American Idol 2011: What should the Top 8 sing?

The “American Idol” Top 8 are set to take on songs from the movies this week. That’s a pretty broad theme, so picking what I’d like to hear them sing this week wasn’t easy. I based my choices on the song list the Season 9 contestants had to chose from and AFI’s Top 100 Songs from Movies list. So who really knows if any of the songs I pick for them are even available. But, at any rate, it’s still fun to pick and imagine. The contestants and songs are in random order.

Paul McDonald, “Mrs. Robinson” from “The Graduate.” He could appeal more to the mature woman voter this way. ha. It would be fun for him to do a nice acoustic version. Just him and his guitar. If he wants something a little more produced, maybe “(Everything I do) I do For You.” He and Bryan Adams kind of have similar voices.

Jacob Lusk, “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.” He could easily put his gospel slant on this one. And it could have all sorts of double (even triple) meaning … with or without ruby slippers. Too bad he’s already done “I Believe I Can Fly” from “Space Jam.” And by “too bad” I mean “Thank God.”

James Durbin, “Born to Be Wild” from “Easy Rider.” Sure Adam Lambert sang this but when has that ever stopped a current contestant. After last week’s pointless slow down, we can expect James to turn things back up. This one could work. It’s familiar with everyone and lends itself to some new interpretations. If not that, then maybe “Old Time Rock and Roll” from “Risky Business.”

Lauren Alaina, “I Will Always Love You” from “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” not “The Bodyguard.” I’d like to hear Lauren do Dolly Parton’s version. Or at least a mixture ofย  her’s and Whitney Houston’s. Lauren was tough to pick for. I considered “What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” But neither seemed to be the right choice for her.

Haley Reinhart, “Take My Breath Away” from “Top Gun.” To be honest, I don’t really think this is the best song for Haley. If the song selection is more broad than I imagine, then I’d pick “At Last” by Etta James. It’s been in several movies and would definitely qualify and I think Haley could shine with it. If Naima Adedapo had not already done “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess,” then maybe that would’ve worked for her as well.

Casey Abrams, “I’m Alright” from “Caddyshack.” This is kind of a douchey song and Casey is kind of douchey, so I think it would be perfect. He seems to mostly be doing this competition as some sort of elaborate joke anyway (except for last week … I was able to take him seriously last week).

Scotty McCreery, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” from “Urban Cowboy.” I could’ve easily gone with “Jailhouse Rock” but since he can’t do another Elvis song already, this one is right up his alley. To sound like a broken record here, I’ll say I’d rather him put his country spin on something less country like “The Rose” by Bette Midler, but since I know that’ll never happen, I’ll try to stay near Scotty’s mindset. So “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” it should be. Even if it is just to make Jacob sweat over such an evil, devilish song within his earshot.

Stefano Langone, “Purple Rain” from “Purple Rain.” I don’t know why I want to hear Stefano do Prince, but I do. But he’d never do this song. Just wishful thinking. He’s officially the one person left to not really take any risks even though no one but me has seemed to notice.ย  So that being said, he’ll probably do something predictable like “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal. “Stand By Me” could also be a good (but safe) choice for Stefano.

What are your suggestions and thoughts?

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320 Comments

  1. James should sing Cryin by Aerosmith that was also sang by Adam.I think it's better that Born to be Wild…

    • Good luck Haley Reinhart! Expect for millions of people to vote for you again. You're sooo gonna win AI! Oh my gosh!!!

    • Oh sorry..I replied to the wrong post. Anyway, I'm sure James can sing anything…I don't care! he might just go home next week, just like what happened to Pia.

      • @ Branden…great list…going to be hard to predict who is going to sing what.

        @ IloveHaley..Oh no, please…I do not think James will be going home any time soon…at least I hope not. Looking forward to hearing the performances this week. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • @Rose A. — Hugs to you! No, James won't be going anytime soon. Voted hundreds upon hundreds of times last week, and will continue to vote like a tweener to make sure that doesn't happen ๐Ÿ˜€

    • I think that Casy should sing Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker. that would be a bomb

      and fits the type of song for him.

      For James which is my favorit by the way, certainly I would not like that he would do anything that Adam has already sung because many people think that imitates Lambert.

      I do't think so

      • @Tina Mary, I agree with you about James. Singing something that Adam Lambert has already done, would be taking a big risk!! Whatever James sings, I know he will do justice to the song!!!

      • @ Tina Mary…I agree. James doesn't need to sing a song that Adam Lambert has already sung…too many comparisons. I love Adam and James both but enough with the comparisons. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • He said in his final Hollywood performance that he sang it just like Adam. There's no question that he is, maybe more so in the beginning of the contest, trying to mimic Adam Lambert. I wouldn't mind James if a. he got rid of the tail (wth is that anyway) b. he got rid of his fohawk (he's done much better lately). c. stopped trying to hit notes he can't OR d. actually hit the notes he's trying to. I really liked his uuhhh first? top 13 performance. If he had continued to do that I think he would have a lot more fans.

      • Up Where We Belong is an inspired choice. Paul has to sing I'm All Right by Kenny Loggins. Those two look like twins separated at birth (and by 40 years). Scotty really should sing "Lookin for Love." The girls already love him and he can serenade them with this love song. Plus the rhythm is slow enough to all Scotty to keep up. He would choke on Devil Went Down to Georgia.

      • Rich: Please excuse me for saying this, but you're dead wrong about Scotty singing Lookin for Love. The lyrics are: "I've spent a lifetime looking for you [he's 17]. Singles bars and good time lovers were never true". Again, he's 17. The lyric is totally inappropriate and with his christian background, he'd never do that song.

      • @Tina Mary — I totally agree with you. Casey has already shown he can rock Cocker with I Get By with a Little Help from My Friends. Up Where We Belong would be an excellent song choice for douchey…I mean, Casey. Dang, Branden, now I will always associate Casey with douchey…LOL!

    • R&R Hall of Fame last week… now cinema? I still say James should do Promised Land ๐Ÿ˜‰

      • @Branden — Thanks for the excellent update and song choices. LMAO with the "douchey" comments about I'm Alright and Casey…totally made my day even though I am a fan of Casey, more for his unpredictability and am just always pleasantly surprised by whatever he does.

        Of course, will likely be disappointed as they will choose songs totally different from your selection, Branden…other than, maybe, James…because it seems like he has done a couple times what you suggested, whether or not he is aware of it ๐Ÿ˜€

        Hi to Rose A., Phyllis G., Gabriela and Sherry K.

        Can't wait to see how well they do tomorrow night!

      • T…..Nice to see you on site….I love reading Branden's comments….He is usually wrong but its fun to see what he is predicting…….James can sing anything but he has to lay off Adam's songs…….

        GO JAMES!!!!

        Hugs to T, Rose A., Angela, Sherry K,Bev, Gabriella and all other James Fans…….VOTE FOR JAMES!!!!

      • Phyllis G. — Hugs to you as well ๐Ÿ™‚ Will def be voting for James…just hoping I am not voting for 7 contestants like last week! That was just too many, but they were all safe except Pia. I am still stunned Stefano is there over Pia, but whatever. She will still have a great career from the other article I read on here.

  2. GO SCOTTY McCreery!

    My heart says he won't win this year – BUT I KNOW – AND I WILL PAY BIG BUCKS to see Scotty in concert one day.

    He's a Willie, He's a Waylon, He's a Tom T Hall – HE IS THE REAL COUNTRY DEAL!!! Country fans don't give a flip if Scotty McCreery WINS American Idol or not??? (we hope) but no matter WIN or not – HE HAS WON the next Country spot – He's gonna make Toby Keith WISH his number was written on the 50 yard line hahaha…AMERICA LOVES SCOTTY

    • Scotty could sing "Every Which Way But Loose" from the Clint Eastwood movie of the same name.

    • Actually, Malinda, Scotty is my favorite and I hope he doesn't win. If he wins, he's tied to 19E for two years. Although Carrie Underwood did OK with them, she's more of a crossover artist. Scotty is all country, so I'd rather he signed with a producer on Music Row in Nashville.

      • Agreed. Scotty will do fine…He in in the old Hank Williams, Sr & Jr., George Strait, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, & Merle Haggard genre…he will definitely has the sustaining power all these great artists had and continue to have. James for the win and Scotty as 2nd place.

      • Templar…..thats what I've been saying all along…Scotty should just get his Country Contract, which he will get win or lose. He has no need to win Idol and be tied down to an Idol Contract…..

        It just seems so strange that the losers seem to do better than the winners (except for Carrie U.)

        Branden…..Love your picks except for James (my Fav). No need to do any song that Adam sang….He gets compared to him enough. James is an individual and will do fine without any comparsions to Adam (my all time fav)…..

    • Last weeks performance was so creepy, I hope he works on that. I like that the pic above shows him playing the flute with his mic.

      • David P…..I think Scotty is a little strange when he sings….Pay attention to his actions when he sings…Weird!!!!!!

      • Cos he's a poseur…Can't stand the way he holds the microphone, just like holding a cob to me…lol!

      • To David- Phyliss-Tennisadddict 3 of you not liking a singer for looks like Holding a cob or looks like he is playing a flute or looks strange when sing. Funny how the 3 of you got together. Must all be in the same ward

    • You know, The Rose was also recorded by the late, great Conway Twitty. I think Scotty could do Conway proud!

    • Malinda, if you love country music, check out CMT's Next Superstar. There are a few people on that show that are excellent. One guy sang Matchbox 20's Unwell. He is a great vocalist and if he was on AI, would be giving all of these guys and girls a run for their money.

    • Go Scotty!!! He can sing anything he wants too and i would still love it. By the way i am not someones teenag daughter, but a grandmother

  3. Did I mention that Scotty McCreery "has THAT VOICE"?

    Women of all ages – and I have a son his age – so from a "Mother's" standpoint" – DUDE – keep that deep voice – and do what you do that makes your Mama proud…

    Women – and men – appreciate that DEEP voice you have – keep it and ROLL with it ๐Ÿ™‚ Don't let those "producers" tell you what to do – you are unique and IDOL is but a mere stepping stone to your FORTUNE and GREATNESS! Country fans are there.

    • I like Scotty too… even if he won't win it, he's sure thing a recording star in the future. Many record labels will bid for his signature.

      • We live in South Africa & absolutely LOVE Scotty. We watch Idols each week & will most definitely buy his CD's, even if he doesn't win (which we hope he does)!! I wish I could vote, he'd get my vote.

        He has a voice like melted chocolate……….

    • Malinda I agree totally with you. Scotty proved he can sing anything and that all ages love his natural talent. No putting on,remains true to giving a good performance no matter what he sings. Scotty will be around a long time, not a flash in the pan/

    • if we all love scotty that much…. vote for him…stop saying he wont win…if your voting for him as much as i am…he has just as much of a chance as anyone!

      love you scotty McHottie ๐Ÿ™‚

      • @ Kitty to every one who loves Scotty but doesnt think he will and win, get in there and vote for him. Time spent with American Idol would give him experience, contacts qnd showcase his talent and orginalaty

      • Kitty's comment says it all. Too many votes for Scotty from too few people because he is "Scotty McHottie". AI voting has become a joke. Stevie saying Scotty can sing anything? Are you kidding me? He struggled way back in Hollywood week because his versatility is so limited that he can't even harmonize. He has a great smile and a deep voice, but nothing beyond that. Everyone keeps saying that it's about the whole package and yet, with the exception of Casey, the most talented musicians are all gone already.

      • I like Scotty. But, I for one REFUSE to vote for someone I like, as opposed to how well they did on that given night. As the show would be soooooooooo BORING to me if I did it any other way.

    • This is what I've been wondering because after her first audition she sang it for Steven.

  4. James keeps doing songs that Adam covered…and then he wonders why people keep comparing the two of them. *facepalm* Of course people are gonna compare. When Paul sang "tracks of my tears" they also compared his performance to Adam's.

    Not saying James can't sing that song if he wanted to, but there are plenty of other songs he could've chosen to perform. I'm just afraid that when he sings "born to be wild" and they put the two performances side by side, it'll become really obvious that he's just not as good as the season 8 runner-up. His high notes has no vibrato, and his vocals lack the control and sophistication that is so innate in Adam's. This week, I wanna see more vocal control from James, not just more toneless screaming.

    • @ irie…these are just possible predictions from Branden…James may not even do this song…and you are right…there are a lot of songs he will be able to choose. Looking forward to hearing what he is really going to sing tomorrow night. James 4 the win. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Hello to my dear friends, Phyllis G., Sherry K, Angela, T. and all of the Kames Durbin fans…Bev and Vanessa…Go James. Whoo Hoo~!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • I can tell you James will not sing born to be wiled cause the top 12 have already done that song as a medley with i was born this way

      • Good call, Christina. I thought they had already covered that, but then thought I have heard it so many times, maybe they hadn't. Thanks for the refresh ๐Ÿ™‚

        Still, go James, GO!!!

    • @Irie:You're definitely wrong about James.

      If the you do not dislike him it's OK, but that does not mean he do'nt sing well.

      Or just because you say you do not like his screaming, I recommend you see on youtube rock singers of the sixties and seventies and what is really rocking

      • Sorry for my spelling, what I meant is:

        If you dislike yourself james is ok.

        but that does not mean he sings bad or scream like you usually say

  5. "How do I live" from the movie Con Air / "Angel" from the movie City of Angel. I wish Lauren could sing either one of these.

      • Hi Phyllis…while haters critized Pia's "lamp post" performance…Scotty's is quite the oppsite..in fact he's way over the top! Teenies & grannies may think his performance "sexy", but to us non-fans…he looked werid…lol!

    • Phyllis G., it's that Alfred E. Neuman face he is sporting…don't think he can help it. Kind of reminds me of the faces Clay Aiken used to make, remember?

      • @ T. LOL…why do so many people call him Scottie McHottie…I don't see it and I don't get it.??? James for the win. Whoo Hoo~!! ๐Ÿ™‚ Hugs to T., Phyllis G., Sherry K., Angela, Bev, Vanessa, and all of you James fans. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Jacob Lusk is a good friend of mine and I know what he will sing tomorrow and it's not somewhere over the rainbow…Are you trying to say he's a friend of Dorothy's?! lol I happen to know that he's an AMAZING kisses…. :p Take it to the top J!!! Blog that!

    • Doesn't matter what Jacob sings. America knows all about him at this point. And like Pia, nobody will be rushing to buy any of his albums. The judges will probably have another "shocking" cry when he's eliminated. But his future is back to the church choir where he belongs. There, nobody will care that his nose is pointing in heaven's direction! (Seriously, the dude is an arrogant drama queen!) LOL

  7. I think Scotty should do Neil Diamond's 'Girl, you'll be a woman soon' from Pulp Fiction.

      • Really?? I can already hear Scotty in my head, Paul does not have the right voice for this…Anyways, I doubt either of them will choose this one.

      • You may be right about Paul's voice. I meant it for Paul because it's a mature lyric. Scotty is very southern Christian and would offend his fan base by singing that song. Paul, being older, could get away with it.

      • I agree…it may be too "risque" for Scotty….just as "Let's get it On" was too "amoral" for Jacob…lol…

  8. Haley – Looking Through The Eyes Of Love

    Lauren – Angel

    Casey – Iris

    Scotty – Misty

    James – Unchained Melody

    Stefano – Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman

    Jakob – Grease

    Paul – Eye Of The Tiger

    • Stefano is the last person I would want to hear sing that song. I love that song. Oh please not Stefano.

    • James will not do unchained melody an american idol contestant from season 4 i think he was just sang that last week on results night

  9. I don't know why people, Branden included, are simply picking songs that happen to have been in movies as opposed to songs that were nominated — is there any information on this?

  10. I'm by no means an expert, but — I think these would be fun……

    Casey — As Time Goes By (from Casablanca)

    James — Freebird (from Duets) or Live and Let Die (James Bond Theme)

    Paul — Footloose (sans Guitar — dancing like a freak — would be great:)

    Haley — Don't Want to Miss a Thing (Armageddon sp?)

    Jacob — Ease on Down the Road (The Wiz)

    Stefano — Pinball Wizard (Tommy)

    Lauren — You're the One That I Want (Grease)

    Scotty — Lookin For Love (Urban Cowboy)

    • Are you serious about your choice for Scotty? The song's first line is "I've spent a lifetime lookin' for you". He's 17! Ridiculous!

      • @Templar, I believe that sometimes when people are picking songs out for the contestants, they are not really paying much attention to what the lyrics are saying, but probably listening more to the music!! Song choices has to definitely be more age appropriate and relate somewhat to the contestants life or at least their personality!!

      • Right — so using your logic, then Michael Jackson shouldn't have sung "Never Can Say Goodbye" and Tanya Tucker shouldn't have sung "Delta Dawn", and LeAnn Rymes (sp?) couldn't have sung "Blue" because none of them were old enough at the time to sing those songs?

        People are SO quick to criticize — First of all Scotty doesn't sound like he's 17 — so I'm fairly sure he could pull it off — but regardless — i'm not sure how a singer has to sing a song that relates to his/her life in order to sing it…… otherwise, Johnny Cash wasn't in Folsom Prison, Elvis wasn't born In the Ghetto, and The Beatles couldn't possibly relate to the lyrics in "Twist and Shout" which was an Isley Brothers song — or maybe it was the Isley's that couldn't relate….

      • Bahloo, Tanya was singing about someone else, not herself. The song wasn't autobiographical.

      • I disagree about Haley singing that song. I think the only one to sing it is Lauren and it's the deathsong for anyone else that touches it.

    • Michael Jackson – Age 12

      "Never Can Say Goodbye"

      I keep thinkin that our problems

      Soon are all gonna work out

      But there's that same unhappy feeling and there's that anguish, there's that doubt

      *It's that same old did ya hang up

      *Can't do with you or without

      Tell me why

      Is it so

      Don't wanna let you go

      You're right — that would never work — I bet that would never have been a hit..

      (insert eye-roll here)

      • Yeah, but if Paul and Casey can both sing songs that are about horrible down times ("Folsom Blues" and "Have you Ever Seen the Rain") and both be grinning and happy during their songs (butchering the hell out of both IMHO) and get rave reviews from people about them, then a 17 year old singing about "for a lifetime" is small potatoes comparatively. I'm not a huge Scotty fan, but I think he probably gets a pass on the age thing with this one.

      • Whatever a singer/performer/artist sings, they must be able to relate to the song & project the feelings of the lyrics to the audience. So, as long as that can be done by whomever, age should not be a issue.

  11. Wish me luck! I still have to cover 47 records this day shift! GO JAMES. I know he can make it!

  12. Scotty's voice is kinda like Bryan Adams??????? I disagree very strongly! :O….they sound nothing alike!

    And I agree with some people here, James shouldn't do anymore songs Adam did if he wants a save trip to the top 3. Love him to death but Adam's Born To Be Wild is still stamped into my brain and I won't help but not like James' version as much, so….I'd go for something else by James.

    • I'm getting less and less annoyed by readers getting confused because it's becoming more and more clear that people just don't read.

      • He is a winner already. "I dont't think you can choose a better song to represent who you are, what you are and the love you have for music" – this is what Steven told Scotty after he sang "Letter from home". He shows people who he truly is, his love for traditional country music and how he is good at that. Winning this competition does not guarantee him a successful singing career. But he shows me by now how he can do well even without this award.

    • I think Scotty has a very good chance at winning, and even if he doesn't, his career in country music is written in stone.

    • mad magazine voted scotty the next cover guy, and people magazine voted jennifer as the prettiest

  13. I agree with most of the choices, except:

    James – Live or Let Die;

    Jacob Lusk – What a Feeling or At Last;

    Paul – Footloose

    Stefano – When Doves Cry (i wish…)

    For the record…I really like this show…much less now after Pia's gone……………….

    • i agree, paul should sing footloose. adam lambert is not james favorite idol but he is so busy trying to imitate adam. let us see how he could do better than adam when he sings born to be wild.

      • I don't see how anybody can say James is imitating Adam. They are both very different singers in style. Adam is a Glam Rock type that would fit in a similar vein to say "Queen" (this type can also blend in very well to certain types of metal such as an Avenged Sevenfold style of music) James however is more of a classic style rocker that fits in with more of a Beatles/Led Zepplin/Judas Priest style of rock. The only comparisons between teh two is taht they are both rockers that have incredable range to hit the high notes and nail them.

        As for James imitating Adam, thats rediculous, if you see his youtube videos, you can see that James has been singing this way long before Adam ever stepped onto American Idol. James isn't imitating him at all, if he's trying to be like anybody it's closer to Steven Tyler than anything. (who is also a classic rocker)

      • Adam hit his notes, James, however, does not. It sounds awful when he tries. If you are a James fan don't mention his youtube videos because they are downright terrible. Also, you can't compare James to any of the rockers you listed. He's an amateur at best.

      • David P. Are we watching the same show? James nails those high notes….

      • Yes Phyllis, I know it's hard to believe that there's somebody out there that doesn't like James. When he screams way up there in the stratosphere it makes me want to strangle kittens, just sayin.

      • @kdub Thank you I Totally agree with you James is so diferent to Adam Ilike James and Adam mmmmm no too much.

        I love James he is a good boy, he is a fighter and has exraordinary voice.

        As I already said before he can really sing and reminds me of the late sixties and early 70 rock

    • Luis from Brazil…..Are you serious?…Paul singing Footloose….that means he will be boping along the stage……Please lets not ruin the version of Kevin Bacon dancing to that song…..

      PAUL CAN'T DANCE!!!!

      • Yeah, imagine that little "foot moves" that Paul already gave us couple of weeks before that almost blinded me…rsrsrs

      • You a are so on it.. I like Paul but he really can't dance..Still I like him he reminds me of my brother when we were young..I will continue to vote Paul..I like his voice

    • for James it'd be pretty cool but might be hard to make the short 1 and a half minute arrangement. Can they take 2 minutes?

      An intriguing and audience-pleasing choice for Haley. Her fans would love it. The Haters would of course complain of the growling and nasal tonal qualities that make it so satisfyingly bluesy.

  14. I can see Lauren doing 9 to 5 by Dolly or How Do I Live by Trisha Yearwood. She needs to step it up though and have the "MOMENT". I think she can…LOVE HER!

      • Oh but wait, some on here think that she couldn't sing "9 to 5" because she's 16 and hasn't worked before in an office (insert another eye-roll here)

      • Precisely. 9 to 5 is a ridiculous song for a 16 year old. Which makes it hard for the singer to connect with the lyrics. That would be like any of them singing "My Way" or "It Was A Very Good Year". Young people should be singing youthful songs, not tired and worn down by life songs.

      • Seriously? Have the seen the list of songs they have to choose from? It's very short, and ALL of them are dated! Give it up about the age…

      • @Templar, still agree with you!!! Again some people, do not get where you are coming from!!! They're approaching this from a very different perspective, maybe because their lack of knowledge about age appropriateness is to foreign for their understanding!! I guess next someone, will suggest that Lauren sings "Old Man River" or "If I didn't Care"!!

  15. I just listened to all of the performances from last week and I hope Haley takes a step back and do a performance like she did with Blue. People don't remember her voice I don't think. While I like the rock/blues edge in her voice, the growl as people call it, she has a gorgeous, clear tone when she wants to. Also, I know everyone that has ever tried to sing GaGa or Britney has totally failed I think if she gets the chance she should sing 'Brown Eyes' bye Lady Gaga.

    On topic, I'm actually really excited to hear what all the contestants will sing this week (even James, whoa) They will all do great.

    • Ahhhh…@ David P. it warms my heart that you actually are excited to hear all the contestants sing…(even James)… ๐Ÿ™‚

      @ Templar…I agree with you about the age appropriateness of the song…not so much this year…but last year I must have heard 100 + times that "the song is too old for you…you need to sing something more youthful"…Given the narrow margin of song selections…I do not see too much of that happening…I do not know if any of the girls could pull of Katy Perrry, Taylor Swift or even Pink…and I don't believe they have any movie songs recorded(I may definitely be wrong about that??) Maybe one of the remaining girls..Lauren…could sing a song from Tangled by Mandy Moore. It is all a guessing game as to who will sing what. I am just looking forward to hearing the performances. James, Scotty and Casey as 1,2,& 3. Jacob…I will wish a fond farfewll to early…I have a feeling it is his time to go home. JMO ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Looking at some of the suggestions for Scotty

    bahloo says: Lookin For Love from Urban Cowboy

    This is a great song and would probably have the girls rushing the stage again. I wouldn't be too concerned that it does not match his 17 years.

    Branden says: The Devil Went Down To Georgia” from “Urban Cowboy.

    Great upbeat song but I don't think its right for Scotty

    Folsom Prison

    Not doubt he would do good on this and shame Paul for his version last week.

    Now to rival the Urban Cowboy songs would be "I Cross My Heart" and Heartland from Pure Country and George Strait.

    • I'd like for Scotty to sing something from George Strait's discography, too. I'd also love to hear him do a Texas waltz, maybe "Four in the Morning" or "Waltz Across Texas". Also would like Idol to repeat the duets. That would still work even with the gender imbalance as there are many duets by two male singers or two female singers.

      • @ Templar…That would be good. I also liked the duets, small group thing they had on a few weeks ago. "Four in the Morning" is a good choice for Scotty. It is still James for the win… ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Rose: I'm real good with James winning. He will benefit from the 19E group. Scotty will benefit more on Music Row in Nashville. Go James and Scotty!

  17. Anything STEFANO sings will be great. He has sang some difficult songs in the past and nailed them every time.!!!!!

  18. Bad song choice. They should sing a song that more up-to-date so even the teens can judge about their creativity. So its more challenging than sing a song thats not well known these days. Thats why the rating go down n down n down ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Your forgetting it songs from the movies and the choices is limited but there have been great songs from the movies.

      • what i meant is the year of the movie. it should've been the year of 2000 above,so its more fresher in the mind of teens rather than the 90th movies ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Oops,what i meant is not the 90's below. Cause the song choice pick from the author wayyyy below the 90's. Top Gun,Caddyshack,Urban Cowboy and Purple Rain is in the 80's n the other… Baby Boomer LOLOL

    • A hit is a hit. That's alright Mama came out in 1954 and we know what happened last week.

      • How old are u? i bet u're above 25? And i suppose teens whose heard that song 3/4 of them dont even know the difference between the Elvis tunes n the Scotty tunes… so in this case,the teens cant judge,so they vote based on the "looks" with all due respect ๐Ÿ™‚

      • OMG! all im sayin is for the teens viewers so they can judge for the originality of the song they perform cause they actually know the song. Not vote for the look!! Dont u get it? theres nothing wrong with ur age!!!

  19. Just a thought: I'd like for Lauren to do "If You're Lookin' At Me, You're Lookin' At Country" from Coal Miner's Daughter. That could be a real "moment" for her.

    • @ Templar…that would be a good choice for Lauren…as long as she does not overdo it and put too much of a "twang" in there. It could very well be her moment. I don't see Lauren for the win…I still think she has too grow up a little but someday…she will definitely make a name for herself in country music. jmo ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. The Country contestant should sing from "Crazy Heart" Movies!!! Its more fresher in the teens mind!!!

    • The "teenies" are more into garbage like High School Musical and Glee. In fact, Scotty is a "wierd" kid from his peers' perspective these days. His audience is definately more the cougartown crowd. Perhaps, even from a motherly or grandmotherly perspective. I can just hear them saying that "he's just such a sweet good kid." I can see the "teenies" getting bored of him pretty quickly. ONE TRICK PONY usually translates to ONE HIT WONDER.

      • if u ask teens nowadays "have u seen the Crazy Heart movie?" maybe atleast 1/2 of them will say yes cause its released in 2009. But if u ask "have u seen Johny Cash movie?" maybe 3/4 of them will say no…

      • Translation of Tim329 – I hate kids and old people. They should not be allowed to vote or express an opinion on anything as they are not qualified to judge other humans.I know every thing and am never wrong. Also I am a very modest and translate to be a ONE HIT WONDER. Just ask me. (End of decipher) SCOTTY TO WIN

      • @Tim : thats why they have to be showed a different perspective from the things they like so they'll change of how they judge. So the contestant should sing a popular song n sing with a different perspective as the original song and the teens will be eager to judge more rationally…

  21. Hailey should sing from "Burlesque" movie or well Scotty could sing an Elvis song again with his guitar of "The Game Plan" movie ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Hailey – The Cranberries "Dreams" from You've Got Mail 1998 or Beth Rowley "You've Got Me Wrapped Around Your Little Finger" from An Education 2009

      Casey – Lyle Lovett "Summer Wind" from For Love of The Game 1999 or Bobby Day "Rockin' Robin" from You've Got Mail 1998

      Scotty – Ryan Bingham "The Weary Kind" or Colin Farrel "Gone Gone Gone" from Crazy Heart 2009

      Lauren – Miley Cyrus "When I Look At You" from The Last Song 2010 or Faith Hill "There You'll Be" from Pearl Harbor 2001

      Stefano – Jon Mclaughlin "So Close" from Enchanted 2007 or Stevie Wonder "Everythings Allright" from Glory Road 2006 (they're all from Disney :))

      James – now this is hard… The Who "Won't Get Fooled Again" from Tenacious D 2006

      i still dont know for the rest of the contestant ><

      • The Weary Kind” or Colin Farrel “Gone Gone Gone” from Crazy Heart 2009 ???

        I sure hope not1 There are much better songs out there to highlight Scottys voice

      • well,i kinda agree with u cause its more upbeat so i guess it suit for Paul. I really100x want to hear Scotty sing “The Weary Kind” though

      • and Rich.. thats why its more challenging cause theres alot of people include the teens will know how to judge based on his creativity n originality. Cause they actually know the song

      • LOLOL: While I love the Cranberries "Dreams", it's a kind of foggy multiple voice layering song. Hard for Haley to pull off. She'd get lost among the background singers. IMHO

  22. Please believe that whenver Jacob Lusk leaves the American Idol platform, people WILL be buying his records, it may not be any of the people making comments in this forum but I promise you, they will buy them and it will not be the last you have heard of Jacob Lusk, I can promise you that! And he will be taking whatever praises or criticism that comes his way to the BANK! In the midst of his enemies!! I am very confident for him, it is not arrogance. I feel that all of the contestants are so great and we will hear from all of them again, everyone will be blessed by their voices! We should be nice about all of them, they are all so terrific!!! As well as Pia!!! I am so excited about her future!

    • I am sure that there will be a couple hundred people that will go out and buy his albums. I have no doubt that "some" people will.

  23. Branden, you have so many hits on your comments. Keep up the good work…..I love it!!!!!!!

  24. Matt, Branden and Ashlie Rae…….After Pia got eliminated your site had over 3300 hits the last time I had looked…..Haven't seen so much respond since Adam lost in Season 8…..This site is the BOMB!!!!!!

    • @ Phyllis G. …I agree.Great responses to all of the recaps. Kudo's to Matt, Branden and Ashli Rae. You all Rock. James for the win. Whoo Hoo~!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. I know you keep saying that Casey does not take the contest seriously, but I disagree. It is just that he is an upbeat and fun guy who does not show a lot of stress when he performs. Just because he is enjoying himself and smiling does not mean that he is mocking the competition. I find him fun and refreshing. He is always entertaining and he is so talented. I am thrilled that he is still part of the top eight!

    • sharandjust, I so agree with your comments on Casey! He definitely deserves to win this season due to his originality and off-beat charisma. He doesn't just stand there and sing which is what so many of the Idols do. Problem is so many of the voters won't recognize his genius and the teenyboppers are in it for Scotty.

      Furthermore, to refer to Casey as a douchey dude is rude and uncalled for. If you're going to blog, please be more professional.

  26. Go, Final 8!!! I am wishing the best for all of you. And I’m pulling for my girl, Haley, in particular. My suggestions for songs include these:

    1. Haley: The Uninvited (Alanis Morisette). Film: City of Angels; We Don’t Need Another Hero (Tina Turner) Film: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome; Not Gonna Cry (Mary J. Blige) Film: Waiting To Exhale

    2. Casey: Streets of Philadelphia (Bruce Springsteen) Film: Philadelphia; You Can Leave Your Hat On (Joe Cocker) Film: 9 &frac12; Weeks; You Can’t Always Get What You Want (The Rolling Stones) Film: The Big Chill

    3. Paul: Stuck in the Middle With You (Stealers Wheel) Film: Reservoir Dogs; Where Is My Mind (The Pixies) Film: Fight Club; My Sharona (The Knack) Film: Reality Bites; Making Time (The Creation) Film: Rushmore; Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon (Urge Overkill) Film: Pulp Fiction; Don’t You Forget About Me (Simple Minds) Film: The Breakfast Club; Lose Yourself (Eminem) Film: 8 Mile

    4. James: Blaze of Glory (Bon Jovi) Film: Young Guns II; The End (The Doors) Film: Apocalypse Now; Kissing You (Des’ree) Film: Romeo and Juliet;

    5. Jacob: If You Leave (OMD) Film: Pretty In Pink; You Should Be Dancin’ (Bee Gees) Film: Saturday Night Fever; Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) Film: Wayne’s World

    6. Stefano: Kiss From A Rose (Seal) Film: Batman Forever; In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) Film: Say Anything; Walls –Circus (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) Film: She’s The One

    7. Lauren: It Must Have Been Love (Roxette) Film: Pretty Woman; Walking On Sunshine (Katrina & The Waves) Film: High Fidelity; Kiss Me (Sixpence None the Richer) Film: She’s All That; I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston) Film: The Bodyguard

    8. Scotty: Everybody’s Talkin’ (Harry Nilsson) Film: Midnight Cowboy; Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers) Film: Ghost; Jailhouse Rock (Elvis) Film: Jailhouse Rock (though I guess you are right, Branden, about him performing 2 Elvis songs in a row)

  27. I suggested "At Last" for R&R week for Haley, I still think it would be an awesome song for her.

  28. I wish that Bruce Springsteen had done some movie music because I would love to hear James perform his music like Born to Run .. but maybe later in the competition! I also think that some of Chris Reas songs would fit James perfectly, like Windy town (I know this comment is off the topic .. )

    • Springsteen songs have been in Philadelphia, Jerry McGuire, The Wrestler, The Wedding Singer and several others.

  29. Paul – When Your Mind's Made Up (Glen Hansert, Once) or Maneater (Hall & Oates, Runaway Bride)

    Casey – Paper Planes (M.I.A., Slumdog Millionaire) or Just Dropped in (Kenny Loggins, Big Leibowski)

    James – Wake Up (Arcade Fire, Where the Wild Things Are …if trailers count) or Welcome to the Jungle (Guns N Roses, Lean on Me)

    Jacob – Kiss from a Rose (Seal, Batman Forever) or Everything I Do (Bryan Adams, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves)

    Stefano – In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel, Say Anything) or It Had to be You (Harry Connick, Jr., When Harry Met Sally)

    Scotty – Everybody's Talking (Harry Nilsson, Midnight Cowboy) or Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison, Pretty Woman)

    Lauren – Don't Wanna Miss a Thing (Aerosmith, Armageddon) or This Kiss (Faith Hill, Practical Magic)

    Haley – Anyone Else but You (Moldy Peaches, Juno) or As I Lay Me Down (Sophie B. Hawkins, Now and Then)

    • Great List!!! The songs u picked atleast still popular these days in the teens age. Well done ๐Ÿ˜‰

      • Im 29 years old,so i suppose im not a teenybopper. Im a man who like music n just want to be rational. In this era,if u want to have a successful career in the music business theres no way u can deny the fact u have to satisfy the young generations. Thats just a simple fact n nature…

  30. Hey dog it's Randy I know everyone is still bozin about pia elimaton I wish we never used the save

  31. Lauren Rocks! Hope she sings Can't fight the Moonlight or Right Kind of Wrong by Leann Rimes from Coyote Ugly. She would do great with both songs.

  32. Haley should sing 'Nobody Does it Better – The Spy Who Loved Me'….oy that would be good!

  33. Branden – really wasn’t digging your list! Ok, so I am going to do this a completely different way, listing songs with multiple Idols to possibly sing them. Some albeit already mentioned!

    James/Lauren – Evanescence, 'Bring Me to Life' ('Daredevil,' 2003)

    Scotty – OMD, 'If You Leave' ('Pretty in Pink,' 1986)

    Scotty – "It Had to Be You," "When Harry Met Sally

    Haley/Lauren – Berlin, 'Take My Breath Away' ('Top Gun,' 1986)

    Stefano/Scotty/James – Peter Gabriel, 'In Your Eyes' ('Say Anything,' 1989)

    Paul/Casey/Scotty – Bryan Adams, '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' ('Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,' 1991)

    Jacob/Stefano – Seal, 'Kiss From a Rose' ('Batman Forever,' 1995)

    Lauren – Summer Nights," "Grease," 1978. (I bet they do a duet on Thurs tho)

    Jacob – R. Kelly, 'I Believe I Can Fly' ('Space Jam,' 1996)

    Casey/Paul – Joe Cocker, 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' ('9 1/2 Weeks,' 1986)

    James/Paul – Eric Clapton, 'Layla' ('Goodfellas,' 1990)

    Jacob/Stefano – Chad Kroeger, 'Hero' ('Spider-Man,' 2000)

    James – Queen, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' ('Wayne's World,' 1992)

    James – The Rolling Stones, 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' ('The Big Chill,' 1983)

    • Just some Movie songs honorable mention….

      Boy George, 'The Crying Game' ('The Crying Game,' 1992)

      Coolio, 'Gangsta's Paradise' ('Dangerous Minds,' 1995)

      Joe Cocker / Jennifer Warnes, 'Up Where We Belong' ('An Officer and a Gentleman,' 1982)

      Roxette, 'It Must've Been Love' ('Pretty Woman,' 1990)

      Aerosmith, 'Don't Wanna Miss a Thing' ('Armageddon,' 1998)

      Kenny Loggins, 'Footloose' ('Footloose,' 1984)

      Huey Lewis & the News, 'Hip to Be Square' ('American Psycho,' 2000)

      Lou Reed, 'Perfect Day' ('Trainspotting,' 1996)

      Whitney Houston, 'I Will Always Love You' ('The Bodyguard,' 1992)

      The Beatles, 'Twist and Shout' ('Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 1986)

      Simon & Garfunkel, 'Mrs. Robinson' ('The Graduate,' 1967)

      Celine Dion, 'My Heart Will Go On' ('Titanic,' 1997)

      • If Pia didn't go last week she would have taken on Celine this week. GReat voice Pia but this would have been a bland moment…

    • waks,Evanescence ‘Bring Me to Life’..why didnt i thought about that!!! Great pick!! James should do it though cause he have the voice and it will be a great challenge to him :). Oh yes,Jacob already sing I Believe i Can Fly in the Top 13.

      • Right right, Jacob! forgot, see.. forgettable I guess! lol James would slay that song..

    • Bohemian Rhapsody is a terrible song for American Idol, and I don't think James could pull it off. Carly Smithson (a real rocker) did Evanescence in season 7 and knocked it out of the park and James has already sung enough songs previous finalists have done.

      • Good points DavidP as always… my intent on this list was to just name some songs, and who I think could actually pull them off.. someone on here said all the movie songs were old and boring, (and yes there are a ton) any one of these I would like to hear.. BR, ok, I kind of argee with you, it's a choppy Queen song, 1:40, would be hard to sell it.

  34. I just read somewhere that an "insider" revealed that Scotty, Lauren, and James have consistantly been the top three vote getters. They also said that prior to her elimination, Pia was always "middle of the pack" in votes and stood no REAL chance of winning anyway. Take it what it's worth I guess.

  35. I'm still waiting on "country week"… So, the other contestants can show America how "simple" the country genre really is (consider it's fan base afterall, bunch of rednecks and hicks)… And expose Scotty for how LIMITED he really is… Just saying, LOL

    • What's with the stereotypes? People should be allowed to like w/e kind of music they want without some dbag flinging poo everywhere. Note: I do not like country and I'm not a Scotty fan, but that was uncalled for.

      • @ David P…Ah…we agree again. The remark made by Tim329 was uncalled for.

    • Yeah, we just a bunch a inbred morons, but we shure think Laurens reel purty. I have a masters in English and a BA in History from Northwestern U. How about you?

      • Shucks, I thought I was the only country fan who could read, and now you go and show me up with one of those fancy high-up college degrees!

      • @ Templar…so agree. I lived in the south from the time I was 18 until I recently moved up North. Undergrad in Education from UNC and Masters in Counseling….but, hey…what do I know…just a sayin… ๐Ÿ™‚

  36. Honestly and truly, more than two-hundred people will buy Jacob's recordings, as a matter of fact, more than two-hundred will buy all of their recordings, you just have to be honest and not biased.

    • I'd say it's a statistical impossibility that if they produce an album they will sell less than 200 of them.

      • How about a Christmas special…buy one and get two free…~!!! Jacob needs to go home.

  37. You know, I keep watching Haley's YouTube Videos, and I am SO blown away by her "Keep on Fallin" (even more so than "Piece of My Heart"). And I just can't get over Randy's critique . . . it was so very, very wrong. How could he get it so wrong?

    • couldn't agree more!!

      I couldn't care less about Haley at that time but after she sang that song, I started to become her fan!! until now!!

      so wrong indeed!!

  38. Paul: A Hard Day's Night

    Since Jimmy Iovine thinks Paul (who I like) should go crazy he should stay away from Mrs. Robinson (which I wouldn't mind seeing him do) and go something more uptempo. (But I'd really like to see him do Everybody's Talking".

    Casey: Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

    Since everybody seems to like the sensitive Casey

    (who I don't like much at all) he should go with this one. And he can bring his stand up base.

  39. Here's my picks:

    Casey: "Everybody's Talkin'," by Harry Nilsson (in "Drugstore Cowboy") sounds right up his alley or "Let's Get It On" from "High Infidelity" where he can use some growls

    James: "Born to be Wild," by Steppenwolf or "Twist and Shout" from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" would really get the crowd going. Would like to see him do something in between last week's ballad and the hard rock thing, just to show another dimension. Both songs would certainly play to his crowd appeal.

    Stefano: "It Had to be You," from "When Harry Met Sally." Can't seem to come up with a faster tune, but he should do one.

    Lauren: "My Favorite Things" from "Sound of Music" or "Nobody Does it Better," Carly Simon or "Coal Miner's Daughter" or "Thank Heavens for Little Girls" from "Gigi" She's got a lot she can pick from; will be interesting to see what direction she goes.

    Haley: "I've Had the Time of My Life," from

    "Dirty Dancing" or "Baby did a Bad Bad Thing" from "Eyes Wide Shut" — I can just see Steven say "You sing sexy" if she chooses the latter.

    Paul: "Ain't to Proud to Beg," from "The Big Chill" or "Old Time Rock and Roll" from "Risky Business" or "Tears in Heaven" from "Rush"

    Scotty: "Deep in the Heart of Texas" or "Back in the Saddle Again"

    Jacob: "Can you Feel the Love Tonight" from "Lion's King"

  40. I think it's time for Jacob to try something different. "Don't Rain On My Parade" from Hello Dolly would be a showstopper.

    • Ahahaha, when I read that I got a picture of him running around with an umbrella and a fancy hat. Another good one for him would be Put On Your Sunday Clothes. But really it's almost an insult to Babs to even suggest it.

    • No, I think that Jacob could do either song, with or without an umbrella!! It's about entertainment folks and that's what I like to see when someone performs!! Jacob, when you read or hear people taking potshots at you, just rise to the occasion because that's how you survive no matter the odds!!

    • I was dead serious about him singing it. The lyrics are androgynous and he has the big voice to pull it off. Also it is a reply to all the small minded people who criticize him for being who he is.

      • @Templar, I was agreeing with you. My comment was strictly for Mr. Hat and Umbrella. I know Jacob has the ability to sing that song and be entertaining as well, even when someone take pathetic potshots at him, not meaning you.

  41. First, "Everybody's Talking" is from Midnight Cowboy, not drugstore cowboy (is that even a film?) and Paul should sing that one. I wish Casey could sing "You can leave your hat on" from 8 1/2 (9 1/2?) weeks, but it's pretty ribald. Please, please no Lion King. Make Jacob sing something he can't overdo. James should sing "Live and let die". Mrs. Robinson isn't up tempo? What planet is this? If Paul's singing from The Graduate, he should sing "Sounds of Silence". Frankly he has a fantastic voice that no one is hearing because of song choices with clipped notes. In the end, these guys need to start choosing stuff that isn't "in their wheelhouse" and making it their own. Quit looking for songs that "suit" them, and make the song work for them – like David Cook did with Billie Jean.

      • David P. Agree again…the contestants should be able to step out of their comfort zone…although Pia did that and look what happened…but I do agree with you..Atticus ( great name…To Kill a Mockingbird)

    • "Quit looking for songs that “suit” them, and make the song work for them – like David Cook did with Billie Jean"

      You pretty much said it all!

      • That's OK on the surface, but when lyrics are so obviously inappropriate for the singer it becomes uncomfortable and loses credibility. Thia couldn't have sung "Folsom Prison Blues". Jacob shouldn't sing "Hey Big Spender" etc. There has to be some degree of believability.

  42. Does "Song remains the same" qualify as cinema? If so, expect to see James do some Led Zeppelin…

  43. I think it is time America sent Jacob home, especially after his insult to America last week. He is so arrogant. Haley will go home soon as will Lauren and Stefano. Top two will be Scotty and James with Scotty winning the competition. Both will do extremely well however it turns out.

    • All 8 are very talented. I think Haley will make the top 5 at least. Her fan base is growing very rapidly. I don't know if it's enough to break through the tide of teenie weenie votes that go to Lauren and Scotty and James has all the cougars backing him.

      • I agree all 8 are talented or they would not be there. I do think boring or arrogance is an issue though and Jacob/Haley each have an abundance of that.

      • @ David P. If James has all the "cougars" would that mean that Haley has all the mid-life crisis males in her corner???Turn about is fair play. I love picking with you David P. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • I dont know why lots of responses are saying the teenie boopers vote for Scotty. Thats just not so I dont think. Country music is mostly middle aged and on so to have that predicament is stupid. Its not because they think hes so cute either-He is the best on stage there-Thats why he is gona win this I think-

      • seesee: That was the case a few years ago, but Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Sons of Sylvia [Clark Bros.] etc. are drawing young people away from rap crap and hip hop.

    • Really an insult mary? your an insult. he refused to do a song about sex. hm maybe your the one whos arrogant. Maybe you refuse to hear anything but that song about sex? your just a narrow minded idiot.

      • Adam, I can't speak for Mary, but I am guessing that she was referring to his comment about if he is in the bottom three it is because America refused to look in the mirror, not because he opted not to sing about sex. Maybe you should give things more thought before you jump to conclusions.

    • You must be somewhere over the rainbow to make those kind of predictions. Though you only mentioned 7. You left out Casey.

      The only 4 that realy count are Casey, Haley,James and Lauren. The rest can go home now and not face embaracement. Yes, I can see it that way now in my crystal ball. All settled. Big Big Smile for you.

      • No he did not leave out Casey – he chose a Caddyshack song for him.

        My top 4 are: Scotty, Lauren, James and Haley. "The rest can go home now and not face embarrassment."

    • For sure Jacob needs to go him .. his insult to the voters last week and then his pathtic head hang on Thursday night was almostm ore that i could stand. When Ryan said his name I thought for sure he was done, I jumped up and hooped and hollared.. then Ryan announced he was safe. How very sad,

      • He did not insult the voter last week, he told it like it was. All of you kill me, you can get on here and said all types of thing about the singers, but when they fight back he is arrogant. In there own way they all were good, with the variety of songs, it's not always about jump around the stage and hollowing and screaming. All brought there own style of singing. I would like to see half on you get on stage and do what they do. I bet half of you cannot hold a tune. Everyone is on negative it makes me sick!

    • I think the top 8 finalist Scotty Mccreery should sing a Kenny Chesney song tonight.

      Go Scotty you can win it bro.

  44. it would be interesting to see, that the gurls would do a jennifer lopez while the guys would perform an aerosmith song…….

    • Guess most guys (except James!)will be sent home if they perform aerosmith…remember what happen to Danny of Season 8 who sang Dream On & end up into bottom 3??

      • @ tennisaddict…perhaps we could change up the "flavor" a little bit and the girls sing Aerosmith and the guys sing J.Lo…that would be entertaining and fun. JMO Go James ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Good suggestion Rose….& make sure those guys need to dance like JLo too….lol!

      • I don't think they are allowed to perform an Aerosmith song as long as Tyler is a judge. He would have to recuse himself from stating an opinion.

        I thought I read somewere that Aeorsmith songs were off limits this season becuase of Tyler.

  45. Wow, I picked "Wind beneath my wings" for Scotty..How wierd that two people picked Bette Midler songs for him! I actually also picked nearly all your choices or alternates, but i picked them for different people!

    • Remember Conway Twitty did "The Rose" also so it would not be far fetched for Scotty to do that song at all. He might even do it well. There are other songs from " The Urban Cowboy" he could do like "Looking for Love in all the wrong places" for example.

      As far as doing Areosmith I think James could do it and pull it off, the question would be could Steven stay off the stage.

  46. Branden, outstanding song selections–with one caveat: I'd love to hear Scotty do "Devil Went Down to Georgia". If he could really uptempo like that, with his voice it'd be one of the best of that night. But do you really want him to do well, or are you setting him up for failure 'cause it's hard to remember all them lyrics going that fast?

    Now, Paul–along with Jacob and Stefano–my bottom 3. I totally agree with you that he could really do "Mrs. Robinson" well, and the Bryan Adams song fits his voice perfectly (though I like M R better).

    Lauren doing a perfect version of Dolly's "I will always Love You" would be a crowd pleaser like Scotty's. And the "middle-age-crisis guys" like Rose accuses me of (LOL) in #1 above would swoon over Haley "Taking 'our' Breath Away". And no doubt James can pull any of the cool songs entertainingly!

    By the Way, I've scanned the other blogs here and definitely like this one the best for variety, controversies, and humor also. Thanks.

    • @ coondog…Me too. It has been fun reading all the remarks. I am also very impressed with all the choices I have seen. Kudo's to all of you for the song selections…I could not begin to think of all the possibilities. Thanks for the entertainment. ๐Ÿ™‚

  47. these are my suggestions. Casey Abrams. Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Good Morning Vietnam). Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Stand By Me). James Durbin. Derek and the Dominos Layla (Goodfellas) , Glenn Frey The heat is on (Beverly Hills Cop). Bob Dylan – Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid). Lauren Alaina. Faith Hill – This Kiss (Practical Magic) Someday (The Hunchback of Notre Dame).Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me (She's All That). Dolly Parton 9 to 5 ( 9 to 5 ). I hope she doesn't sing I Don't Want to Miss a Thing. "again" Haley Reinhart. All That Jazz (2002 Chicago Movie) Donna Summer – Hot Stuff (The Full Monty), Bette Midler, The rose ( The Rose) Bette Midler Wind beneath my Wings (beaches). Stefano Langone. Harry Connick Jr. – It Had To Be You (When Harry Met Sally). Cher – The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) (Mermaids) Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now (Cool Runnings) . Marlon Brando "Luck be a lady" (guys and Dolls). Peter Cetera Glory Of Love (Karate Kid II ). Bryan Adams, Have you ever really loved a woman (Don Juan De Marco) Brian adams Heaven (A night in Heaven) Jakob Lusk. (AKA Sister Mary Jacob) Michael Jackson – Will You Be There? (Free Willy 1).Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey – When You Believe (The Prince Of Egypt). Aretha Franklin – Think (The Blues Brothers). Paul McDonald Michael jackson Ben (Ben Kenny) Loggins – Footloose (Footloose).Simon & Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson (The Graduate). Scotty McCreery. Scott McKenzie – San Fransisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair) (Forrest Gump). B.J Thomas Raindroops Keep Falling on my Head (Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid) . Harry Nilsson Everybody is talking at me (Midnight Cowboy).

    • Joe, some pretty good picks. I really like the idea of Haley doing "All that Jazz" and strutting around as in the movie (I think).

      And I know it's asking for too much, but I'd love to hear Scotty do the San Francisco/"Put some Flowers in Your Hair" if he'd do it in the original style and not his usual country twang–but keep the deep voice on it. It'd really show him to be more versatile; but I know he won't because he's so safe doing the same thing, which is smart but a bit tedious.

      • Id like to hear Casey Abrams doing Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Good Morning Vietnam), playing his stand up bass and Scotty McCreery doing Harry Nilsson's Everybody is talking at me (Midnight Cowboy). Jacob Lusk doing Michael Jackson's Ben and Haley Reinhart doing Bette Midler's The Rose. For the others, it really doesnt matter, they will not have longevity.

  48. I think Haley can pull off almost anything. That voice of hers adapts to every genre but I'd still like to take on an up-tempo song, I don't know about a ballad although she'd be great.

    I hate that some people vote for some contestants because they're cute (i.e. scotty), they should vote because of their voices and I don't get how some people don't see that Haley has a very unique voice. Her growl is her voice, even when she speaks, she sounds sweet and I don't know… I just LOVE her and I do NOT wanna see her leave. I WANT HER TO WIN IDOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    James has a powerful voice, no doubt, but he's mostly an entertainer and we need someone who's mostly a singer. Let's hope America gets it ๐Ÿ™‚

    • I love Haley too! I think she has the most vocal ability out of all of them. I agree that the growl can get a bit much in the longrun, but not yet ๐Ÿ™‚ I like stefano but I honestly think that of the 8, he is the weakest. There is something about the way he pronounces the words that is off and it ruins the soul of the song. He can sing really well. Its just the choices he makes with the phrasing.

      • Yes I agree that she has the most vocal ability. It's amazing to me how she switches from one tone to another without EVER being pitchy! EVER!

        I'm just afraid they're not gonna see it…

      • He tends to syllabicate the words, and he is twitchy. So annoying to hear and see. Hope he goes out next.

    • I'm with you guys Dinx and Francesca. My perfect Final Four (now that March Madness is over!) would be Haley, James, Scotty and Lauren. Besides their solos, Scotty and Lauren would do another Duet–more movement this time, and James and Haley would do some prancing about on a thumping rock song. Perfect show!

    • DEFINITELY agree with u!!

      I love Haley too!

      She sings effortlessly, not boring and so enjoyable!!

      I like the growl, the sexiness and the huskiness of her voice!!

      I'd be sad to see her leave too! If she's gone, I probably won't continue watching this season. No more excitement for me.

      It's just too bad that only some people know how good she actually is. Even her stage presence and performance are great!!

      • I'm so glad to be reading all the great comments about Haley..She's the whole package..Vote for Haley

  49. these are my suggestions. ……………………………………………………………………. Casey Abrams. Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Good Morning Vietnam). Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Stand By Me)………………………………..  James Durbin. Derek and the Dominos Layla (Goodfellas) , Glenn Frey The heat is on (Beverly Hills Cop) . Bob Dylan – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid)…………………………………………………………………….. Lauren Alaina. Faith Hill – This Kiss (Practical Magic). Eternal-Someday (The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me (She’s All That). Dolly Parton 9 to 5 ( 9 to 5 ). I hope she doesn’t sing I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing “again”………………………………………………………………………….. Haley Reinhart. All That Jazz (2002 Chicago Movie). Donna Summer – Hot Stuff (The Full Monty), Bette Midler, The rose ( The Rose). Bette Midler Wind beneath my Wings (beaches)………………………………………………………. Stefano Langone. Harry Connick. Jr. – It Had To Be You (When Harry Met Sally). Cher – The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In Her Kiss) (Mermaids). Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now (Cool Runnings) . Marlon Brando “Luck be a lady” (guys and Dolls). Peter Cetera Glory Of Love (Karate Kid II ). Bryan Adams, Have you ever really loved a woman (Don Juan De Marco). Brian adams Heaven (A night in Heaven). Jakob Lusk. (AKA Sister Mary Jacob) Michael Jackson – Will You Be There? (Free Willy 1). Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey – When You Believe (The Prince Of Egypt). Aretha Franklin – Think (The Blues Brothers). Paul McDonald Michael jackson Ben (Ben Kenny) Loggins – Footloose (Footloose). Simon & Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson (The Graduate)……………………………………………………………………………………. Scotty McCreery. Scott McKenzie – San Fransisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair) (Forrest Gump). B.J Thomas Raindroops Keep Falling on my Head (Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid) . Harry Nilsson Everybody is talking at me (Midnight Cowboy).

  50. Lauren Alaina: Country Strong from the movie Country Strong or 9 to 5 from the movie 9 to 5.

    Scotty McCreery: SIlver WIngs from the movie COuntry Strong

  51. Haley should sing 9 to 5…I don't know if it's on the approved song list as an option, but I think it would be perfect for her. Although Lauren and Scotty are the bonafide country singers this year, I think Haley's bluesy, soulful voice could do wonders with "9 to 5." She's an amazingly talented singer and my favorite in the competition. I hope she pulls off something great this week!

    • Scotty & Lauren are my favorites but I would love to see/hear Haley perform a Stevie Nix sond with tamberine in hand. She did a great job with Janis Joplin last week. I'm sure that there are no Stevie Nix songs on this weeks list. But that is what I would love to see her do. She reminds me of a young Stevie.

      • Haley, should sing "Little Bird" from the movie "Striptease", though I do not know if that is an option? It doesn't matter what Scotty sings, it will sound the same as every other song he sings (boring). James, will do an uptempo tune, I don't care what he sings, I'll enjoy it. Casey, What a wonderful world is a great choice…Jakob, I don't care what he sings either, I won't like it. Paul, Bryan Adams, Great Choice. Stefano…does he have to sing???? not my favorite…Lauren, she is pretty darn good at anything she sings…Her country twist on everything she sings, has been well done.

  52. There're loads of Abba's songs from Mama mia which they can select too! Why no one suggest those but the same old ones which had been sung over & over again the last few seasons…*sign*

    • Tenis, that's a great point. Anyone who wants to raise their stock would do well to try one of the catchy or heartfelt ABBA songs. Only thing I'd be afraid of is Randy or Paula waxing on "how easy it is to sing a catchy tune", and take away the glory and votes.

  53. I am not sure if the short list of songs for this year is the same as past years. If so there are some lame and safe choices. I hope they get the chance to mix it up…

  54. Well, I'd like to see some of the boys do "G-rated movie" soundtracks. So that, I'd to see Paul sings "Rainbow Connection" (Jason Mraz' version would be great!), Casey sings "Hakuna Matata", Jason sings "When You Wish Upon A Star" and Stefano sings "Summernight" from Grease.

    • Well, what kind of movie songs are we talking about? If we're talking about Oscar-Nominated ones, than the whole list could change.

  55. Slightly tongue in cheek because I think he's talented and I want to like him more but for some reason just can't love him the way he wants us all to – James – should sing "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky.

    Less tongue in cheek but only Jacob could camp it up enough is "Time Warp" from Rocky Horror Picture Show.

    It has to be movies right because I'd love to hear Paul do the theme from the old TV Show "Greatest American Hero".

    When movie themes are over I think Casey would do an awesome version of Meatloaf "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and/or Alice Cooper "Only Women Bleed".

      • Kylie, I agree with your intriguing suggestions! Except I don't think Jacob could carry off the uptempo of Time Warp Again, although he fits the "character" of it of course. James could entertainingly pull it off (even the now-gone Naima would do a cool job dancing and singing Time Warp!).

    • Two reasons why "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" wouldn't work:

      1. – The lyrical content is too racy for a family show.

      2. – All Jim Steinman songs are just too long. When you try to condense them into 1 minute and 40 seconds, they don't make sense.

  56. Hi guys,

    Are you still interested after Pia got eliminated? It is a waste of time to watch the show. Maybe they should do popularity contest. Do you have any idea how they gather the votes? Computer can sometimes go wrong. hmmm

    • Ha, I guess you've missed my previous long spiels over the weekend of computer glitches handling 50 million votes in 2 hours spread over various artists with closely connected numbers, and how denials of malfeasance would be spinned. That, and the fact that everyone understands the system is DESIGNED to fail the orderly pecking order so as to cause controversey and up the ratings. We Growl and Move On–but I do hate the intentional manipulation of millions of viewers hearts!

  57. I think it would be cool if someone sang something from South Pacific…. That would be cool!

  58. scotty should of sang george strait's "I cross my Heart" from his movie. I think he would of done great but I think he will be great with "the devil went down to georgia" really upbeat

  59. Haley-Up Where We Belong-Officer and Gentleman

    Paul-(Everything I Do) I Do it for You-Robin Hood

    Jacob-Kiss from a Rose-Batman Forever

    Casey-You Can Leave your Hat On-9 1/2 Weeks

    James-Can't Always Get What you Want-The Big Chill OR Layla-Goodfellas

    Lauren-I Will Always Love Your-Bodyguard

    Stephano-Come What May-Moulin Rouge

    Scotty-Devil Went Down to Georgia-Urban Cowboy OR maybe a surprise with Streets of Philadelphia

  60. Paul McDonald

    I agree, 100% Mrs. Robinson would be a great song. My second choice would probably be Streets of Philadelphia from Philadelphia.

    Jacob Lusk

    Do I have to take him seriously and actually pick a song? Can’t we just hear him do Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins? No? What about Lose Yourself from 8 Mile? Ok, okay…I’ll try to be serious. Nope, can’t do it. I’ll say Over the Rainbow for the same reasons this guy picked it.

    James Durbin

    I’d like James to stay away from picking Adam Lambert songs. I think some people are still comparing them and I don’t think they are anything alike. That being said, I think it’d be kinda cool to hear him do Footloose, obviously from Footloose. Although Old Time Rock & Roll is also a good choice.

    Lauren Alaina

    I think I’d like to hear Lauren do Wind Beneath My Wings. I don’t even have a reason. So that is all.

    Haley Reinhart

    At Last would have been a great song, but its not on the list. I actually stared at the list for like 20 minutes and couldn’t pick a song for Haley. Mostly because I only know like half the songs. If that. So, I’ll take a wild stab in the dark and say Puttin’ on the Ritz from Young Frankenstein or 9 to 5 from 9 to 5.

    Casey Abrams

    Honestly, this is the worst list of songs ever. Casey was a hard one too. But I think I’m go with The Way You Look Tonight from Swing Time.

    Scotty McCreery

    Unchained Melody from Ghost. Yup, no reason just the first song that jumped at me for Scotty.

    Stefano Langone

    This was the easiest choice for me. Every single time I looked at the list I knew which song I was picking for Stefano. Ain’t Too Proud to Beg from The Big Chill.

    • Odd choice for Scotty, since Unchained is almost exclusively sung by a high tenor. His deep base voice would rob that song of all it's impact.

    • Actually, Unchained melody is from a mid-fifties movie titled "Unchained". It was recorded by a blind singer named Al Hibler who had a very deep and rich voice.

      • True but Hibbler was a baritone not a bass. And the song didn't really explode and soar until it was done by the Righteous Brothers with Bobby Hatfield's beautiful tenor.

  61. I want James and Haley in the final , and Haley to win .I like Scotty but not my kind of style as for Jacob i have only enjoyed one of his proformas god bless the child . Lauren Candle in the wind was her best so far so touching .

  62. SOMEBODY should sing the best song ever from a movie:

    Storybook Love from The Princess Bride – Mark Knopfler and Willy deVille.

    Maybe Scotty or Paul?

    • That was my choice for Scotty on the blog on Sat. But I'll bet it isn't on the list of cleared songs. We all imagine a giant list to choose from, but in fact it's very small and they almost never update it.

  63. If anybody sings prince on american idol they are an idiot! Stop proposing this!!!!

  64. I'd love to see James Durbin take on "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing." It'd be very interesting… I agree with Somewhere Over the Rainbow for Jacob… I'm sure he'll do just fine..

    Too bad Pia got voted off, or else I'd really want to hear her sing "Moon River"

    • NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!! Those two songs need to be retired from the Idol list! Am so sick of them, and if any one picks those two I won't vote for them no matter who they are! I'll even hit the mute button!!!!!!

      James doing Footloose would be a great choice! jacob going home would also make me happy……..

  65. Here are my choices:

    Scotty: Everybody's Talking At Me or Jailhouse Rock

    Casey: Mrs. Robinson or The Rainbow Connection

    Jacob: Goldfinger or Nobody Does it Better

    Lauren: To Sir With Love or 9 to 5

    Stefano: The Rose or Wind Beneath My Wings (LOL Stefano channels Bette Midler)

    Haley: Cabaret or Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

    James: Born to be Wild or Rock Around the Clock

    Paul: Suicide is Painless or Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

  66. Don't have any alternative song choices but I hope you're only 40% right tonight Branden. No offense!

  67. ok, these are my choices: 1. Casey – Ray Charles – "Blues is my middle name". 2. Haley – Cristina Aguilera – "Candy Man"or"Tough Lover" 3. Lauren – Shania Twain – "Who'bed have your boots been under". 4. James (His take on "Every day I have the Blues" by John Mayer. 5. Paul – The Beatles -"I need you". 6. Jacob – Teddy Pendergrass – "Come Go With Me". 7. Scotty – Billy Currington's' – "Good Directions". 8. Stefano – Barry Manilow's – "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing". Not necessarily in that order, just what I would like to hear them sing. Big Smile all.

    • I like some of these choices, but were they in movies? I'd love to see Haley do the CA song!!!! I also hope Jacob and Stefano or Stefano will finally get the boot this week before we lose anymore girls. I went ahead and downloaded a few of Laurens songs and felt disappointed. She really isn't that special, although I'm not a big country fan. She should have waited a few more years to try out. Still upset about the unfairness of losing Pia already, but heard she already has a record deal, so I doubt it is going to slow her career down!

  68. Lots of talk about judges and missing Simon. I do also. He provided degrees of separation between talents and that in itself was entertaining with his wit and sarcasm, which of course brought on the boos and heckles from the audience much like TNT Wrestling.

    That being said, when Simon rewarded an excellent performance with high praise, the audience got it and roared, and the voters got it–so there was much fairer elimination rounds.

    My suggestion as a new judge: I thought the Doogie Howser dude–Neil Patrick Harris– would be an excellent replacement for Steven Tyler (we always need a JLo or Paula type for variance). Anyways, “Doogie” did great in his early season debut. He was confident and unafraid to give true feedback like Simon did–and he wasn’t quite so cruel about it though. Anybody agree?

  69. I wonder if casey could pull off an eddie vedder song, Maybe Rise from into the wild?

  70. I'll just be happy to hear them choose ANY SONGS that haven't already been done to death over past seasons. PLEASE don't let any of them sing Over the Rainbow! Since ST is judge, I'm also guessing at least one contestant will do another rehash of "I don't want to miss a thing." I'm praying that WON'T be Scotty's choice!!! I've been a fan since the first season and I don't need 8 versions of the same song!!!

  71. It's lamentable (for me) to not have the opportunity to listen to Pia's rendition of "Somewhere" – from the West Side Story – as she had disclosed during an exit interview to have been her song of choice for this week's performance. The show must go on for the remaining eight contestants, however, and I can only hope for another stellar presentation of talents since I fear that the show might have prematurely reached its crescendo with Pia's departure.

    • My apologies…..I meant to post this in response to Matt's most recent posting. ๐Ÿ™‚

  72. James should do love reign o'er me from the move with same name the who he could show off his highs and kill .

  73. If Pia Toscano stayed, she would have been perfect singing "My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion" from the movie Titanic. She would nail it. Too bad she's out.

  74. I think that Jacob Lusk should win. It's about time a real singer won. Forget the popularity contest

  75. I think Lauren Alaina should sing Gretchen Wilson, redneck women, jacob should sing Lean on me, Haley should sing Juice Newton Playing with the Queen of Hearts, and Paul should sing Sweet Caroline,Neil Diamond. It would match their voices great. Just a thought.

  76. I think that Hailey Reinhart should absolutely sing Mariah Carey's "Emotions" or another of her songs, she would be awesome! On the interesting end, it would be nice to see her do Pink's "Just like a pill".

    I also think that Jacob is out of this world and he would be really good at singing a more fast pace song like Robin S' "Show me Love"; Lionel Richie's "Angel"; Aretha Franklin's "I knew you were waiting for me"; Aerosmith's "What it Takes", Rent's "Seasons of Love" or Queen's "Somebody to Love".

    James Durbin would be awesome doing Queen's "I want it all".

    Stefano Lugano would be aswesome on George Michael's "Careless Whisper"; Ginuwine's "Differences" or Nelly's "Just a Dream".

    Scotty McReery and Stefano Lugano would be nice to see on Nelly and Tim McGraw's "Over and Over".

  77. We live in Finland. Jamie's a favorite!!!

    Rolling Stones or ZZ- Top or Lynyrd Skynyrd music would be nice.

  78. I think they showed sing from whats in thar heart,,,have them make up thar own song and sing it…something like that would bring more in to voteing

  79. cheers for this super info ill recommend your blog to every single one of my buddys as we have been searching for this all over the web.

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