Last week the judges went out of their way to heap praise upon Lee and make sure that he made it to the Finale. Heck, they went on so much that I was starting to believe that they wanted him to win over Crystal. I was brought back to reality tonight. Crystal cemented her eventual win by winning the coin toss and choosing to go last (smart girl).
Round 1: In this round each contestant was allowed to choose their favorite song from the competition and give it another whirl. Lee chose "The Boxer" and did a better job with it this time than he did originally. It was consistent with very few bad notes and he seemed more confident. Unfortunately for him, he is up against Crystal who reprised her performance of "Me and Bobby McGee" which was wonderful the first time around and only got better. Winner: Crystal
Round 2: In round 2, the producer Simon Fuller chose the songs that they would sing. Simon did Lee a huge favor with his choice of song. While I would not have chosen "Everybody Hurts" for Lee, it was a much better song then "Black Velvet". Lee is no Michael Stipe but it was much better than Crystal's breathy, nervous rendition of Alannah Myles. Winner: Lee
Round 3: The coronation song round threw me. Cover songs as their first singles? Who picked them out? There is no way that Lee wanted to end his Idol career with "Beautiful Day" and it showed. Not very good. Crystal knocked her Patty Griffin/Susan Boyle cover, "Up to the Mountain" out of the park. It cemented her Season 9 victory.
The results show is going to be 2 hours and 5 minutes long. Completely not necessary. I am not interested in watching any of the old season 9 contestants perform (except maybe Siobhan and Casey). It is kind of sad considering how much I usually enjoy this show but I can't wait for this season to end. There is talk of massive changes to the show next season. They need to do something drastic or this show is over (especially if X Factor is a hit). Until next season...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Top 3 - The Execution of Casey James
This is it! Only 1 more week to go before we can finally say goodbye to this season forever. It can't come quickly enough for me. This will go down in Idol history as one of the most disappointing seasons yet (right up there with Season 6). Here we go...
Casey: ("Okay is Alright With Me") I will admit that Casey did not pick a thrilling song but I thought he did a good job with it. The judges obviously got the memo to throw Casey under the bus. From the rush between his "chat" with Ryan to his performance (he was still digging the guitar pick out of his pocket when the music started) to the slaying that he received from the judges, they made it clear that they still want a Lee/Crystal finale.
Crystal: ("Come To My Window") In theory this should have been a great song for Crystal. It started with unneccesary use of the harmonica and the changed arrangement didn't do it any favors either. None of that matters, of course, because the judges worked hard to make sure that we know she deserves to be in the finale.
Lee: ("Simple Man") This was the perfect song for Lee because it doesn't require a vast vocal range and fits his scratchy voice. Lee won round 1.
Now for the judges picks...
Casey: ("Daughters") The judges cursed Casey with this song. There is no opportunity to better this song or to change it up in any way. It is a slow, dragging song that is just not made for this kind of competition. Good job, Kara and Randy. You flipped the switch on the death of Casey James with American Idol. The least you could have done was give the guy a decent song to go out on before he met the bus for the last time.
Crystal: ("Maybe I'm Amazed") The judges hooked Crystal up with this song. This was the best pick by far (Go Ellen!). This solidified what we have known all season -- Crystal will be in the finale and she will win (or this season was a complete waste of time).
Lee: ("Hallelujah") I spent all last season calling out the powers that be for pimping Screech Lambert so I must be fair... Lee got the pimp treatment tonight. A chorus? Come on! His performance was okay overall but the first chorus was full of wonky notes and Jason Castro did this much better two seasons ago. We didn't hear any of this, of course, because that wouldn't fit into the plan. Pack your bags, Casey!
The Best
Lee (Simple Man)
Crystal (Maybe I'm Amazed)
The Worst
Casey (Daughters)
Crystal (Come To My Window)
Casey: ("Okay is Alright With Me") I will admit that Casey did not pick a thrilling song but I thought he did a good job with it. The judges obviously got the memo to throw Casey under the bus. From the rush between his "chat" with Ryan to his performance (he was still digging the guitar pick out of his pocket when the music started) to the slaying that he received from the judges, they made it clear that they still want a Lee/Crystal finale.
Crystal: ("Come To My Window") In theory this should have been a great song for Crystal. It started with unneccesary use of the harmonica and the changed arrangement didn't do it any favors either. None of that matters, of course, because the judges worked hard to make sure that we know she deserves to be in the finale.
Lee: ("Simple Man") This was the perfect song for Lee because it doesn't require a vast vocal range and fits his scratchy voice. Lee won round 1.
Now for the judges picks...
Casey: ("Daughters") The judges cursed Casey with this song. There is no opportunity to better this song or to change it up in any way. It is a slow, dragging song that is just not made for this kind of competition. Good job, Kara and Randy. You flipped the switch on the death of Casey James with American Idol. The least you could have done was give the guy a decent song to go out on before he met the bus for the last time.
Crystal: ("Maybe I'm Amazed") The judges hooked Crystal up with this song. This was the best pick by far (Go Ellen!). This solidified what we have known all season -- Crystal will be in the finale and she will win (or this season was a complete waste of time).
Lee: ("Hallelujah") I spent all last season calling out the powers that be for pimping Screech Lambert so I must be fair... Lee got the pimp treatment tonight. A chorus? Come on! His performance was okay overall but the first chorus was full of wonky notes and Jason Castro did this much better two seasons ago. We didn't hear any of this, of course, because that wouldn't fit into the plan. Pack your bags, Casey!
The Best
Lee (Simple Man)
Crystal (Maybe I'm Amazed)
The Worst
Casey (Daughters)
Crystal (Come To My Window)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Top 4 - Movie Songs and Duets
I decided to take a page from Jamie Foxx and rate each performance based on artist/contestant. The show was not bad overall but it was kind of pointless since we have already been told that there will be a Crystal/Lee finale and Mike will be in the top 3. Bye Casey. It's been nice knowing you.
Lee DeWyze: ("Kiss From A Rose") Why in the world would he pick this song? I love Lee but he is not exactly known for his expansive vocal range. Everything but the chorus was a hot mess. This performance: Contestant
Ego Mike: ("Will You Be There") The ego is so big that Mike thinks he can pull of Michael Jackson? Puleeze! Mike said that his goal is to make the top 3. Well, Mike, my goal and ultimate birthday wish is that you go home like you should have weeks ago. Simon, I know you are a pimp that will do anything for money but for some crazy reason I expect better from you than pimping this cheesy, lip licking douche bag with mediocre at best vocals. Ugh! As always: Contestant that should not have made it this far!
Lee & Crystal: ("Falling Slowly") This was awesome! They are so good together. Crystal makes Lee so much better that they should consider forming a duo and recording together. This was just as good as Kris Allen's version just a little different. I can't wait to download this! Together: Artists.
Casey James: ("Mrs. Robinson") I am not a fan of the contestants being placed among the Swaybots (and Casey seemed unnerved by it as well). This was one of the best solo performances of the night not that it mattered beacause the judges had predetermined that Ego must make the top 3 so Casey has to go. This is called throwing someone under the bus, boys and girls. I will download this as well. Tonight: Artist
Crystal: ("I'm Alright") The other good solo performance of the night. This was not my favorite Crystal performance for the entire season but it was really solid. I disagree with Simon that Crystal is back in the game...she was never out of the game, Simon. Tonight: Artist
Casey/Ego: (Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?) I firmly believe that Ego picked this song and Casey deserves bonus points for getting stuck with this loser. Casey played a mean guitar for this and his vocals were pretty good as well except for a few bum notes. Casey: Artist, Ego: Contestant
The Best
Casey - solo
Lee/Crystal - Duet
The Worst
Lee - solo
Ego - solo
The Rest
Crystal - solo
Casey/Ego - duet
I need a miracle people! Let's all think positive thoughts that Ego will go home and Casey will make it to the top 3. Help me out here! :)
Lee DeWyze: ("Kiss From A Rose") Why in the world would he pick this song? I love Lee but he is not exactly known for his expansive vocal range. Everything but the chorus was a hot mess. This performance: Contestant
Ego Mike: ("Will You Be There") The ego is so big that Mike thinks he can pull of Michael Jackson? Puleeze! Mike said that his goal is to make the top 3. Well, Mike, my goal and ultimate birthday wish is that you go home like you should have weeks ago. Simon, I know you are a pimp that will do anything for money but for some crazy reason I expect better from you than pimping this cheesy, lip licking douche bag with mediocre at best vocals. Ugh! As always: Contestant that should not have made it this far!
Lee & Crystal: ("Falling Slowly") This was awesome! They are so good together. Crystal makes Lee so much better that they should consider forming a duo and recording together. This was just as good as Kris Allen's version just a little different. I can't wait to download this! Together: Artists.
Casey James: ("Mrs. Robinson") I am not a fan of the contestants being placed among the Swaybots (and Casey seemed unnerved by it as well). This was one of the best solo performances of the night not that it mattered beacause the judges had predetermined that Ego must make the top 3 so Casey has to go. This is called throwing someone under the bus, boys and girls. I will download this as well. Tonight: Artist
Crystal: ("I'm Alright") The other good solo performance of the night. This was not my favorite Crystal performance for the entire season but it was really solid. I disagree with Simon that Crystal is back in the game...she was never out of the game, Simon. Tonight: Artist
Casey/Ego: (Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?) I firmly believe that Ego picked this song and Casey deserves bonus points for getting stuck with this loser. Casey played a mean guitar for this and his vocals were pretty good as well except for a few bum notes. Casey: Artist, Ego: Contestant
The Best
Casey - solo
Lee/Crystal - Duet
The Worst
Lee - solo
Ego - solo
The Rest
Crystal - solo
Casey/Ego - duet
I need a miracle people! Let's all think positive thoughts that Ego will go home and Casey will make it to the top 3. Help me out here! :)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Top 5 - Frank Sinatra Week
While I felt that Harry Connick Jr. did a good job with the contestants this week and seemed to offer more than most mentors, I don't understand how the judges can spend the entire season criticizing some of the contestants for sounding old-fashioned or not changing a song to make it their own and then force them to sing 50 year old songs that are virtually impossible to change. The theme helped some contestants and hurt others (a lot).
Aaron: ("Fly Me To The Moon") Okay, Aaron can't really live up to Frank but then, it's really not fair to expect him to. It was a little slow in the beginning and there were some bad notes at the end but it wasn't horrible. He had a pretty decent makeover and he will hopefully be the recipient of some of Turban's votes.
Casey: ("Blue Skies") Kara, Kara, Kara. It is called the goat. Get it right! The infamous goat made its comeback (it was killing me!) and it could really hurt Casey this week (though I think he is over it and ready to go home). I personally hope that Big Ego Mike takes a walk instead but Casey really took a dive this week.
Crystal: ("Summer Wind") It started a little soft but she nailed it and looked beautiful while doing it. I am not sure what the judges were drinking but this was not a so-so performance at best. Last week was heinous and this week was good, Simon. Get it right!
The Ego: ("The Way You Look Tonight") He who should have gone home weeks ago trotted out the cheesy hand gestures again this week along with lip licking (almost as bad as Archuleta) and the worlds smallest hat on the worlds biggest melon head. I predicted that he would get a tongue bath from the judges before he sung his first note and they lived up to my expectations. He was originally the VFTW pick for this week (they dumped him tonight for Casey) so I hope the Worsters will put Casey over the top and this hack will hit the road!
Lee: ("That's Life") During the funny video package, Harry urged Lee to practice saying some of the words so that they will come across in the performance. I like Lee but he does have a tendency to mumble. Harry got through to him because he didn't mumble tonight and this was one of my favorite performances by him.
The Best
Lee
Crystal
The Rest
Aaron
The Worst
Casey
Mike
Aaron: ("Fly Me To The Moon") Okay, Aaron can't really live up to Frank but then, it's really not fair to expect him to. It was a little slow in the beginning and there were some bad notes at the end but it wasn't horrible. He had a pretty decent makeover and he will hopefully be the recipient of some of Turban's votes.
Casey: ("Blue Skies") Kara, Kara, Kara. It is called the goat. Get it right! The infamous goat made its comeback (it was killing me!) and it could really hurt Casey this week (though I think he is over it and ready to go home). I personally hope that Big Ego Mike takes a walk instead but Casey really took a dive this week.
Crystal: ("Summer Wind") It started a little soft but she nailed it and looked beautiful while doing it. I am not sure what the judges were drinking but this was not a so-so performance at best. Last week was heinous and this week was good, Simon. Get it right!
The Ego: ("The Way You Look Tonight") He who should have gone home weeks ago trotted out the cheesy hand gestures again this week along with lip licking (almost as bad as Archuleta) and the worlds smallest hat on the worlds biggest melon head. I predicted that he would get a tongue bath from the judges before he sung his first note and they lived up to my expectations. He was originally the VFTW pick for this week (they dumped him tonight for Casey) so I hope the Worsters will put Casey over the top and this hack will hit the road!
Lee: ("That's Life") During the funny video package, Harry urged Lee to practice saying some of the words so that they will come across in the performance. I like Lee but he does have a tendency to mumble. Harry got through to him because he didn't mumble tonight and this was one of my favorite performances by him.
The Best
Lee
Crystal
The Rest
Aaron
The Worst
Casey
Mike
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Top 6 - Shania Twain Week
Shania Twain week offered a few surprises for me. A contestant that I didn't think could ever do any wrong had a mis-step and another that I was done with impressed me with his performance. Maybe this season isn't as easy to predict as I thought it was.
Lee: ("You're Still The One") Shania was right when she encouraged Lee to start with the almost acoustic verse. Unlike the judges, I enjoyed the beginning and ending better than the middle (on which he was shouting a little) but I enjoyed him overall.
Big Mike: ("It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing") I completely left Mike off of my review last week so I guess I wasn't overly impressed (and neither were most of you because only 3 people caught it and brought it to my attention). I wasn't all that impressed this week either. It wasn't all that special before he ended with the dreaded falsetto note which is guaranteed to get you on my Worst list. I was also offended on behalf of Luther Vandross when Ellen and Simon compared Mike to him. He wished that he had even a portion of Luther's talent and vocals. Please do me a favor and hit the road this week.
Casey: ("Don't") My favorite performance of the night. I had written Casey off but he is just so darned good when playing the acoustic and singing from the heart ("Jealous Guy") and he even left out the goat!
Crystal: ("No One Needs To Know Right Now") I didn't get her performance this week. It started wrong and never got on track. I still love Crystal but this just wasn't for her and was all over the place. I must give a shout out to someone that I know who has done a much better job with this song on an amateur level... Leslie Netta back when she was still Leslie Starnes. :)
Aaron: ("It's In The Way You Love Me") Aaron was solid this week because he stuck to a song that is perfect for him. It was also really sweet that he was singing it for his Mom for all she has done for him.
Siobhan: ("Any Man of Mine") I had high hopes for this one but it just couldn't live up to my expectations. It was all over the place and the screech followed by the bad note was almost a perfect ending to the disaster that was this performance.
The Best
Casey
Lee
Aaron
The Worst
Mike
Siobhan
Crystal
I hope that Big Mike gets the boot on the results show this week. The producers owe me the result that I want in payment for having to sit through 2 performances by the worst singer in country music, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. Another thing, how in the world did Shakira end up performing on the results show for country week? She is many things but she is not country.
Lee: ("You're Still The One") Shania was right when she encouraged Lee to start with the almost acoustic verse. Unlike the judges, I enjoyed the beginning and ending better than the middle (on which he was shouting a little) but I enjoyed him overall.
Big Mike: ("It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing") I completely left Mike off of my review last week so I guess I wasn't overly impressed (and neither were most of you because only 3 people caught it and brought it to my attention). I wasn't all that impressed this week either. It wasn't all that special before he ended with the dreaded falsetto note which is guaranteed to get you on my Worst list. I was also offended on behalf of Luther Vandross when Ellen and Simon compared Mike to him. He wished that he had even a portion of Luther's talent and vocals. Please do me a favor and hit the road this week.
Casey: ("Don't") My favorite performance of the night. I had written Casey off but he is just so darned good when playing the acoustic and singing from the heart ("Jealous Guy") and he even left out the goat!
Crystal: ("No One Needs To Know Right Now") I didn't get her performance this week. It started wrong and never got on track. I still love Crystal but this just wasn't for her and was all over the place. I must give a shout out to someone that I know who has done a much better job with this song on an amateur level... Leslie Netta back when she was still Leslie Starnes. :)
Aaron: ("It's In The Way You Love Me") Aaron was solid this week because he stuck to a song that is perfect for him. It was also really sweet that he was singing it for his Mom for all she has done for him.
Siobhan: ("Any Man of Mine") I had high hopes for this one but it just couldn't live up to my expectations. It was all over the place and the screech followed by the bad note was almost a perfect ending to the disaster that was this performance.
The Best
Casey
Lee
Aaron
The Worst
Mike
Siobhan
Crystal
I hope that Big Mike gets the boot on the results show this week. The producers owe me the result that I want in payment for having to sit through 2 performances by the worst singer in country music, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts. Another thing, how in the world did Shakira end up performing on the results show for country week? She is many things but she is not country.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Top 7 - Songs That Are Supposed To Inspire Us
This theme week is usually pretty lame each season and this year did not give us anything that we weren't expecting. Someone needs to completely overhaul the themes for this show before it completely self destructs (oh, wait. I think that has already gotten a pretty good start.) We need new themes people! Watching the Madonna episode of Glee last night made me long for a Material Girl theme week. :)
Casey James: ("Don't Stop" - Fleetwood Mac) Casey was consistent this week. He has definitely settled in to what he is going to do and doesn't really seem all that interested in what the judges have to say anymore. It was a decent performance, I guess, but nothing special. Tim will save him this week.
Lee DeWyze: ("The Boxer" - Simon & Garfunkel) A couple of bad notes but really pretty good overall. He has grown week to week and I felt he connected more this week with the audience. I would buy a cd from him. :)
Tim Urban: ("Better Days" - Goo Goo Dolls) The first half was very rough and all over the place but Tim got a little better about half way through. I thought that Aaron was going to do Tim a favor and throw himself on the going home spike with "I Believe I Can Fly" but...
Aaron Kelly: ("I Believe I Can Fly" - R. Kelly) I must admit that I am not a fan of this song or the original recording artist. I detest it actually. When I saw the song spoiler list, I thought this was it for Aaron but he surprised me. There were some wonky notes but that is expected with this kind of song. He may be in the bottom 3 but I don't think he will get sent home.
Siobhan Magnus: ("When You Believe" - Whitney/Mariah) I am not a fan of this song, or the movie that it is from, either. I thought that Siobhan took a large step towards getting her act together this week. She has been off since the Chaka Khan song and has been stumbling around trying to find her way. The notes were good so I am confused as to why the judges found her lacking.
Crystal Bowersox: ("People Get Ready" - The Impressions ) Crystal returned to the pimp spot this week for which I was prepared to criticize the producers. Needless to say she deserved the pimp spot and didn't waste her opportunity. The acoustic opening was beautiful and she maintained that feeling throughout the song to the end when she lost it and tried to make all of us cry along with her. Wonderful!
The Best
Crystal, Siobhan, Lee
The Worst
Tim
The Rest
Casey, Aaron, Mike
Casey James: ("Don't Stop" - Fleetwood Mac) Casey was consistent this week. He has definitely settled in to what he is going to do and doesn't really seem all that interested in what the judges have to say anymore. It was a decent performance, I guess, but nothing special. Tim will save him this week.
Lee DeWyze: ("The Boxer" - Simon & Garfunkel) A couple of bad notes but really pretty good overall. He has grown week to week and I felt he connected more this week with the audience. I would buy a cd from him. :)
Tim Urban: ("Better Days" - Goo Goo Dolls) The first half was very rough and all over the place but Tim got a little better about half way through. I thought that Aaron was going to do Tim a favor and throw himself on the going home spike with "I Believe I Can Fly" but...
Aaron Kelly: ("I Believe I Can Fly" - R. Kelly) I must admit that I am not a fan of this song or the original recording artist. I detest it actually. When I saw the song spoiler list, I thought this was it for Aaron but he surprised me. There were some wonky notes but that is expected with this kind of song. He may be in the bottom 3 but I don't think he will get sent home.
Siobhan Magnus: ("When You Believe" - Whitney/Mariah) I am not a fan of this song, or the movie that it is from, either. I thought that Siobhan took a large step towards getting her act together this week. She has been off since the Chaka Khan song and has been stumbling around trying to find her way. The notes were good so I am confused as to why the judges found her lacking.
Crystal Bowersox: ("People Get Ready" - The Impressions ) Crystal returned to the pimp spot this week for which I was prepared to criticize the producers. Needless to say she deserved the pimp spot and didn't waste her opportunity. The acoustic opening was beautiful and she maintained that feeling throughout the song to the end when she lost it and tried to make all of us cry along with her. Wonderful!
The Best
Crystal, Siobhan, Lee
The Worst
Tim
The Rest
Casey, Aaron, Mike
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Top 9 Part Deux - Elvis
I have been dreading the show this week since the Screech mentoring session rumors started. Adam didn't blow me away as a judge but he had better advice then Gwen Stefani. See, I can be nice to him. Now, if only we didn't have to sit through one of his performances on the results show. Ugh!
Crystal Bowersox: ("Saved") I got home late and missed Crystal's performance so I am judging her based only upon the recap from the end of the show. It seemed pretty good, more of the same. I think I would have preferred it if she had chosen a different song this week. Elvis had a ton of hit songs -- I don't know why she couldn't have found something else.
Andrew Garcia: ("Hound Dog") First, Ryan should stop asking him questions prior to his performances as he just doesn't have anything interesting to say. This boring, toneless version of the song didn't do Andrew any favors. It granted him a place as one of the two contestants to go. I am more than ready to say goodbye.
Tim Urban: ("Can't Help Falling In Love") Timmeh! Wow! Timmy has just about completely won me over. He has been so much better for the past two weeks while playing the guitar. He should never perform without it again. I have almost been able to put "Apologize" out of my memory. Almost. I also applaud Tim for not taking Screech's advice about the falsetto at the end. The falsetto should always be left out of a performance. Go Timmeh!
Lee DeWyze: ("A Little Less Conversation") I loved the acoustic start. Lee was very solid this week -- one of his best and one of my favorites this season.
Aaron Kelly: ("Blue Suede Shoes") I appreciate that Aaron attempted to step out of his ballad comfort zone this week but even he knew that it really didn't work. Aaron may be too young and inexperienced for Idol. He hasn't grown week over week and just doesn't have what it takes to stick around. He will more than likely join Andrew in going home this week.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Suspicious Minds") There is no arguing that Siobhan is a talented singer with a beautiful voice but she seems to be struggling to pull together a completely wonderful performance of the right song. The beginning of this was not very good but it got much better towards the middle (even with the scream). Not my favorite from her but much better than her Chaka Khan from a few weeks ago.
Michael Lynche: ("In The Ghetto") Siobhan helped Mike find this song which he seemed to have never heard before. I am not sure how that is possible but whatever. She should have kept it for herself. The beginning of the song was okay until he busted out the falsetto and I lost interest. Like Tim, he should only perform with a guitar on all future performances.
Katie Stevens: ("Baby What Do You Want Me To Do") I was not impressed. There were worse performers than Katie which may save her for another week but I am over her and ready for her to go. She should be thanking Andrew and Aaron for hooking her up this week.
Casey James: ("Lawdy Miss Clawdy") Casey did not take advantage of the pimp spot this week. His performance was nothing special and he brought back the goat vibrato which I decided it just unacceptable if he is not singing softly. He won't be in danger of being sent home because he is "cute" but he can't get by on that forever.
The Best
Tim (!), Lee
The Worst
Andrew, Aaron, Katie
The Rest
Crystal, Siobhan, Michael, Casey
Crystal Bowersox: ("Saved") I got home late and missed Crystal's performance so I am judging her based only upon the recap from the end of the show. It seemed pretty good, more of the same. I think I would have preferred it if she had chosen a different song this week. Elvis had a ton of hit songs -- I don't know why she couldn't have found something else.
Andrew Garcia: ("Hound Dog") First, Ryan should stop asking him questions prior to his performances as he just doesn't have anything interesting to say. This boring, toneless version of the song didn't do Andrew any favors. It granted him a place as one of the two contestants to go. I am more than ready to say goodbye.
Tim Urban: ("Can't Help Falling In Love") Timmeh! Wow! Timmy has just about completely won me over. He has been so much better for the past two weeks while playing the guitar. He should never perform without it again. I have almost been able to put "Apologize" out of my memory. Almost. I also applaud Tim for not taking Screech's advice about the falsetto at the end. The falsetto should always be left out of a performance. Go Timmeh!
Lee DeWyze: ("A Little Less Conversation") I loved the acoustic start. Lee was very solid this week -- one of his best and one of my favorites this season.
Aaron Kelly: ("Blue Suede Shoes") I appreciate that Aaron attempted to step out of his ballad comfort zone this week but even he knew that it really didn't work. Aaron may be too young and inexperienced for Idol. He hasn't grown week over week and just doesn't have what it takes to stick around. He will more than likely join Andrew in going home this week.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Suspicious Minds") There is no arguing that Siobhan is a talented singer with a beautiful voice but she seems to be struggling to pull together a completely wonderful performance of the right song. The beginning of this was not very good but it got much better towards the middle (even with the scream). Not my favorite from her but much better than her Chaka Khan from a few weeks ago.
Michael Lynche: ("In The Ghetto") Siobhan helped Mike find this song which he seemed to have never heard before. I am not sure how that is possible but whatever. She should have kept it for herself. The beginning of the song was okay until he busted out the falsetto and I lost interest. Like Tim, he should only perform with a guitar on all future performances.
Katie Stevens: ("Baby What Do You Want Me To Do") I was not impressed. There were worse performers than Katie which may save her for another week but I am over her and ready for her to go. She should be thanking Andrew and Aaron for hooking her up this week.
Casey James: ("Lawdy Miss Clawdy") Casey did not take advantage of the pimp spot this week. His performance was nothing special and he brought back the goat vibrato which I decided it just unacceptable if he is not singing softly. He won't be in danger of being sent home because he is "cute" but he can't get by on that forever.
The Best
Tim (!), Lee
The Worst
Andrew, Aaron, Katie
The Rest
Crystal, Siobhan, Michael, Casey
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Top 9 - Lennon/McCartney Songbook
Lennon/McCartney week once again. With some exceptions this was a much better week for Idol overall. There were more good performances this week then we have had yet. Maybe there is a glimmer of hope for this season after all.
Aaron Kelly: ("The Long and Winding Road") Aaron continued with his usual routine. Ballad, ballad, boring ballad. Aaron seems to be losing his way and should find himself in the bottom 3 this week.
Katie Stevens: ("Let It Be") Unlike Aaron, Katie changed it up some. It was better than she usually is but it was still pretty boring. I don't know who is dressing the contestants this year but her outfit was a cross of Stephanie Tanner (Full House) and I Dream of Jeannie. Not good.
Andrew Garcia: ("Can't Buy Me Love") Andrew continued to attempt to dig himself out of the hole he has been in since the Top 24 but he fell a little short. At least it didn't put me to sleep. Poor Andrew just doesn't have a good enough voice for this kind of competition but his fans are keeping him in it.
Mike Lynche: ("Elinor Rigby") Over singing and corny hand gestures were back. Boo! This is David Cook's song. Mike just didn't measure up. He needs look back at his performance from last week if he wants to improve.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Come Together") Crystal continues to coast to the finale. There isn't anyone else that can really touch her at this point when it comes to being comfortable on stage and putting heart and soul into a song.
Tim Urban: ("All My Lovin'") This was Tim's best performance so far. I was actually surprised. He is much better when playing the guitar because it hides the deer in the headlight stare that he usually has. He should make it at least a few more weeks based on his competition.
Casey James: ("Jealous Guy") Casey let the guitar take a back seat to his vocals this week with great results. He leaned a little too much on the vibrato but this was my favorite performance from him so far this season.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Across The Universe") Very subdued performance but her voice was beautiful and flawless (and she left out the scream!). Keep it up, Siobhan!
Lee DeWyze: ("Hey Jude") Lee continues to improve week after week. He was much more confident and it came through with stronger vocals during his performance. I do agree with Simon though that he should have left out the bagpipes.
The Best
Casey, Crystal, and Siobhan
The Worst
Aaron, Andrew, Big Mike
The Rest
Katie, Tim, Lee
DialIdol Results It looks like DialIdol has finally gotten it together and they are predicting that Crystal and Lee are the only contestants that are safe. Andrew, Tim, and Aaron will be be in the bottom three if they are right.
Results Show and Next Weeks Mentor - Okay, Idol producers. We all know how the machine works at this point and we have resigned ourselves to sitting through an hour long results show for 5 minutes of actual results but you owe us better than what we have been getting this season. Cut the cheesy lip-synch o-rama that the contestants go through each Wednesday. We are not interested. Also, it is hypocritical of you to pass judgment on any of the contestants, no matter how bad they are, and then traipse out a bunch of no talent lackeys in front of them each week for a "performance". Kesha, Usher, Miley, and Orianthi are the bad performances that I can remember off of the top of my head. Only the former Idols have really been decent so far and they are thrown to the beginning of the show (and are forced to sing a song that is not their own) like it is an obligation that the producers must get through to move on with the show. Maybe if you would bring on people that can actually sing and perform these kids would get the idea. On that note, they are bringing back Adam Lambert as the mentor next week. WHAT?!?!?! This is absolutely ridiculous. They continue to pimp him even though he... DIDN"T WIN and HAS NOT HAD HUGE SUCCESS. If you are going to bring back an Idol to mentor the kids why not find someone that has moved on to an actual career consisting of more than one hit song and album. Dare I suggest Carrie Underwood, Daughtry or even Kellie Pickler? Nope, they must pimp Adam (even though they won't acknowledge Kris Allen) because they are still determined to make him a star. No matter what the public thinks. Guess what, Powers That Be? He is not going to be a huge star. His fade from fame started the minute Season 8 ended (and is why his performances since have been desperately "wicked" in an attempt to get some publicity). Next week will be absolutely painful no matter the theme.
Aaron Kelly: ("The Long and Winding Road") Aaron continued with his usual routine. Ballad, ballad, boring ballad. Aaron seems to be losing his way and should find himself in the bottom 3 this week.
Katie Stevens: ("Let It Be") Unlike Aaron, Katie changed it up some. It was better than she usually is but it was still pretty boring. I don't know who is dressing the contestants this year but her outfit was a cross of Stephanie Tanner (Full House) and I Dream of Jeannie. Not good.
Andrew Garcia: ("Can't Buy Me Love") Andrew continued to attempt to dig himself out of the hole he has been in since the Top 24 but he fell a little short. At least it didn't put me to sleep. Poor Andrew just doesn't have a good enough voice for this kind of competition but his fans are keeping him in it.
Mike Lynche: ("Elinor Rigby") Over singing and corny hand gestures were back. Boo! This is David Cook's song. Mike just didn't measure up. He needs look back at his performance from last week if he wants to improve.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Come Together") Crystal continues to coast to the finale. There isn't anyone else that can really touch her at this point when it comes to being comfortable on stage and putting heart and soul into a song.
Tim Urban: ("All My Lovin'") This was Tim's best performance so far. I was actually surprised. He is much better when playing the guitar because it hides the deer in the headlight stare that he usually has. He should make it at least a few more weeks based on his competition.
Casey James: ("Jealous Guy") Casey let the guitar take a back seat to his vocals this week with great results. He leaned a little too much on the vibrato but this was my favorite performance from him so far this season.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Across The Universe") Very subdued performance but her voice was beautiful and flawless (and she left out the scream!). Keep it up, Siobhan!
Lee DeWyze: ("Hey Jude") Lee continues to improve week after week. He was much more confident and it came through with stronger vocals during his performance. I do agree with Simon though that he should have left out the bagpipes.
The Best
Casey, Crystal, and Siobhan
The Worst
Aaron, Andrew, Big Mike
The Rest
Katie, Tim, Lee
DialIdol Results It looks like DialIdol has finally gotten it together and they are predicting that Crystal and Lee are the only contestants that are safe. Andrew, Tim, and Aaron will be be in the bottom three if they are right.
Results Show and Next Weeks Mentor - Okay, Idol producers. We all know how the machine works at this point and we have resigned ourselves to sitting through an hour long results show for 5 minutes of actual results but you owe us better than what we have been getting this season. Cut the cheesy lip-synch o-rama that the contestants go through each Wednesday. We are not interested. Also, it is hypocritical of you to pass judgment on any of the contestants, no matter how bad they are, and then traipse out a bunch of no talent lackeys in front of them each week for a "performance". Kesha, Usher, Miley, and Orianthi are the bad performances that I can remember off of the top of my head. Only the former Idols have really been decent so far and they are thrown to the beginning of the show (and are forced to sing a song that is not their own) like it is an obligation that the producers must get through to move on with the show. Maybe if you would bring on people that can actually sing and perform these kids would get the idea. On that note, they are bringing back Adam Lambert as the mentor next week. WHAT?!?!?! This is absolutely ridiculous. They continue to pimp him even though he... DIDN"T WIN and HAS NOT HAD HUGE SUCCESS. If you are going to bring back an Idol to mentor the kids why not find someone that has moved on to an actual career consisting of more than one hit song and album. Dare I suggest Carrie Underwood, Daughtry or even Kellie Pickler? Nope, they must pimp Adam (even though they won't acknowledge Kris Allen) because they are still determined to make him a star. No matter what the public thinks. Guess what, Powers That Be? He is not going to be a huge star. His fade from fame started the minute Season 8 ended (and is why his performances since have been desperately "wicked" in an attempt to get some publicity). Next week will be absolutely painful no matter the theme.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Top 10 - Soul and R&B
The painful saga that is Season 9 continues with Soul/R&B Hits. Some of you have written to say that you are giving up on on this season of Idol. I am starting to think that I should join you and find a life on Tuesday nights. If not for Crystal Bowersox (and Lee/Good Siobhan), then I wouldn't be bothering at this point. If she doesn't win then there is no justice in the world.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Through The Fire" - Chaka Khan) I don't know what has happened to Siobhan. She continued her downward slide this week. It was boring and contained 1 1/2 unnecessary primal screams. Simon was dead on with his initial analysis of her performance. He pushed it a little too far in the end though and I felt sorry for her.
Casey James: ("Hold On I'm Coming" - Sam and Dave) To me, Casey seems to enjoy playing the guitar more than singing. Since he is not the best singer this makes sense. He is one of the stronger contestants this season but he wouldn't be if he had auditioned in Season 5 or 7 where the talent pool was larger. I wonder why the judges haven't asked him to put down the guitar like they did with Crystal?
Michael Lynche: ("Ready for Love" - India.Arie) India.Arie is perfect for Michael. Wonderful job picking a song. He was so much better this week. Strong vocal without the hated/dreaded falsetto AND playing the guitar kept him from making those corny gestures while he sings. My favorite performance from him so far in the competition.
Didi Benami: ("What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?" - Jimmy Ruffin) It was not a bad vocal performance but Didi never seems to really connect with the audience while she is singing. She is just blank when on stage. Hopefully she can turn it around.
Tim Urban: ("Sweet Love" - Anita Baker) Good grief it was bad! He kept singing about knowing no shame and he obviously doesn't if he can get up in front of millions of people and sing this song with his meager vocal abilities. He is so cheesy. VFTW, please don't save him this week (even he wants to go home at this point)!
Andrew Garcia: ("Forever" - Chris Brown) The best Andrew has been since the competition started but I agree with Simon that he is still boring.
Katie Stevens: ("Chain of Fools" - Aretha Franklin) The singing was technically not bad but it was once again boring and her outfit was insanely bad. I always feel like I am watching the talent portion of a beauty pageant when she is on stage. This season is so not good.
Lee DeWyze: ("Treat Her Like A Lady" - Cornelius Brothers) I have always been a Lee fan but he really surprised me tonight. I was starting to think that he would never get it all together. He was at his best so far this week.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Midnight Train to Georgia" - Gladys Knight) I prefer Crystal with a guitar but she was one of the best once again. I also agree with Simon that the backup singers shouldn't have been used. They were not necessary.
Aaron Kelly: ("Aint No Sunshine" - Bill Withers) Aaron should have picked another song. This did not come across well and it was done much better just last season by Kris Allen.
The Best
Lee, Crystal
The Worst
Tim, Siobhan
The Rest
Casey, Aaron, Didi, Andrew, Katie, Michael
Siobhan Magnus: ("Through The Fire" - Chaka Khan) I don't know what has happened to Siobhan. She continued her downward slide this week. It was boring and contained 1 1/2 unnecessary primal screams. Simon was dead on with his initial analysis of her performance. He pushed it a little too far in the end though and I felt sorry for her.
Casey James: ("Hold On I'm Coming" - Sam and Dave) To me, Casey seems to enjoy playing the guitar more than singing. Since he is not the best singer this makes sense. He is one of the stronger contestants this season but he wouldn't be if he had auditioned in Season 5 or 7 where the talent pool was larger. I wonder why the judges haven't asked him to put down the guitar like they did with Crystal?
Michael Lynche: ("Ready for Love" - India.Arie) India.Arie is perfect for Michael. Wonderful job picking a song. He was so much better this week. Strong vocal without the hated/dreaded falsetto AND playing the guitar kept him from making those corny gestures while he sings. My favorite performance from him so far in the competition.
Didi Benami: ("What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?" - Jimmy Ruffin) It was not a bad vocal performance but Didi never seems to really connect with the audience while she is singing. She is just blank when on stage. Hopefully she can turn it around.
Tim Urban: ("Sweet Love" - Anita Baker) Good grief it was bad! He kept singing about knowing no shame and he obviously doesn't if he can get up in front of millions of people and sing this song with his meager vocal abilities. He is so cheesy. VFTW, please don't save him this week (even he wants to go home at this point)!
Andrew Garcia: ("Forever" - Chris Brown) The best Andrew has been since the competition started but I agree with Simon that he is still boring.
Katie Stevens: ("Chain of Fools" - Aretha Franklin) The singing was technically not bad but it was once again boring and her outfit was insanely bad. I always feel like I am watching the talent portion of a beauty pageant when she is on stage. This season is so not good.
Lee DeWyze: ("Treat Her Like A Lady" - Cornelius Brothers) I have always been a Lee fan but he really surprised me tonight. I was starting to think that he would never get it all together. He was at his best so far this week.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Midnight Train to Georgia" - Gladys Knight) I prefer Crystal with a guitar but she was one of the best once again. I also agree with Simon that the backup singers shouldn't have been used. They were not necessary.
Aaron Kelly: ("Aint No Sunshine" - Bill Withers) Aaron should have picked another song. This did not come across well and it was done much better just last season by Kris Allen.
The Best
Lee, Crystal
The Worst
Tim, Siobhan
The Rest
Casey, Aaron, Didi, Andrew, Katie, Michael
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Top 11 - #1 Hits from Billboard Hot 100
The original theme for this week was Teen Pop. The Powers That Be then changed it to #1 Hits from the Billboard Hot 100. I don't know that they really did us any favors. The songs that most of the contestants chose have been done on the show already or were never done for a reason. At least if they had stuck with Teen Pop then we could have blamed it on the theme. I don't know who to blame for this travesty.
Lee Dewyze: ("The Letter" - Box Tops 1967) Lee changed it up this week by leaving out the guitar. It actually improved his stage presence somehow. He still looked nervous but not as much.
Paige Miles: ("Against All Odds" - Phil Collins 1984) HIDEOUS! I don't know what happened but Paige was Just. Not. Good. I don't know if she is just not trying or if we should stage an uprising against the judges for putting her through in the first place. Other than a slight glimmer last week, she has not proven that she has any talent at all.
Tim Urban: ("Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen 1980) Tim tried to liven things up this week by sliding on the stage and hand slapping the swaybots in the pit. In an ordinary week, it would have been fodder to get him sent home. This week, however, he had so much competition in the how-bad-can-I-be category that it didn't seem as bad to me. He was trying too hard and was still boring but he sang better than Paige or Andrew. My Dad thinks that "Annie's Song" by John Denver would be perfect for him and win him legions of fans. Wonder what the theme is next week?
Aaron Kelly: ("Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - Aerosmith 1998) Given that Aaron had laryngitis and tonsillitis, he did a decent job with this song. He does need to work on the rut that he has fallen into. I don't think he has done one song that is not a ballad yet. I know that ballads are what fits his voice the best but it will come back to bite him if he doesn't learn to branch out some.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Me and Bobby McGee" - Janis Joplin 1971) The transition from the first verse to the rest of the song was a little odd, but Crystal did what she does best. This time she got to channel Joplin while performing her song. It was really good.
Big Mike Lynche: ("When A Man Loves A Woman" - Percy Sledge 1966) Mike sang well once again this week until the falsetto at the end. The thing that is working against him is the odd posturing that he projects on stage. He also seems to have fallen into a ballad rut with Aaron.
Andrew Garcia: ("Heard It Through The Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye 1968) He should not be here. I want Alex Lambert back! Now!
Katie Stevens: ("Big Girls Don't Cry" - Fergie 2007) Katie didn't add anything new to the song. It was just a copy cat version that was not as good as the original. She was better than last week though so I guess that was an improvement. To quote Kara (am I really doing this?), she still has "mad pitch issues".
Casey James: ("Power of Love" - Huey Lewis & The News 1985) Casey didn't really do anything special to it but I give him extra points for choosing Huey Lewis. It was much better than a lot of the other contestants. His voice is similar to Stevie Ray Vaughn's.
Didi Benami: ("You're No Good" - Linda Ronstadt 1975) Didi was trying to channel Lacey Brown for some unknown reason. Didi - Lacey was sent home because she sucks. Do not try to be Lacey unless you want to go home. Paige or Andrew should save you this week but you only get so many passes before bad decisions catch up to you.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Superstition" - Stevie Wonder 1972) This was the first time that I didn't really care for a performance by Siobhan. I agree with Simon that she needs to watch ending evey song with the glory note. It is starting to get old. I still like her but she needs to bring it next week.
Thank God that it's finally over!
The Worst
Paige, Andrew, Didi
The Best
Crystal, Aaron
The Rest
Lee, Tim, Mike, Katie, Casey, Siobhan
Lee Dewyze: ("The Letter" - Box Tops 1967) Lee changed it up this week by leaving out the guitar. It actually improved his stage presence somehow. He still looked nervous but not as much.
Paige Miles: ("Against All Odds" - Phil Collins 1984) HIDEOUS! I don't know what happened but Paige was Just. Not. Good. I don't know if she is just not trying or if we should stage an uprising against the judges for putting her through in the first place. Other than a slight glimmer last week, she has not proven that she has any talent at all.
Tim Urban: ("Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen 1980) Tim tried to liven things up this week by sliding on the stage and hand slapping the swaybots in the pit. In an ordinary week, it would have been fodder to get him sent home. This week, however, he had so much competition in the how-bad-can-I-be category that it didn't seem as bad to me. He was trying too hard and was still boring but he sang better than Paige or Andrew. My Dad thinks that "Annie's Song" by John Denver would be perfect for him and win him legions of fans. Wonder what the theme is next week?
Aaron Kelly: ("Don't Want To Miss A Thing" - Aerosmith 1998) Given that Aaron had laryngitis and tonsillitis, he did a decent job with this song. He does need to work on the rut that he has fallen into. I don't think he has done one song that is not a ballad yet. I know that ballads are what fits his voice the best but it will come back to bite him if he doesn't learn to branch out some.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Me and Bobby McGee" - Janis Joplin 1971) The transition from the first verse to the rest of the song was a little odd, but Crystal did what she does best. This time she got to channel Joplin while performing her song. It was really good.
Big Mike Lynche: ("When A Man Loves A Woman" - Percy Sledge 1966) Mike sang well once again this week until the falsetto at the end. The thing that is working against him is the odd posturing that he projects on stage. He also seems to have fallen into a ballad rut with Aaron.
Andrew Garcia: ("Heard It Through The Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye 1968) He should not be here. I want Alex Lambert back! Now!
Katie Stevens: ("Big Girls Don't Cry" - Fergie 2007) Katie didn't add anything new to the song. It was just a copy cat version that was not as good as the original. She was better than last week though so I guess that was an improvement. To quote Kara (am I really doing this?), she still has "mad pitch issues".
Casey James: ("Power of Love" - Huey Lewis & The News 1985) Casey didn't really do anything special to it but I give him extra points for choosing Huey Lewis. It was much better than a lot of the other contestants. His voice is similar to Stevie Ray Vaughn's.
Didi Benami: ("You're No Good" - Linda Ronstadt 1975) Didi was trying to channel Lacey Brown for some unknown reason. Didi - Lacey was sent home because she sucks. Do not try to be Lacey unless you want to go home. Paige or Andrew should save you this week but you only get so many passes before bad decisions catch up to you.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Superstition" - Stevie Wonder 1972) This was the first time that I didn't really care for a performance by Siobhan. I agree with Simon that she needs to watch ending evey song with the glory note. It is starting to get old. I still like her but she needs to bring it next week.
Thank God that it's finally over!
The Worst
Paige, Andrew, Didi
The Best
Crystal, Aaron
The Rest
Lee, Tim, Mike, Katie, Casey, Siobhan
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Top 12 - Rolling Stones
I have been dreading the Top 12 performances since I heard that they would be singing the songs of The Rolling Stones. Unfortunately, I was right and the people that I expected to be bad were for the most part.
Michael Lynche: ("Miss You") It wasn't the worst thing that I have heard this season (that would be "Landslide" by Lacey Brown) but I wasn't impressed by his performance. I also must disagree with Kara that he had the "Jagger swagger". He was bouncing from foot to foot like Barney or the Teletubbies.
Didi Benami: ("Play With Fire") Didi was not perfect but she managed to pull through almost butchering the words twice. I was actually surprised that she was able to pull this off. I thought she would really struggle this week.
Casey James: ("All Over Now") My favorite performance from him so far. He is believeable with the guitar and this type of song. I much prefer the scratchy rocker voice to the goat vibrato. His mom looks like Peggy Bundy.
Lacey Brown: ("Ruby Tuesday") Lacey lived up to my expectations of her performance. It wasn't good and I can't believe she is still on this show. Katelyn was robbed! I should have known that Lacey wasn't going to be any good as soon as they said she was from Amarillo. My brother and I went through there once. Believe me, it is not worth a stop. Keep going until you get to Arizona.
Andrew Garcia: ("Gimme Shelter") Andrew was bad yet again. He has no depthh to his performances. This was proof that Alex Lambert should not have been sent home last week.
Katie Stevens: ("Wild Horses") The opening verse was actually pretty good and then she went into the chorus and it descended into a pitchy hot mess.
Tim Urban: ("Under My Thumb") He is boring and the reggae thing just didn't work. Yet another guy that should have been sent home instead of Alex Lambert. He is the Vote For The Worst pick so he may be safe.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Paint It Black") This was one of two performances that I was looking forward to this week and...Damn! That was good. Kara and Simon were completely off base in comparing her to Adam Lambert. That cretin isn't fit to lick the bottom of her shoe!
Lee DeWyze: ("Beast of Burden") This was not a difficult arrangement but he did a good job with it. Lee should not be concerned by Simon's comment. He told David Cook that he didn't have enough charisma to win and be a star around this same point in season 7.
Paige Miles: ("Honky Tonk Woman") This was the best performance from Paige yet this season. It was much better than last week. I am not sure about the outfit though. She looked like a camp counselor but was singing about being a honky tonk woman. I was confused.
Aaron Kelly: ("Angie") The beginning of the song was very shaky and not very good. About the time that I was ready to write him off, my dad suggested that I not look at him while he is singing. It worked! He sounds much better when you don't look at him. ;)
Crystal Bowersox: ("You Can't Always Get What You Want") The other performance that I was looking forward to... and as expected... it was awesome! She took the Stones to church. Her dad almost made me cry. I love her.
The Best
Siobhan, Crystal, Casey
The Worst
Lacey (she sang about "goodbye" hopefully she will get gone. Finally!), Tim, Katie
The Rest
Lee, Aaron, Michael, Andrew, Paige, Didi
Michael Lynche: ("Miss You") It wasn't the worst thing that I have heard this season (that would be "Landslide" by Lacey Brown) but I wasn't impressed by his performance. I also must disagree with Kara that he had the "Jagger swagger". He was bouncing from foot to foot like Barney or the Teletubbies.
Didi Benami: ("Play With Fire") Didi was not perfect but she managed to pull through almost butchering the words twice. I was actually surprised that she was able to pull this off. I thought she would really struggle this week.
Casey James: ("All Over Now") My favorite performance from him so far. He is believeable with the guitar and this type of song. I much prefer the scratchy rocker voice to the goat vibrato. His mom looks like Peggy Bundy.
Lacey Brown: ("Ruby Tuesday") Lacey lived up to my expectations of her performance. It wasn't good and I can't believe she is still on this show. Katelyn was robbed! I should have known that Lacey wasn't going to be any good as soon as they said she was from Amarillo. My brother and I went through there once. Believe me, it is not worth a stop. Keep going until you get to Arizona.
Andrew Garcia: ("Gimme Shelter") Andrew was bad yet again. He has no depthh to his performances. This was proof that Alex Lambert should not have been sent home last week.
Katie Stevens: ("Wild Horses") The opening verse was actually pretty good and then she went into the chorus and it descended into a pitchy hot mess.
Tim Urban: ("Under My Thumb") He is boring and the reggae thing just didn't work. Yet another guy that should have been sent home instead of Alex Lambert. He is the Vote For The Worst pick so he may be safe.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Paint It Black") This was one of two performances that I was looking forward to this week and...Damn! That was good. Kara and Simon were completely off base in comparing her to Adam Lambert. That cretin isn't fit to lick the bottom of her shoe!
Lee DeWyze: ("Beast of Burden") This was not a difficult arrangement but he did a good job with it. Lee should not be concerned by Simon's comment. He told David Cook that he didn't have enough charisma to win and be a star around this same point in season 7.
Paige Miles: ("Honky Tonk Woman") This was the best performance from Paige yet this season. It was much better than last week. I am not sure about the outfit though. She looked like a camp counselor but was singing about being a honky tonk woman. I was confused.
Aaron Kelly: ("Angie") The beginning of the song was very shaky and not very good. About the time that I was ready to write him off, my dad suggested that I not look at him while he is singing. It worked! He sounds much better when you don't look at him. ;)
Crystal Bowersox: ("You Can't Always Get What You Want") The other performance that I was looking forward to... and as expected... it was awesome! She took the Stones to church. Her dad almost made me cry. I love her.
The Best
Siobhan, Crystal, Casey
The Worst
Lacey (she sang about "goodbye" hopefully she will get gone. Finally!), Tim, Katie
The Rest
Lee, Aaron, Michael, Andrew, Paige, Didi
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Memory Lane: David Cook - Top 16 Week
The week that everyone started to pay attention to the "word nerd"...
Season 9 Top 16 Boys Night
Lee Dewyze: ("Fireflies"-Owl City) I was terrified when I read that Lee would be singing this on the song spoilers on Vote for the Worst. It was a little rough in the middle but I enjoyed it overall. Since this song is a product of overproduction, it didn't really help Lee to stand out though, despite replacing the keyboard with a guitar. Bad singing from some of the other contestants helped with that.
Alex Lambert: ("Trouble" - Ray LaMontagne) It started off shaky (nerves?) but he pulled it together. Alex has a great voice but he need A LOT of work on his stage presence. At some point he is going to have to get the nerves under control or he will crumble under the pressure of the show. I like him and hope that he is able to get it together.
Tim Urban: ("Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley) Tim showed improvement tonight on all but the chorus of the song. I still don't think he has what it takes to make it to the Top 12 but then the VFTW people may push him through. Jason Castro did this song much better.
Andrew Garcia: ("Genie In A Bottle" - Christina Aguilera) Is Andrew trying to get kicked off or should he have never been put through in the first place? He was bad again this week (actually this was probably his worst yet)! Kara may be right that he peaked too early (did I just agree with crazy brainless Kara?). Worst of the night, hands down, no one else was close.
Casey James: ("You'll Think of Me" - Keith Urban) I guess it was okay. He didn't really sing for most of the song. At least he left the Carmen Rasmussen goat vibrato backstage this week.
Aaron Kelly: ("I'm Already There" - Lonestar) His voice was super shaky at the beginning due to nerves but it got better in the chorus. Aaron seems to suffer from the same confidence/presence problems as Alex (though Alex has a better voice). I did enjoy it when Simon laid the verbal beat down on Kara, though.
Todrick Hall: ("Somebody to Love" - Queen) Why? Honestly, I don't mean to harp but Todrick and Jermaine Sellers should have never been put through in the first place. Jermaine was finally shown the door and I can't wait for the same thing to happen to Todrick. Jermaine Purefoy should have had either of their spots. He has actual talent. I guess this was good for him but it just wasn't good enough. My friend Kim thinks that he was channeling Adam "Screech" Lambert. I agree, but Adam actually sings better (it truly pains me to say this) and I don't like the way he sings either.
Big Mike: ("This Woman's Work" - Maxwell) This is not really my cup of tea but I was impressed with Mike. I had no idea that he could hit these kinds of notes. Everything he has done before this was no where in the vicinity. I still don't understand why Kara was reduced to a blubbering idiot but I blame it on the alcohol.
Top 6 - I Hope
Alex Lambert
Lee Dewyze
Big Mike
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Going Home? (I am completely torn people)
Todrick Hall
Andrew Garcia
Tim Urban
Alex Lambert: ("Trouble" - Ray LaMontagne) It started off shaky (nerves?) but he pulled it together. Alex has a great voice but he need A LOT of work on his stage presence. At some point he is going to have to get the nerves under control or he will crumble under the pressure of the show. I like him and hope that he is able to get it together.
Tim Urban: ("Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley) Tim showed improvement tonight on all but the chorus of the song. I still don't think he has what it takes to make it to the Top 12 but then the VFTW people may push him through. Jason Castro did this song much better.
Andrew Garcia: ("Genie In A Bottle" - Christina Aguilera) Is Andrew trying to get kicked off or should he have never been put through in the first place? He was bad again this week (actually this was probably his worst yet)! Kara may be right that he peaked too early (did I just agree with crazy brainless Kara?). Worst of the night, hands down, no one else was close.
Casey James: ("You'll Think of Me" - Keith Urban) I guess it was okay. He didn't really sing for most of the song. At least he left the Carmen Rasmussen goat vibrato backstage this week.
Aaron Kelly: ("I'm Already There" - Lonestar) His voice was super shaky at the beginning due to nerves but it got better in the chorus. Aaron seems to suffer from the same confidence/presence problems as Alex (though Alex has a better voice). I did enjoy it when Simon laid the verbal beat down on Kara, though.
Todrick Hall: ("Somebody to Love" - Queen) Why? Honestly, I don't mean to harp but Todrick and Jermaine Sellers should have never been put through in the first place. Jermaine was finally shown the door and I can't wait for the same thing to happen to Todrick. Jermaine Purefoy should have had either of their spots. He has actual talent. I guess this was good for him but it just wasn't good enough. My friend Kim thinks that he was channeling Adam "Screech" Lambert. I agree, but Adam actually sings better (it truly pains me to say this) and I don't like the way he sings either.
Big Mike: ("This Woman's Work" - Maxwell) This is not really my cup of tea but I was impressed with Mike. I had no idea that he could hit these kinds of notes. Everything he has done before this was no where in the vicinity. I still don't understand why Kara was reduced to a blubbering idiot but I blame it on the alcohol.
Top 6 - I Hope
Alex Lambert
Lee Dewyze
Big Mike
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Going Home? (I am completely torn people)
Todrick Hall
Andrew Garcia
Tim Urban
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Season 9 Top 16 Ladies Night
Katie Stevens: ("Breakaway" - Kelly Clarkson) Katie seems like a sweet girl but she just doesn't have the chops to attempt Kelly Clarkson. Didn't she learn anything from Paige Miles? The beginning of the song was flat and then when she got to the chorus it was shrill and off key. Bad choice for her.
Siobhan Magnus: ("House of the Rising Sun" - Animals) Wow! Beautiful. One of the best performances of the night. I am not sure what Simon's deal was. Reverse psychology? This was much better than last week to me (though that note was impressive).
Lacey Brown: ("The Story" - Brandi Carlisle) I LOVE this song and it is no secret that I can't wait for Lacey to get kicked off the show (why is she still here?). This was the best she has been since the voting started but I credit the song. She should still go home. Please.
Katelyn Epperly: ("I Feel The Earth Move" - Carole King) She had the Carole King hair but this week was a little bit of a let down for me. I will admit that I am biased when it comes to this song as well because I have never really cared for it. Hopefully Katelyn will still make the Top 12 because she is one of the most talented of the ladies.
Didi Benami: ("Rhiannon" - Fleetwood Mac) She took the advice of the judges and brought the guitar this week. Much improved over last week. It was really pretty but I thought the beginning was a little slow. I have liked Didi since the auditions but I am still waiting for another standout week.
Paige Miles: ("Smile") Paige bought her ticket home tonight. She was singing about smiling but she looked like she didn't know whether she wanted to cry or run screaming from the stage. The judges keep insisting that she is a really talented singer but, unfortunately, she just hasn't been able to get it together yet.
Crystal Bowersox: ("One Reason" - Tracy Chapman) Crystal is like Janis Joplin reborn. She also has a way of taking a song, no matter how well known, and making it sound like her own. I hope that the judges will not cause her downfall by continuing to heap the praise on her each week. I know that she has been good every week and has deserved it but we all know that too much praise can turn the tide of the audience very quickly on this show.
Lilly Scott: ("I Fall To Pieces" - Patsy Cline) Lilly tried to make this her own but she just can't live up to Patsy Cline. I think that she should make it through to the Top 12 but she needs to watch being a one trick pony. All of her songs are starting to sound the same and she will not last long if she doesn't figure out how to expand her horizons.
Through to Top 12
Crystal Bowersox
Siobhan Magnus
Didi Benami
Katelyn Epperly
Lilly Scott
Katie Stevens
Going Home
Lacey Brown
Paige Miles (she and Katie could trade places)
Siobhan Magnus: ("House of the Rising Sun" - Animals) Wow! Beautiful. One of the best performances of the night. I am not sure what Simon's deal was. Reverse psychology? This was much better than last week to me (though that note was impressive).
Lacey Brown: ("The Story" - Brandi Carlisle) I LOVE this song and it is no secret that I can't wait for Lacey to get kicked off the show (why is she still here?). This was the best she has been since the voting started but I credit the song. She should still go home. Please.
Katelyn Epperly: ("I Feel The Earth Move" - Carole King) She had the Carole King hair but this week was a little bit of a let down for me. I will admit that I am biased when it comes to this song as well because I have never really cared for it. Hopefully Katelyn will still make the Top 12 because she is one of the most talented of the ladies.
Didi Benami: ("Rhiannon" - Fleetwood Mac) She took the advice of the judges and brought the guitar this week. Much improved over last week. It was really pretty but I thought the beginning was a little slow. I have liked Didi since the auditions but I am still waiting for another standout week.
Paige Miles: ("Smile") Paige bought her ticket home tonight. She was singing about smiling but she looked like she didn't know whether she wanted to cry or run screaming from the stage. The judges keep insisting that she is a really talented singer but, unfortunately, she just hasn't been able to get it together yet.
Crystal Bowersox: ("One Reason" - Tracy Chapman) Crystal is like Janis Joplin reborn. She also has a way of taking a song, no matter how well known, and making it sound like her own. I hope that the judges will not cause her downfall by continuing to heap the praise on her each week. I know that she has been good every week and has deserved it but we all know that too much praise can turn the tide of the audience very quickly on this show.
Lilly Scott: ("I Fall To Pieces" - Patsy Cline) Lilly tried to make this her own but she just can't live up to Patsy Cline. I think that she should make it through to the Top 12 but she needs to watch being a one trick pony. All of her songs are starting to sound the same and she will not last long if she doesn't figure out how to expand her horizons.
Through to Top 12
Crystal Bowersox
Siobhan Magnus
Didi Benami
Katelyn Epperly
Lilly Scott
Katie Stevens
Going Home
Lacey Brown
Paige Miles (she and Katie could trade places)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Top 20 Results
I was pleased with the guys that were sent home tonight. Jermaine came across as a jerk and John Park just couldn't put together a performance that wasn't mind-numbingly boring. I was disappointed in the ladies results though. Michelle was not awesome but wasn't one of the worst. I know that Haeley wasn't good this week but I really hoped that she would pull it through for at least another week. I was rooting for her (and I liked her a lot more than Katie) I cried along with the contestants when she sang her swan song. Obviously, I will not be the only person that will miss her.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Memory Lane - David Cook - Top 20 Week
Do you remember how bad this was when performed by Paige Miles? BTW, no idea what Simon's problem was... I saw lots of charisma!
Season 9 Top 20 Ladies Night
I had a horrible day at work today so I really needed the girls to bring it. I should have known that I was asking too much. I will say that at least none of the girls are pompous jerks like a few of the male contestants.
Crystal Bowersox: ("Long As I Can See Light" - CCR) They had to save Ladies night until Crystal could perform. She set the bar high early and all the other girls just tried to live up to it. No one reached her level but a few got close. BOW-ER-SOX!!
Haeley Vaughn: ("The Climb" - Miley Cyrus) Poor Haeley. This song was too much for her. She should have picked another artist (dare I suggest Taylor Swift?). It started out okay but quickly fell apart. I think Haeley may just be too young and she definitely needs some vocal training to help her control her voice.
Lacey Brown: ("Kiss Me" - Sixpence None The Richer) Again this week, Lacey proved that having a "unique" voice does not mean that you should be a recording artist. It was better than last week, barely, but last week she was sooooo bad. She made Megan Joy look good. Again. You know how that pains me if you were reading last year.
Katie Stevens: ("Put Your Records On" - Corrine Bailey Rae) Katie has a good voice but is falling victim to her inexperience. She tried to take the advice of the judges and go with something more current but she still came across as old and slightly boring. She just tries too hard.
Didi Benami: ("Lean On Me" - Bill Withers) Didi has a good, clear voice but this was just not the right song. She needs to stop trying to do just what the judges tell her and perform what she wants so that she is more comfortable. I spent most of the song trying to figure out just what she should sing next but I came up with nothing. Any ideas?
Michelle Delamor: ("Arms Wide Open" - Creed) I get what Michelle was trying to do with this but it didn't completely work. The beginning was really good but once she took the mic off the stand it got a little wobbly and then it nosedived into screeching at the end.
Lilly Scott: ("A Change is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke) Shocker! I preferred her version to that of Adam Lambert. She is one of the better girls so far. She is interesting but she kind of gets lost as the "other" indie artist next to Crystal.
Katelyn Epperly: ("The Scientist" - Coldplay) Katelyn was really strong again this week. I was obviously completely wrong about her. She has gotten better each week so far. If she keeps it up she should go far.
Paige Miles: ("Walk Away" - Kelly Clarkson) I want Paige to take advice from her song and just get gone. During the middle of the song, she quit even trying to sing the words and started making noises. Simon, you were so wrong last week when you said that she had the strongest voice in the competition, and I think you know that now.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Think" - Aretha Franklin) Siobhan is a talented singer but I actually preferred her performance last week to this one. She should stop taking advice from the judges and just do her own thing. The big note at the end was amazing though.
Best
BOW-ER-SOX
Katelyn Epperly
Siobhan Magnus
Lilly Scott
Worst
Lacey Brown
Haeley Vaughn
Paige Miles
The Rest
Katie Stevens
Didi Benami
Michelle Delamor
Crystal Bowersox: ("Long As I Can See Light" - CCR) They had to save Ladies night until Crystal could perform. She set the bar high early and all the other girls just tried to live up to it. No one reached her level but a few got close. BOW-ER-SOX!!
Haeley Vaughn: ("The Climb" - Miley Cyrus) Poor Haeley. This song was too much for her. She should have picked another artist (dare I suggest Taylor Swift?). It started out okay but quickly fell apart. I think Haeley may just be too young and she definitely needs some vocal training to help her control her voice.
Lacey Brown: ("Kiss Me" - Sixpence None The Richer) Again this week, Lacey proved that having a "unique" voice does not mean that you should be a recording artist. It was better than last week, barely, but last week she was sooooo bad. She made Megan Joy look good. Again. You know how that pains me if you were reading last year.
Katie Stevens: ("Put Your Records On" - Corrine Bailey Rae) Katie has a good voice but is falling victim to her inexperience. She tried to take the advice of the judges and go with something more current but she still came across as old and slightly boring. She just tries too hard.
Didi Benami: ("Lean On Me" - Bill Withers) Didi has a good, clear voice but this was just not the right song. She needs to stop trying to do just what the judges tell her and perform what she wants so that she is more comfortable. I spent most of the song trying to figure out just what she should sing next but I came up with nothing. Any ideas?
Michelle Delamor: ("Arms Wide Open" - Creed) I get what Michelle was trying to do with this but it didn't completely work. The beginning was really good but once she took the mic off the stand it got a little wobbly and then it nosedived into screeching at the end.
Lilly Scott: ("A Change is Gonna Come" - Sam Cooke) Shocker! I preferred her version to that of Adam Lambert. She is one of the better girls so far. She is interesting but she kind of gets lost as the "other" indie artist next to Crystal.
Katelyn Epperly: ("The Scientist" - Coldplay) Katelyn was really strong again this week. I was obviously completely wrong about her. She has gotten better each week so far. If she keeps it up she should go far.
Paige Miles: ("Walk Away" - Kelly Clarkson) I want Paige to take advice from her song and just get gone. During the middle of the song, she quit even trying to sing the words and started making noises. Simon, you were so wrong last week when you said that she had the strongest voice in the competition, and I think you know that now.
Siobhan Magnus: ("Think" - Aretha Franklin) Siobhan is a talented singer but I actually preferred her performance last week to this one. She should stop taking advice from the judges and just do her own thing. The big note at the end was amazing though.
Best
BOW-ER-SOX
Katelyn Epperly
Siobhan Magnus
Lilly Scott
Worst
Lacey Brown
Haeley Vaughn
Paige Miles
The Rest
Katie Stevens
Didi Benami
Michelle Delamor
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Season 9 Top 20 Boys Night
A bit of a schedule change this week because Crystal Bowersox was hospitalized for an issue with her diabetes. The boys were put on the hot seat first. It was a boring night overall, but there was definitely some improvement over last week for some of the contestants. Here we go...
Michael Lynche: ("Man's World" - James Brown) This was better than last week and much less "breathy" but I still had issues with his performance. There was way too much time spent at the beginning of the song posturing while the band played but not singing. Now, I know that part of that has to do with the song choice, but this is a singing competition. Find something that will allow you to sing!
John Park: ("Gravity" - John Mayer) John was BORING again this week. I don't get him. He has a good voice but once he gets on stage it just leaves him and takes any charisma that he has with it. He could be in danger.
Casey James: ("I Don't Wanna Be" - Gavin DeGraw) Casey lost the goat vibrato this week but he spent entirely too much time concentrating on his guitar and not enough time learning to sing his song well. This was done much better by Bo Bice and Elliott Yamin.
Alex Lambert: ("Everybody Knows" - John Legend) Wow! Alex is so much better with the guitar. His voice continued to shine and the guitar seemed to help with his nerves and improve his stage presence. This is a Lambert that I will root for.
Todrick Hall: ("What's Love Got To Do With It?" - Tina Turner) Todrick was manic and bad last week. He was boring and not very good this week. He needs to have someone else arrange the songs for him or find a version that someone else has already updated but is not as well known as the original and go with that. His current method is just not working. My friend Kim had the perfect suggestion... He should have done "Private Dancer" at least that would have been hilariously entertaining. ;O)
Jermaine Sellers: ("What's Going On?" - Marvin Gaye) First, I must address the onesie. I could have lived my whole live without seeing him in his JJ Evans drawers. This guy is so arrogant that it is hard to listen to his taped package. If you are going to be that cocky then you really need to have the talent to back it up. "Bus Boy" is not as talented as he thinks he is. Buh-bye, please!
Andrew Garcia: ("You Give Me Something - James Morrison) Andrew seemed very out of place without his guitar to stand behind. There were a couple of good short moments but it was really rough in a lot of places and boring.
Aaron Kelly: ("My Girl" - Temptations) Aaron took a leap back this week. It stared out okay but fell apart in the middle and then careened downhill to badness. He is much better when covering Rascal Flatts. If he makes it to next week he might want to go back to country music.
Tim Urban: ("Come On Get High" - Matt Nathanson) To paraphrase the opening line of his performance, "I did not miss the sound of his voice". It was better than he did last week but it was still really not good. I still believe that there had to be someone better than Tim to take the place of Chris Golightly when he was booted. He does not deserve to be here.
Lee Dewyze ("Lips of An Angel" - Hinder) I am not a fan of this song. That said, I think Lee has lots of potential but he did have some bad notes. He also needs his guitar to feel comfortable on stage. He was one of the best given his competition.
Best
Alex Lambert
Lee Dewyze
Michael Lynche
Boring
John Park
Andrew Garcia
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Worst - Go Home Please!
Jermaine Sellers
Tim Urban
Michael Lynche: ("Man's World" - James Brown) This was better than last week and much less "breathy" but I still had issues with his performance. There was way too much time spent at the beginning of the song posturing while the band played but not singing. Now, I know that part of that has to do with the song choice, but this is a singing competition. Find something that will allow you to sing!
John Park: ("Gravity" - John Mayer) John was BORING again this week. I don't get him. He has a good voice but once he gets on stage it just leaves him and takes any charisma that he has with it. He could be in danger.
Casey James: ("I Don't Wanna Be" - Gavin DeGraw) Casey lost the goat vibrato this week but he spent entirely too much time concentrating on his guitar and not enough time learning to sing his song well. This was done much better by Bo Bice and Elliott Yamin.
Alex Lambert: ("Everybody Knows" - John Legend) Wow! Alex is so much better with the guitar. His voice continued to shine and the guitar seemed to help with his nerves and improve his stage presence. This is a Lambert that I will root for.
Todrick Hall: ("What's Love Got To Do With It?" - Tina Turner) Todrick was manic and bad last week. He was boring and not very good this week. He needs to have someone else arrange the songs for him or find a version that someone else has already updated but is not as well known as the original and go with that. His current method is just not working. My friend Kim had the perfect suggestion... He should have done "Private Dancer" at least that would have been hilariously entertaining. ;O)
Jermaine Sellers: ("What's Going On?" - Marvin Gaye) First, I must address the onesie. I could have lived my whole live without seeing him in his JJ Evans drawers. This guy is so arrogant that it is hard to listen to his taped package. If you are going to be that cocky then you really need to have the talent to back it up. "Bus Boy" is not as talented as he thinks he is. Buh-bye, please!
Andrew Garcia: ("You Give Me Something - James Morrison) Andrew seemed very out of place without his guitar to stand behind. There were a couple of good short moments but it was really rough in a lot of places and boring.
Aaron Kelly: ("My Girl" - Temptations) Aaron took a leap back this week. It stared out okay but fell apart in the middle and then careened downhill to badness. He is much better when covering Rascal Flatts. If he makes it to next week he might want to go back to country music.
Tim Urban: ("Come On Get High" - Matt Nathanson) To paraphrase the opening line of his performance, "I did not miss the sound of his voice". It was better than he did last week but it was still really not good. I still believe that there had to be someone better than Tim to take the place of Chris Golightly when he was booted. He does not deserve to be here.
Lee Dewyze ("Lips of An Angel" - Hinder) I am not a fan of this song. That said, I think Lee has lots of potential but he did have some bad notes. He also needs his guitar to feel comfortable on stage. He was one of the best given his competition.
Best
Alex Lambert
Lee Dewyze
Michael Lynche
Boring
John Park
Andrew Garcia
Casey James
Aaron Kelly
Worst - Go Home Please!
Jermaine Sellers
Tim Urban
Memory Lane: David Cook - Top 24 Week
This is so much better then any of the guys (or girls for that matter) this year...
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Top 24 Results
What?!?!?!? I can't believe that Todrick and Jermaine both made it through to next week. I blame VFTW for saving Tim "not fit to lick David Cook's boots" Urban and letting him stay to torture us for another week. So, boys and girls, next week we get to sit through more Lacey Brown, Paige Miles, Jermaine, Todrick, and Tim. Lucky us! :(
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Season 9 Top 24 Boys Night
After a very lukewarm Ladies night, I had hopes that the boys would deliver. For the most part, it didn't happen. I can only hope that they will get better over the next few weeks.
Todrick Hall ("Since U Been Gone" - Kelly Clarkson): He definitely changed this to fit his style but I definitely do not care for it. He is much better at the sing-song staccato part of the song (though not good) but the chorus was ugly. I never want to hear this again - ever!
Aaron Kelly ("Here Comes Goodbye" - Rascal Flatts): Even though I was against Aaron making it into the top 24 since he kept forgetting his words during Hollywood week, I give him bonus points for singing a song written by a former South Carolina Idol, Chris Sligh. There were some wonky notes but overall it wasn't bad. He doesn't sing through his nose like Gary LeVox which is a HUGE improvement on the original. One of the better performances of the night.
Jermaine Sellers ("Get Here" - Oleta Adams): Breathy and not good. "Under the bus" boy should just go.
Tim Urban ("Apologize" - One Republic): Horrid song with bad falsetto singing. There had to be someone else with more talent that they could've brought back instead of Tim. He will join Jermaine in saying "bye-bye" this week.
Joe Munoz ("You and I Both" - Jason Mraz): The beginning was a little rough due to nerves but as he settled in he was pretty darn good. My mom pointed out that he looks a little like Archuletta grown up a bit. I agree. We were waiting for the lip licking but he was able to resist. :)
Tyler Grady ("American Woman"): Why would he pick this song? It did not do him any favors. The positive for him was that he didn't have to memorize a lot of words (and I think he was stoned so that might have been difficult). If he doesn't get better immediately then his time on Idol may be short lived.
Lee Dewyze ("Chasing Cars" - Snow Patrol): There were good moments and bad. I think he could be pretty good with the right song. I agree that he should find something a little more rocking for next week. His problem is that he is not very dynamic so if he doesn't put together a stronger performance then he will fade into the background. I really like his voice so I am rooting for him.
John Park ("God Bless The Child"): When I hear this song I always remember Mikalah Gordon from Season 4 for some reason. He has a good voice but this was not the way to showcase that. Boring.
Michael Lynche ("This Love" - Maroon 5): The voice is just not there. It is weak. I don't care how good the backstory is -- some people just shouldn't get through. Michael - put the baby away already! We are over it.
Alex Lambert ("Wonderful World" - James Morrison): Alex has a good voice but this was not comfortable to watch since he looked like a deer in the headlights. If he can work on his stage presence then he could get farther in this competition. He deserves to make it at least a few more rounds for putting up with Crazy Mary during Hollywood week.
Casey James ("Heaven" - Bryan Adams): I like that he started the song stripped down with just his guitar. I am not sure about the quiver in his voice but he did a solid job with it and was much better than most of the other men tonight.
Andrew Garcia ("Sugar We're Going Down" - Fall Out Boy): He changed this song to fit the acoustic guitar but I don't understand why he would have picked this song to do this to. It isn't very good to start with so his version just came across as a boring mess. I think that he could be better but we will just have to wait and see.
Aaron Kelly ("Here Comes Goodbye" - Rascal Flatts): Even though I was against Aaron making it into the top 24 since he kept forgetting his words during Hollywood week, I give him bonus points for singing a song written by a former South Carolina Idol, Chris Sligh. There were some wonky notes but overall it wasn't bad. He doesn't sing through his nose like Gary LeVox which is a HUGE improvement on the original. One of the better performances of the night.
Jermaine Sellers ("Get Here" - Oleta Adams): Breathy and not good. "Under the bus" boy should just go.
Tim Urban ("Apologize" - One Republic): Horrid song with bad falsetto singing. There had to be someone else with more talent that they could've brought back instead of Tim. He will join Jermaine in saying "bye-bye" this week.
Joe Munoz ("You and I Both" - Jason Mraz): The beginning was a little rough due to nerves but as he settled in he was pretty darn good. My mom pointed out that he looks a little like Archuletta grown up a bit. I agree. We were waiting for the lip licking but he was able to resist. :)
Tyler Grady ("American Woman"): Why would he pick this song? It did not do him any favors. The positive for him was that he didn't have to memorize a lot of words (and I think he was stoned so that might have been difficult). If he doesn't get better immediately then his time on Idol may be short lived.
Lee Dewyze ("Chasing Cars" - Snow Patrol): There were good moments and bad. I think he could be pretty good with the right song. I agree that he should find something a little more rocking for next week. His problem is that he is not very dynamic so if he doesn't put together a stronger performance then he will fade into the background. I really like his voice so I am rooting for him.
John Park ("God Bless The Child"): When I hear this song I always remember Mikalah Gordon from Season 4 for some reason. He has a good voice but this was not the way to showcase that. Boring.
Michael Lynche ("This Love" - Maroon 5): The voice is just not there. It is weak. I don't care how good the backstory is -- some people just shouldn't get through. Michael - put the baby away already! We are over it.
Alex Lambert ("Wonderful World" - James Morrison): Alex has a good voice but this was not comfortable to watch since he looked like a deer in the headlights. If he can work on his stage presence then he could get farther in this competition. He deserves to make it at least a few more rounds for putting up with Crazy Mary during Hollywood week.
Casey James ("Heaven" - Bryan Adams): I like that he started the song stripped down with just his guitar. I am not sure about the quiver in his voice but he did a solid job with it and was much better than most of the other men tonight.
Andrew Garcia ("Sugar We're Going Down" - Fall Out Boy): He changed this song to fit the acoustic guitar but I don't understand why he would have picked this song to do this to. It isn't very good to start with so his version just came across as a boring mess. I think that he could be better but we will just have to wait and see.
Top 4
Aaron Kelly, Joe Munoz, Lee Dewyze, and Casey James
Reserving Judgement On
Alex Lambert
Bottom 7
Todrick Hall, Jermaine Sellers, Tim Urban, Tyler Grady, Michael Lynche, John Park, and Andrew Garcia
Who I think is going home
Tim Urban and Jermaine Sellers or Todrick Hall
Season 9 Top 24 Ladies Night
If the girls are supposed to be superior this season, then this may be a long ride to the finale...
Paige Miles ("Alright Now" - Free): If this was the best song that Paige could find out of the "Songs of the Billboard Charts" then she deserves the ouster that she is set to receive prior to the Top 12. This was not good in any way. I obviously need Q-tips because I could not understand why the judges were pimping her and her "strong vocals". Huh?
Ashley Rodriguez ("Happy" - Leona 'Manfred' Lewis): Ashley should know that rule number one is never choose Manfred, Whitney, Mariah or Celine. She should have sung "Battlefield" again (it would have had to have been better). She was better than Paige, barely, but then again Paige was awful.
Janell Wheeler ("What About Love" - Heart): I don't think she could have been more nervous and she really wasn't good. If she wants to stick around she is going to have to pull it together. Dating Tim Tebow will only get her so far if she can't sing.
Lilly Scott ("Fixing A Hole" - Beatles): I am not familiar with this song and it is probably good for her that not many other people would be either. I liked her when I first watched last night but after watching the playback I am not sure if it was really that good or if the first three were so bad they made her look better than she was.
Katelyn Epperley ("Oh Darling" - Beatles): I have to admit I was completely surprised by Katelyn. I really didn't care for her during Hollywood week or her "I'm doing this because my dad left my mom" audition sob story and could not understand why they put her through. I may have been wrong about her though. She looked like a train wreck but she actually has a decent voice.
Haeley Vaughn ("I Wanna Hold Your Hand" - Beatles): Okay, I will admit that it was a little all over the place and there were some wonky notes but I kind of liked this. She has been chosen as the Vote For The Worst pick so she may make it through to next week. I hope so. I want to see her sing another country song. :)
Lacey Brown ("Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac): I know now why she lost out to Megan Joy Cockrey last year. She makes Megan Joy look like the best singer that ever lived. Ewwww! Not good. Just because you have a "unique" voice doesn't mean you should force others to listen to it. She needs to go home this week. I am not sure that I can sit through her singing anything else. Sorry Kara but doing something by The Sundays or Sixpence None The Richer would not have helped her either. Just send her home.
Michelle Delamor ("Fallin'" - Alicia Keys): I liked her version of this song and was grateful that she didn't feel the need to beat us over the head with the booming big notes. Hopefully she will make it through despite the lack of air time that she has had so far in relation to some of the other girls.
Didi Benami ("The Way I Am" - Ingrid Michaelson): There are rumors that she is a plant due to a connection with a songwriter that works with Kara but so far I like this girl and every song she has performed so far. She is reminiscent of Brooke White and I look forward to seeing her again.
Siobhan Magnus ("Wicked Game" - Chris Isaac): Strange song choice and the first two lines, sung in bass, were really not good but she has a pretty voice and tone. I am not sure that she has the look to make it far in the competition (I know it shouldn't matter but we all know that it does to some degree) but I hope that she makes it to the Top 12.
Crystal Bowersox ("Hand In My Pocket" - Alanis): Awesome! I am not sure why the judges were determined to give her a hard time. I thought she was the best of the night and she did it all while playing 2 instruments. To quote Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly: "Rock The Sox!"
Katie Stevens ("Feeling Good" - Michael Buble): Katie has a good voice but I didn't enjoy this performance. It was boring and she officially needs to retire any talk of her sick grandmother. I am over it already.
Top 6
Crystal Bowersox
Didi Benami
Siobhan Magnus
Michelle Delamor
Katelyn Epperley
Lilly Scott
Bottom 6
Haeley Vaughn
Katie Stevens
Paige Miles
Ashley Rodriguez
Lacey Brown
Janell Wheeler
Who I would like to see go home
Ashley Rodriguez or Paige Miles
Lacey Brown
DialIdol was down so I do not have any early predictions from them.
Ashley Rodriguez ("Happy" - Leona 'Manfred' Lewis): Ashley should know that rule number one is never choose Manfred, Whitney, Mariah or Celine. She should have sung "Battlefield" again (it would have had to have been better). She was better than Paige, barely, but then again Paige was awful.
Janell Wheeler ("What About Love" - Heart): I don't think she could have been more nervous and she really wasn't good. If she wants to stick around she is going to have to pull it together. Dating Tim Tebow will only get her so far if she can't sing.
Lilly Scott ("Fixing A Hole" - Beatles): I am not familiar with this song and it is probably good for her that not many other people would be either. I liked her when I first watched last night but after watching the playback I am not sure if it was really that good or if the first three were so bad they made her look better than she was.
Katelyn Epperley ("Oh Darling" - Beatles): I have to admit I was completely surprised by Katelyn. I really didn't care for her during Hollywood week or her "I'm doing this because my dad left my mom" audition sob story and could not understand why they put her through. I may have been wrong about her though. She looked like a train wreck but she actually has a decent voice.
Haeley Vaughn ("I Wanna Hold Your Hand" - Beatles): Okay, I will admit that it was a little all over the place and there were some wonky notes but I kind of liked this. She has been chosen as the Vote For The Worst pick so she may make it through to next week. I hope so. I want to see her sing another country song. :)
Lacey Brown ("Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac): I know now why she lost out to Megan Joy Cockrey last year. She makes Megan Joy look like the best singer that ever lived. Ewwww! Not good. Just because you have a "unique" voice doesn't mean you should force others to listen to it. She needs to go home this week. I am not sure that I can sit through her singing anything else. Sorry Kara but doing something by The Sundays or Sixpence None The Richer would not have helped her either. Just send her home.
Michelle Delamor ("Fallin'" - Alicia Keys): I liked her version of this song and was grateful that she didn't feel the need to beat us over the head with the booming big notes. Hopefully she will make it through despite the lack of air time that she has had so far in relation to some of the other girls.
Didi Benami ("The Way I Am" - Ingrid Michaelson): There are rumors that she is a plant due to a connection with a songwriter that works with Kara but so far I like this girl and every song she has performed so far. She is reminiscent of Brooke White and I look forward to seeing her again.
Siobhan Magnus ("Wicked Game" - Chris Isaac): Strange song choice and the first two lines, sung in bass, were really not good but she has a pretty voice and tone. I am not sure that she has the look to make it far in the competition (I know it shouldn't matter but we all know that it does to some degree) but I hope that she makes it to the Top 12.
Crystal Bowersox ("Hand In My Pocket" - Alanis): Awesome! I am not sure why the judges were determined to give her a hard time. I thought she was the best of the night and she did it all while playing 2 instruments. To quote Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly: "Rock The Sox!"
Katie Stevens ("Feeling Good" - Michael Buble): Katie has a good voice but I didn't enjoy this performance. It was boring and she officially needs to retire any talk of her sick grandmother. I am over it already.
Top 6
Crystal Bowersox
Didi Benami
Siobhan Magnus
Michelle Delamor
Katelyn Epperley
Lilly Scott
Bottom 6
Haeley Vaughn
Katie Stevens
Paige Miles
Ashley Rodriguez
Lacey Brown
Janell Wheeler
Who I would like to see go home
Ashley Rodriguez or Paige Miles
Lacey Brown
DialIdol was down so I do not have any early predictions from them.
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