American Idol: What the World Needs Now...is a Female Final Five

The one remaining male competitor on American Idol fights to stay ahead of the five ladies this evening, as our Top 6 compete once again. The contestants will sing 2 songs tonight, first taking on the music of Burt Bacharach and then songs the contestants wish they had written. So…the second theme could really just be “pick any song FOX has the rights to.” Should be an interesting two hours. Let’s go!

 

ROUND 1

Contestant: Angie Miller

Song: "Anyone Who Had a Heart"

Angie is back to being “grown up” Angie tonight but without all of the extras that she got criticized for during Motown plus Madonna Detroit Week. I mean really...why would a pretty girl ever think she should try to be seductive  and work the stage during a performance? Silly Angie. Sarcasm. I genuinely liked her performance that week.

I'll be honest and say I don't love this song (in general, not her performance), but she sings it well and I look forward to seeing her second song later on.

Judges Say: Keith starts with “you look great tonight" and I’m immediately worried. He says he’s missing the humanity in her performances. Oh, the humanity! Nicki tells Angie her voice is amazing but feels that Angie wasn’t passionate about the song. Randy encourages Angie to make sure she sings the song as if she wrote it. Mariah says that Angie’s pronunciation is so perfect at times that Angie is coming off as more technical than less emotional. Okay, I can see where that is a fair point.

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Contestant: Amber Holcomb

Song: “I Say A Little Prayer”

I’m noticing Amber’s ink for the first time tonight. I have a tattoo in the same place on my arm so I’m already smiling when her performance starts. This is a subtle rendition, and I appreciate that she doesn't go over the top here. I feel that this song could easily come of as a loud karaoke disaster (especially for anyone trying to replicate the lunch scene in My Best Friend's Wedding), so I think Amber does a good job with this performance.  I still don't completely understand the extreme praise she gets at times though.

Judges Say: Nicki says she is bowing down to Amber…but really she’s not. She claims Amber is her favorite contestant in the competition now. Randy says “yo” three times and then notifies us that the competition just started. Again…she’s the second performer so it’s not like all of the other contestants have already phoned it in. Mariah thinks that Amber did something special with the song and loved that she stayed Amber. Keith compared her performance to a summer breeze blowing in, and I want to be wherever Keith is spending the summer.

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Contestant: Lazaro Arbos

Song: “(They Long to Be) Close to You”

I will say this about Lazaro: I do look forward to seeing what he’ll wear each week. As for the performance…remember when I mentioned phoning it in earlier? Yeah, Lazaro chose the two tin cans on a string method here. I can't hear him, I can't understand him, and it's just time for him TO GO.  I know I can't be alone here - the piano player nearly sprints off stage when it’s all over.

Judges Say: Randy says he is speechless but then talks anyway. He calls the performance horrible and doesn’t understand what’s going on. Me neither, dawg. Mariah pretty much says the Idol execs have told her to stop being so damn nice and then tells Lazaro that at this point in the competition, we can’t have someone who doesn’t recognize a key change. Burn! Keith says Lazaro has a lot of fans and he should be proud of that, but he was sharp and off key the whole song. Nicki essentially asks if we can just move on. Agreed. Next.

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Contestant: Kree Harrison

Song: “What the World Needs Now is Love”

I know this tune can be quite cheesy, but I have the chills through the ENTIRE performance. From the a cappella start to the believable finish, I'm just ecstatic for Kree. The song doesn't resonate with me enough to love Lazaro, but at least I'm in a better mood now.

Judges Say: Mariah loved the arrangement and thinks that all of Kree’s performances are natural and she doesn’t have to force any of her emotional connections. Keith believes Kree has genuine compassion that came through in her performance tonight. Nicki says Kree’s voice is so sweet and humble, but at the same time it’s “hella cocky.” Heh. She tells Kree she is ready for this music career. Randy yells at us: “This is a singing show! That was singing!” Yes, Randy. Calm down now… someone give him a cookie or something.  Please.

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Contestant: Janelle Arthur

Song: “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”

So, I love this girl. From the moment she starts the song she is completely engaged with the audience, and I squeal with joy (and jealousy?) when she strolls over to Keith and puts her hand on his back. She has an “I got this” attitude without being off-putting and I think she’s wonderful. I'm not in love with this song either...maybe I'm just not in love with Bacharach tunes...but I do love the country twist she put on it. 

Judges say: Keith thinks Janelle showed a different side of her during the performance and he loved it. Nicki feels that Janelle could be a big success but thought the performance was boring. Booooo. Randy agrees but liked the spots of the song where she changed it up. Mariah compliments Janelle’s hair and then talks about the simplicity of the song for a little while…but I can’t really tell if she liked the performance or not.

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Contestant: Candice Glover

Song: “Don’t Make Me Over”

Wow. Just wow. Candice absolutely killllllllls this song. I don’t have time to wait for the judges to praise her - I start my own standing ovation mid way through the performance. Just. Flawless.

Judges say: Everyone stands but Mariah, but I’m not mad at her. Nicki says Candice committed to the song so wholeheartedly that it seemed like a brand new R&B song. For Randy, Candice is in it to win it. Really? That’s what you have to say? Mariah says Candice took a classic and made it her own, calling the performance beautiful. Keith tells Candice she is now in his Top 3.  

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ROUND 2

Contestant: Angie Miller

Song: “Love Came Down” by Kari Jobe

I’m not really familiar with this song but Angie has me mesmerized so it doesn’t matter. This is really Angie at her best, singing a song she really believes and doing her magic on the piano keys. Anyone else hoping that she and Colton Dixon do a duet in the finale? Idol producers, PLEASE make that happen.

Judges say: Standing ovation from Keith and Randy. The dawg loves Angie at the piano and calls the performance amazing and unbelievable. Mariah also loves Angie at the piano. Keith really loves Angie at the piano. Nicki takes credit for Angie's good performance because she was hard on her last week. This is the first time tonight I've said "shut up, Nicki" out loud. More than half way through the show... that's pretty darn good.

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Contestant: Amber Holcomb
Song: “Love On Top” by Beyonce

Amber's legs are out of control. That said, I do wish she had chosen a different song - even a different Beyonce song would have been okay with me. I’m probably going to be all by myself on this once the judges have their say, but I do not enjoy this rendition regarldless of how distracting her legs are. I mean...they just go on for days....

I know the judges think Amber is the second coming of Whitney Houston (which I think is a little outrageous anyway), but vocally, she is not hanging in there with this performance. As Randy would say:  "It was just all over the place for me." Just my opinion.

Judges Say: This wasn’t Mariah’s favorite vocal from Amber, but she tells Amber to be proud anyway. I'll take that. Keith tells Amber the performance was beautiful. Annnnnd here we go. Nicki says Beyonce better look out…and I can’t even bother to listen to Randy.
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Contestant: Lazaro Arbos
Song: “Angels” by Robbie Williams

Lazaro is finally able to choose a song he already knows the words to and has performed before. The performance is still not very good, but he is at least stronger on the chorus than he’s been on anything in a while. Meh.

Judges Say: Keith loves Robbie Williams’ version of that song. Nicki refuses to comment again. Randy says the competition is “a girl’s race.” Thanks Randy – the rest of us were still wondering who the weak link was. Mariah says Lazaro redeemed himself slightly but he still doesn’t compare to the girls.  

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Contestant: Kree Harrison

Song: “Help Me Make It Through the Night” by Kris Kristofferson

I haven’t heard this song in a very long time and I forgot how good it was. Also good? Amazing even? That would be Kree. While she has been consistent with all of the themes, it’s just refreshing to see her in her element with this song. Fantastic.

Judges Say: Nicki tells Kree she is great while bashing Janelle at the same time. Completely unnecessary.  Randy says Kree is a “natural, natural singer.” I guess the extra “natural” puts her in a higher category that the regular natural singers. Mariah has covered this song in the past but says Kree sang it the way it should be sung. Keith predicts that Kree will become a member of the Grand Old Opry soon enough.

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Contestant: Janelle Arthur

Song: “The Dance” by Garth Brooks

Way to go, Idol producers - making Janelle go immediately after Kree tonight when certain judges keep expressing how flawed Janelle is in comparison. I think she does a great job with this song though. Garth Brooks’ original is superior for sure, but Janelle puts her heart and soul into it and I think she has earned her spot in next week’s show.

Judges Say: Randy doesn’t think this was Janelle’s best performance but he loves that she believes so much in the song. Mariah does not know this song (what?!) but she felt Janelle’s connection. Keith would have loved to see Janelle play the guitar in her performance…and that’s all he really says. Nicki thinks Janelle stepped it up vocally with this performance but she wasn’t better than the other girls tonight. Ugh.

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Contestant: Candice Glover

Song: “Lovesong” by The Cure

I have no words to describe how much I love this performance. I’m just going to post the video.

 

Judges Say: Standing ovation from everyone! The judges are going insane! Keith is bowing down in an “I’m not worthy” fashion and Mariah walks on stage and THROWS GLITTER on Candice.  No really… Mariah has a stash of glitter at the judges table (I’m refraining from all comments regarding the movie). Candice starts crying, I yell “I love you, Candice!” at the TV, and I’m just so glad she had these two great moments tonight. She SO deserved it. Randy speaks for all of the judges and says this was one of the best performances in Idol history. I’m not inclined to argue.

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So there it is. Tomorrow another contestant heads home, but more importantly…Kelly Clarkson will return to the house that she built to perform her awesome new single “People Like Us.” I’m so excited for this that I am not even entertaining the possibility that any of the girls will be eliminated. Til tomorrow!

 

American Idol: Last Man Standing

On tonight’s American Idol results show, 7 will become 6 as we bid farewell to another contestant. We already know that “rock night” was tough on our male competitors, but will they survive the night?

Oh heyyyyy, Casey James. I had almost forgotten about you. It’s been a long time since you where shirtless in Season 9. I’m not alone though – judging by the look on Nicki’s face when he is introduced, she’s never heard of him. Casey performs "The Good Life" and though I was never part of the Casey James fan club, I will say that he looks happy and sounds pretty great. Congrats to him.

The night’s biggest treat (almost only treat, but a treat nonetheless) is Carrie Underwood taking the stage to perform “See You Again.” She’s mesmerizing, she’s got the voice of an angel, and she’s a bone-fide superstar. Carrie also seems continually humbled by her success… and I just heart her. If she and Kelly Clarkson ever do a duet I might spontaneously combust.

Results! Ryan reveals the top 3 in no particular order. Kree is safe. Angie is safe. So far so good. And… LAZARO is safe. Whaaaaaaa? In the TOP 3?!?! This is getting a little out of hand. Also safe? Candice and Amber. Wait. This puts my beloved Janelle in the bottom 2 and I throw a slight temper tantrum. We go to the judges and Nicki talks about how grateful she is to have met Burnell. She then struggles to remember Janelle’s name. Super.

After the commercial break Ryan reveals that Burnell has received the lowest number of votes. He sings “Ready For Love” while only Randy and Keith have any side discussion. They really must be holding onto the save for the girls. The judges’ decision is not unanimous, so Burnell is heading home. The contestants are crying and Mariah is crying. Say what you want about Mimi being a diva - I really believe she takes her role seriously and genuinely cares about the contestants. When the camera closes in on Lazaro, he is singing along to "Ready For Love." At least he knows the words to Burnell's song...

So our remaining finalists consist of five ladies and one guy, which is a first for Idol. I imagine the judges will not let one of our female finalists go home ahead of Lazaro at this point, but if dude stays in the top 3 vote-getters, we’re in trouble. We’ll see how he fares next week. Til then!

American Idol: No Time For Losers

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

Oh good Lord. I chuckle when he sings “and bad mistakes, I’ve made a few.” You sure have, buddy. Lazaro looks like he is in pain throughout the song, even when he tries to strut past the judges table, but thankfully the camera spends a considerable amount of time on Orianthi. I think the Idol producers get it at this point.

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.

Judges Say: Mariah says Candice is mesmerizing and encourages America to vote for her. Keith feels that Candice’s power never wanes even in the upper register. He calls her voice “other worldly.” Nicki says the song put her to sleep and then boos herself. Thank you - you've saved everyone else the trouble. Randy says Candice brought a Tina Turner attitude for her performance. I hadn't thought of that, but I totally agree.

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Contestant: Amber Holcomb

Song: “What About Love?” by Heart

Hold the phone. How does this not qualify as a ballad?  I've seen Heart live and I know I swayed back and forth with a glow stick....didn't have a lighter on me so I went the kid route. Anyway, I'm good with the song choice nonetheless, and Amber does perform it well.  There's still something about her that prevents me from putting her in my "favorites" category though. Not sure what it is.

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!