Idols glittered, glared on Diamond night

Last update: April 29, 2008 - 8:54 PM

Someone on "American Idol" Tuesday night messed up their words, but this time it wasn't Brooke White or David Archuleta. Paula Abdul, who has yet to have a really bizarre moment this season, finally delivered when she criticized a performance by Jason Castro -- even though he hadn't done it yet.

To be fair, it was a fast-paced, confusing night with of the five finalists performing two songs by guest mentor Neil Diamond. David Cook earned big points by taking chances, selecting two more obscure numbers, "All I Really Need is You" and "I'm Alive," and turning them into borderline-grunge rock. Archuleta earned big points by playing it safe, taking advantage of the power-pop stylings of "Sweet Caroline" and "America."

White suffered in her first number, a nervous-Nelly rendition of "I'm a Believer," but recovered once she got behind the piano for a tender version of "I Am ... I Said."

Castro appeared to be the weakest candidate, giving lackluster versions of "September Morn" and "Forever In Blue Jeans" while looking like he'd rather be lounging on a Jamaican beach, but Simon Cowell said at the end of the show that Syesha Mercado was the most vulnerable. Find out if he's right during the results show at 8 p.m. tonight.

NEAL JUSTIN

Recent TV/DVD/Gaming stories

Advocacy groups claim they chased Lou Dobbs off CNN but cable head says pressure didn't do it - April 29, 2008

Advocacy groups claim they chased Lou Dobbs off CNN but cable head says pressure didn't do it - CNN moved swiftly to replace Lou Dobbs in its nightly lineup with John King, who said Thursday that all views would be welcome on his politically-oriented talk show when it debuts early next year. More