And then there were five: Lauren, James, Jacob, Scotty and Haley. Not even close to the Top 5 I would've predicted two months ago, but that's just the way this crazy American Idol journey works.
Last week, I was disappointed that the producers chose Carole King as the theme, since the last time she released a #1 record, none of the contestants were even close to being born (by at least 15 years). As if sensing my frustration (Uncle Nigel and I are just so in tune with each other, you know), the theme for tonight's show is... oh wait...
WARNING: Stop reading now if you want the theme of the week to be a surprise!
...NOW AND THEN!
No, not music from the Demi Moore movie (though let's not count that out for Season 11). The contestants will be performing two songs each: one from the 1960s and one current song. A great way to get the best of both worlds. Or the worst. But hopefully the best.
To challenge myself, and to get the most of the "current song" category, I limited myself a bit more than just songs post-2000. All of my suggestions are different from my "Songs of the 21st Century" picks, haven't been performed on Glee, aren't by a former Idol contestant and have been released since 2008.
So, without further ado, here are my "Now and Then" dos and don'ts...
LAUREN ALAINA
1960s Should Sing: "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" by Betty Everett (1964)JAMES DURBIN
1960s Should Not Sing: "Unchained Melody" by Righteous Brothers (1965)
Current Era Should Sing: "California King Bed" by Rihanna (2011)
Current Era Should Not Sing: "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry (2010)
1960s Should Sing: "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles (1964)JACOB LUSK
1960s Should Not Sing: "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge (1966)
Current Era Should Sing: "So What" by Pink (2008)
Current Era Should Not Sing: "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon (2008)
1960s Should Sing: "What Becomes of a Brokenhearted" by Jimmy Ruffin (1966)SCOTTY McCREERY
1960s Should Not Sing: "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King (1961)
Current Era Should Sing: "Forget You" by Cee Lo Green (2010)
Current Era Should Not Sing: "I Look to You" by Whitney Houston (2009)
1960s Should Sing: "The Way You Look Tonight" by The Lettermen (1961)HALEY REINHART
1960s Should Not Sing: "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley (1962)
Current Era Should Sing: "Forever & Always" by Taylor Swift (2009)
Current Era Should Not Sing: "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train (2009)
1960s Should Sing: "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" by Cher (1966)Are you excited for tonight's show, or are you experiencing Idol fatigue? Who are you still rooting for and what are your song suggestions?
1960s Should Not Sing: "The Locomotion" by Little Eva (1962)
Current Era Should Sing: "American Boy" by Estelle ft. Kanye West (2008)
Current Era Should Not Sing: "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys (2009)
[Image Credit: FOX]
