American Idol" Finalists Sing Andrew Lloyd Webber Tunes

Welcome to an Earth Day edition of American Idol. Ryan gives the good news that the finale will operate on green power. Ricky and the band are down on the stage – with a full orchestra. Ryan has fun with the conductor’s wand, then introduces the judges. The top six idols then file out on the stage, and I’m happy to report that Carly is dressed well again. Cute boots. The theme this week is the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. He has, Ryan reports, transformed musical theater as we know it. He’s been composing music since he was a child and has won an astonishing amount of awards. The contestants go to the Las Vegas set of Phantom of the Opera to meet with the composer. Andrew Lloyd says that he loves working with young people.

Tonight’s first performer is Syesha Mercado and she chose “One Rock & Roll Too Many” and I cracked up when Webber said she could “bring the house down” with his accent - I love that man! Syesha was pretty incredible tonight even though my attention drifted a couple times. She really made great use of the stage which is important on a theme week like this. The judges all loved it and Simon even said it was “sexy.” I agree with them - this type of performance is really in her niche Maybe she will be the next big Broadway star!

Jason Castro chose “Memories” and Webber made a joke about not ever thinking he’d ever see a man with dreadlocks singing this song - lol!!!! Jason seemed nervous and at first this was not working but he has moved up an octave and his little voice is cracking and I think he might have saved himself. Oh, the emotion.

Brooke White is singing “You Must Love Me” and Webber wasn’t sure she understood the meaning behind the song so he educated her about Evita Peron and why he wrote this song. I think she has a similar enough voice to Madonna that this song choice makes sense.Brooke asked the band to restart the song. Randy thought it wasn’t great vocally but full of emotion. Paula said she “must stop and start” and Simon said that she thinks she will be very disappointed with that performance.

David Archuleta is singing “Think of Me” and I can’t believe it and it took Webber by surprise too!!! I love this song and I think this is fantastic!!! It was so good and original that I completely forgive him forgetting the lyrics. Randy said that it was the bomb and that he is the one to beat. Paula thinks it was absolutely perfect and that he turned it into a pop ballad. Simon said it was one of his weakest performances and that it was forgettable.

Carly Smithson had chosen “All I Ask of You” and Webber stopped her (thank goodness!) and she started singing “Jesus Christ, Superstar.” Much better choice if you ask me. She looks like she is having fun but I’m not loving the vocals very much. It’s a little cheesy and screechy to me. Randy said that it wasn’t her best performance but it was definitely good. He also liked her outfit.

David Cook chose “Music of the Night” and Webber said that it was one of the most sensual songs he has ever written. Getting David to practice by singing lustfully into Webber’s eyes was just cruel but hilarious. David started a little shaky but I think it turned out well. I didn’t realize his higher register could be so smooth and strong.