Neil Diamond night on American Idol continued another night of Idol mentors from yesteryear. Tonight each of the contestants sang two songs from Diamond’s extensive song collection. David and David were easily the best two contestants tonight.  I still believe they are likely to face off in the finals.  Brooke White and Jason Castro are likely gone tomorrow night.  If I had to pick I would say that Jason Castro goes home tomorrow night.

Knocked It Out: David Cook, David Archuleta

In The Middle: Syesha Mercado

Danger Zone: Brooke White, Jason Castro

Jason Castro - “Forever In Blue Jeans” - “September Morn” - Neil Diamond songs are so much more suited for Fidel than Andrew Lloyd Webber’s songs from last week. I thought his first song, “Forever In Blue Jeans,” was rather good.  The second song was too slow, too boring, and too cruise ship’ish.  Jason seemed about as comfortable tonight as Roger Clemens at the kitchen dinner table last night.  He is probably the odd man out tomorrow night. Grade C-

David Cook - “I’m Alive” - “All I Really Need Is You” - Dave was able to take “I’m Alive” and make you forget it is a Neil Diamond song. It was a solid performance but not his best this season. David’s second song rocked a bit more and seemed like classic Cook.  I am not sure what he was singing but it sounded good compared to the rest of the jokers attempting these songs tonight. Grade A-

Brooke White - “I’m A Believer” - “I Am…I Said” - She chose the upbeat Monkees “I’m A Believer” as her first song. It was a very weird performance. She seemed to be trying so hard to be upbeat that she in turn was goofy. This chick is starting to remind me of Ambre off of Rock of Love.  And just like Ambre I think we need to run an age check on Brooke.  Her second song was much better than her first.  Her attitude towards the judges, particularly Simon, could send her packing tomorrow night. Grade D

David Archuleta - “Sweet Caroline” - “America” - This kid probably grew up with posters of Neil on his bedroom wall. Neil was right in saying that David is “like a prodigy.” David did a superb job with “Sweet Caroline” making it seem like it was his own.  If Human Growth Hormone (HGH) should be slipped into David’s milk every morning by the producers of the show.  If he wins, his only outlet is going to be getting his own Disney show opposite Hannah Montana.  With that said, his second song was great and even better than his first song.  The combo of both of his performances makes him the best of the night Grade A

Syesha Mercado - “Hello Again” - “Thank The Lord For The Nighttime” - Her first song was very elegant and impressive. She also looked mighty good. Syesha was extremely strong this week.  One would never believe that she has constantly been in the bottom two or three.  She could still be in danger tomorrow night but that will be due only to having a weaker fan base than the other four finalists.  She was in the top three tonight in my opinion. Grade B+