Browsing through Charlie's youtube channel I stumbled upon his American Idol song considerations. You'll also see other uploads of covers and instrumentals by him and his friends found here
Charlie's AI Song Considerations
I think they are great choices and will showcase his rocking style and few of them will bring out the beauty of his voice. What I like about these songs is that they have not been over played through out AI's history (ok maybe the Stevie Wonder song is the exception) and with the right arrangement and his unique voice, they will sound fresh and current . They will also allow people to see his playing skills especially with the guitar and piano.
If you've visited the AI forums the consensus is that AI will do its best NOT to choose another WGWG (White Guy With a Guitar) which is exactly what the last 5 or 6 winners have been. Most are pulling for a girl this year. I've watched AI since the beginning and I can tell you the winners are the ones that make special moments with a song not necessarily the best vocalist. Weather they make an old song sound hip and cool or whether they do an amazing vocal...the audience still votes with their emotions...what the song does to them as it's being performed. I think Charlie has that potential to make special and unforgettable moments as he gains more confidence and experience. He has everything he needs to win this but he needs to get used to the live audience, calm his nerves, listen to the critiques and eat! Yes, I've read that his blood sugar was low due to not eating during his last performance. Tsk tsk tsk. Charlie please take care of yourself. :)
Ok here are my impressions of his AI considerations.
1.
Tom Sawyer by Rush- Will fit his vocal range but not sure if it has wow moments. He's getting lots of requests for this song so maybe his fans can persuade him.
2.
Love Reign on Me - The Who - Has a great piano intro and I can see Charlie really singing the heck out of the chorus part. He can definitely showcase the purity of his voice ala "Nature Boy"
3.
Yes - Roundabaout - Could be a song to display his guitar talents. Great guitar riffs. This is a really fun song and I can see him having fun and rocking it on stage.
4.
Down the Highway - Doobie Brothers - This is a great choice for AI. It's a well known song, it's very catchy, the kind of song that makes you get up and dance. I think he'll have a great time performing it.
5.
Nature Boy - This is the song that in my opinion opened the doors for Charlie. It was almost hypnotic how beautiful he sang this. I think this song needs to be played again acoustically later on in the season. The way Charlie delivers this song is a thing of beauty.
6.
All Along the Watchtower - Jimmy Hendrix. Well, now if you're going to sing a JH song and you can play the electric guitar, I say this is the song to do it with. Not sure if this song will display his upper registry enough, since I believe that's where the strength in his voice is .
7.
Life on Mars -David Bowie. Now I understand the David Bowie comparison after listening to this song. I think it would be a great one. It's a beautiful song where he can again, showcase the purity of his voice.
8.
Oh Darling - The Beatles. Love this song!! You really can't go wrong with a Beatles song in my opinion. I think this song will have a great start if he sings the beginning in Acapella - it's a great way to start with a dramatic touch. Love this verse: "When you told me you didn't need me anymore - A well you know I nearly broke down and cried" Charlie can use the power in his voice and really hit this out of the park.
9.
Rock With You - Michael Jackson. I had a big smile when I saw that he included a goody by MJ. I think this can get the girls swooning, but I'm not sure if it has great vocal moments. And with AI girls having amazing vocals Charlie will have to impress every time he gets out there.
10.
Don't Leave Me Now - Pink Floyd. This one puzzles me. It sounds a bit too dramatic for an 18 year old guy to sing. It has too many pauses in between each verse. I'm not sure if the public will connect to this song. Not my favorite so far.
11.
Overjoyed - Stevie Wonder. - Yes , I've said it was sung many times in AI but I think Charlie can really shine during the chorus part. Maybe this one can be played on the piano. Charlie I really really want to see you play the piano! I think he can a moment with this one.