Boys prove boring on ‘American Idol’

Chris Sligh, 28, Greenville, S.C.: Sligh is the only one who talked about this as a game, saying that his strengths were strategy and song choice, and noting that while he liked his fellow competitors, only one could win. So the most unique contestant picked the most unique song (“Typical” by Mute Math), and again marked himself as something more than a novelty candidate by showing some strong vocals and performing skills. He also got into a verbal sparring match with Simon, which may not be the best strategy to follow for the long term — Sligh’s sniping about how he doesn’t sing Il Divo or Teletubbies tracks seemed to annoy Simon more than most snarky comments do.
Grade: A-
Stay or go? Sligh’s in no danger. It would be an upset if he didn’t make the final 12.

Jared Cotter, 25, Kew Gardens, N.Y.: Cotter did fine by covering Brian McKnight’s “Back to One,” and probably bought himself a ticket to next week. But for a guy who hadn’t had more than a few seconds of airtime up until now, it was a safe choice that didn’t make a strong impression.
Grade: B-
Stay or go? Cotter wasn’t one of the best performers, but he wasn’t one of the two worst either. If he goes, it will be because of the lack of airtime in the early rounds.

AJ Tabaldo, 22, Santa Maria, Calif.: Tabaldo made an ambitious song choice in Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much,” and his voice was too thin to truly pull it off. He did get a backhanded compliment from Simon afterwards, as the acerbic Brit said “Maybe you’re better than I originally thought.” On a night where few of the men fit that description, Tabaldo will take it.
Grade: C+
Stay or go?: He’ll probably stay, in part because he sang right before the voting began, but not many people will remember the performance by the time Thursday’s results show rolls around.

Phil Stacey, 29, Jacksonville , Fla.: Stacey started off so poorly on “I Could Not Ask for More,” originally by Edwin McCain and later by fellow reality TV star Sara Evans, that it looked like even his smiling wife in the audience couldn’t pull him through. But Stacey pulled through by nailing the chorus, making the whole missing-the-birth-of-the-baby-daughter thing worth it. Randy called it the best vocal of the night, which was both an exaggeration and damning with faint praise.
Grade: B+
Stay or go?: Stacey’s in good shape. He finished strong and closed the show, so he’ll get enough votes to move on.

Craig Berman is a writer in Washington, D.C.

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