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'American Idol' Final 10 get local advice on song choice
By Leigh Grogan - lgrogan@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Story appeared in SCENE section, Page E3
"American Idol" Final 10, clockwise from left: Ramiele Malubay, Jason Castro, Brooke White, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook, Syesha Mercado, David Cook and Chikezie, with David Archuleta in the center. Frank Micelotta / Fox Broadcasting Co.
On the March 25 "American Idol," each of the Final 10 will perform a song from the year they were born.
We thought it would be fun to ask local radio personalities – Dana Hess (KFBK, 1530 AM) and Jason Barsky (107.9 The End) – to share their expertise by suggesting songs and assessing talent.
• Ramiele Malubay (born 1987): Barsky likes Heart's "Alone." "Carrie Underwood performed this song (in Season 4)," he says. "I don't think Ramiele can come close … but it's the song that best fits her." Hess says Malubay has a great voice but no star power.
• Syesha Mercado (1987): Barsky picks Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now." Hey, add a jean jacket, acid-washed jeans, pretend the performance is at the mall and she's good to go! Hess, however, doesn't see Mercado in the Top 5.
• Kristy Lee Cook (1984): A Quiet Riot song? Barsky says it would be a "giant mess" and a sure ticket home. Hess wonders when the other shoe ("or cowboy boot") will drop.
• Brooke White (1983): Barsky is pushing Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," performed at the piano. Hess says the camera loves White, and so does judge Simon Cowell.
• Carly Smithson (1983): "Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks. "Carly would be stupid to pick any song other than this," Barsky says. Hess believes Smithson will rebound after being in the bottom three last week.
• David Archuleta (1990): Barsky and his wife gave copies of Tommy Page's "I'll Be Your Everything" to their wedding guests. 'Nuff said. Hess likens him to a geeky little brother – until he opens his mouth to sing.
• Jason Castro (1987): "If he can sing in French, he can handle Spanish and put his own bubbly twist on 'La Bamba,' " Barsky says. Hess adds: "My wife likes this guy, but he doesn't do much for me."
• Chikezie (1985): Barsky says he's gotta sing "The Power of Love" (Huey Lewis and the News). Hess thinks Chikezie is a cross between "Idol" winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, "which I don't believe is necessarily a good thing."
• David Cook (1982): Whoa, how about a little "867-5309/Jenny" by Tommy Tutone? Barsky likes Cook's great twists on songs. Hess agrees with Cowell that Cook is a little smug, but hey, it's part of the rocker package.
• Michael Johns (1978): Remember Johns' earlier take on "Bohemian Rhapsody"? Barsky wants more Queen. This time "We Will Rock You." Hess says he's a slam dunk for a Vegamite endorsement – and perhaps for a Top 5 finish.
About the writer:
- Call The Bee's Leigh Grogan, (916) 321-1129.
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