The 5th Idol Judge (me) rates the final 16 men

Lee Dewyze sings Fireflies by Owl City

Hmmm… I often wonder if what we hear on TV is different than what the judges hear live. This had potential but he had three or four absolute thumper notes – badly off. Ick.

Alex Lambert sings Trouble by Ray LaMontagne

His hair is really ridiculous. It does make him memorable though as “the guy with the bad mullet.” He looks like Russian figure skater Yevgeny Plushenko. Better than Lee but uninspired. Totally lacks stage presence.

Tim Urban sings Hallelujah by Jeff Buckle (isn’t it Leonard Cohen?)

One of those BIG songs. This has to be one of the most sung songs in Idol history. I don’t see this the same as the judges. It was OK. But it is too remarkable a song to portray so plainly.

Andrew Garcia sings Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera

Meh. It was kinda cool. But you will not get far by taking a pop song – and nobody does pop better than Christina – and turning it into a Jose Feliciano folk song.

Casey James sings You’ll Think of Me by Keith Urban

Another pleasant but not transcendent performance. Casey will go through because he has style. He has "a thing” and that will get him votes for sure. But… nothing special here.

Aaron Kelly sings I’m Already There by Lonestar

Like Lee some serous lunker notes. Oof. He is good a cover singer for his age but is uninspired. He is only 16 and I suspect that if you were to wind the clock forward four years he would be a serious contender. I love you Simon! “Kara, what you just said is utter rubbish.” Love it. Love it.

Todrick Hall sings Somebody to Love by Queen

You’re biting off a big one when you take on Freddie – especially when you know that that big finishing note is coming. He’s close but… Doesn’t really have the range for it but it was OK.

Michael Lynche sings This Woman’s Work by Maxwell

His presentation is a little contrived. But he is really likeable and I think he is going to get better and better. He is LOVING being here and it shows. And, his likeable personality shines through.

OK… my bold prediction. Here is my prediction for the top four:

4. Tim Urban – he’s OK and his cute looks will get him to #4. He wasn’t even supposed to be in the top 24 and the viewers will enjoy teaching the judges that they are wrong.

3. Crystal Bowersox – the deepest talent of the bunch but she is not a pop singer. She is deeply into the traditions of the blues and will, ultimately, prove to be too narrow in her appeal.

2. Michael Lynche – He is really, really likeable. His talent is adequate but he is a shining presence on stage and his likeable personality shines through.

1. Siobhan Magnus – Quirky name, quirky girl, real talent, and really likeable. She is going to get more and more likeable as the show goes on. And, as other horses drop off their supporters will switch over to Siobhan.

I am well versed because three nights a week as a child my father made me listen to really loud jazz and assess the talent. He turned me into a mini Simon Cowell.

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