American Idol ~ Aussie Eye Candy

Nice, huh? He's married, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate his artistry and delivery of a song. He's taller than Ryan Seacrest; which means he's probably at least 5'6". This is Michael Lee Johns who leaves out the Lee portion of his name. The producers of American Idol had this fine performer go last on Tuesday night. They know what the viewers want and need. His vocal performance wasn't the strongest, but he owned that circular portion of the stage. As one of my Pop Life co-bloggers stated,

"Crocodile Hunkee goes back to the Val-Kilmer-doing-Jim-Morrison thing and
the girls drool pumps go all the way up to 11" ~ Jeff in Cuba

He performed "Light My Fire." I'm relieved he didn't inhabit the essence of Jose' Feliciano. Randy Jackson said that he felt MLJ was feeling the spirit of former INXS frontman Michael Hutchence. I don't know and don't care who he is most inspired by. I want to see more of this man who makes me do the Kangaroo Hop. Sean Daly commented:

The first video flames of the year! Idol only busts out the digi-pyro for people it loves. Seriously, this cat's as good as Final Four.
Posted by: Sean Daly

If you take away the gurgling on my own drool factor, I wouldn't say Johns had the best vocal performance. My choice on vocals goes to the 17 year old "gee whiz golly" kid David Archuleta. He came out with strong rendition of "Shop Around." By the way, I should mention that it's music of the 60s this week. He belted it out with confidence and acted completely surprised by the judge's adoration of his performance. He's already been given the Melinda Doolittle feigned humility award. I think his reaction was ernest.

I have a soft spot for the guy sporting dreds: Jason Castro. He was the only guy to take advantage of using an instrument. I thought maybe he'd come out with steel drums and give us a reggae flavored take on a 60s favorite. Now, that would have been totally bitchin'. Instead, he played guitar while singing "What a Day for a Daydream" made famous by The Loving Spoonful. It was safe. I think he has more charisma than he's letting on. We'll see if he makes it this week. My blogging pal Jane said this about Jason:

Maybe my cold has made me too soft, but I liked earnest guitar-playing
Jason. He, unlike some others tonight, didn't annoy me.
Posted by: jane

I don't know that Paula and Randy disliked any of the guys last night. They had some sugar-coated criticisms, but it was Simon (no surprise) who really unleashed the venomous remarks. I'm guessing he is aware that his critiques have influence over how the general population votes. Again, I guess we'll just have to wait until Thursday.

Tonight the ladies perform. Sadly, I'll be at work until 9pm. I'm so disgruntled that I won't be able to participate in the live chat on Sean Daly's Pop Life blog.

Here's a little sum-sum to hold you over until Michael performs next week.