All I have to say is "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES!"  Only one of the guys I ranked in the top 4 last week maintained their position, whereas a former cellar dweller rose to the #3 spot.  Only in Idol land folks.....(now let's hope the trend continues tonight and Kady rocks the house)!

Here are my rankings for week 2 of the men's semi-finals.....70's night.

• 1) David.....Hernandez (former gymnast). I know the trendy thing is to rank the wonder kid first, but I thought David Hernandez provided the best performance of the night. He returned to the form we briefly saw during Hollywood week, and he conquered the nerves that plagued him in week #1. His take on Papa was a Rolling Stone was soulful and screamed of personality. He even out-sang the backup singers.
• 2) David Archuleta (sang in front of Kelly Clarkson). His performance of Imagine was good - no doubt. The reason he didn't grab the top spot is because I have heard this performance before. At the ripe old age of 13, the wonder kid performed Imagine on a local morning show. This leads me to believe that Imagine is to David A what Light my Fire is to the Aussie hottie and what Amazing Grace is to KLC. That said, it was a solid performance and I enjoyed it (although not as much as Paula).
• 3) Chickezie - doesn't need the Eze (name origin is Nigerian and everyone mispronounces it). His performance rocked. I still don't like his attitude.....he was doing fine last night until he snapped back at Simon (AGAIN). But, given the mediocrity of the remaining contestants, Chickezie was able to hold on to the #3 spot despite his BA (that's Bad Attitude to all of you who don't remember the A-Team).
• 4) Danny Noriega (used to be in a punk band). This pains me beyond belief, but I really liked this performance. I can't say anymore because the kid still bugs me to no end.
• 5) Jason Castro (gets embarrassed during interviews). I liked it and thought the judges were harsh. I still say there is something endearing about this guy.....and I thought his arrangement was good. Unlike some of the other cookie cutter versions of the originals......such as
• 6) David Cook (word nerd). I was way too distracted by the guitar, as was Mr. Cook, it appears. Rocking out a guitar solo during a SINGING competition just didn't work for me. Plus, hated the song and he needs a stylist STAT!
• 7) Robbie Carrico (likes to drag race). Oh, poor Robbie......he just isn't pulling off the rocker vibe to the judges' satisfaction. I thought the performance was OK.....but not memorable.
• 8) Luke Menard (member of an acapella group). I thought this was a great song choice for him - got to show off more of his muted personality. A little too theatrical for my taste.
• 9) Michael Johns (plays tennis). Oh how the mighty have fallen. I thought this performance was HORRID! It was pitchy, boring, and his stage presence reminds me too much of Val Kilmer in the Doors (after he turns around and faces the audience).....so am I really saying this guy reminds me of Jim Morrison? Was Val Kilmer's performance that realistic? The only thing that saved the Aussie from the honor of worst of the night was......
• 10) Jared Yeager (self-taught instruments). Jared has the personality of a wet mop......I feel sorry for the guy, I really do. He was trying so hard to be "fun" and "hip" and failed miserably. His attempts to dance were misguided and pathetic.....and distracted from the fact that the guy does have an OK voice. Oh well - this will be the last we see of skunk stripe.

Despite my rankings, I am realistic that Michael Johns is not going anywhere quite yet.  Jared is a lock to go home, and the second man leaving us Thursday will most likely be Luke Menard.....or maybe Robbie Carrico.

Thoughts?  Comments?