On the topic of IDOL song choices: By Brian Mansfield, Special for “USA TODAY”

American Idol judges like to remind contestants that it's a singing competition. Often, though, “WHAT” finalists sing is as important as “HOW” they sing.

Poor song selection can provide a quick ticket home. Ramiele Malubay learned that after a pitchy rendition of Dolly Parton's “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”. David Hernandez found it out after his kitschy romp through The Beatles' “I Saw Her Standing There”. And last week voters seemed to agree with Simon Cowell when he told the previously reliable Michael Johns that he'd chosen the wrong song in Aerosmith's “Dream On”.

Each week, Idol's executive producers give contestants a list of songs licensed and approved for the show. The singers get more choices some weeks than others. Past finalists say the lists vary from fewer than two dozen options to a hundred-plus.

'Sometimes it would be four pages, sometimes it could be one page,' says Josh Gracin, a Season 2 finalist.

Contestants sometimes go off the list entirely, which explains how David Cook worked Our Lady Peace's “Innocent” into last week's inspirational-themed show.

The lists can contain minefields. The catalogues of technically accomplished vocalists— like Mariah Carey, Tuesday night's mentor — present problems. So do songs known to bring criticism from the judges (anything associated with a previous Idol) or ones that have a history of sending people home (the infamous “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”).

'The producers aren't out to get anybody,' says Season 6 finalist Phil Stacey, 'but they're not going to stop you from making a fool out of yourself.'

Picking a song for sentimental reasons is a common mistake, says Idol vocal coach Debra Byrd, who offers vocal-help products through her debrabyrd.com website.

'It happens every season,' she says, citing semi-finalist Jason Yeager's dedication of “Moon River” to his grandmother. 'I always say, 'They're looking for the next new thing. If you think “Moon River” is the next new thing, by all means, sing it.' And the kid may not pick up on it.

'We constantly say, 'Pick a song that shows how you see yourself on record,' ' says Byrd, which is why she takes issue with Cowell's assessment of Johns' “Dream On” cover. 'He sang a great song, he sounded great. Why he got sent home, I have no idea.'

This season's best call, from Byrd's perspective, belongs to Kristy Lee Cook for “God Bless the USA”, which rescued her from bottom-three status. 'That's testimony right there to how a song can save you.'

But the best material doesn't always get picked — at least not for competition night.

Sometimes, 'contestants will seriously shy away' from well-known songs, Byrd says. 'Then it becomes a group song!'

Submitted by CHINA, from CAULFIELD on 16-04-2008

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