American Idol

We’re getting closer and closer to the Top 12 — when the action really heats up and contestants stand a chance for being remembered beyond the May finale. Tonight, the Top 8 guys perform for your votes. (What? You haven’t been voting? That’s why the wrong girls got the boot last week. Now, get with the program!)

7 p.m.

Luke Menard

Moving into a new decade, tonight the Top 8 guys take on songs from the 1980s. First up, it’s Luke Menard singing a little Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. I have to say this may not have been the best choice for Luke. It was a pretty lame performance, actually. Not memorable at all. Still, even without seeing any other performance, I think Luke will sail into the Top 6 (aka the finals).

“A little bit corny for me, but it was alright,” Randy said.

“I was kind of surprised you picked that song,” Paula said. Then she rambled on and on. And Simon was annoyed.

“Luke, I’ll make this very quick,” Simon said. “I didn’t like it. I thought it was weak. It was a little girly.” Simon even said he didn’t even think Luke would survive this week.

7:09 p.m.

David Archuleta

David Archuleta, America’s early favorite is up now. Apparently, he’s thirsty and he has to pee. This according to Ryan Seacrest, who’s been saying some wacky things this season. What hasn’t been wacky is David’s incredible performance, and tonight he adds his keyboard skills for the Phil Collins hit Another Day in Paradise.

I have to say there’s no question this kid is going to do well as a musician. I’m not sure I’m buying the whole “Gosh, I’m good?” shock factor. It’s a little too Melinda Doolittle for me. But, still, you can’t argue the kid has talent.

“It’s like watching one of your concerts, man,” Randy said.

“David, it wasn’t as good as last week,” Simon said. “… You’re becoming … it’s all getting a little too gloomy. There’s no question you’re going to make it to the finals next week; you’ll probably be in the final two.”

Wow, that’s some big stuff for Simon to say this early in the competition. Of course, it’s not really shocking at all. I think little David (there still are three of them in this competition) may be the earliest standout possible winner of any season.

7:18 p.m.

Danny Noriega

Danny Noriega needs to have a better week this week than he’s had the past two, so can he do it with Tainted Love? As a whole, it was a better performance than we’ve seen in recent weeks. I’m sure Simon’s going to say something about the signature head bopping. The biggest problem with Danny this week is that he seems to be breathing in all the wrong spots. It’s kind of distracting. But I think he’s incredibly entertaining.

“Danny, you can do this,” Randy said. “C’mon, man.”

“I love that you’re, you’re like this bright light in the competition,” Paula said. “… You’re real. You’re the real deal.”

“I thought it was horrible, the whole thing,” Simon said. “Absolutely useless. … I hated the arrangement. I hated the performance. I hated the vocals.”

I’ve been meaning to say this for a while now, but does anyone else think Danny is a little bit like William Sledd?

David Hernandez

David Hernandez has made plenty of headlines this week for his alleged past as a gay stripper. But, after singing It’s All Coming Back to Me Now, he may be making headlines for another reason — being one of the most improved singers week to week. This performance, while not perfect, certainly could be one of his most remembered. I think it’s enough to keep him in the competition. The judges?

“You got that big old voice,” Randy said. “Good song choice for you, man.”

“You’re finding your niche,” Paula said. “I think you have some of the best vocals in this whole group, here.”

“David, it wasn’t as good as last week,” Simon said. “But you’ve 100 percent secured a place in the finals.”

7:31 p.m.

Michael Johns

Michael Johns is going up next. The resident Aussie is taking on Don’t You (Forget About Me). While I think Michael’s one of the best male vocalists in the competition — at least one of the most experienced — I thought the arrangement of this song was a little slow. I’m just not all that impressed, but he’ll certainly be safe on into the finals.

“Good song choice,” Randy said. “I loved it, dude.”

“I’m so glad you are the type of artist who is defining who you are,” Paula said. “… You have this presence that’s different and unique.”

“Huge talent, but you haven’t connected with the right song,” Simon said. “I really, really like you.”

7:40 p.m.

David Cook

After some technical problems with his guitar, it’s David Cook’s turn. Until this week, I wasn’t completely sold on David’s talent. This week, with his version of Hello, I think he proved he’s a force in the competition that could be worth watching. His ability to play the guitar, mixed with some sweet, sincere vocals, I think it works.

“I think that could be a single and be a hit,” Randy said.

“That was fabulous,” Paula said. “It would be a hit today, and it should be a hit today.”

“David, that was a very brave thing to do, and I loved it,” Simon said. Right on, Simon. Right on.

Jason Castro

Next up, Jason Castro. When he talks, it’s awkward. When he sings, it’s pretty incredible. So, how does Jason handle Hallelujah? First, I have to say it was an incredible song choice for him. It totally fits his mood and personality. The performance, not surprisingly, is incredible. If Jason would release a CD today, I would buy it the day it came out. (Luckily, I can buy his stuff on iTunes … how much could they actually plug that connection?)

“You did a pretty good job of it,” Randy said. “I give you props for it. And I give you props for coming out without the guitar.”

“You made it sound so effortless,” Paula said.

“I thought it was absolutely brilliant what you just did,” Simon said. “Arguably one of my favorite performances of the whole night. … You are getting better and better and better. I’m very happy.”

7:52 p.m.

Chikezie Eze
The last contestant of the night is Chikezie Eze. While Whitney Houston’s version of All the Man That I Need may have been more popular, Chikezie took on All the Woman That I Need. Even though it’s one of Chikezie’s best showings, I still think it was rough. Really rough. I promise I don’t have anything against him personally, but it’s time for him to go.

“You did a good job of it,” Randy said, commenting on the tough song choice.

“Your personality, I was waiting for this upbeat thing,” Paula said. “But your vocals sound really good tonight.”

“That was a Whitney song, right?” Paula said. “… Then I don’t think that worked at all.”

WHO GETS MY VOTE: There’s no question that person is David Cook. He was incredible. I have to admit Jason Castro continued to impress me, and David Archuleta always does well. But it’s David Cook who’s number I’ll be dialing …

WHO SHOULD GO: I worry about the always entertaining Danny Noriega, but I think the two who really should go are Luke Menard (I know I said he would be safe earlier, but I changed my mind) and Chikezie Eze. Based on song choice, alone, these two should be in major danger.

American Idol, Jason Castro, Chikezie Eze, David Cook, David Hernandez, Danny Noriega, David Archuleta, Luke Menard, Michael Johns