What Should The Idols Sing For Neil Diamond Week?

If you've read any of my blog, you know that I'm kind of a Neil Diamond geek. I love Neil Diamond! So, naturally, I'm pretty excited about next week's episode of American Idol, when Neil himself will be a mentor.

Of course, since I'm so psyched about the show, it'll probably be horrible.

Face it, I didn't anticipate Andrew Lloyd Webber (Broadway) week at all, and it was the best episode of the season. So, that's what I get for anticipating (or not anticipating, as the case may be.)

Since I'm pretty (okay, very) familiar with Neil's songs, I thought, for once, I would be ahead of the game, rather than always writing a post mortem.

I thought it would be fun to try to pick songs of Neil's that each contestant could sing. In some cases, this will not be easy.

When appropriate, I'll list an obvious and a not-so-obvious choice.

Let's start with JASON CASTRO.




















I have a few songs in mind that Jason could do well. Here's the first:

KENTUCKY WOMAN



My second choice for Jason:

CRACKLIN' ROSIE



On to BROOKE WHITE....




















Here's (to me) the obvious choice for Brooke:

SONG SUNG BLUE


Now, if Brooke would like to step outside the box, as they say, and maybe break loose from the trembly, anthem-y ballads she's done every week, I think she could succeed with this one, and wow! Wouldn't folks be surprised?

DELIRIOUS LOVE



Oh my, DAVID ARCHULETA.......




















I'm sorry. I did look for a video of Neil from The Jazz Singer, performing this song, but I could find neither that nor a live performance of Neil singing it, but you have to agree, this is exactly the type of sappy ballad that Little Archie will (most likely) perform:

HELLO AGAIN


Here's another thought. David could try to do something completely different......for once.

The only video I could find of Neil singing this song was sort of cheesy, so I'm going with the group that made it famous.

I'M A BELIEVER






SYESHA MERCADO















I think Syesha could do a nice, R&B version of this:

LOVE ON THE ROCKS


I kind of hate to give one of my favorite Neil Diamond songs to one of my least favorite contestants, but granted, she could probably do it well.

HOLLY HOLY


Hmmm.......who does that leave? Who does that leave?

Oh, yes! DAVID COOK!




















The fact that David Cook is constantly surprising everyone makes it difficult for me to pick a song (or two) for him to sing.

Whatever song he chooses, it will be great.

So, I'll just throw a couple out there........

GIRL, YOU'LL BE A WOMAN SOON


SOLITARY MAN




So, there you go. I think I made some pretty good picks, if I do say so myself.

Will the Idol contestants choose as wisely? Hmmm......I guess we will tune in and see.