It was a very inspirational week on "American Idol."
From Michael John's rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On" that had Paula's dogs singing to Brooke White's take on Carole King's "You've Got a Friend," the finalists gave it everything they had while encouraging viewers to "give back" — and perhaps cast a few votes for them, as well.
Because this week was all about service and making a difference in the community — and even the world — it was more important than ever that the finalists portray the right emotion. Although Jason Castro switched his guitar for a ukulele, it was the same ol' mellow Jason, for the most part. He serenaded the audience with Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," earning the praise of all three judges.
"Jason Castro is back in the hunt!" judge Randy Jackson proclaimed. "That was molten hot!"
"You have the most definitive sound," judge Paula Abdul said. "It was the perfect song."
Even judge Simon Cowell was touched. "The first time I ever heard that song I wasn't sure. Second time. loved it. Third time, fantastic."
The judges also agreed about the performance of Murray's David Archuleta. Showing a softer side, Archuleta sang while playing "Angels" on the piano.
Jackson declared it "crazy hot" (his new favorite choice of words) and Cowell proclaimed it the "best song choice of the night so far ... you're going to sail through to the next round."
Both of these singers sold the song with the right emotion. Neither was over the top nor looked as if he were trying too hard. And when you almost have Paula in tears, you're doing something right!
But sometimes selling a song is difficult. More than one contestant struggled to portray the right emotion. Carly Smithson sang "The Show Must Go On" fairly well but lost a bit of her shine this week.
"I was doing fine until I looked over at Simon's face!" she said, mimicking him with a scowl on her face.
"You did lose control of the song," Cowell agreed, although he disagreed it was purely his fault. "It came across as an angry performance. You might be in a bit of trouble after this."
While Smithson has one of the best voices in the competition, she is sometimes so focused on singing well that she forgets to sing the song with the right emotion.
David Cook also failed to come across as sincere, according to Cowell.
"I thought it was a teensy weensy bit pompous," he said. But he did like the "Give Back" gesture David wrote on his hand and displayed to the camera at the end of his performance. "That was a nice thing to do."
Wednesday night was filled with star-studded performances and appearances, all intended to raise awareness of poverty and health issues around the globe.
After watching the special, I felt like the whole "American Idol" experience was put in perspective.
I was again amazed at "American Idol's" power. It's extraordinary that a single reality show can influence world leaders like Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain. The U.K. donated $200 million worth of mosquito netting to help prevent malaria in impoverished countries.
It's astounding one TV show can bring together the top names in the entertainment industry to support such a great cause and raise literally millions of dollars.
And I realized how little fame and fortune matter. When I saw the teary-eyed children, the heartbroken mothers trying to support their families on minimum wage, the teens trying to break the poverty and violence cycle they've known all their lives, and especially when I heard Alicia Keys' statement ("If AIDS got half the attention the media gives celebrity dramas, this issue would be well on its way to being solved"), I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Grateful that I live in a place where I don't have the day-to-day worries about simply surviving. Grateful for a career that helps support me and my family. Grateful for everyone who participated Wednesday in giving, serving and encouraging others to do so. Grateful that I live in a country where I was able to chase and achieve my dreams.
As exciting and wonderful as it is, I think after this week the contestants will realize that it doesn't matter quite so much who wins. After all, there's so much more to accomplish, work for and be proud of than taking the "American Idol" crown.
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Update from events Thursday night
From the beginning, I pegged Michael Johns to be in the top three on "American Idol."
To say I was shocked when I saw that he was in the bottom three for the first time Thursday and then ended up leaving the show is a serious understatement.
A quick review of Wednesday's "Idol Gives Back" show and a performance from former winner Jordin Sparks and the results were under way. Brooke White, David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro and Kristy Lee Cook were all safe from elimination.
That left Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns in the bottom three, proving that the competition is NOT just about vocal talent. In fact, most of the time, the audience just listens to what judge Simon Cowell says.
According to Cowell's prediction (and everyone's suspicion), Carly Smithson was supposed to be the one going home. Not so.
I was relieved Smithson survive, but relief turned to shock when it was not Mercado who had the lowest number of votes but Johns.
"Last year, we didn't send anyone home on the 'Idol Gives Back' week ... " host Ryan Seacrest said.
I blew out the air I was holding in, thinking "Good!"
But then Seacrest added, 'This year we're going to say goodbye to Michael Johns."
Cruel trick to play. I don't think anyone was as surprised as Johns.
It was Chris Daughtry all over again. Two years ago, Daughtry — who has gone on to more success than most "American Idol" winners — was eliminated from the final four in just the same shocking fashion.
I guess the one good thing that Johns has going for him is he can now, as judge Paula Abdul said, "Go start (his) own career!"
And I, for one, will be a supporter.
Utah recording artist and actress Carmen Rasmusen-Herbert came in sixth place during the second season of "American Idol." She wrote about her experiences in her book "Staying in Tune." Her first full album is "Nothin' Like the Summer," featuring the single of the same name.
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