Let me say up front that I’m a huge Beatles fan (I even like Ringo’s stuff) but a second week of their tunes was way too much for the contestants and - I’m just guessing - most of the audience. If Ryan Seacrest was telling the truth, and there was a really big demand to bring them back, then why did the show open with a short film that explained who the Beatles were?

My guess is that Idol producers are trying desperately to please, please Paul McCartney so he’ll come on the show. That’s why I won’t be suprised if we have a future theme night focusing on Wings.

Now to the show. I’ve given my score between 1 and 10 for each contestant.

Amanda Overmyer, “Back in the USSR”: OK, Amanda. We get it. You’re the second coming of Janis Joplin. Congrats. Unfortunately, that title has already passed through about 3 trillion hands. She was off tune, out of breath and, I’m guessing she’ll soon be out of ways to imitate the Pearl. 5

Kristy Lee Cook, “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away”: As I wrote in my last entry, I was really rooting for this girl - until she said that she was hearing her chosen song for the first time this past week and that she was new to this “Beatles thing.” It’s one thing not to own “All Things Must Pass,” but how can you be a middle-of-the-road singer and not freakin’ know at least 15 Lennon-McCartney tuns. Insulting, but not nearly as insulting as her performance. She’s outta here. 4

David Archuleta, “The Long and Winding Road”: It’s highly possible that this 17-year-old will stumble on his way to becoming the next American Idol, but it’d have be something huge. I’m talking Gov. Spitzer huge. The guy knows how to make puppy love to the camera. 8.5. Best performance of the night.

Michael Johns, “A Day in the Life”: Bit of a mistake to try to take a whole opera and just do a piece of it. More problematically, missed some high notes. Didn’t work. 5.5

Brooke White, “Here Comes the Sun”: Wouldn’t it be great if Betty White were doing American Idol. But I digress. White’s performance has a way of doin that to me. I did admire her spot-on impersonation of a canary. Look for that yellow dress at a discount store near you. 5

David Cook, “Here Comes the Sun”: This guy sounds like the next Daughtery, not the next Idol - and, come to think of it, that may be better. Dude belongs with a band, preferably from circa 1982 Seattle with lots of grungy clothes. Good workout, but with him, it’s not about the voice; it’s about the pecs. 7

Carly Smithson, “Blackbird”: OK job, but it’s a pretty simple tune. Why not just do “The Farmer in the Dell.” The woman doesnt’ have a ton of charisma. 6

Jason Castro, “Michelle”: Give the man his props: He’s adorabale and he knows it. The dreadlocks, the wet eyes the serenarding voice. He’ll get tons of phone numbers, but won’t make the top 5. 6

Syesha Mercado, “Yesterday”: As I predictd, Syesha made a strong comeback after getting some unfair criticism last week. If she picks some good songs, I think she may go further than any other female contestant. 7

Chikezie, “I’ve Just Seen a Face”: Here’s where my guru, Simon, and I go our separate ways. He called the performance gimmicky. I thought it was great, showing off a wide range. Plus, the guy pulled out a harmonica. Who doesn’t love some harp? 8

Ramiele Malubay, “I Should Have Known Better”: Another contender almost certain to be in tonight’s bottom five. She’s cute as a button and I loved her outfit and attitude on stage, but she just doesn’t have the pipes. 5.5

Who’s out tonight? I’m guesing Malubay, Cook and Brooke White all make the walk with Cook getting the rope. Let’s see what happens.

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