Tonight’s show opens with a montage of the remaining contestants saying things like “this is my dream,” and “my life is never going to be the same after this,” and then we cut to shots dream obliteration for Jeremy, Shannon, Erika and Jermaine. Ouch. I guess we needed the reminder that only one will win. Wait – they wouldn’t would they? They do…Ryan introduces the Top 9, exclaiming “may the odds be ever in your favor,” and I’d like to punch him. Seriously? Ryan Seacrest should NOT get to use quotes from The Hunger Games’ kids killing kids in an arena plot and apply those to American Idol. And now I have to wait for one of these contestants to wipe the scowl off my face.
We learn that the Idols will not only sing a song by one of their own idols this evening, but they will also perform in a trio. To help the contestants pull this off, our guest mentor this week is Stevie Nicks. Okay, my angry face is softening. A little.
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Contestant: Colton Dixon
Song: “Everything,” by Lighthouse
I’d like to come up with something witty here, but I just can’t. I unfortunately just have to declare my love for Colton instead. He loves this song, he loves the meaning behind this song, he loves performing this song, and I love him. One. Big. Love. Fest. Was I angry before? Can’t remember.
Judges’ Remarks: Steven says Colton has star quality. J.Lo is moved by him, calling him amazing. And here we go… Randy likes the “fly” white coat Colton is wearing, but oddly enough Colton doesn’t compliment the craft store plastic beaded necklace Randy is wearing. Hmmm. Randy then reminds us that there are 9 people left. Check. He thinks Colton could be a contender for the title – whyyyyyyy did it take so long to get there?
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Contestant: Skylar Laine
Song: “Gunpowder and Lead,” by Miranda Lambert
During rehearsal, Stevie sings part of this song with Skylar and reminds her that she is telling a story, not just singing a song. Skylar seems so passionate about rehearsing Miranda’s song and about singing with Stevie, I don’t think she’ll forget the story at all. And I’m not wrong – Skylar is SO into this song. She’s back to stomping and shaking on the stage again, and I’m a fan. Do I like Miranda’s version better? Sure. But Skylar does a great job here. She would be fun to see live in concert (but I’ll have to hope she gets a career started after this, because I don’t think I can force myself to see the Idols on tour this summer).
Judges’ Remarks: Steven says she is over the top, but in a good way, and also beautiful. I think that about covers it, right? Not yet, because even though Randy loved it, he unintentionally offends the country music world anyway. “You have that range. I don’t know if I’ve seen a country star in a long time, other than maybe Carrie, that has that kind of range.” I think I just heard Miranda loading her shotgun.
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Stevie Nicks Trio: Colton, Elise, and Phillip sing “Landslide,” “Edge of Seventeen,” and “Don’t Stop”
I can’t tell if Phillip looks uncomfortable because of the trio thing, or if it’s because he has no mic stand or guitar to work with. I don’t care though – he seems to enjoy the music, smiling more than he usually does, and he is my favorite part of this trio.
Judges’ Remarks: Steven calls the performance “most excellent” and I wait for Keanu Reeves or….that other guy to show up and do an air guitar, but it doesn’t happen.
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Contestant: Heejun Han
Song: “A Song for You,” by Donny Hathaway
Now, Elliot Yamin sang this song in Season 5 with one of Hathaway’s daughters, Kenya, singing back up. Paula Abdul was not the only person in tears after that performance. That was an American Idol “moment” that I’m not sure can be outdone here. And while I applaud how Heejun is trying to be taken seriously again, my Season 5 bias keeps me from loving his performance as much as I know I should.
Judges’ Remarks: Standing ovation. Eh, I don’t know if it was standing ovation quality, but Steven tells Heejun he turned it around. Jennifer follows by saying “no one makes it this far by mistake.” I think you're feeding me lies again, J.Lo. Randy welcomes Heejun and his buttery tone back to the competition.
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Contestant: Hollie Cavanagh
Song: “Jesus Take the Wheel,” by Carrie Underwood
Well now that Randy informed us that Carrie is one of the only country singers with “that” range, this could be interesting. During rehearsal, Stevie reminds Hollie about making the audience believe the story she is telling. When Hollie sings again, Stevie cries. Now, I don’t cry when Hollie performs this song, but I do some really ugly sniffing techniques to hold back tears. She’s just so good.
Judges’ Remarks: Randy likes that Hollie is a Carrie fan (huh?) and then tells her she had some pitchy moments. I throw a pillow at the TV and fast forward to Jennifer. I pick up another pillow just in case but J.Lo disagrees with Randy, calling the performance “one of her best.” Steven wishes she sang a different song, and I’m not sure I understand. Is Hollie not meant to be one of the front-runners? Is that what’s going on here?
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Contestant: DeAndre Brackensick
Song: “Sometimes I Cry,” by Eric Benet
I’m not really familiar with this song – actually, I don’t know anything about Eric Benet other than he used to be married to Halle Berry. DeAndre is back to being Falsetto Man, and I’m having a tough time. I want to like this kid. He’s really talented, but this song just isn’t for me.
Judges’ Remarks: Standing ovation, and… wait. Standing ovation? Hollie was “pitchy” but this falsetto-y roller coaster gets a standing o? Steven tells DeAndre he “gave Prince a run for his money.” J.Lo encourages America to pick up the phones and vote for DeAndre. My nerves can’t even take Randy. Next.
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Contestant: Jessica Sanchez
Song: “Sweet Dreams,” by Beyonce
Jessica slows down this Beyonce song and sings accompanied by harp and piano before the band comes in at the very end. I may like her version better than the original. It’s very pretty, almost haunting, and I never tire of hearing Jessica’s voice.
Judges’ Remarks: J.Lo and Steven just love Jessica and the way she chooses her notes. I never know if the contestants are going to be chastised or applauded for holding back, but it seems to pay off for Jessica here. Randy believes that stars are born, and Jessica has “it.”
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Michael Jackson Trio: DeAndre, Heejun and Joshua sing “Lady In My Life,” “Rock With You,” and “P.Y.T.”
Sigh. I cringe when Ryan announces this performance. Thank goodness Joshua is there to sing “P.Y.T.” and that’s really all I have to say.
Judges’ Remarks: J.Lo notes that none of the guys should try out for So You Think You Can Dance, which is absolutely true. She also misses Michael Jackson. Don’t we all…
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Contestant: Phillip Phillips
Song: "Still Rainin,'" by Jonny Lang
During rehearsal, Stevie thinks Phillip is magical and gorgeous, and I squeal just a little. He takes all of her compliments humbly, and I can’t wait for him to perform. If he went on a solo tour tomorrow, I would buy a ticket to his show not caring what he would sing. Though I have grown to love and adore several Idol contestants at this point, P squared is still the man to beat in my opinion. He gives another high energy, awesome performance tonight, and I am clapping and whistling all by myself on the couch.
Judges’ Remarks: Standing ovation. Yes – that is appropriate here. J.Lo immediately comments that the judges are standing up too much tonight. I agree. Maybe they should take a “when to give a standing ovation” class before next week’s show. Anywho, she and Steven give glowing reviews. Randy lets us know that he and Johnny Lang are friends, and I hope this doesn’t deter people from voting.
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Contestant: Joshua Ledet
Song: “Without You,” by Mariah Carey
Kelly Clarkson sang this during Season 1, and a number of contestants have attempted it since, but I am going to keep an open mind here because I like Joshua. I have to say that the trees on stage are distracting me. By the time he gets into the second verse and chorus though he is on a roll, and good for him. He cries as he closes the song, and I believe he is genuinely moved by this whole experience.
Judges’ Remarks: They stand. Again. Randy is the first one to get up because, you know, he’s worked with Mariah, and I will gladly give Joshua a standing ovation for the rest of the season if Randy does not remind us again that he knows her. And my legs are spared because Randy talks about how he just spoke with Mariah, that Mariah had a birthday yesterday, that she is on vacation… oh right! Joshua is still standing up there waiting for critique. Dude, Randy loves Joshua. Steven thanks Joshua for pouring his heart out, and J.Lo tells Joshua he is an angel and his voice is a Godsend.
Madonna Trio: Jessica, Skylar and Hollie sing “Like a Prayer,” “Borderline,” and “Express Yourself.”
Taking on Madonna and Michael Jackson in the same night is gutsy. The Madonna Trio is wayyyyyy better than the Michael Jackson Trio. Skylar seems a little out of her element with Madonna tunes, but she rolls with it, and I think all three of them do a great job. This is my favorite trio performance of the night.
Judges’ Remarks: Randy loves throw back melodies and Sklyar’s twang. I’m good with that.
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Contestant: Elise Testone
Song: “Whole Lotta Love," by Led Zeppelin
Hot damn! Where has this Elise been? Was she just waiting for Stevie Nicks to unlock her inner rock star? She deserved the last spot tonight – there was no better way to close the show. I will definitely be pulling for her to make it to next week.
Judges’ Remarks: It takes a few seconds, but then there is a standing ovation. The producers should just take their chairs away. Randy doesn’t know what’s in the air tonight because everyone wants to win. I check the description of this show again in TVGuide.com, and my suspicions are correct – it’s a competition show, so unsurprisingly, everyone wants to win. Elise receives a ton of praise though, and I am happy for her.
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As the show ends, Jennifer gives everyone a standing ovation, and no one names any names regarding who might be in trouble. Out of the 9 left, I still don’t see Heejun or DeAndre winning this thing, but that’s just me. We’ll see what happens tomorrow when Nicki Minaj and Scotty McCreery perform (not together) on the results show!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
We Got It Wrong Tonight, America.
Tonight's results show opens with the Top 10 singing “For the Longest Time.” Elise sings her part from Steven’s lap, and as the camera pans to Skylar in the audience, we see the entire audience snapping enthusiastically (including Season 10’s Casey James). I can’t complain too much – they weren’t lip synching, and that’s a step up from some of last year’s group routines.
After our first commercial break, we are presented with the Ford music video to the tune of “You Found Me” by Kelly Clarkson. The Top 10 looked around a really nice house for…something. Dunno if they found it, but hey, there was a Ford Focus in there and that’s all that matters. Could this be a dig at Kelly’s awesome Chevy “Stronger” commercial? Better not be – don’t bite the hand that fed you generously, Idol.
Results! Skylar, Hollie, and Elise take center stage. Elise already looks prepared for the bottom 3. I guess Steven didn’t give her any words of encouragement as she assumed her “For the Longest Time” position earlier. Hollie is safe! Skylar is safe! And Elise….is tortured for a minute and then also declared safe. Whew. For a second there I thought she was a psychic.
Lana Del Ray is up and I imagine everyone is wondering if this will be better than her SNL performance (Google it). She’s singing the song about video games accompanied by a piano and an orchestra that I barely hear until the end of the song. Since she’s not a contestant I don’t really want to critique her…wait, yeah I do. She’s awkward, doing kind of a singing/talking combination thing, and I don’t actually see her eyes until the song ends. I don’t get her, or why she is a "new pop sensation," but my opinion doesn’t count anyway so I’m sure she will continue to make a ton of money.
After the commercial break, we learn it is Steven’s birthday. Whoa! Joe Perry is there to lead the “Happy Birthday” serenade! Awesome.
Results! DeAndre, Joshua and Jessica are called. Jessica is safe! Joshua is safe! DeAndre is devastated as he takes his spot in the bottom 3. Clearly it’s time for another commercial.
When we return, Haley Reinhart is singing in a giant bird cage. She’s kind of working the bars on that cage too. Haley is able to break free about half way through her performance, and she really sounds good. She must be one of those who can do and is doing (thanks again, Randy).
Results! The four remaining contestants take the stage, and my elementary school math skills tell me only two of them are through to next week for sure. Colton is safe! Erika is not…and I start pouting. Phillip is safe, and Heejun joins the bottom 3.
Post-commercial, DeAndre looks like he might be sick, but then he is also declared safe and we're down to Erika and Heejun. I have a bad feeling about this, and I have to pause my Tivo and collect my emotions. Indeed, Heejun is safe, and Erika is most likely going home. I can’t see the judges using their one save this early, even if others deserve to go home before she does.
Erika sings “I Believe in You and Me” from Whitney week, and she breaks my heart. Sing it girl. The judges do not use their save (they weren’t even talking to one another as if they were still deciding during her performance). Hello – is anybody listening? Sigh. I wish her the best, but I’m not sure that I know of any 10th place finishers that have found success after the tour.
Until next week…
After our first commercial break, we are presented with the Ford music video to the tune of “You Found Me” by Kelly Clarkson. The Top 10 looked around a really nice house for…something. Dunno if they found it, but hey, there was a Ford Focus in there and that’s all that matters. Could this be a dig at Kelly’s awesome Chevy “Stronger” commercial? Better not be – don’t bite the hand that fed you generously, Idol.
Results! Skylar, Hollie, and Elise take center stage. Elise already looks prepared for the bottom 3. I guess Steven didn’t give her any words of encouragement as she assumed her “For the Longest Time” position earlier. Hollie is safe! Skylar is safe! And Elise….is tortured for a minute and then also declared safe. Whew. For a second there I thought she was a psychic.
Lana Del Ray is up and I imagine everyone is wondering if this will be better than her SNL performance (Google it). She’s singing the song about video games accompanied by a piano and an orchestra that I barely hear until the end of the song. Since she’s not a contestant I don’t really want to critique her…wait, yeah I do. She’s awkward, doing kind of a singing/talking combination thing, and I don’t actually see her eyes until the song ends. I don’t get her, or why she is a "new pop sensation," but my opinion doesn’t count anyway so I’m sure she will continue to make a ton of money.
After the commercial break, we learn it is Steven’s birthday. Whoa! Joe Perry is there to lead the “Happy Birthday” serenade! Awesome.
Results! DeAndre, Joshua and Jessica are called. Jessica is safe! Joshua is safe! DeAndre is devastated as he takes his spot in the bottom 3. Clearly it’s time for another commercial.
When we return, Haley Reinhart is singing in a giant bird cage. She’s kind of working the bars on that cage too. Haley is able to break free about half way through her performance, and she really sounds good. She must be one of those who can do and is doing (thanks again, Randy).
Results! The four remaining contestants take the stage, and my elementary school math skills tell me only two of them are through to next week for sure. Colton is safe! Erika is not…and I start pouting. Phillip is safe, and Heejun joins the bottom 3.
Post-commercial, DeAndre looks like he might be sick, but then he is also declared safe and we're down to Erika and Heejun. I have a bad feeling about this, and I have to pause my Tivo and collect my emotions. Indeed, Heejun is safe, and Erika is most likely going home. I can’t see the judges using their one save this early, even if others deserve to go home before she does.
Erika sings “I Believe in You and Me” from Whitney week, and she breaks my heart. Sing it girl. The judges do not use their save (they weren’t even talking to one another as if they were still deciding during her performance). Hello – is anybody listening? Sigh. I wish her the best, but I’m not sure that I know of any 10th place finishers that have found success after the tour.
Until next week…
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Top 10 Take On The Piano Man
Tonight is “Billy Joel Night” on American Idol. I’ll admit there will be a bias in this post because I loooove Billy Joel. Have all of his albums, seen him in concert, and sing his songs loudly in the shower…um, I mean…he is always on my iPod.
P. Diddy is helping Jimmy Iovine as our guest mentor this week, and my first thought is: did he interact with J.Lo at all? Was this awkward for them? Is she still the one that got away? I’m not sure any of these questions will be answered, but here’s hoping Diddy doesn’t spend his time making up words like Will.I.Am did last week (that role is already being filled by Randy Jackson).
Contestant: DeAndre Brackensick
Song: Only the Good Die Young
DeAndre sings this song like it’s his own rendition of “Who Let the Dogs Out?” instead of a song about trying to land a Catholic girl. I’m pretty sure Jimmy and Diddy explained the context of the song to DeAndre during rehearsal, but I still feel like I’m participating in a block party at Disney World. He seems to be having a good time though.
Judges Comments: Steven says something into his microphone which is disguised as a Hawaiian lei tonight. I can't concentrate on his critique. J.Lo likes DeAndre's laid back vibe (again no connection to what the song is actually about). Randy isn’t jumping up and down. Big surprise there.
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Contestant: Erika Van Pelt
Song: New York State of Mind
Erika is from Rhode Island. Diddy thinks a New Yorker should sing this song Billy Joel style, and now I wonder if Diddy has worked with Randy. Erika has also undergone a makeover, chopping off her blondish/pink hair and dying the rest jet black. I’m distracted by this, but it’s her journey. Take a risk, take a chance, make a change, right? She is still singing the song well – very soulful but she still maintains a “rock” image. I really do like her and wouldn’t have guessed she was from Rhode Island otherwise.
Judges Comments: Randy loves the look. Thank goodness, because the man who wears sparkly beaded pins on his blazers should approve of each contestant’s image. But then Randy just unloads his wisdom on us: Erika can sing the phone book (please refer to my first post on this), and “those who can do, should….those who can’t do, shouldn’t. “ Take a moment and reflect on that.
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Contestant: Joshua Ledit
Song: She’s Got a Way
This is one of my favorite songs. Ever. It’s so emotional and moving, and it gets me every time. I hope he doesn’t stray too far from Billy on this one, but I know he has to “make it his own.” And…I’m not too pleased until the very last few lines. Again, probably just a biased view, but I’m not sure why anyone would need to mess with that melody.
Judges Comments: J. Lo does not think he was connected to the song, but he still has an amazing voice. Steven does not know this song…and now I can’t listen to anything else he says. Randy tells him to “grab that lyric and make it your own.” I’m not clear on which lyric broke from the herd, but I hope Joshua can rein it back in next time.
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Contestant: Sklyar Laine
Song: Shameless
Skylar loves Diddy and asks him to autograph her music sheets. This makes me smile. She begins the song sitting down and I worry we won’t see her shake and stomp around the stage like she usually does. We’re still in luck though because when she moves to the mic stand she’s all animated with her hands and I feel better. No “moment” for her this week either, but I thought this was solid.
Judges Comments: Randy asks her if she was inspired by the Brad Paisley version of this song. Uh, I’m pretty sure Brad Paisley has not recorded this song, but I could be wrong. Skylar kindly tells Randy she likes Garth Brooks’ version, and he pretends to know that Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks are two different people. Imagine what would have happened if someone had thrown the name "Chris Gaines" in there. Steven says she sings with conviction and J.Lo thinks the audience is with her. So I guess there’s no jumping up and down here either, but I think she'll make it through to next week.
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Contestant: Elise Testone
Song: Vienna
Elise does the walking through the audience thing to connect with the people more (probably due to being in the bottom 3 the past two weeks). This isn’t one of Billy’s most famous songs, and I don’t know how many Billy fans will love this version, but I actually like her take on “Vienna.” I don’t think Elise will ever become one of my favorites, but she is growing on me, and I hope she is safe tomorrow.
Judges Comments: Standing O. Steven says it’s beautiful. J.Lo wants to shake her because it was beautiful (no one seems alarmed by this). Randy says “Yo, so, yo” and then something about no other singers being able to sing Elise’s run the way Elise does. Yup – that’s probably why she does it.
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Contestant: Phillip Phillips
Song: Movin’ Out
Diddy wants Phillip to get rid of the guitar and get into the groove. Tommy Hilfiger wants Phillip to dress more like a star. P squared wears gray and plays the guitar during his performance anyway, giving another angry, gritty performance. He does, however groove a little during this song, so at least he was willing to compromise. I love it. This is how you make the song your own.
Judges Comments: J.Lo tells him he has to be who he is. Steven says “you Phil Phillipsed it,” and then gives him his scarf, but I’m not sure why. Randy blows my mind again: “Those who do should, and you just did because you do.” I pretend I’m squinting at my laptop, but I know inside I just suffered the loss of several brain cells.
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Contestant: Hollie Cavanaugh
Song: Honesty
Hollie is looking sassy tonight - she’s wearing heels AND standing on a small platform, and this totally takes care of the “I’m afraid the stage is going to eat her because she’s so small” worries I’ve had in the previous weeks. I hope the fact that she chose another ballad doesn’t hurt her tonight, because her voice is awesome (talk about singing the phone book). She doesn’t need to move around the stage or groove, she just sings, and I’m such a fan.
Side note – anyone else notice how quickly the violinists exit the stage when the song ends? Someone must have had a stopwatch out there during rehearsals.
Judges Comments: Steven believes she is over-thinking the song, and I boo him. Randy and J.Lo say it was pitchy, and I guess I just missed that part or just refuse to believe it. Randy compliments her style though, and I’m sure Tommy Hilfiger just breathed a huge sigh of relief somewhere.
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Contestant: Heejun Han
Song: My Life
Good song. Who else watched Bosom Buddies as a kid? Anyone? No matter - Heejun wants to dance, and I want to dance with him…for the first 10 to 15 seconds at least. This performance is not great vocally, but no one can say he’s boring. I have a soft spot for this guy, but he’s in serious trouble.
Judges Comments: J.Lo loves that he had fun (is she channeling Paula?). Randy is entertained. Steven is not amused and tells Heejun he needs to take the music business more seriously. At least I think that’s what he said – I was distracted again by the flowers on Steven’s microphone.
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Contestant: Jessica Sanchez
Song: Everybody Has a Dream
Diddy cautions her to not over sing the song – to feel it instead. I’m happy she’s going back to a ballad, and when she takes the stage, I believe her 100 percent. Nicely done. I can see her releasing this song as a single (that I would purchase), and that’s high praise coming from someone who does not like other singers covering Billy Joel songs.
Judges Comments: Steven gives another shout out to capital H-I-M saying “when God was giving out vocal chords, you were at the front of the line.” Randy says “Yo” four times in what should be two sentences, and I realize I shouldn’t be expecting complete sentences to begin with. They love her though, and I’m thrilled that she had a good night.
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Contestant: Colton Dixon
Song: Piano Man
Colton has the final spot tonight and picks the song everyone has probably been waiting for. He decides to sing “Piano Man” while playing the piano, so he is already on the right track. He has no backing from a band or other singers, so he’s quite vulnerable here, and his performance is reallllly good. It’s nice that he can rock out on top of a piano one week and sing softly while playing the piano another week. I hope this TV show generates a career for him.
Judges Comments: J.Lo doesn’t know whether to call Diddy “Diddy” or “Puffy” and I giggle. She might be blushing, but then says Colton received good mentoring. He receives great reviews all around, and his praise is well deserved.
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Tomorrow we go down to a Top 9, and I have to believe that DeAndre and Heejun should be worried. Last year’s 3rd place finisher, Haley Reinhart, will perform and so will Lana Del Rey. We’ll see if either of them can do, could do, or should even attempt to do any sort of do.
P. Diddy is helping Jimmy Iovine as our guest mentor this week, and my first thought is: did he interact with J.Lo at all? Was this awkward for them? Is she still the one that got away? I’m not sure any of these questions will be answered, but here’s hoping Diddy doesn’t spend his time making up words like Will.I.Am did last week (that role is already being filled by Randy Jackson).
Contestant: DeAndre Brackensick
Song: Only the Good Die Young
DeAndre sings this song like it’s his own rendition of “Who Let the Dogs Out?” instead of a song about trying to land a Catholic girl. I’m pretty sure Jimmy and Diddy explained the context of the song to DeAndre during rehearsal, but I still feel like I’m participating in a block party at Disney World. He seems to be having a good time though.
Judges Comments: Steven says something into his microphone which is disguised as a Hawaiian lei tonight. I can't concentrate on his critique. J.Lo likes DeAndre's laid back vibe (again no connection to what the song is actually about). Randy isn’t jumping up and down. Big surprise there.
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Contestant: Erika Van Pelt
Song: New York State of Mind
Erika is from Rhode Island. Diddy thinks a New Yorker should sing this song Billy Joel style, and now I wonder if Diddy has worked with Randy. Erika has also undergone a makeover, chopping off her blondish/pink hair and dying the rest jet black. I’m distracted by this, but it’s her journey. Take a risk, take a chance, make a change, right? She is still singing the song well – very soulful but she still maintains a “rock” image. I really do like her and wouldn’t have guessed she was from Rhode Island otherwise.
Judges Comments: Randy loves the look. Thank goodness, because the man who wears sparkly beaded pins on his blazers should approve of each contestant’s image. But then Randy just unloads his wisdom on us: Erika can sing the phone book (please refer to my first post on this), and “those who can do, should….those who can’t do, shouldn’t. “ Take a moment and reflect on that.
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Contestant: Joshua Ledit
Song: She’s Got a Way
This is one of my favorite songs. Ever. It’s so emotional and moving, and it gets me every time. I hope he doesn’t stray too far from Billy on this one, but I know he has to “make it his own.” And…I’m not too pleased until the very last few lines. Again, probably just a biased view, but I’m not sure why anyone would need to mess with that melody.
Judges Comments: J. Lo does not think he was connected to the song, but he still has an amazing voice. Steven does not know this song…and now I can’t listen to anything else he says. Randy tells him to “grab that lyric and make it your own.” I’m not clear on which lyric broke from the herd, but I hope Joshua can rein it back in next time.
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Contestant: Sklyar Laine
Song: Shameless
Skylar loves Diddy and asks him to autograph her music sheets. This makes me smile. She begins the song sitting down and I worry we won’t see her shake and stomp around the stage like she usually does. We’re still in luck though because when she moves to the mic stand she’s all animated with her hands and I feel better. No “moment” for her this week either, but I thought this was solid.
Judges Comments: Randy asks her if she was inspired by the Brad Paisley version of this song. Uh, I’m pretty sure Brad Paisley has not recorded this song, but I could be wrong. Skylar kindly tells Randy she likes Garth Brooks’ version, and he pretends to know that Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks are two different people. Imagine what would have happened if someone had thrown the name "Chris Gaines" in there. Steven says she sings with conviction and J.Lo thinks the audience is with her. So I guess there’s no jumping up and down here either, but I think she'll make it through to next week.
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Contestant: Elise Testone
Song: Vienna
Elise does the walking through the audience thing to connect with the people more (probably due to being in the bottom 3 the past two weeks). This isn’t one of Billy’s most famous songs, and I don’t know how many Billy fans will love this version, but I actually like her take on “Vienna.” I don’t think Elise will ever become one of my favorites, but she is growing on me, and I hope she is safe tomorrow.
Judges Comments: Standing O. Steven says it’s beautiful. J.Lo wants to shake her because it was beautiful (no one seems alarmed by this). Randy says “Yo, so, yo” and then something about no other singers being able to sing Elise’s run the way Elise does. Yup – that’s probably why she does it.
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Contestant: Phillip Phillips
Song: Movin’ Out
Diddy wants Phillip to get rid of the guitar and get into the groove. Tommy Hilfiger wants Phillip to dress more like a star. P squared wears gray and plays the guitar during his performance anyway, giving another angry, gritty performance. He does, however groove a little during this song, so at least he was willing to compromise. I love it. This is how you make the song your own.
Judges Comments: J.Lo tells him he has to be who he is. Steven says “you Phil Phillipsed it,” and then gives him his scarf, but I’m not sure why. Randy blows my mind again: “Those who do should, and you just did because you do.” I pretend I’m squinting at my laptop, but I know inside I just suffered the loss of several brain cells.
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Contestant: Hollie Cavanaugh
Song: Honesty
Hollie is looking sassy tonight - she’s wearing heels AND standing on a small platform, and this totally takes care of the “I’m afraid the stage is going to eat her because she’s so small” worries I’ve had in the previous weeks. I hope the fact that she chose another ballad doesn’t hurt her tonight, because her voice is awesome (talk about singing the phone book). She doesn’t need to move around the stage or groove, she just sings, and I’m such a fan.
Side note – anyone else notice how quickly the violinists exit the stage when the song ends? Someone must have had a stopwatch out there during rehearsals.
Judges Comments: Steven believes she is over-thinking the song, and I boo him. Randy and J.Lo say it was pitchy, and I guess I just missed that part or just refuse to believe it. Randy compliments her style though, and I’m sure Tommy Hilfiger just breathed a huge sigh of relief somewhere.
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Contestant: Heejun Han
Song: My Life
Good song. Who else watched Bosom Buddies as a kid? Anyone? No matter - Heejun wants to dance, and I want to dance with him…for the first 10 to 15 seconds at least. This performance is not great vocally, but no one can say he’s boring. I have a soft spot for this guy, but he’s in serious trouble.
Judges Comments: J.Lo loves that he had fun (is she channeling Paula?). Randy is entertained. Steven is not amused and tells Heejun he needs to take the music business more seriously. At least I think that’s what he said – I was distracted again by the flowers on Steven’s microphone.
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Contestant: Jessica Sanchez
Song: Everybody Has a Dream
Diddy cautions her to not over sing the song – to feel it instead. I’m happy she’s going back to a ballad, and when she takes the stage, I believe her 100 percent. Nicely done. I can see her releasing this song as a single (that I would purchase), and that’s high praise coming from someone who does not like other singers covering Billy Joel songs.
Judges Comments: Steven gives another shout out to capital H-I-M saying “when God was giving out vocal chords, you were at the front of the line.” Randy says “Yo” four times in what should be two sentences, and I realize I shouldn’t be expecting complete sentences to begin with. They love her though, and I’m thrilled that she had a good night.
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Contestant: Colton Dixon
Song: Piano Man
Colton has the final spot tonight and picks the song everyone has probably been waiting for. He decides to sing “Piano Man” while playing the piano, so he is already on the right track. He has no backing from a band or other singers, so he’s quite vulnerable here, and his performance is reallllly good. It’s nice that he can rock out on top of a piano one week and sing softly while playing the piano another week. I hope this TV show generates a career for him.
Judges Comments: J.Lo doesn’t know whether to call Diddy “Diddy” or “Puffy” and I giggle. She might be blushing, but then says Colton received good mentoring. He receives great reviews all around, and his praise is well deserved.
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Tomorrow we go down to a Top 9, and I have to believe that DeAndre and Heejun should be worried. Last year’s 3rd place finisher, Haley Reinhart, will perform and so will Lana Del Rey. We’ll see if either of them can do, could do, or should even attempt to do any sort of do.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Top 11 Elimination
The elimination episode is under way and stakes are pretty high – the Top 10 will go on the summer tour, and the person eliminated tonight will hopefully receive free concession stand vouchers to at least one of those shows.
Because we need to kill an hour trying to find out who is going home, we spend some time looking at pictures of J.Lo in the new Vogue, and then she announces a new single and video on the way, because "everyone has been wondering." But wait, there’s more. Tommy Hilfiger is going to be the “image adviser” this year, meaning each contestant will have to hear “you look great” after each performance from here on out. Super. Can we just bring Paula back onstage at the beginning and end of each show to say those words? She did it the best.
Time for results! The first group is brought out and tortured:
Joshua is safe. Phillip is safe. Elise….is not, but Skylar is! I’m good with this, but we’re going to have to wait another 15 minutes to find out who else lives to see another day.
Demi Lovato performs now, and I must have totally missed the portion of her life where she grew up. We can officially pull her out of the “Disney kids” group so I can openly say how much I enjoyed her performance, right? Watch out, Miley (she’s just being Demi?).
Results! Colton is safe. Jessica is safe. DeAndre is safe….and Shannon is not. I’m generally okay with this too.
Welcome back Chris Daughtry. He sounds pretty good, and I have my fingers crossed that if someone is eliminated tonight, he will come back out on stage to sing “Home.” I like that song much better than the current exit song.
Results (are we there yet?). Hollie is safe. Heejun is safe…hmmm. Erika is not, and I’m bummed.
Out of the bottom three, Elise ends up being safe as well, it’s down to Shannon and Erika, and I start rocking back and forth on the couch because clearly I do not want Erika to go home. Dim the lights. Commercial! Like we expect anything else?
ERIKA IS SAFE! It’s not over yet though. Will the judges use their save? Shannon sings the same song from last night, and she sings it SO much better tonight. Is it enough? No, and Chris Daughtry does not return to sing “Home” either. Shannon handles it very well though – incredibly mature for her age and not in the creepy way that Steven suggested at the beginning of the season. I’m kind of sad to see her go, but you know what doesn’t kill you….
Until next week!
Because we need to kill an hour trying to find out who is going home, we spend some time looking at pictures of J.Lo in the new Vogue, and then she announces a new single and video on the way, because "everyone has been wondering." But wait, there’s more. Tommy Hilfiger is going to be the “image adviser” this year, meaning each contestant will have to hear “you look great” after each performance from here on out. Super. Can we just bring Paula back onstage at the beginning and end of each show to say those words? She did it the best.
Time for results! The first group is brought out and tortured:
Joshua is safe. Phillip is safe. Elise….is not, but Skylar is! I’m good with this, but we’re going to have to wait another 15 minutes to find out who else lives to see another day.
Demi Lovato performs now, and I must have totally missed the portion of her life where she grew up. We can officially pull her out of the “Disney kids” group so I can openly say how much I enjoyed her performance, right? Watch out, Miley (she’s just being Demi?).
Results! Colton is safe. Jessica is safe. DeAndre is safe….and Shannon is not. I’m generally okay with this too.
Welcome back Chris Daughtry. He sounds pretty good, and I have my fingers crossed that if someone is eliminated tonight, he will come back out on stage to sing “Home.” I like that song much better than the current exit song.
Results (are we there yet?). Hollie is safe. Heejun is safe…hmmm. Erika is not, and I’m bummed.
Out of the bottom three, Elise ends up being safe as well, it’s down to Shannon and Erika, and I start rocking back and forth on the couch because clearly I do not want Erika to go home. Dim the lights. Commercial! Like we expect anything else?
ERIKA IS SAFE! It’s not over yet though. Will the judges use their save? Shannon sings the same song from last night, and she sings it SO much better tonight. Is it enough? No, and Chris Daughtry does not return to sing “Home” either. Shannon handles it very well though – incredibly mature for her age and not in the creepy way that Steven suggested at the beginning of the season. I’m kind of sad to see her go, but you know what doesn’t kill you….
Until next week!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Top 12 Perform...Kinda.
This evening The Top 12 (well, actually Top 11 - more on that later) will perform songs from the year they were born, a theme only done on Idol once so far...this season. Jimmy Iovine is back as a mentor and his special guest is Will.I.Am. Let’s hope he takes his role seriously. He can go hard or he can go home. I love me some Mary J. Blige, and I thought she was pretty awesome as last week's guest.
Contestant: Phillip Phillips
Song: “Hard to Handle,” by The Black Crows
Good song choice – P squared is battling kidney stones. Phillip is without his guitar this week but he's still doing those neat leg left things he does when he is playing the guitar. Despite his medical recovery, he performs really well. He makes singing with a growl that could bust a blood vessel or five look easy, and I am a big fan.
Judges' Remarks: Randy begins the night with “Yo, dude. So yo, listen.” and I quickly lose interest.
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Judges' Remarks: Steven says the rhythm was "shady," and I feel instantly educated because I didn't realize rhythm had that capability. They all still like her voice though, which a plus?
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Judges' Remarks: Randy starts with one of his "for me, for you, for me" narratives, and I wait for J.Lo. She says he struggled, but then pulls directly from Steven's playbook and said it was "Beautiful." Steven says Heejun's voice is "special." Uh-oh.
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Contestant: Elise Testone
Song: “Let’s Stay Together,” Tina Turner's version of Al Green's song.
For me, for her, for Randy, this was much better that her Whitney Houston (RIP) attempt last week. It was solid, but she's just not my favorite. I'm not jumping up and down, as Randy would say (though I have yet to see him jump up and down).
Judges' Remarks: Steven loves her voice, and Randy says it was dope. She should just assume she received positive feedback.
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Contestant: DeAndre Brackensick
Song: “Endless Love,” by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey
Poor DeAndre wanted to sing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King, but for some inexplicable reason, Jimmy thought he really needed to sing "Endless Love." Did he not get that "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" is now part of a Broadway show as well? And DeAndre spent his childhood obsessed with The Music Man? I mean, who didn't? (No really, I marched to the tune of "Seventy-Six Trombones" proudly). Now to DeAndre's credit, I like it when he's not all falsetto-y, and he gave a good effort, but he was NOT connected to this song.
Judges' Remarks: J.Lo and Randy agree that Jimmy steered him wrong. Steven tells him not to worry because he'll "find it." Um, find what exactly?
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Contestant: Shannon Magrane
Song: “One Sweet Day,” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
I'm instantly terrified for her. Her version of Whitney's "I Have Nothing" last week was not great, so clearly she needs to follow it up with a Mariah song? She's out of breath here as well, and I'm not loving it.
Judges' Remarks: They liked it. Randy worked with Mariah - did you know that? He just wants to remind us before he tells Shannon she has "mad potential."
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Contestant: Colton Dixon
Song: “Broken Heart” by White Lion
So, I don't know this song, but I like it. The stage is all dark and eerie (everybody's got a dark side?). Colton cites Daughtry as an influence, and that absolutely shows in his performance. I can see myself wanting to download his music someday. Not just yet, but soon.
Judges' Remarks: J.Lo doesn't know the song either, and I feel a little bit better. Steven is starting to turn into Mr. Grumpypants and doesn't like the song choice at all. Randy comes up with the quote of the night, saying: "The song didn't matter because you performed it dope." Next.
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Contestant: Erika Van Pelt
Song: “Heaven,” by Brian Adams
I love her voice (now I’m Steven). I feel that she is more of a rocker than this song allowed, but she looked very comfortable singing it, and it wasn't a hard sell. I worry for her though. It seems like the folks at Idol believe she may get lost in the shuffle.
Judges' Remarks: Steven is still not a happy camper, and he thinks the arrangment was too busy. J.Lo gives her the "you look amazing" kiss of death. Randy gives the performance an 8 out of 10, but what is that in dawg numbers?
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Contestant: Jermaine Jones
We learn now from the Idol Producers that Jermaine has been shown the door due to his concealed criminal history. Concealed, huh? Four warrants against him? In Season 2, Frenchie Davis was booted immediately due to some nude-ish photos that surfaced, but arrest records must be hard to come by. This begs the question: how is American Idol running the background investigations? In my mind, it goes something like this…
Idol Producer: “Have you ever committed any crimes?”
Jermaine: “Nope.”
Idol Producer: “Good enough.”
Moving on.
------
Contestant: Skylar Laine
Song: “Love Sneakin Up On You,” by Bonnie Raitt
Will.I.Am blows my mind with this new term - Ghuntry (Ghetto + Country). Jimmy tries to get Skylar to change her song, and she refuses. Good for her for sticking to her guns (couldn’t help myself). She sells her performances for sure. This isn’t a stand out, or a “moment” as the judges are always looking for, but Skylar is very consistent with her performances. She is becoming one of my faves.
Judges' Remarks: J.Lo thinks she killed it, in a good way. Randy tells her "whatever you sing, you just need to sing it really good." Okay, thanks. I hope she finds that advice helpful.
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Contestant: Joshua Ledet
Song: “When a Man Loves a Woman,” by Michael Bolton
I'm going to pull a Randy Jackson for a moment: dude can sing. I know a lot of people keep saying he's to “church-y” but he’s incredibly talented. He feels each word, and I admire that. Too much? Not for me. Not sure that I needed him to take off his jacket, but given how amaaaazing he sang the song, I’m not going to complain. This was a “moment."
Judges Remarks: Standing O and rightly so. They made the guy show us how to eat a crawfish before he sang, so they owed him something already. J.Lo says it was the best thing she's ever seen on American Idol. I don't know that I agree with that, but she's clearly excited, so I'll back off. Randy says he "blew it out da box," whatever that means. Steven says “God came through your eyes.” I'm not going to touch that one.
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Contestant: Hollie Cavenagh
Song: “The Power of Love,” by Celine Dion
She’s soooo tiny and sings soooo big (I love you this big?). The fog machine is on overload tonight, and I worry the mist may swallow her, but she comes out okay. I absolutely LOVE her performance. Again, anyone that can make singing look effortless has my vote.
Judges Remarks: Randy says Hollie also "blew it out da box." Man, that box is taking a beating tonight. Steven remarks on her potential pitch problems, but then says she came from Heaven above. Mr. Grumpypants is suddenly all about giving shout outs to God. I'm sure He appreciates it.
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The show closes with Ryan asking the judges who is in trouble tonight. J.Lo and Steven dance around it, but Randy says Heejun...and....nope, just Heejun. He then pretty much names everyone else in the "good performance" group.
We'll see what happens tonight. My guess is - because Jermaine's top secret past got him ousted, no one will go home tonight. Stay tuned...
Contestant: Phillip Phillips
Song: “Hard to Handle,” by The Black Crows
Good song choice – P squared is battling kidney stones. Phillip is without his guitar this week but he's still doing those neat leg left things he does when he is playing the guitar. Despite his medical recovery, he performs really well. He makes singing with a growl that could bust a blood vessel or five look easy, and I am a big fan.
Judges' Remarks: Randy begins the night with “Yo, dude. So yo, listen.” and I quickly lose interest.
----
Contestant: Jessica Sanchez
Song: “Turn the Beat Around,” by Gloria Estefan
Judges' Remarks: Steven says the rhythm was "shady," and I feel instantly educated because I didn't realize rhythm had that capability. They all still like her voice though, which a plus?
----
Contestant: Heejun Han
Song: “Right Here Waiting,” by Richard Marx
Judges' Remarks: Randy starts with one of his "for me, for you, for me" narratives, and I wait for J.Lo. She says he struggled, but then pulls directly from Steven's playbook and said it was "Beautiful." Steven says Heejun's voice is "special." Uh-oh.
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Contestant: Elise Testone
Song: “Let’s Stay Together,” Tina Turner's version of Al Green's song.
For me, for her, for Randy, this was much better that her Whitney Houston (RIP) attempt last week. It was solid, but she's just not my favorite. I'm not jumping up and down, as Randy would say (though I have yet to see him jump up and down).
Judges' Remarks: Steven loves her voice, and Randy says it was dope. She should just assume she received positive feedback.
-----
Contestant: DeAndre Brackensick
Song: “Endless Love,” by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey
Poor DeAndre wanted to sing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" from The Lion King, but for some inexplicable reason, Jimmy thought he really needed to sing "Endless Love." Did he not get that "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" is now part of a Broadway show as well? And DeAndre spent his childhood obsessed with The Music Man? I mean, who didn't? (No really, I marched to the tune of "Seventy-Six Trombones" proudly). Now to DeAndre's credit, I like it when he's not all falsetto-y, and he gave a good effort, but he was NOT connected to this song.
Judges' Remarks: J.Lo and Randy agree that Jimmy steered him wrong. Steven tells him not to worry because he'll "find it." Um, find what exactly?
-----
Contestant: Shannon Magrane
Song: “One Sweet Day,” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
I'm instantly terrified for her. Her version of Whitney's "I Have Nothing" last week was not great, so clearly she needs to follow it up with a Mariah song? She's out of breath here as well, and I'm not loving it.
Judges' Remarks: They liked it. Randy worked with Mariah - did you know that? He just wants to remind us before he tells Shannon she has "mad potential."
----
Contestant: Colton Dixon
Song: “Broken Heart” by White Lion
So, I don't know this song, but I like it. The stage is all dark and eerie (everybody's got a dark side?). Colton cites Daughtry as an influence, and that absolutely shows in his performance. I can see myself wanting to download his music someday. Not just yet, but soon.
Judges' Remarks: J.Lo doesn't know the song either, and I feel a little bit better. Steven is starting to turn into Mr. Grumpypants and doesn't like the song choice at all. Randy comes up with the quote of the night, saying: "The song didn't matter because you performed it dope." Next.
-----
Contestant: Erika Van Pelt
Song: “Heaven,” by Brian Adams
I love her voice (now I’m Steven). I feel that she is more of a rocker than this song allowed, but she looked very comfortable singing it, and it wasn't a hard sell. I worry for her though. It seems like the folks at Idol believe she may get lost in the shuffle.
Judges' Remarks: Steven is still not a happy camper, and he thinks the arrangment was too busy. J.Lo gives her the "you look amazing" kiss of death. Randy gives the performance an 8 out of 10, but what is that in dawg numbers?
-----
Contestant: Jermaine Jones
We learn now from the Idol Producers that Jermaine has been shown the door due to his concealed criminal history. Concealed, huh? Four warrants against him? In Season 2, Frenchie Davis was booted immediately due to some nude-ish photos that surfaced, but arrest records must be hard to come by. This begs the question: how is American Idol running the background investigations? In my mind, it goes something like this…
Idol Producer: “Have you ever committed any crimes?”
Jermaine: “Nope.”
Idol Producer: “Good enough.”
Moving on.
------
Contestant: Skylar Laine
Song: “Love Sneakin Up On You,” by Bonnie Raitt
Will.I.Am blows my mind with this new term - Ghuntry (Ghetto + Country). Jimmy tries to get Skylar to change her song, and she refuses. Good for her for sticking to her guns (couldn’t help myself). She sells her performances for sure. This isn’t a stand out, or a “moment” as the judges are always looking for, but Skylar is very consistent with her performances. She is becoming one of my faves.
Judges' Remarks: J.Lo thinks she killed it, in a good way. Randy tells her "whatever you sing, you just need to sing it really good." Okay, thanks. I hope she finds that advice helpful.
-----
Contestant: Joshua Ledet
Song: “When a Man Loves a Woman,” by Michael Bolton
I'm going to pull a Randy Jackson for a moment: dude can sing. I know a lot of people keep saying he's to “church-y” but he’s incredibly talented. He feels each word, and I admire that. Too much? Not for me. Not sure that I needed him to take off his jacket, but given how amaaaazing he sang the song, I’m not going to complain. This was a “moment."
Judges Remarks: Standing O and rightly so. They made the guy show us how to eat a crawfish before he sang, so they owed him something already. J.Lo says it was the best thing she's ever seen on American Idol. I don't know that I agree with that, but she's clearly excited, so I'll back off. Randy says he "blew it out da box," whatever that means. Steven says “God came through your eyes.” I'm not going to touch that one.
------
Contestant: Hollie Cavenagh
Song: “The Power of Love,” by Celine Dion
She’s soooo tiny and sings soooo big (I love you this big?). The fog machine is on overload tonight, and I worry the mist may swallow her, but she comes out okay. I absolutely LOVE her performance. Again, anyone that can make singing look effortless has my vote.
Judges Remarks: Randy says Hollie also "blew it out da box." Man, that box is taking a beating tonight. Steven remarks on her potential pitch problems, but then says she came from Heaven above. Mr. Grumpypants is suddenly all about giving shout outs to God. I'm sure He appreciates it.
-----
The show closes with Ryan asking the judges who is in trouble tonight. J.Lo and Steven dance around it, but Randy says Heejun...and....nope, just Heejun. He then pretty much names everyone else in the "good performance" group.
We'll see what happens tonight. My guess is - because Jermaine's top secret past got him ousted, no one will go home tonight. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
American Idol
I’m going to start with the show that so many awesome bloggers refer to as “The House That Kelly Clarkson Built.” I wish I could take credit for that, but I can’t. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to weigh in on Jeremy Rosado’s elimination last week. He was soooo huggable and lovable, and I liked his voice, but I don’t know that he could sing the phone book (which is the criteria Randy Jackson uses to determine where the real talent lies). No matter – I wish him the best, because he did almost break me when he sang “I Know You Won’t.” I predict Heejun will become the new hug bandit, and I look forward to seeing what the Top 12 have in store tomorrow!
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