Published 11 Mar 2010 / Written By:

Idol Thoughts: Urban…Legend.

By: Scott Yager

We started off with Lee who, going into Wednesday night was the male favorite to win the whole thing at 3-1. Definitely not one of his more memorable performances. He’s got a ways to go before people start to turn on him but he needs to start thinking like David Cook did a few years ago and use the rock style in his favor yet not so blatantly. He’s a likeable dude and he never makes you uncomfortable when he performs, which isn’t something everyone can say this week, especially Andrew, the guy who seemed to be Lee’s main competition. Now he looks like sort of a poser. More on that Later…

Next was Mr. Alex Lambert performing “Trouble.” Alex Lambert continues to make these natural strides, so much so that I think this whole nervous novice story might be a farce and he’s actually this really experienced live musician. Pains me to say it because a lot of people had picked Alex as a sleeper in recent weeks and until now I thought they were reaching for the sake of reaching…or high. After “Trouble” last night, I think he might actually be one of the top two guys. Is it possible that ADAM Lambert, one of the most vocally talented and charismatic contestants that Idol has ever seen lost last season and this season might be won by ALEX Lambert, who let’s be honest, pales in comparison. If Lambert does squeak out a win the obvious comparison will be clear-cut evidence for just how inferior the final talent pool ended up being for Season 9. The guy does have a good voice and it’s pretty clear he’s going to be around for a few more weeks at the very least. Let’s see what he can do with them. As of earlier this week the guy was more than a 15-1 underdog. Slim chance those odds don’t change after tonight.

Tim Urban was a lock to go home this week. However, anything can happen and somehow, someway Tim Urban managed to sing his way out of the doghouse and into a possible spot in the top 12. It’s still unlikely because none of the other low-end contestants really shat the bed enough and some of the people that did, like Andrew, might have already established themselves as someone worthy of a spot. Who knows though, there were some pretty lackluster efforts, like Aarons, who could possibly be the person filling in for Tim on Thursday. One performance probably won’t be enough to keep Tim around but don’t be surprised if that young female vote keeps him around for one more week and bails on the more awkward boy toy, Aaron. Big risk doing a song that so many people have done on Idol but, by maintaining their high level of execution with his version, Tim Urban did everything he could to hang around.

$SQUEEZING BY | Ellen DeGeneres couldn\'t resist hugging Tim Urban | American Idol$ Whatever happens tonight at the eliminations you have to commend Tim Urban for realizing he outperformed his natural abilities to even stand a chance, going for it, and knocking it out of the park. It’s rare that someone who is such a foregone conclusion to pack their bags actually puts up a last effort worthy of seriously reconsidering their position. Last night Tim Urban did just that and for that he will always be legend in my eyes. Okay, maybe not, but you get the point.

Andrew Garcia, who looked like a favorite going into the top 24 came out next and did…take a guess…go ahead…YUP…you guessed it, Christina Aguilera. Simon got it right when he said it seemed desperate. That’s exactly what it was. Look, you kind of have to pity a guy like Andrew whose open-mindedness and creativity caused him to wow everyone with a very cool interpretation of “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul during Hollywood week. At the time this seemed very outside the box and risky for a guy who looked and carried himself like Andrew, however several weeks later we now realize that this is his shtick. He does these acoustic versions of pop songs and alters them slightly, but all in what seems like the same way he altered the last. Andrew Garcia has suddenly become predictable, something that might be at the fault of the judges as well. After constantly making such a big deal over his version of “Straight Up,” they seemed to be subconsciously urging Andrew to do something similar. What they didn’t realize is that his last few performances were attempts at recreating the Abdul song, it just so happened they ended up being failed attempts. The Fall Out Boy song he did, for instance, was a different take on the song, “Andrew-ed up” if you will, yet it didn’t happen to carry the same weight as the Paula song cause it was somewhat expected. The “Genie in a Bottle” performance was even more of an obvious choice because like “Straight Up,” “Genie in a Bottle” is a girly song that you wouldn’t think a cool dude like Andrew would attempt to knock out. EXCEPT IF THE DUDE HAD SPENT THE LAST MONTH SHOWING YOU THIS IS WHAT HE DOES.

Instead of reminding us what we loved about his originality and risk-taking he simply proved that gimmicks can only go so far. Even though choosing a song that’s initially unexpected of you and pulling it off can really help your standing on this show, it’s not enough just to go through the motions. Attempting to be unpredictable has suddenly made Andrew Garcia the most predictable contestant on the guy’s side of American Idol. He’s still probably safe though it but MIGHT be a close call. Remember folks…they scare two people cause each eliminated contestant stands up there with one other person when they meet the axe. Don’t be surprised if Andrew is one of those people after last night’s abomination.

Casey James didn’t really do anything too interesting here but really came out with a solid performance that shows he definitely should advance. It will be interesting to see what he does once they start getting specific assignments and he can’t cling onto the country music safety net. Definitely has the guitar skills to take on some rock songs, regardless of how some of the judges reacted last week and could definitely do some interesting things with some pop songs if he puts his mind to it.

Aaron Kelly is such a boring contestant however he is just good enough to skate along for a bit based on the age story. There is always room for a 16 year old in the top 12. Does he have a chance of winning? No way. If Urban managed to sing his way out of being eliminated he will probably take votes from this fine chap here. Most likely in the top 12 but definitely didn’t do anything here to ensure he’s safe.

Todrick Hall continues to make the worst song choices in the history of Idol and then proceed to make the song 10x worse. One of the best songs by one of the best bands ever, Queen…ruined forever.

Michael closed the show with a great performance according to all of the judges. He was a lock for the top 6 dudes anyway. I guess he’s good? Right…

Going into tonight it seemed like Todrick and Tim were locks to go home. Even though the judges made it seem like Todrick was good and might have saved his ass, I don’t think they realized how awkward it came off on TV, that or they knew he was going home anyway and thought that praising him might their chances of not getting stalked by him in the future. Simon was right though – the dude would make a good Broadway performer. Tim actually did take the bull by the horns and show us something we didn’t think he was capable of so there is a slim chance that he worked his way out of the doghouse, but it’s still unlikely. If he did save his ass it will most likely be Aaron or, and this would have sounded ridiculous a week ago, Andrew.

Male Power Rankings:

1. Alex Lambert

2. Lee Dewyze

3. Casey James

4. Big Mike

5. Andrew Garcia

6. Aaron Kelly

7. Tim Urban

8. Todrick Hall

Best Performance of the Night: Alex Lambert

Worst Performance of the Night: Andrew Garcia

Helped Their Stock the Most: Tim Urban, Bike Mike

Hurt Their Stock the Most: Andrew Garcia

Most Likely Going Home This Week: Todrick Hall, Tim Urban

If Not Them, Then: Aaron Kelly

Female Power Rankings:

1. Crystal Bowersox

2. Lilly Scott

3. Siobhan Magnus

4. Katelyn Epperly

5. Didi Benami

6. Katie Stevens

7. Lacey Brown

8. Paige Miles

Crystal Bowersox on "American Idol" on Wednesday

Most Likely Going Home This Week: Lacey and Paige

If Not Them, Then: Katie Stevens

Until next week!