USAToday: "These Thous are for the TOP 20"

             Here's a Thou Shall Not list from USA Today- Idol version.
First let me give you my comments:   I agree with all of them.  I also think Charlie has a few advantages that will take him far aside from his talent.   

              I always thought that every Idol hopeful should do their homework before going to the city auditions.    Not just watch previous shows but make observations as to what did or didn't work  in past seasons, especially during the Hollywood rounds.   I see time and time again how great singers/groups get cut by the shock factor of learning a new song/lyrics, choreagraphy, harmonies while working well in a group setting.  For the most part these groups focus so much on the moves and who dances what that not enough time is spent learning the lyrics or harmonies which in the end is the most important part aside from their voices.     I never understood staying up all night either.  Most people can't concentrate well with the lack of sleep.

             But I digress, this list is for the top 20.  Since there are no eliminations between top 20 and top 10 as previous seasons (which I would have preferred giving the singers more time to acclimate to the stage/audience/band), this list becomes even more important at this point in the competition.

           Reading the list in Charlie's case I think there are a few points I like to make.  First it's his voice.   He has one of the most distinct voices. I love his pure tone, I love the power in his voice.  He doesn't need runs to impress that's for sure.  I think he would do rather well older songs such a Freddy Mercury's song since I know he wouldn't mimic the artist but would throw in his own style.     An idol that did this better than anymore was David Cook.  He did a Lionel Ritchie song for goodness sake and made it sound current and beautiful at the same time.  "Hello" will always be his signature Idol song in my book.  So, although this list states to not sing an old song to stay current, I think in some cases singers like like Cook or Adam Lambert not only made it work but brought something new and refreshing to the idol stage.  It worked because they know what kind of artist they are.  

             Charlie also has the advantage of knowing how to play several instruments.  I hope he feels comfortable in tweaking older songs and doing different arrangements and playing his own instruments because that will make what idol calls "a moment".   I think Charlie is capable of many moments if he stays focus on his artistry more than the performance itself. 

               Talking back to the judges:   Ok I know some of you will say that Charlie may get in trouble here but as the saying goes "everything in moderation".    I believe that there is back talking, whining, defending and making excuses -which is what we've seen in the past with unfavorable audience impressions.  But I think what Charlie does is banter.  I believe that's new and that can work in his favor.  He has great comedic timing and a sharp mind that shouldn't be restrained because no one has done it before.   If done right, especially done respectfully, it will work in his favor.   

               Honoring coaches/producers/band is an absolute must.  I remember reading a while back that a contestant complained back in season 2 ( I can't remember the name ) saying that the coaches gave more time to the top 3 singers during rehearsals.      Whether it was favoritism or not I can't say, but I think that if you work well with Idol coaches and listen to them they will later work with you with new ideas and maybe give you more time if  needed.    That's essential especially when they throw their silly "week" categories and you're left with a song you're not sure of just because it's the only one that got approved out of your list.

In any case I can't wait to hear Charlie.  Hopefully he'll read this and will be fully prepared and wow his fans like I know he's capable of doing.  

Good luck Charlie boy, now go kick some arse!!

Here's the article:

USA Today...Thou Shall Not List

Thou shalt not mimic any other Idols before you. You're not Kelly Clarkson. You're not Carrie Underwood. If you try to sing like them, we'll just compare you — and you won't come off favorably. Singing songs by past Idols shows your roots in the show, but you must give them original twists. Stay away from songs associated with past showstopping performances, like Fantasia's Summertime or David Archuleta'sImagine. That's just basking in reflected glory.

Thou shalt not make old song choices. Keep the music as contemporary as possible. Statistically speaking, the singer with the oldest song will more likely go home than the ones performing newer material. Also, the judges have started tearing apart perfectly good performances simply because they sounded old-fashioned — that's why Isabelle and Bryan Tadeo failed to make the top 20. Plus, the median age of the Idol viewer has dropped about four years this season, meaning there's a higher ratio of young viewers to old than in years past.

Thou shalt take great care when using the name of the Lord thy God. Even if the church taught you how to sing, even if you consider every note that comes out of your mouth an offering of praise, keep the Jesus talk to a minimum. If you're a Christian, be like Season 8 winner Kris Allen and let other people tell us. It's worth remembering that the two women who made a point last week of telling us that being on American Idol was part of God's plan for their lives will be watching the show at home this week.

Thou shalt remember the Whitney Houston catalog, and stay away from it. While you're at it, steer clear of Mariah Carey songs, too, no matter how much you think she'll appreciate your tribute. For one thing, we're kind of over the old-school diva thing. (Remember Pia Toscano? She finished ninth.) For another, do you really think you can out-sing Houston? We didn't think so. A Beyoncé song, you might be able to get away with. But even that's a high-wire act.

Thou shalt honor thy vocal coaches, thy backing band, thy production crew.Though their names are rarely spoken on the show, the people who regularly work with you behind the scenes have the power to make you look like a star on any given night. Alienate them at your peril. When it comes to your band leader, your lighting designer or your stylist, you need to listen to them, work with them and give them ideas. Help them find ways to make you look good. Adam Lambert and James Durbin were masters at this.

Thou shalt not be a jerk. Almost without exception, Idol winners can be described by those who know them as real sweethearts. If you want to go all the way, start by being the nicest, friendliest, most humble person in the room. If you're the sort who gives an aw-shucks routine to the cameras while throwing tantrums offstage, it'll show through.

Thou shalt not talk back to thy judges. Look, lots of us disagree with the judges, especially when they contradict themselves from contestant to contestant and week to week. But if you say what we're thinking, you'll look arrogant. Or foolish. Or both. Last season, Elise Testone started debating with Jennifer Lopez over whether she was showing enough emotion; a week later, Testone was gone. So no matter what kind of nonsense the judges start spouting, suffer in silence. Let the voters stick up for you.

Thou shalt not make excuses. Are you nervous? Good, you should be. Did you screw up? Fine, happens to everybody. Besides, we may not have even noticed. Unless you tell us. Then, not only do you look weak, but we feel stupid. We don't vote for people who make us feel stupid. Earlier this season, Paul Jolley had his head handed to him by Nicki Minaj when he started talking about how nervous he was. Imagine what she'll do if somebody pulls a stunt like that now.

Thou shalt not bad-mouth thy fellow contestant. We remember how you wanted to send Charlie Askew home when he got sick during the group round, Curtis Finch Jr. Don't think it won't factor into our voting decisions.

Thou shalt not covet another artist's image nor another singer's style. During the audition rounds, choosing material by singers you admire tells the judges what kind of contestant they're getting. But you're in the big time now. Pick your songs because they're great songs for you, not because you like pretending you're the person who sang them first. Remember how David Cook surprised and delighted us by creating new ways for us to hear those songs? Do that. Find ways that highlight the best parts of your voice and your personality. Always be your most interesting self.