Country music takes over American Idol

Chris Rock and Whoopi Goldberg were among audience members at tonight’s live performance show of one of the nation’s biggest television phenomenons. It was country night on “American Idol” this evening, and the nine remaining Idols were guided by country music legend Kenny Rogers in their quest to make it one more week in the music competition.

Taylor Hicks kicked the night off with John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.” A native of Alabama, Hicks’ performance was vocally good, but nothing too spectacular. The judges agreed with one another, and said his performance was o.k., but safe and, according to Simon Cowell, “boring.”

While I am a huge Taylor Hicks fan, I hoped for more out of his performance. Where did the lovable, outgoing Taylor go? Perhaps his critics (who have called him and his often-spastic dance moves anything from peculiar to straight up weird) have finally brought him down a few notches. Hopefully the Taylor that mixes the sounds and moves of Ray Charles and Joe Cocker will reappear before our eyes next week.

Mandisa was up next with a wordy song choice, “Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain. Country isn't a genre I would have picked for Mandisa, but it wasn’t all that bad. The judges didn’t really feel her song choice, but at least Randy Jackson said that he felt she finished strong. I guess you can’t win them all.

Elliot Yamin, the crooner of the group, performed the classic Garth Brooks song, “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” A solid song choice and great vocals prompted the judges to give the first kudos of the night. Paula Abdul even called him a “breathe of fresh air.” Simon wrapped up the judges comments by saying that, while it was the best performance so far, he felt Elliot came across nervous and a bit hesitant.

Fourth up was Miss Paris Bennett. Looking adorable in a shoulder length bob, Paris sang LeAnn Rhimes’ “How Do I Live Without You.” The former Starr’s Mill High student demonstrated that she can perform anything from old school jazz to modern country and most anything in between.

A a skilled performer who, at a mere 17 years of age, has shown week after week her star quality, Paris faced a tough round of criticism from judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. Simon, however, told Bennett she made an excellent song choice and sounded like an early Dionne Warwick.

Going from one of my favorite contestants to one of my least favorite contestants, Ace Young was up next with Keith Urban’s “Tonight I Wanna Cry.” Although I’ve never heard the song before, I’d say Ace did a pretty decent job (despite his nasal sound), and of course he finished the performance off with his signature falsetto. Randy called Ace’s performance boring, but Paula came to his defense praising his abilities (shocker!). Simon said he felt Ace chose the correct song for the first time in weeks.

While I think Ace does a pretty spot on job picking songs that fit his voice, it seems from his performances and interviews that he is quite enamored with himself. I just can’t go for the “pretty boy” who thinks he is amazing.

Sweet and southern, tonight was Kellie Pickler’s chance to knock our socks off. If only she can get over her apparent stage fright and connect with both the song and audience, Pickler has a good chance to make it far in this competition. She’s cute and naive (so naive, in fact, people all over the U.S. are questioning if she’s for real), and has an certain quality about her that either makes you love her or hate her. Personally, I think she’s great! Unfortunately, Kellie hasn’t had too many solid performances since the live shows began. Tonight was a different story as she showed America what she could do with a powerful performance of “Fancy” by Reba McEntire.

Randy said it was “her night” while Paula said she was great. Simon criticized the song choice but said her performance was terrific.

Chris Daughtry, who says his whole family listens to country- making him the loan rock fan of the bunch, softened things up with Keith Urban’s “I’m Gonna Love You like nobody loves you.” As the rocker of the group, Daughtry changed things up with a song that had him crooning from a stool rather than running around the stage. Chris is one of my favorites and reaffirmed his staying power with tonight’s performance.

Randy gave props to his dawg, Paula cheered on Chris’ performance, and Simon said that he picked a “really boring song.”

Another fan favorite, Katharine McPhee, came out swinging with a hot rendition of Faith Hill’s “Bringing Out The Elvis.” The songstress, who has rarely made a wrong move in this competition, had audiences on her feet by the end of the song. Her performance rendered her a “good job” from Randy and the proclamation from Paula that this is her genre. Simon didn’t even manage to get a full statement out before Katharine hit the nail on the head, “You just don’t like country music, that’s o.k.” To which SImon responded, “You’re right. I don’t. I hate it.”

Bucky Covington, perhaps the most country contestant, wrapped up the evening with Gary Allan’s song “Best I Ever Had,” a song many viewers might recognize from the original by Vertical Horizon. I have to say, Bucky was really good. I love the song, and he was in his element tonight. Normally I’m not a huge Bucky fan, but I tonight he didn’t disappoint.

Randy panned the performance saying it was “just alright” while Paula felt his and Kellie’s performances were the best of the night. Simon admitted that he is not a country music expert, but that Bucky's performance sounded alright.

Phone lines will be open “for at least two hours after the show.” Bennett fans can vote for the local favorite by calling 1-866-IDOLS 04 (1-866-43657-04). If you want to see Paris and all your favorites stay in the competition, vote early and vote often. Too often viewers are surprised by early favorite’s early exit from the show.

Tomorrow night’s results show will eliminate one more contestant from the running in the quest to be America’s next Idol. Check back to see who makes it into the top 8.