American Idol Recap - Feb. 28

Most of the performances tonight were clearly better than last week's, although I still felt very sad that Judd Harris will not be part of this show. When Ryan was opening, you could tell that he was sad, if not guilty, for what they had done to Judd last Wednesday. I sensed a little hypocrisy when Ryan asked the judges what they should be looking out for this week since they kept on emphasizing "song choice" the last time. Paula responded with "we're looking for personality and performance" -- duh, that's Judd Harris you idiots, can't you see the irony in what you just said? I'm so hurting at the beginning of this show, I really don't wanna watch.

Show opens with Mario Vazquez. The judges like his shoes. He gets all kinds of praises as usual -- this is just a formality since we all know he is so safe into the Top 12. But basically a poor start for Mario. He made an extremely poor song choice, but apparently that didn't matter at all this week. Performance-wise, I thought he did better last week but he has enough fans so he will be safe.

Next up Anwar Robinson. In the pre-performance clip he says he would like to be remembered as a teacher first. Good for you Anwar! He sings What's Going On and looks like he is enjoying himself on stage. Praises from the judges. Everyone is happy. I miss Judd Harris.

Joe Murena sings Let's Stay Together. He also looks like he's having fun. After the song he thanks the audience as if he was at a bar. Simon thinks he's singing in a Portuguese cabaret. Haha. Poor Joe. I would be worried, but then again he had also a lot of cause for worry last week. Maybe he'll get some sympathy Latino votes from Mario's fans.

David Brown. He started with a lot of promise, but I think this is his last week judging by his performance. Paula is still trying to pimp him to the viewers, but it only highlights how bad David has been doing. Does he have a secret cache of fans? We'll see.

Constantine. Don't forget to watch him on elimiDATE on WB, March 2! After totally destroying one of my favorite songs, Kiss from a Rose, last week, Constantine sings in tune for most of this song. His early fan base will bring through, but I think America will eventually shut the door on this guy. He needs a band behind him.

Scott Savol. Vying with David Brown for last place. Does he also have a secret cache of fans?

Travis Tucker. I like him. He a poor man's Usher. We'll take him. Sings Lionel Richie's All Night Long and does some dance steps. Gets tremendous praise from judges and an apology from Simon for criticizing him last week. Wow. I think these guys had a meeting. It's clear that they felt really bad about last week's elimination show - Simon is losing his edge! I'm thinking: they should apologize to Judd Harris in public.

Nikko Smith. Another Usher-wannabe! But he sang well. Simon thinks he looks like Bobby Brown with all the negatives that come with that. I hope he gets fans that actually vote.

Anthony Fedorov... FINALLY! Sings I want to know what love is and doesn't disappoint his fans. After an iffy performance last week, Anthony demonstrates that he's not just another pretty face. I hope he has a Summertime-like performance like Fantasia last year. Simon comments on Anthony's torn jeans and the ocean background. Like Mario, Anthony is safe into the Top 12.

The crafty American Idol producers of course save the best for last in Bo Bice. I don't know the title of the song he sang, but he sang it well, and with much more street-cred than the pretentious Constantine. Simon says it is the first defining performance of the season. Somebody really needs to give Bo a recording contract. I agree that he has a great recording voice. After the show I just realized that this is a perfect setup for next Wednesday's elimination show. Knowing how cruel these producers are, they will cut Bo on Wednesday. Will America vote for him? I don't know. I don't think the majority of the American Idol demographic really listens to the Allman Brothers. Just a thought. Come back to me Wednesday.