song choice. Sure, his performance was solid, but it was not an Idol moment and I think that's what Michael needed to bring tonight. Don't get me wrong. He's still safe, he just failed to position himself as a lead dog in this pack.
ODDS ON STAYING: 5:1

Didi Benamy
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
I don't know what I can say about Didi that I haven't said before. Her voice is thin and flat. Her delivery is painfully pedestrian. She better hope Tim comes out and gives it his worst. On the bright side, pretty dress.
ODDS ON STAYING: 40:1

Tim Urban
Sweet Love
It was like watching Tim attempt to cut a paper valentine with a lumberjack's axe. Blood and body parts were strewn everywhere. You could film a CSI episode on the set. Perhaps Didi's prayers were answered. Tim is not a soul singer.
ODDS ON STAYING: 41:1

Andrew Garcia
Forever
Finally. Andrew may have gotten the "Straight Up" monkey off of his back. His formula for success is pretty simple, take R&B dance tunes and turn them into snappy acoustic pop songs. He's got a long road to travel yet, but Andrew got the job done this week. Bravo.
ODDS ON STAYING: 8:1

Katie Stevens
Chain of Fools
Katie took Usher's advice and approached this performance with some swagger and deliberate style and locked a very mature (not to mention steamy) focus in one Camera One. Great voice. Splendid performance. Please stop telling her to be young. She is young. In the hands of the right producer, Katie could do great things. Ignore the judges Katie. Sing whatever you like. I'll scream for you and wave my arms to and fro while you sing.
ODDS ON STAYING: 13:1

Lee Dewyze
Treat Her Like a Lady
What a very well chosen song. His vocal range fit so comfortably inside this tune that Lee was able to spend his energy on delivery and that proved to be very successful. Lee continues to improve week after week and he's starting to look more and more like a favorite. He's by far the best of the remaining boys.
ODDS ON STAYING: 4:1

Crystal Bowersox
Midnight Train to Georgia
This was the closest thing to an "Idol Moment" we've seen this season. Crystal delivered an absolutely remarkable performance. I got me some chills when she sang. B-Sox is what this show is all about. I can't wait to see her again next week.
ODDS ON STAYING: Even

Aaron Kelly
Ain't No Sunshine
Aaron seemed as if he lost a little confidence this evening. His voice was tremulous. His gestures looked as if they had been mechanically engineered. No doubt, an R&B performance is a little intimidating for a 16-year-old country singer. But he did well enough to hang on for another week. Curious, they ask the 16-year-old girl to "be younger" but they never request the same from the 16-year-old boy. Hmm.
ODDS ON STAYING: 6:1

I like Usher. He appeared to give great advice. Unfortunately smooth is something that can't be taught. That was painfully obvious tonight. Most of these poor kids stumbled through an evening fraught with challenges the likes of which could have only found buried in the pages of Ebony or Jet. 

For a few of the contestants, the problems have been snowballing for weeks and as level of competition rises, the weaknesses become increasingly magnified. Didi and Tim are certainly in the bottom three and will more than likely be accompanied by Katie. Tim has been horrible throughout and has yet to show any promise in any music genre. Didi is sorely lacking in the talent required to keep her around. Tim goes home Wednesday night.