TWO QUEENS TAKE ON THE KING & CHIKEZIE DROPS THE EZE? GRADING THE TOP 12 GUYS. AMERICAN IDOL "SEASON 7; EPISODE 11" RECAP

The "Top 12" guys took to the AMERICAN IDOL stage tonight, and it was an evening of mixed results as they sang the songs of the 1960's.

First up was David Hernandez singing "Midnight Hour" . . . despite getting a little pitchy at the end, David offered up some incredible vocals.  He was looking mighty cute too.  Not sure why he doesn't get more praise from the judges . . . definitely an as-yet underrated talent.  Grade = A-

Next up was Chikezie (who seems to have pulled a Fantasia a bit early in the game by dropping his last name . . . Eze) and his performance of "I Love You More Today Than Yesterday".  His just ok vocals were overshadowed by his horrendous orange suit.  Not my favorite of the evening, but he's probably safe for now. Grade = C+

David Cook followed, singing "Happy Together".  Despite approval from all three judges, I found the song's arrangement a bit weird and the vocals on the shabby side.  If David makes it past this Thursday, he's going to have to show a lot of improvement next week. Grade = C

Jason Yeager was the 4th performer of the evening.  His rendition of the classic "Moon River" was just ok.  Vocals were fair, but it wasn't a very memorable performance.  I could totally see him doing the Michael Buble thing with the right coaching . . . hope he gets better next week.  Grade = B-

Robbie Carrico then sang "One Is The Loneliest Number".  His vocals were fine, but I am with Simon in not completely getting this guy.  I mean, he used to be in a band that toured with Britney Spears.  You don't get much more pop than that, so I'm not sure I'm really buying his whole "rocker" persona.  Is he the real deal, or just trying to ride the coattails of Daughtry?  He's probably safe for now, so maybe time will tell. Grade = C+

David Archuleta (adorable as ever) followed up with "Shop Around".  It wasn't a perfect performance, but the boy can definitely sing, and has a great stage presence.  Simon dubbed this the best performance of the night, and I would definitely place it in the Top 2.  No doubt about it, this boy is going to go far in this competition.  Grade = A+

Danny Noriega's cover of Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock" was next.  Simon absolutely hated it, but I actually thought Danny did a pretty good job, though the song was probably not the best choice for showcasing his usually strong vocals.  It would be nice to see an openly gay contestant make it to the Top Ten, so I'm hoping Danny's neck-snapping doesn't prove too flamboyant for middle America.  He should be safe for now, but keep your fingers crossed that he makes a better song choice next week.  Grade = B

Luke Menard followed, singing "Everybody's Talking At Me".  Luke better pray that his good looks will get him through this round, because his was a very pitchy performance and a really bad song choice.  I know I picked him as one of my "Top 6" guys last week, but I think that may have been a bit premature.  Grade = C-

Another Elvis cover was next . . . Colton Berry singing "Suspicious Minds".  I was very impressed with Colton.  He's got a good voice, and great personality.  Not sure if he's open about it (I'm assuming so since he's so non-chalant about the Ellen Degeneres comparisons), but unless my gaydar is totally screwed, this guy is a 'mo too.  Could we have two gay contestants in the ultimate running this year?   Could be!  Grade = B+

Garrett Haley followed with "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do".  The judges sent home Josiah Lemming before this dude?  What gives?  This was definitely my least favorite performance of the evening.  Weak, whiny vocals, zero charisma, and a boring arrangement made it just plain forgettable.  Garrett is likely to be the first casualty of the season in my opinion.  Grade = D

Jason Castro was next with "Daydream".  What a pleasant surprise!  Jason has been given little to no airtime on previous episodes, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  He's an original performer (and the only one to play an instrument tonight) and has a unique voice.  I'd definitely rank him in the Top 3 of the evening.  I personally think he'd be much cuter without the dreadlocks, but I have to admit they fit his persona.  No guessing about whether or not he's the real deal.  He officially replaces Luke Menard as one of my current "Top 6" guys.  Grade = A

Aussie hottie Michael Johns closed the show with "Light My Fire" . . . and that he did!  YUM!!!  The guy is undeniably hot and talented.  Great voice, great looks, great charisma.  He has it all.  He gets my vote for best performance of the night.  Grade = A+

So, who will be heading home on Thursday night?  I think Garrett Haley, Luke Menard, and David Cook will be in the Bottom 3 . . . with Garrett and Luke (unless he can coast through on looks) saying "sayonara".  Would love to hear some other opinions!  Feel free to share your thoughts.

Tune in tomorrow to catch the Top 12 Girls! ~Warren