Three men prove they have ‘it’ on ‘Idol’

Danger zone
David Hernandez had a hurdle to overcome, getting the dubious honor of opening the night’s performances. Simon has also made it very plain in Hollywood that he didn’t think Hernandez should have made it through. Rather than being upset, he said, “My plan now is to prove Simon wrong.”

His version of “In the Midnight Hour,” was fine, but he looked tense. Simon told him he had to loosen up out there.

Of course, Hernandez had an advantage over some of the other guys, since some didn’t get any audition airtime at all. Jason Yeager was barely seen before Tuesday’s episode, but the producers made it up to him by letting him get sentimental about bringing his son to the audition.

Unfortunately, he sang a dull version of “Moon River,” which may cost his son another chance to get dressed up to see his dad sing. 

Garrett Haley was even more forgettable singing Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” “It was boring, your voice sounded a bit whiney … you looked terrified,” Simon said.

On the positive side, Haley’s looks are memorable, especially with hair like a 1970s-era Leif Garrett. It’s not much of an edge, but at this point in the competition, every little bit helps.

Luke Menard entered the night with big dreams. “I didn’t come here just to make the top 24,” he said. “I didn’t come here just to make the top 12. I came here to be the next American Idol — that’s what I’m here for.”

After singing “Everybody’s Talkin’,” he has a better chance of being one of the first two men voted off the show.

“You fell into the absolute worst trap you can fall into, which is that nobody is going to remember you,” Simon said. At this stage of the game, forgettable is fatal, which is bad news for Menard.

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands

MORE FROM REALITY TV

Reality TV Section Front

Another castaway goes home on ‘Survivor’ ‘The Hills’ will return for sixth season Review: Jackson brothers reunite for miniseries ‘American Idol’ back for new season Jan. 12 Victoria’s Secret model chosen from online vote America to pick the third ‘Biggest Loser’ finalist ‘Big Brother 9’ winner ordered to drug center Models vie for Victoria’s Secret runway spot Television section Reality TV Section Front   Add Reality TV headlines to your news reader: