Headline Planet's more traditional format of "Idol" reviews will return next week.

Jason Castro
Song One: Jason opened with a very typical performance; the vocals showed some sweetness and vulnerability but he never broke any barriers or pushed any limits. On a night where he is certainly vulnerable, this was not the performance needed to distance him from the other contestants. (C+_
Song Two: An absolute trainwreck. Castro showed neither the emotion nor the energy to make the song work, and he really came off looking unprepared and uninterested. One of the most obvious "elimination candidate" performances of the season. (D)

David Cook
Song One: A very strong and believable rock performance that was inhibited by a slight hint of self-indulgence. Cook came off like he was showcasing rock music rather than himself, and it took him out of his element. Still a good showing, though. (B)
Song Two: One of the best performances this season. The arrangement was contemporary, the vocals were on point and the emotion resonated. Paula Abdul was right, David Cook looked like an American Idol. (A/A+)

Brooke White
Song One: One of the worst performances this season. It was a fun song, but Brooke showed no energy, no fun, no comfort and no vocal power. It would be an insult to mediocrity everywhere to go as far as to say she coasted; she just bombed. (D)
Song Two: A big turnaround that brought Brooke's vulnerable, artistic side back. It was not a legendary performance, but it was the type of performance that made Brooke a candidate to get this far in the competition and could be the one that keeps her going. (A-)

David Archuleta
Song One: There were some strong moments, but the bulk of the performance was only a tad better than the karaoke renditions of "Sweet Caroline" dear in the hearts of all Red Sox (and other sports team) fans. It just was not great and not professional. (C)
Song Two: A much better showing that connected better and came off as less corny, but still nothing to really write home about. Archuleta ends his songs beautifully, but he was only "good" for much of the rest. (B-)

Syesha Mercado
Song One: A heartful, captivating vocal performance that will somehow be lost in the pack due to less than stellar judge comments. It was believable and poignant and really showed why Syesha, despite her criticism from fans and analysts, definitely should go to the top three. (A)
Song Two: The vocals were sacrificed to some extent, but Mercado owned the stage and, like last week, came across as the most comfortable and authentic on stage. Not necessarily the performance that will give her elimination immunity, but it was definitely more than acceptable. (B+)

Round One Rankings:
Syesha Mercado
David Cook
Jason Castro
David Archuleta
Brooke White

Round Two Rankings:
David Cook
Brooke White
Syesha Mercado
David Archuleta
Jason Castro

Elimination Thoughts: Jason Castro is the only contestant who really deserves to leave after Tuesday, so it would be a shock if any of the other contestants went home. Brooke is more deserving of a spot in the bottom two than Syesha, but performing well has not kept Syesha out of the bottom in the past, so it would not shock anyone if Syesha were also in danger.

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