Smallscreen News

'American Idol' preliminary predictions, Neil Diamond night

By April MacIntyre Apr 29, 2008, 19:59 GMT

03/08/2008 - David Archuleta - "Horton Hears a Who!" World Premiere - Arrivals - Westwood Village Theater - Westwood, CA, USA © Glenn Harris / PR Photos

"American Idol" winds down to the final five. 

Joining them tonight is Neil Diamond, who will mentor them on Tuesday night.

I already have a fat bet with a fine, upstanding TV blogger that "Red, Red Wine" will be Jason Castro's pick.  Brit band UB40 covered the song reggae-style in the eighties.

Last week saw San Diego resident and Irish native Carly Smithson voted off the show.  It should have been Castro.

The two Davids - Cook and Archuleta - are both fighting for male dominance.  I fear we will get the "made for Disney" Archuleta as Idol winner, when Cook has consistently surprised and exceeded everyone's expectations.

Archuleta is sweet; he can sing; he is Tapioca pudding to me.  Tasty sweet yet forgettable at the same time. I wouldn't pay to hear him sing or perform.

Then, there is the bane of my friend, "Bullets Over Broadway's" Helen Sinclair. Dready McRastaman Jason Castro, a genetic blend of John Travolta and Minnie Driver who should never speak in public.  Seriously. Stop voting him back already.

The women left standing are squinty sweet Brooke White and sassy siren Syesha Mercado.  Neither one has a hope or prayer against the "Davids" juggernaut.

Mercado, however, should be on Broadway.  What a stage performer; she was excellent last time around.  White should take over Brooke Mueller's "special correspondent" position on "Extra".  She's marrying Charlie Sheen already, she'll have her hands full.  "Extra" producers would just have to change the last name on Brooke's dressing room door.

See you after tonight's "Song Sung Blue" moments.