Semifinal Performances: Sundance and Chris Richardson

SUNDANCE HEAD
I'd like to like Sundance, I really would. Really. I thought his initial audition was great, and he's got one of the only powerful male voices in the competition, so in theory I really am open to the idea of liking him. Problem is, I just don't. First off, the point of the interviews this week is to reveal something we don't know about you, Sundance, not to make an unfunny fat joke. Secondly, "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam, Sundance? Really? Your "thing" is supposedly that you are soulful and bluesy, so how about picking a song that works to your strengths, instead of butchering a song that means a whole lot to an entire generation. (Okay, that was a bit dramatic, but really Sundance, "Jeremy"?) And what were the judges smoking tonight that they didn't call him out on this piece of crap? Finally, a note to Eddie Vedder: I was very surprised to learn you allowed your song to be used on American Idol. I guess American Idol is less "the man" than Ticketmaster, eh Eddie?
Grade: C

CHRIS RICHARDSON
Now Chris Richardson I like. A lot. Yes, its because he's dreamy (even with a couple of extra chins, as we found out in his intro clip). And yes, its because he reminds me of Justin Timberlake. But I also think he's a legitimate contender for the title, and, like Blake, he feels current. Sure, his rendition of one of my favorite country songs, Keith Urban's "Tonight I Wanna Cry," was a bit tentative, but ultimately I think he succeeded in giving the country tune his own flavor. He's going to have to distance himself from the Timberlake comparisons if he is going to go far in the competition, but for now he's got my vote.
Grade: B+