Our Top 7 take on rock classics this evening as American Idol continues its course of choosing themes done a dozen times already. Ryan promises us zero ballads and 100% head banging, and I already picture my head banging against a wall during Lazaro’s performance. Orianthi and her guitar join the performances as well, and given the theme…Randy also gets that constant rare opportunity to remind us that he used to play guitar for Journey. Here’s hoping the contestants are allotted more time singing tonight than the judges are allotted to comment.
Contestant: Burnell Taylor
Song: “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi
I’m immediately distracted by the leather jacket and buttoned collar but I try to move on. I’m not enjoying this at all. Burnell seems so unsure of the song and at times sings this Bon Jovi staple like a fun little pop song, which would be an okay take on it if Orianthi wasn’t wailing on her guitar next to him. I have to wonder if she’s thinking: “I played with effing Michael Jackson! I can’t believe I’m doing this….”
Judges Say: Keith thinks Burnell looked uncomfortable during the performance and wishes he had made the song his own. Nicki says Burnell reminds her of a Teddy Ruxpin doll (remember those?) and tells him that even though rock is not his thing, Burnell is still lovable. Oh hell. Randy says Burnell was way behind on the beat and the audience boos him…and I’m not entirely sure why because the performance was not good. Mariah adores Burnell and is proud of him for attempting to rock out, and I’m disappointed. This is supposed to be a competition for a career in the music industry, not a “put on a leather jacket, smile awkwardly, and kind of sing the song you’re given and we’ll love you” show.
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Contestant: Kree Harrison
Song: “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Kree rocks out a little but doesn’t completely let loose, which is what I had hoped for this week. Vocally she is awesome as always, and I know it's difficult for her to top herself each week at this point, but there's still more than a month of performance shows to go. I would hate to see her peak too early and end up unjustly being sent home. Still, I am a huge Kree fan so I hope she bounces back from her injury quickly.
Judges Say: Randy feels like the show “finally started.” I mean, she’s the second solo…it’s not like he’s been waiting hours for something good. Mariah says Kree has an innate ability to choose her songs and says this was her favorite Kree performance. Keith asks Kree about her boots and her lack of movement. Kree says she has a pinched nerve. Well that maybe explains why she didn't completely rock out. Nicki says the performance was magnificent and thinks Kree is already an established artist. That's high praise coming from someone who just called the previous contestant Teddy Ruxpin.
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Contestant: Janelle Arthur
Song: “You Might Be Right” by Billy Joel
This is hands down the most fun performance of the evening. Janelle is a little firecracker up there and I love the way she interacts with the audience. She has such a charming quality about her and she's at a point now where she just seems like a natural. Last week was probably my favorite Janelle performance, but her performance tonight is fantastic.
Judges Say: Keith loves how Janelle works the stage and calls her a contender. Nicki is a big fan of Janelle’s boots and comments on Janelle’s “relatability” as a female because she is the type of person all young girls want to be best friends with. Randy says Janelle is authentic and he felt like he was at a Janelle concert….which is pretty much where he was. Mariah loved the key Janelle chose for the song and she really enjoyed it.
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Contestant: Lazaro Arbos
Song: “We Are The Champions” by Queen
Judges Say: Nicki wanted to salsa during the song and says Lazaro/Ricky Ricardo (her words, not mine) did the song justice. Oh…um…okay. Randy also thinks Lazaro did a good job. Wait. What? Mariah thinks it was a good song choice and a good performance. I must be missing something. Keith says Lazaro chose a song that played well into his dramatics and says it was well done. Holy cow! Did American Idol switch to opposite day during the commercial break? Or are we just congratulating him because he remembered the words?
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Contestant: Candice Glover
Song: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones
Candice apparently has a broken toe (was she sparring with Kree?) so her ability to let loose on stage is limited as well. She gives no indication that she is in pain though, and for the first time this evening Orianthi looks somewhat pleased to performing. Candice is just too sassy not to willingly lean against while playing the guitar I guess. I think Candice did a better job with "Come Together" during Beatles week, but I have no problem at all with this performance. Love. Her.
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Contestant: Amber Holcomb
Song: “What About Love?” by Heart
Judges Say: Standing O from everyone but Mariah. Wow. Didn't realize the performance was that incredible but oh well. Keith thinks she made a great song choice that brought out the best in her voice. Nicki talks about her own history with that song… Randy says Amber looked and sounded amazing, and he's glad that she still "stayed Amber." Mariah thinks Amber did a great job because she incorporated her own inflections with the rock song. She loved it.
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Contestant: Angie Miller
Song: “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence
After the judges' brutality last week, Angie begins her performance at the piano. She makes her way to a foggy mid stage pedestal where she is joined by a wind machine. Would some say this is too much? Probably. I, however, really enjoy this performance and I'm thrilled that Angie is having this moment of redemption. Nicely done.
Judges Say: Nicki thinks the song choice was perfect because Angie could work the piano and still stick with the theme. Randy is happy that Angie was still around for rock week because she could make a record like Evanescence. Mariah compliments Angie’s ability to make the song “Angie” and she loved the edginess of the performance. Keith wishes she would fall into the song a little more and worry less about the rock look and theatrics.
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The evening did not go without typically awkward duets and group numbers as well. Burnell was entirely out shined by Candice with "The Letter" by The Box Tops, and Angie wiped the floor with Lazaro (surprised?) during Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." The Janelle, Amber, Kree trio performed "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" by Billy Joel, and it sounded quite pleasant...but it's just not the type of song I would expect a girl group to sing. Plus, Amber was missing half of her pants.
| Don't you know about the new fashion honey? |
Based on tonight's performances...and...well...all performances, Lazaro's number is up. However, because Burnell had the forgettable opening spot, and because his Bon Jovi cover was kind of a debacle, I have to wonder if he will be sent home tomorrow instead. I would be sad to see him go, but I do believe all of the girls have earned their spots at this point. We'll see how it all plays out during the results show. Til then!
Candice Glover will make American idol 2013.because Kree Harrison voice also good.american idol
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