I have a less-than-perfect mastery of the English language (I’m French too), so I apologize if my writing is unclear at times…

I have to be honest, this week I voted for Shikezie not so much because of his last night’s performance, which, I agree with Per, seemed to be an attempt to reproduce last week’s brillance, but because I am interested to see how he will handle the different styles to come. Also, I wanted to see him go on tour. Best opportunity for him to grow. He will find that confidence that is starting to show on AI. I love his attitude. Humble, enthusiastic. Respectful. He is a good student. And he has proven (last week) that he can also get to the next level. They have a say in France “Culture is what’s left when you’ve forgotten everything”. We can apply that to singing as well as any kind of craft. We have to, at some point, forget what we learned,forget about the technique… and just sing! And you’re darn right, Per, never try to recreate yesterday’s recipe.

Speaking about the tour, it’s suddenly become obvious to me that Amanda could not have made it to the top 10. She just doesn’t blend with the group. I actually noticed at the start of last night results show, that, as the camera panned on her, she looked like she was not singing, or her mike was turned off…

In the long run, being out now may give her a better chance to have a career. And she may have avoided the embarrassment of not being up to the task with what’s to come on AI.

Nowadays,independent artists are somewhat doing better than the ones signed with major labels. But can she step out of the Janis Joplin’s shadow? Also her voice gets tired easily and she loses her pitch. On the positive side, she is likeable, edgy, a fighter, and she can command her audience. How big an audience is the question. She may have had an insight when she said to Simon, “even if I need to sell out in a local bar in Lafayette.” Just be careful what you wish for, Amanda.

It’s funny, before Tuesday, I thought Christie would be the one to go. Then on Tuesday, I was pleasantly surprised by the newfound strength of her voice. She worked on her technique and she’s “getting it” pretty fast. She’s still a little forgettable, like Simon put it. But she gets the Country votes, obviously. She could surprise us.

David Archuleta is taking “the long and winding road” back to where he started. His charm and assurance have faded a little in the last 2 weeks. He’s a sure thing in the long run, but as far as winning first place, his young age may end up playing against him.

Michael Johns, to me, has been playing safe all along and still is. “A day in the life” was ok, but yes, only another day in his life.

Brooke White needs to put her foot down. “Here comes the sun” was the wrong choice all the way. Wrong song, wrong outfit, wrong moves. And she knows it. Who did she listen to???

David Cook is, to me, the most obvious overall work-in-progress. He looks better, sings better each week. Needs to watch his air of arrogance, even on camera. Simon is often rude in his expression, but I am amazed by how on point he always is. He actually mentioned the “arrogance” thing last night, without naming anyone…

Unfortunately, David Cook doesn’t touch my heart. Maybe if I kept my eyes close…?

Getting into touching the heart, Jason is a great example. Whatever this kid does, he has a way to melt your heart. That’s why we forgive him the missed notes and all the little imperfections. But I am certainly not the objective one, here. Not only I am French but my name is Michèle. He got me “just like that”. I would not be surprised to find out that each and every Michelle (or Michèle) on the planet who watched him sing that song felt like he was just singing for them. Simon has a point, though. Only listening to him (without watching), he loses some of his power of seduction.

Sayesha did a decent job with Yesterday. And I agree with Per’s observation. Showing some vulnerability served her well.

It’s funny how everything is so subtle when you give it a closer look. Take Carly Smithson. In her case, I don’t think that showing her vulnerability is helping her. That’s maybe what happens for you, Will, when you say you find her annoying. Choosing “Black Bird” to convey a message about how the industry “breaks us”? nononono! Not the right time and place. Same mistake as telling that she was previously signed and dropped, whatever the reason… There was already enough of a hint of a “victim” pattern.

Whoever decide what they reveal (or what not)on the show, know very well the impact it has on the votes. The impact of what the judges say is also big, of course. It is obvious that all the contestants are anxiously looking forward to Simon’s critique more than Randy’s and Paula. Because he never sugarcoats it.

But, as for the “gossip” on the show and elsewhere in the media, here’s the subtlety. For Fantasia, for ex., we felt her vulnerability when she sang, prior to and regardless of the details of her personal life. I believe that if we had only heard Fantasia on the radio and knew nothing of her personal struggles, Even if she looked like the ugly duckling (which she certainly doesn’t) she would still have won. Because all she needed to win our hearts was contained in her voice.

Once again, I find this blog very instructing and enlightening.