Tweet

Okay, America: last week, you eliminated David Brown and Joseph Murena. Who should go this week? Read on for opinions from Mary and Beth.

Beth's opening comment: For some reason, astrology seemed to be the theme of the night on "AI" last night. As we came to learn, the majority of men are Tauruses. I'm not sure what any of this means, aside from contributing to the overall cheese factor of the show. Admittedly I'm not a seasoned viewer of the show, but I went into tonight's performances with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised. These boys can belt a tune and unlike season's pasts aren't all about pretty faces and dance moves.

Scott Savol - "Can't Help Myself"

Mary writes: I think he did a nice job this week. I like his performance better than previous weeks. He had a lot of energy and sang the song pretty well. I'm a bit more hopeful this week than in previous weeks. Simon didn't care for his performance at all. I think Simon was a bit harsher than he needed to be.

Beth writes: Didn't bowl me over. I think his appearance gets in the way of his execution. He isn't charismatic or compelling. I don't see him making it that far, but I'm also not a gamblin' woman.

Bo Bice - "I'll Be"

Mary writes: That was a very nice performance from Bo this week. I liked that he seemed to have pretty good control of his voice. I think I liked this performance from him the best so far. He really has finally impressed me.

Beth writes: Bo is this year's favorite. Simon considers this competition"his competition to lose." I like Bo. I just don't know that "I'll Be" was really his speed. Was neither here nor there for me. One thing that was clear from Bo's performance, however, is that when Simon likes someone, he's loyal to a fault. Either that, or he doesn't like admitting he could have misjudged someone's talent. Maybe the latter seems more accurate.

Anthony Federov - "I've Got You"

Mary writes: I didn't much care for this performance of his. He had weird uncomfortable movements on stage. I have seen him do better and while this was an energetic performance, I wasn't thrilled. The judges definitely liked him better than I did.

Beth writes: Loved Anthony. He was by far my favorite of the night. I disagree with Simon that he couldn't carry a Marc Anthony song. He was all charisma and had the chops to back it. Paula and Randy both agreed that this performance was Anthony's best and as I haven't seen him sing before, I was also impressed.

Nikko Smith - "Georgia"

Mary writes: I don't believe he hit all the notes in the low spots of the song. I like the arrangement of the song, but I think the song choice was too ambitious for him. He didn't have great control of his range. He did great at the end of the song, but it was a shaky performance.

Beth writes: Nikko took on a very difficult song which proved to be solid gold for him. "Georgia on my Mind" illustrated Nikko's range and even Simon seemed to think highly of the rendition. What made this song for me was the ending. Nikko ended it with a bang. I like that he seems to take chances (so say the judges) and I see him possibly making it far.

Travis Tucker - "Every Little Step"

Mary writes: Wow. He disappointed me tonight. His voice wasn't great. His dance moves were distracting. I am not sure I found it appalling (as Simon did), but it definitely wasn't his best performance. Whew. This might be it for Travis. Oh well. He is cute though.

Beth writes: Travis did a Bobby Brown song and it was pretty flat. He has charisma, but I don't think the lasting power to make it to the final 12. As Randy said "Overall Performance=A" and "Pitch=D." I'd have to say the poor pitch affected my overall assessment and give him a C.

Mario Vasquez - "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"

Mary writes: Mario also disappointed me tonight. I am not sure what Randy is smoking, but Mario did not do an excellent job tonight. I cannot believe that Paula got goose bumps from his performance. Mario only sang passably in my opinion. He is charming, but his voice is okay.

Beth writes: He was the one singer I disagreed with the judges on. I don't see his charisma and I think he belongs somewhere on a cruise chip belting out Barry Manilow covers. As Simon pretty much assured Mario of making it to the final 12, and Barry Manilow might be on the roster, he might just get lucky.

Constantine Margoulis - "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"

Mary writes: Oh my goodness, he is singing a song from The Police. Oh no. He looked like he was trying to channel the former lead singer of INXS (Michael Hutchence) while singing this song. This was a poor song choice, not performed well, with awkward stage movements. Overall, I didn't think it was a good overall performance. He wasn't the worst of the night thanks to Travis, but probably second worst. Clearly I don't agree with Paula and Randy. Please vote this guy off.

Beth writes: Liked his choice of song, wasn't feeling his voice though. The judges again seemed to fall back on his personality and charisma as star potential. I don't see it. And like Bo, he needs a haircut. Memo to these boys: 90s is over. Kurt Cobain died and Dave Grohl wants his hair back.

Anwar - "What A Wonderful World"

Mary writes: Again he has an unusual arrangement of a classic song, but this time I liked the arrangement. His first note was a bit of a shaky one, but he did wonderfully for the rest of the song. That was the best performance I've seen him give. Simon surprisingly didn't comment on his singing, but commented on his "nice" personality. Anwar definitely was in the top 2 or 3 performances tonight.

Beth writes: From the way Paula, Simon, and Randy drooled over Anwar tonight, I'm betting this is more his competition to lose. Bo might have more natural talent, but Anwar is a good merge of pop appeal and talent. Re: He's gorgeous!

Final Thoughts

Mary writes: Okay, well I enjoyed this show this week because it seems like the audience is trimming the fat. I think Travis may be one of the men to go this week. I'm not sure about the second man, could be Constantine or Scott. I think Anwar and Bo are safe.

Beth writes: Anwar all the way, baby...

We'll see on Wednesday -- but before then, check back here for Dan and Brian's take on the top eight women on Tuesday.