American Idol 9: Fallin'? – Songs of Inspiration Week

Another week of American Karaoke is upon us, and we're faced with the latest theme and its corresponding irrelevant mentor. Not to say that Alicia Keys isn't relevant in today's music scene. In fact she's an intelligent, beautiful and talented young woman who has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. However, for somebody whose biggest hit contains the lyrics "Oh aa-aa-ah keep on fallin', aah-in and aaah-out, of aah-love, with aah-you," I'm just not seeing it. Alicia's cool, but myself, I'm more inspired by "Pants on the Ground." Then again, nobody's asking me what MY personal favourite inspirational song would be (for the record, it's Van Halen's "Right Now" – chances are pretty good none of the Idols will attempt to cover that gem for me).

Casey James took a risk by covering Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop." I say it's a risk because, so far, this season's contestants have done this band absolutely NO justice. I like Casey, but he didn't completely destroy this number – in a good way OR in a bad way. It didn't really feel so inspirational either. Guitar-wise, he's pretty darn good, but he's no Lindsey Buckingham (well okay, come on, who is?). It went kinda nowhere for me, for you, for me... dawg.

Lee DeWyze chose to inspire with Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer." I usually find this song to be quite haunting. He didn't exactly pull off THAT particular feeling for me (for you, for me), but it was simple, cool and sincere. You could actually tell that this song meant something to him. That's the plan, kids. Stick with it!

Tim Urban began singing "Better Days" by the Goo Goo Dolls in a key that was way below his range. After that, he took it through flatness not even observed in the wheat fields of Saskatchewan. Since we're supposed to rate Tim on his own curve, it was probably midway through the bell. Having said that, I have a sinking feeling that he'll stick around a little while longer.

Aaron Kelly has been singing R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" since he was five years old. I suppose that's impressive, if you like R. Kelly. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they share the same last name? I don't know, it's tough for me to judge it because I have a hard time taking songs like this seriously. I've got a jar of Cheez Whiz in the fridge that possesses the ability to write songs that are less sappy.

Siobhan Magnus made the fateful decision to take on two thirds of the Unholy Trinity by screeching her way through Mariah and Whitney's "When You Believe." I used to believe that this girl was worth keeping around. Now I believe that I want to jam a Makita drill into each one of my eardrums. I've also grown tired of the speech she gives after each performance. Why are they giving this girl so much airtime? Isn't there a five-second rule on stuff like this? You know, like when you drop your toast on the kitchen floor? I hate it when that happens.

Michael Lynche crammed some more loonies in the pockets of Chad Kroeger's jeans by trying out Nickelback's "Hero" – or as Big Mike put it, "Heee-row." I'm not a huge fan of Theory of a NickelCreed, but this is actually a pretty good song. However, Michael's cabaret take, replete with pointing towards the audience when he figured he needed to warrant an accent, just didn't work. It made me truly appreciate the Chad-Man's gravelly vocals. This guy also seemed unaware that the song was from the Spider-Man soundtrack. Way to connect with it, Mikey!

Last, but most definitely, NOT least, Crystal Bowersox created a masterpiece with her interpretation of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready." I liked the opening a cappella segment, and it was still cool when the band kicked in (THAT usually doesn't happen). She started to cry at the end of the song, and there was absolutely NO question that those tears were authentic. If YOU managed to keep a dry eye during that performance, then you're just a cold-blooded person who doesn't even love peanut butter cups or beagle puppies.

Wednesday night will bring forth the latest incarnation of Idol Gives Back. Apparently, we'll all be treated to a whole whack o' inspirational performances by a whole bunch o' inspirational artists (although I don't think Van Halen will show up). However, I'm choosing to torture myself – not through the horrific group numbers, the endless array of lip-synching, and the "surprise ending" realization that NOBODY will get sent home this week – but via the soul-crushing reality of NHL Western Conference Quarterfinals. But fear not Idol-Heads, Brent and Patrick will once again act as your Official Idol Wrap-Up Podcasters on Wednesday afternoon. And, if you're lucky, Brent will be feeling sufficiently angered enough to offer up a gritty Thursday morning recap for all of yous guys. Just make sure you stay tuned to this very website for all that inspirational goodness.

CANUCKGIRL delivers the thrills and spills of America’s favourite singing competition direct to your monitor. CanuckGirl is NOT a professional journalist, nor does she play one on television.