This week, the American Idol 2012 theme is “Songs From the Year You Were Born.” And by you, I mean the Top 12. And even though each contestant will have a HUGE list of songs to choose from, I’m still going to take the task on.
But instead of just honing in on one song from a particular year for every contestant, I think it’ll make more sense to go with an artist or group that had hits from that particular year and maybe suggest a couple possibilities. Once we get back to a theme that isn’t as broad, we’ll get back to just one main song suggestion.
So here’s what I think the American Idol Top 12 should consider for this week:
Colton Dixon (1991): OK, I’m immediately going to steer away from what I just said and just go with “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaac for Colton. I don’t know why, but when I saw that it just kind of clicked for with me for him. Is he old enough to do such a sexy song? Eh.
Deandre Brackensick (1994) “The Sign” by Ace of Base. I’m totally kidding. I’m feeling some Prince for Deandre. Prince had the Diamonds and Pearls album out around that time. I think in particular, “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” would be good for his range. And not to mention for the female voters.
Hollie Cavanagh (1993). Hm. This is a tough one. Mariah Carey maybe? Celine Dion? “Dreamlover” by Mariah. Sure.
Erika Van Pelt (1985) Pat Benatar. “We Belong” or “Love is a Battlefield” would both be great. She just really needs to sing Pat Benatar. If not this week, then sometime!
Joshua Ledet (1992) Is Boyz II Men too obvious? Yeah, it probably is. But I still think it would be a good idea. He could slow things down (and not shout as much) with something like “End of the Road.” Even though that song could be a bad omen.
Elise Testone (1983) When I saw Elise’s birth year I immediately thought of Stevie Nicks. She’s got a rasp that could really mesh with Stevie. And since Stevie’s solo album “Wild Heart” was released in 1983, there’s a whole song list there. I’m thinking “Stand Back” in particular maybe?
Jessica Sanchez (1995) Jessica has a lot to live up to after her popular performance last week. She’s got to both mix things up and still sing as well, if not better. She might want to consider Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.” Or take the typical American Idol route with The Pretenders “I’ll Stand By You.” Nah. That didn’t work well for Pia Toscano.
Phillip Phillips (1990) I think he needs to go for a hair band. They were nearing extinction at this time, but there were still some good songs. He could put his own spin on something by Skid Row or Motley Crue. “I Remember You” perhaps. Just no Aerosmith. From anyone
Skylar Laine (1994) I would say Melissa Etheridge had Lauren Alaina not done that just last season. And even though I think she could sing Reba every week, I think I’ll go with Faith Hill. Faith had a couple good songs out that year, and I think “Wild One” would be right up Skylar’s alley.
Heejun Han (1989) I think Heejun needs to shock us. Do some Madonna. “Like A Prayer” even. He could just do his own version of it and could have a moment. Or not.
Jermaine Jones (1986) I have no idea. I can’t figure out what kind of music he should be singing. Billy Ocean? Sure, why not.
Shannon Magrane (1995) Sheryl Crow? Sophie B. Hawkins? I’m kind of bored with Shannon. I promise I’ll be better at this by the Top 9. There are just too many singers who are all over the place at this point.
What are your song suggestions?