The Idols delved into the storied Beatles catalog for a second time on Tuesday night with underwhelming results. For the first time in the history of “American Idol,” the producers decided to carry over the theme for the night into a second week. Perhaps, the Idols were all Beatled out as the second trip down Abbey Road was one to forget. I’m guessing the idea of holding on to theme nights will be a one-time deal. Here’s the damage done to the Beatles catalog:

Amanda Obermeyer Sang: “Back in the USSR”

• Randy Said: Started rough, but got better.
• Paula Said: I Love You, Keep going up.
• Simon Said: Predictable, a bit of a mess.

The show’s resident rocker queen delivered a run-of-the-mill performance for her that never really rose above the level of a Joan Jett tribute band. The song fit her well, however, and definitely had some nice moments.Grade: B-

Prognosis: She isn’t going anywhere yet, but if she keeps this act up she’ll soon be back on that flatbed truck she spoke about last night.

Kristy Lee Cook Sang: “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”

• Randy: Bad arrangement, should’ve done more with the song.
• Paula: You looked great, do more with the song.
• Simon: You’re just like musical wallpaper.

This was another terrible performance that I actually thought was worse than last week’s butchering of “8 Days a Week”. She was flat the entire time and looked completely vacant throughout the performance.Grade: D

Prognosis: I can’t imagine how she could possibly stick around for another week.

David Archuleta Sang: “The Long and Winding Road”

• Randy: Very nice! You’re back.
• Paula: You’re wonderful.
• Simon: Amazing. A master class.

I was not as enthusiastic about the judges. This was a very pleasant and nice performance. His voice was of its usual quality but this was nothing more than a well-sung recitation of this song.Grade: B

Prognosis: Not going anywhere.

Michael Johns Sang: “A Day in the Life”

• Randy: There were a lot of problems, bad song choice.
• Paula: Paula basically just rambled about wearing in-ear monitors, which it turned out Johns was not wearing.
• Simon: A mess. Sort yourself out.

Despite a ridiculous song choice and a mangled arrangement that attempted to fit the entire six-minute song into 90 seconds, Johns managed to overcome his 1980’s black-on-black thin tie ensemble and deliver probably his best performance of the competitive rounds. He still didn’t live up to his potential but he sang the song well and it’s hard to really get down on him for an awful arrangement.

Grade: B Prognosis: He’s safe this week, but he really needs to pick a good song soon or he’ll back Down Under in a hurry.

Brooke White Sang: “Here Comes the Sun”

• Randy: Awkward, disconnected.
• Paula: She has a good low tone, but could have done more.
• Simon: Terrible.

This was a very weird performance that saw Brooke looking like a sun in an odd dress and attempting to dance. She sang well, but that’s about it. I guess this week wasn’t limited to the Lennon/McCartney catalog as this was a George Harrison song.Grade: B-

Prognosis: Can’t imagine she’s in trouble this week based on past performances. Ya never know, but she probably won’t go – she’s not Kristy Lee Cook.

David Cook Sang: “Day Tripper”

• Randy: Solid
• Paula: You’re ready to sell records.
• Simon: A bit predictable.

This was a good effort from the show’s resident rocker who did a fine job with a horrible version (originally from Whitesnake) of the song. It’s hard to see him not getting complacent if he keeps this up, but he’s doing very well for now.

Grade: B+

Prognosis: See ya next week.

Carly Smithson Sang: “Blackbird”

• Randy: Another great performance. Very nice.
• Paula: Capital F for Fantastic
• Simon: Indulgent.

Smithson absolutely knocked this one out of the park. She hit every note perfectly with her normal power. She’s too good and should just be thrown out as a ringer.

Grade: A

Prognosis: No danger for weeks.

Jason Castro Sang: Michelle

• Randy: Just all right.
• Paula: A little awkward
• Simon: Your face sold the song, made it work.

“Michelle” is one of the worst songs in the Beatles’ catalogs, but Castro made it work. It was a pleasant performance that deserves bonus points for breathing life into an almost obnoxious song.

Grade: B

Prognosis: Very safe.

Syesha Mercado Sang: “Yesterday”

• Randy: Very, very, very good performance.
• Paula: Very Beautiful.
• Simon: Your best performance so far. You sold it very well.

Syesha earns the most improved award from last week as she delivered a lovely and stripped-down version of “Yesterday”. As Randy would say, she’s back in it to win it.

Grade: A-

Prognosis: No bottom 3 this week.

Chikezie Sang: “I’ve Just Seen a Face”

• Randy: Strange.
• Paula: You did it!
• Simon: Started OK then you played the atrocious harmonica. Gimmicky.

This was another very good performance from Chikezie who I was worried was going to revert to the form he showed in two of the three Hollywood week performances. It was a bit country and sounded almost like the Counting Crows. Chikezie continues to interpret songs rather than just sing them and should be commended for that.

Grade: A-

Prognosis: If American follows the judges, he’s in danger. He shouldn’t be though as he’s been one of the best on the big stage. No way he goes home though – he’s not Kristy Lee Cook.

Ramiele Malubay Sang: “I Should’ve Known Better”

• Randy: Just OK
• Paula: Do more ballads.
• Simon: Amateurish, Mediocre song.

This performance started very rough and looked to be the worst of the night. It improved quickly, but never rose above the level of good karaoke.

Grade: C+

Prognosis: Definite Bottom 3 candidate, but she’s safe this week – she’s not Kristy Lee Cook.

Predicted Bottom 3: Kristy Lee Cook, Ramiele Maulbay, Michael Johns

Predicted Ouster:

1. Carly Smithson – A true pro, kick her off for being too good.
2. David Archuleta – The chosen one – could barely hear him over the screams.
3. David Cook – The rocker shows a wider range of talent than anybody else.
4. Chikezie – Reinventing songs rather than just singing them, but he’s got a great voice too.
5. Brooke White – Front-runner takes a stumble after a weird performance on Tuesday.
6. Syesha Mercado – Back to favorite status with a real shot to win it if the backlash against the ringers intensifies.
7. Jason Castro – Carving out a nice hippie niche for himself with his pleasant performances.
8. Michael Johns – Looked like a surefire final three member no teetering close to the edge of elimination with poor song choices.
9. Amanda Obermayer – Rocker chick needs to show some versatility to avoid complacency.
10. Ramiele Malubay – Teenybopper karaoke star can’t compete with the pros.
11. Kristy Lee Cook – Awful.

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