Idol Banter: Stumbling for inspiration

Inspiration is a funny thing. It can spring from an utterly predictable source -– a spectacular sunset, say, or the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Or it can be so privately rooted that it makes no sense to anyone but the one it sweeps away.

I find the Elton John obscurity “Love Song” inspiring because I sang it as part of the choir at Catholic Folk Mass when I was 14, and a boy I had a crush on was playing guitar, and it seemed so cool to go beyond the usual Jesus stuff and invoke an actual rock star during church. Fifteen years later, I got that same rush from Joseph Arthur’s “In the Sun,” partly because it sounded something like Elton’s non-hit. These wistful ballads make my heart surge; they would probably do nothing for you.

The challenge on tonight’s inspiration-themed show, then, was for contestants to pick a song that seemed personal, yet hit a demographic home run. Tonight’s selections probably told us more about each contestant’s future than any other week so far, because it forced these strivers to consider not simply what they care about in pop, but what they think could bring them enduring success. For “Idol”-style stars, the ability to inspire equals arenas filled, albums and downloads sold, return visits to the Idoldome secured. It was time for our sweet kids to get careerist.

A few took reliable routes, and did well. The judges may not think Michael Johns was meant to be a rocker, but his obsession with working the mic stand, not to mention those meant-to-be-pitchy high notes on tonight’s ripping version of “Dream On,” say otherwise. He’ll be back next week. Kristy Lee Cook secured her place, too, by picking a Martina McBride song based on a poem by Mother Theresa: not-so-secular hymns are her sweet spot, and she’s sticking to it.

Then there were the stumbles on what should have been smooth roads. Syesha’s Fantasia grab was predictably dull; Brooke White’s weirdly terrified rendition of what should have been easy for her, the Carole King comforter “You’ve Got a Friend,” was worse. Carly Smithson’s over-the-top tribute to Freddie Mercury on Queen’s “Show Must Go On” worked for me, but the judges inexplicably hated it.

They got on her for seeming angry, as if that’s not proper diva behavior. Have they never seen Celine Dion beat her own chest black and blue with a clenched fist? Do they not recognize that Mercury himself was as operatic as he was camp? Carly, you are too big for this show. Never forget that.

The night’s biggest surprise was David Cook’s first misstep in weeks. His version of “Innocent” by Canadian band Our Lady Peace (OLP) was unfocused and tired. Cook had a health scare last week, and he looked a little pale. But the song selection was his bigger gaffe. He chose a personal favorite and then tried to represent for it, singing in the edgy, slightly hyper style of OLP’s Raine Maida. Where was the big, charcoal glow Cook can generate in that baritone America’s coming to love? Cook lost it in a complicated arrangement, then stumbled on his high notes.

I liked him for that. It suggested that he’s not just a clever self-stylist, but a guy with real opinion and tastes and the desire to keep pursuing them. Sadly, this glimpse into Cook’s fairly tame idiosyncrasies may alienate some viewers. If Sanjaya Malakar and Taylor Hicks taught us anything, it was that staying true to your brand, not your heart, allows an “Idol” to pass as unique.

Cook has already fashioned himself into this year’s Daughtry, a flyover-state rocker with just enough artiness to make him stand out in line at the local Wal Mart. But what if he really is kind of a weirdo? Our Lady Peace is no Radiohead, but as KROQ favorites go, it’s unusual. Daughtry was smart when he paid homage to his favorite band, Live, by mimicking their cover of a Johnny Cash song. That move allowed him to be risky and familiar at the same time. Cook has shown himself to be adept at such ruses; I’ll bet he returns to them, pronto.

He could look to his boy rivals for guidance. Both Jason Castro and David Archuleta fared well this week, not only because easy uplift is in their golden blood, but because they picked perfect songs. Castro honored the late, beloved Hawaiian crooner Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Iz for short) with a ukulele-powered version of “Over the Rainbow” that bathed that song’s pathos in sea-salt waves of hippie bliss. And Archie transformed “Angels,” Robbie Williams’ biggest hit everywhere but in the States, from a Bowie-esque Big Number into a museful soul lament.

Both young men showed that inspirational music can be introspective, a powerful statement to make the night before the grandly gesturing stars descend on the Idoldome for the charity fest “Idol Gives Back.” It’s lovely that they both dared to take it down a notch; as the competition continues to heat up, let’s hope it’s not their last chance to do so.

-- Ann Powers

(Photo courtesy Fox)

Comments

[Nesquick]

Wow! Ann I wholeheartedly agree with your comments and thats a first. We also share the same musical sensibities with Joseph Arthur's in the Sun, that song really makes my heart surge!!

Great and fair article!!

[Cheryl]

You clearly have a soft spot for Carly, but I think she is utterly unlikable. She looks like she is feigning humility and surprise at the positive feedback. I tried to like her as I think she has a good voice, but her personality and her tatoos convinced me otherwise. Her husband is downright scary with all the tatoos on his face. I don't think she will stay in the competition much longer, and she won't succeed in the music world either even with all the exposure that she's had. She's had a record deal already, and she didn't sell records then and was dropped so I don't know why anyone thinks that she can sell records now. Too big for the show? Don't you know by now that there is nothing bigger than this show?

[dgz]

david cook is NOT a baritone, Ann! his voice is so high he's practically an alto. what i've noticed with almost all the contestants (except carly and brooke) is that they completely lack breath support unless they're screaming in their upper registers. doesn't Idol employ a vocal coach???

[Ohio]

I agree with most of your points, but Michael and Carly both are overrated when it comes to star potential. I would put them with Syesha, all very talented but lacking that quality that makes you excited about hearing them again. On top of that poor Carly seems a fool when it comes to picking songs and wardrobe --- she scares me with her biker chic thing. David A. is fabulous, but all those screaming 12 year old girls is off putting to other potential fans. David C. gives performances I look forward to, but last night was a stinker. While not the best vocals, Jason has a geniune charm that is very appealing and his music is interesting, but the judges and even voters don't seem to be as fond of him all the time. Still I put him in the top 3 with the two Davids. My botton 2 are Brooke and Christie Lee. CL is the worst, but she had a good week so I think Brooke may be at the end of the line

[pinkyyy]

david cook is surely a baritone no offense abut that and i wont be surprised if he ends in tis weeks bottom bcuz no doubt last night was a TOTAL MESSS!!
whereas david archuleta is paving his way towards comfortable glory......i wont call david cook's performance a shocker,it was meant to happen and im pretty sure there will be more of these nights for this guy (hopefully)
up with the archuleta, down with 'cookies'!

[Paisley Quinn]

Thank you, Ann, for hitting a bulls-eye with your assessment of Jason Castro's performance. The media has either ignored him completely or has written him off as a non-contender. With his riveting indie performance on Tuesday, his voice resonated throughout the listening world and whispered, "I am here."

Peace.