Irish import Carly Smithson reminds me a bit of Alice the housekeeper and David Cook is Marcia’s too-cool boyfriend. Randy, Paula and Simon would have to be the parents, albeit way more dysfunctional. Hmm… What does it say about the Brady Bunch that I can find no role for Chikeze Eze, or the spunky Syesha Mercado? Well, they’re probably better off; that show was terrible.  What isn’t terrible is this season’s offering of Fox’s reality show juggernaut.

While, admittedly, the Top-24 talent pool wasn’t near as deep as previous seasons, the show has never been better. It feels like the producer’s have tightened up the production, and the competition has never been closer between the guys and the girls. The girls have run over the boys the past 3 seasons (sorry, Soul Patrol--Katherine McPhee should have won), but this year the men might have a better shot than the ladies. 

While my early favorites, David A. (who reminds me of a living, breathing Teddy Ruxpin) and Brooke, stumbled with poor song choices in recent weeks,   I still maintain they are  your family-friendly, cute and cuddly Final 2.  Daughtry-devotee David Cook is coming on strong, delivering rock versions of 80’s R & B classics and is becoming a top contender, even if he still hasn’t grown into that skull. 

Syesha Mercado has also begun to separate herself as a real great voice in the competition, as this week’s performance was surprising and very impressive. Let’s see if she can keep it up.  Jason C., Kristy, Carly and Chikeze are all playing it safe and are just floating in the ether for me.  Michael J. was the first contestant to not murder a Queen song, and finally gave a memorable performance.   Ramiele tried to go big after being on cruise control for so long, but I don’t think her voice is as good as we thought in the early stages.

One complaint: I miss the bickering between the judge’s on the panel.  I don’t know if Simon is taking anger management classes, or Ryan’s doing yoga, or Paula has permanently switched to uppers, but everyone’s way too happy; we need more fighting.   But that kind of sums up this season of American Idol: everything’s just groovy.

Kevin Donnini is a DFW-based writer and is currently singing in the shower.