This week “American Idol’s” theme music shifts from pop star Mariah Carey to composing legend Andrew Lloyd Webber. The man has won seven Tonys, three Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Oscar among others, but – sorry Sir Andrew -can anyone born after 1980 name more than one of his songs?

Hi, this is Hilary Dickinson, and I’m the guest blogger for “American Idol” this week. I also happen to be around the same age as the “AI” contestants, and I’m guessing they’re not too familiar with his music either.

Among this season’s “AI” themes include two weeks of the Beatles, Dolly Parton, and songs from the years the contestants were born. With the exception of Mariah Carey last week, where’s the music for the contestants and the rest us born when leggings and skinny jeans were popular the first time around?

So, just for fun, here are my song choices for the contestants to sing from the late ’90s/ early 2000s:

Brooke White, Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”: I’ve never been a big Brooke fan, but she does her best when she sings mellow songs while playing the piano. Think back to Beatles Week when she sang “Let it Be.”

David Cook, N’Sync’s “Bye Bye Bye”…. Just kidding. Although, I would be interested to hear his rock rendition of the teeny bopper hit complete with the marionette choreography from the music video…. More seriously though, Train’s “Meet Virginia” could compliment his rocker edge with range.

David Archuleta, Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”: The teen sensation’s powerful voice could make this song soar even more than it already does.

Syesha Mercado, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”: She doesn’t have the pipes to pull off all the divas she wants to emulate, but “Titanic’s” power ballad would sure give her another to chance to try.

Jason Castro, Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply”: I’m not mesmerized by his sappy blue eyes like everybody else seems to be, but he could play that up for America while singing this sappy sensitive song.

Carly Smithson, Jewel’s “Who Will Save Your Soul”: This song could work for her because she needs a somewhat fast song where she can stretch her voice.

As for tonight’s show, it should be interesting to see how the contestants tackle the theatrical songs from “Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats.” Join me back here after the show for my recap and commentary.

In the meantime, what you think of my ’90s/ 2000s song choices? And what kind of music do you want to hear the contestants sing?

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