Randy, Paula and Simon are always talking about song selection, and
the right choice can make all the difference - just ask Syesha. With
the help of some top songwriters ("Love Is A Battlefield," "I Wanna
Dance With Somebody"), we choose specific songs that will wow the
judges. Some of the advice:
http://www.songfacts.com/writing/2008/04/american-idol-song-selection.html
Make It Your Own - you probably don't know who sang "I Can Dream About
You," which makes it a perfect choice.
Futz With The Arrangement - It worked for David Cook with "Billie
Jean," and it can work for lots of other songs, including "Torn" and
"Bizarre Love Triangle."
Avoid The Overdone - "Unchained Melody" has run its course.
Does a great Karaoke song translate to Idol? Not according to the
folks who do it for a living. Kimberly Starling of The Karaoke
Informer explains: "The typical good karaoke songs tend to lack the
uniqueness needed for an Idol contestant to stand out." Her list of
songs that work in Karaoke but would bomb on Idol include "Friends In
Low Places," "Santeria," and a surprising choice by The Ramones that
works every time.
