Now that the American Idol Season 7 contestants have been whittled down to the “elite eight”, things have become quite tricky indeed for the remaining survivors. Ramiele Malubay’s elimination last night was overdue. You Rami fans may send me hate comments, but the little girl was still too much of a little girl.

Rami hadn’t learned to control her stage fright- something EVERY performer has; whether they’re an Idol or an ordinary person giving a speech. The adrenaline rush and butterflies never completely go away, and are in fact helpful- IF the performer uses the chemical energy created to give a better performance. Adrenaline needs large muscle movement to disperse within the body. Big movements, whether across the front of the stage like Chikeze, working the mike stand like David Cook and Michael Johns, or even crazy dancing like Amanda help channel the fright into might. Rami commented to Ryan last night that this week she “even walked across the stage”. Too little, too late. We are past the point in this game for performers who can’t command the stage. Even my nemesis Kristy Lee Cook shows more confidence in working the space!

The audience picks up on this ability A LOT. We’re used to being entertained by pros who are masters at showmanship, like the ideal Idol Superstar would be. Sensing stage fright makes us uncomfortable. Hiding it is tricky. Rami’s scared baby voice, and pouting during her stage time with Ryan, was as damaging as making a wrong song choice. Who else may have a problem in this area? The LA Times is reporting that last night after Brooke White learned she was in the bottom three, she lost it during the break. She apparently broke into “hysterical convulsions” during commercials, and had to be consoled by everyone around her- including the production staff. This would explain the VERY emotional Brooke we saw shortly afterwards, giving a teary mini-monologue while standing with Kristy Lee and Ramiele in the bottom 3. I don’t think her crackup was just about disappointment over her first trip to the stools of shame. The overall pressure was the most she’s faced so far, and she wasn’t emotionally equipped to handle it. Brooke’s fans may dial their fingers bloody next week to pull her up, but there’s a chance they may give it a rest.

David Cook has an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and the heartbreaking drama of his brother’s battle with brain cancer. As you all know, he had to go to the hospital Tuesday night after performances. Did any of that show during his “Little Sparrow” performance? Nope. Despite all of his extra challenges, I have never once sensed stage fright from David. It’s there, of course, but he’s learned to use it well. TRICKY! Hard to do. In my opinion, David’s the Idol that excels the most in this area, even more than the so-called “professional plants”, Carly and Michael.

Talking too much or sassing the judges is tricky and potentially deadly. Kristy Lee and Brooke are walking a fine line here, and need to watch it. It’s SO tricky to sing a song that’s associated with Whitney, Mariah or Celine, that those who insist upon doing so (Syesha) have eventually paid a steep price. Sye got lucky this week, but she better not touch that third rail again. Song choice is TRULY tricky, and next week could be full of potential landmines. It’s “Inspirational Songs” week, paving the way for “Idol Gives Back” on Wednesday night (April 9th). The potential for deadly Overcheese is enormous.

Someone (Jeff Archuletta?) is in there right now swinging for “You Raise Me Up”. Archie MUST resist the temptation. He’s gonna have a big challenge next week after already singing so many “inspirational” type songs. “Inspirational” may be David’s “wheelhouse”, but he really needs a change that could be hard to find in next week’s theme. My advice for the Idols would be to lean towards spare rather than over-orchestrated arrangements. Nanci Griffith’s original “From a Distance” (not Bette Midler’s) could work for one of the girls. Switchfoot’s “Dare You to Move” could be a decent pick by one of the guys. But it’s all gonna be real, real, tricky.

Erin is a new writer at Wild Bluff Media! Welcome her with feedback and comments.

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