The American Idol 12 Top 3: Kree Harrison, Candice Glover and Angie Miller perform 3 songs tonight for YOUR VOTES. I’ll be live blogging the performances right here.
The themes include: Judges’ Choice, Jimmy Iovine’s Choice and IDOL’S (producer’s) Choice! Also, the always touching and emotional “Hometown visits” will air tonight. Break out the tissues!
What a whirlwind week it’s been for the Top 3. On top of trips back to their hometowns that had to be physically and emotionally draining, the girls had to learn 3 songs this week for competition. The strain really showed in the performances too. There were more off-pitch notes than usual, and each of the girls sounded weary at times in their performances. Often, at this point in the competition, the finalists best moments are already behind them. Although I personally loved a couple of the performances (Angie’s “Sorry” and Kree’s “Here Comes Goodbye”) none of the girls topped their best moments of the season in terms of water cooler moments.
Jimmy wanted to challenge the girls, so he gave them all rock songs. Since Angie is a pop rocker, the Elton John song worked out spectacularly for her. “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” may be my favorite vocal from her. But Candice and Kree were given songs so far out of their wheelhouse, the performances were awkward.
I initially pooh poohed “Here Comes Goodbye” for Kree, but man she killed that song! I think her exhaustion may have helped lower her defenses, allowing her to connect to that vulnerable place of pain and loss. Watching that really emotional hometown package fueled her emotions too, I’m sure. She wins Hometown Visit of the Night. When she and her sister visited their childhood home in Texas, I nearly lost it. Hometown videos are sentimental and manipulative AND I DON’T EVEN CARE. SHUTUP.
The judges actually did pretty well picking for the trio. Yes, I liked the Emeli Sande song for Candice. I thought she nailed it and got back the confidence that was missing from “One,” a song she obviously was NOT comfortable singing. “Try” was a good song pick for Angie, but I just wish the arrangement had been changed up some to keep it from feeling karaoke.
The show producers picked a dud for Kree. Honestly, if Nigel and co really wanted to do well by the singer, they would have picked a bluesy song for her, instead of a throw away country tune. She sang it well, but it’s NOT as they say, a “competition song.” It didn’t highlight her voice or give her an opportunity to dig into the lyrics. Might as well have assigned her Jimmy’s favorite song, “Row Row Row Your Boat.” Ugh, the harsh critiques from the judges were painful. “It’s not your thing.” they all pretty much said. As if that’s her fault?
Candice ended the night with “Somewhere” and although she did have a few wobbles here and there, and her exhaustion peeked through in a couple of spots. I thought it was kind of brilliant. I’m GLAD she didn’t do some jazzy, R&B version of the song. Candice finished the night showing a side of her we haven’t seen yet, and it was impressive.
Lots of contemporary song choices tonight. Maybe the producers are finally seeing the light? At one time or another, we caught glimpses of the kind of contemporary artists each of the girls could be. I honestly think all 3 have the potential to be successful.
The Top 3 join Ryan on stage before we see a clip of the girls preparing for their hometown visits!
Jimmy, Judges and Producer, is how the theme order will go.
Jimmy Iovine’s Choice
Kree Harrison – Perfect by Pink – When the song begins, it felt like Kree was giving it an interesting country spin. But by the second verse, the performance became so languid, that she lost me completely. Despite claiming that she loved the song’s message, she never connected to it. When Keith asks her what she thought about the song choice, she was VERY diplomatic. She sang it for her 11 year old niece. Keith is more convinced than ever that she’s a COUNTRY singer. A roundabout way of saying “That was totally not the right song for you.” Nicki loves the quality of her soft sweet voice, and noted that she was back to “easy going Kree.” She suggests that she wear flat boots so she can move around more.” Kree NEVER looks comfortable doing the walk around the stage thing, slapping hands, especially in heels. Randy didn’t love the song for her. You can sing anything, he says, but it lacked pizzazz and was kind of flat. Mariah suggests that maybe Kree is saving herself so that she can give it her all later. Kree says it was fun to cover Pink. But she’d never pick the song herself. Ugh. I knew this would be a bad song pick for her. – 1-866-436-5701 – 1-866-436-5704 – 1-866-436-5707
Kree Harrison 1st song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky
Candice Glover – “One” by U2 – Jimmy is giving the girls rock songs. I was expecting great things from this performance, but there is definitely something off here. Candice seems a little stuck in her head and I can feel her exhaustion. The song has some brilliant moments. She’s obviously TRYING, but the tank seems low. As it turns out, Candice had NEVER HEARD ANY VERSION OF THAT SONG BEFORE. That explains a lot, considering the short window she had to learn it. Candice says she memorizes the lyrics to the song first, to connect to the meaning. Nicki gives a shoutout to her secret husband, Jimmy Iovine, for the excellent song choice. Candice did it and Mary J. Blige (who sang a version of the song) justice. “That did not feel like American Idol. It felt like I was at your show,” Nicki says. Randy also loved the song pick, noting that it gave her a chance to soar. The emotion was on point, if it wasn’t technically perfect, he says. Mariah can’t believe she ever did anything else than sing. Noticing that she didn’t seem happy after she finished (Candice says “I’m a perfectionist”), but despite some wobbles, the emotion and conviction was there. Keith is impressed with her power. The fact that it got sharp in a few spots didn’t matter, the commitment to the song was there. – 1-866-436-5702 – 1-866-436-5705 – 1-866-436-5708
Candice Glover 1st song, Top 3 ~ American Idol… by HumanSlinky
Angie Miller – “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John – Angie sings a torchy version of the EJ classic, standing at a mic with LOTS OF DRY ICE. It’s actually a beautiful, restrained vocal. When she finally reaches for some big notes, she remains in control, hitting them cleanly and powerfully. Throughout the performance, she is absolutely connected emotionally to the song. This is one of my favorite Angie performances, for sure. I expected her to oversing like crazy, but she turned it out! Randy wondered if she missed the piano. GOD. still harping on the piano. Angie says she didn’t think she could learn it in time in a way that would do EJ justice. Randy compliments her restraint, and loved the way she sang the verse. Mariah also expected her behind the piano. Nevertheless, it was one of her best performances ever. Maybe the mic stand grounded her. Keith would have loved her holding back even more. “You can break peoples’ heart even gently..but your voice is spectacular.” Nicki loves her dress. Nicki felt it was a stellar vocal, but didn’t hit her like some of her past performances. But she’s clearly in it to win, she says. – 1-866-436-5703 – 1-866-436-5706 – 1-866-436-5709
Angie Miller 1st song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky
Jimmy gives the round of his songs to Angie. He says he picked the 3 songs to challenge them. Kree was very good…a good job interpreting the lyrics, but not as good as he wanted her to. Angie did a really stellar job. SHOULD HAVE PLAYED THE PIANO. But, emotionally, she got it. Candice did a great job, but missed a couple of big moments.
Judges Round
Candice Glover – We see Candice Glover at home in her small South Carolina town. It’s supposed to rain on her parade but it didn’t! She’s going to her old job, where she will ride some mopeds. It’s been 4 months since she’s seen her family. As she approaches her house, she bursts into tears. She also cries during her parade. “This is the best day of my life,” she says. The governor declares it “Candice Glover Day.”
Emeli Sande’s “Next To Me” – OK. Now we’re talking. This is an improvement over her first performance. Loving this, in fact. She’s got a 2nd wind as she struts her stuff. She’s fierce and strong and proves she can take on a modern tune. By the end of the performance, she’s lost in the song, but still manages to perform with SO much control. This girl can sing ANYTHING. Mariah felt like she went home with her and that Candice was re-energized from her trip. Keith believed her, it felt like a conversation. He loved the way she riffed the melody, effortlessly. Nicki says she has come out swinging tonight. “I’m so proud of you,” Nicki gets a little choked up as she congratulates her. Randy says he knows what its like to come from a small town and try to make something of oneself. Her performance proved she can be a current and relevant artist. “You seem to be the most confident women on that stage every week. You own who you are,” says Nicki. Candice is sobbing, completely overcome with emotion. “I used to be the most insecure person in the world. This show has helped me so much,” she says. Wow. So emotional.
Candice Glover 2nd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol… by HumanSlinky
Angie Miller – Her brother is on stage to sport the beard he refuses to shave until the end of the competition. It’s a little scary. BOSTON! She hits FOX 25 news first. She wants to help the community feel better post-bombing. Thankfully, they don’t dwell too much on that. Her party was held 25 miles away in small-town Beverly. She’s reunited with her friends and family and it’s off to her old elementary school. Aw, one of the grade schoolers is so overwhelmed, she’s crying. She’s looking forward to a reunion with fluffy the cat! She’s handed roses during her parade. AW I WAS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THOSE TWO LITTLE GIRLS WITH THE SIGNS! On stage, she’s tearful as she thanks her fans. There were THOUSANDS of people at the concert! I was standing on a hill behind the high school. It was impressive!
“Try” by Pink – This is RIGHT in Angie’s wheelhouse. It’s peppy and all, but I’m a little bored. The arrangement is karaoke and overpowering her vocals. I would have prefered a stripped down version of the song. Maybe this was the moment to sit at the piano. But, with that tiny window, there probably wasn’t much time to futz with arrangements and learn piano parts. Keith loves that she didn’t play piano (WHAT IS THE OBSESSION WITH THE PIANO). Nicki says she never looked so comfortable singing an uptempo song. She calls her Miley Cyrus’s long lost twin. Hm. Randy says “Amazing song…that song fit you like a glove. You sounded amazing.” Judges giving themselves a pat on the back for their song choice! Mariah loves her “festive” personality and her confidence. “She’s really found her place at home, and it’s on the stage,” says Mariah.
Angie Miller 2nd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky
Kree Harrison – Kree and her sister are headed back to the place where her parents raised them in Texas. Oh man. “There’s still a little piece of my parents I can hold on to,” says Kree Going back to the place where she grew up. So unbelievably emotional. As you know, she lost her mom and dad before she was out of her teens. In Kree’s old bedroom, the sisters cry and hold on to each other. Powerful stuff. Next, Kree heads to a rodeo. DON’T TELL CARRIE UNDERWOOD! And after that, it’s time for the big hometown concert. She sang “See You Again,” for the crowd. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, to my parents,” she said of performing the emotional song. She sobs through the last notes of the performance.
“Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts – Wow. I kinda hate this song. But it’s probably that I REALLY hate Rascal Flatts. Kree has some pitch problems on the big note, but she’s so absolutely enmeshed in the song. She’s right in it with the emotion. It makes a huge difference in her performances when she’s not expected to clomp around the stage and touch hands, or sing a pop song that’s totally out of her wheelhouse. That was STRAIGHT UP GORGEOUS. Nicki thinks when she went home and felt the love, it triggered something. She really admires her strength. She’s so proud of her. “You say you’ll see them again, but they’re seeing you now.” Kree tears up. Randy says it’s one of the best Top 3s ever. “You just sang your heart out. That was unbelievably beautiful….brilliant.” Mariah says no matter what happens from here, she’ll always have this. She’s so in awe of her purity and realness. “You felt it just right. You had it from beginning to end,” says Keith.
Kree Harrison 2nd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky
Jimmy Gives the Round to Kree – He’s impressed that the girls managed to sing while choked up. He realizes how difficult it is. The judges did an incredible job picking songs for Angie and Kree. The two were “neck in neck in battling that out.” But he felt Candice’s song choice was too easy, because she can do things with her voice nobody else can. Jimmy gives the round to Kree, almost begrudgingly, as if he would have given it to Candice if her song didn’t suck.
Producer Round:
Angie Miller – Maybe by Emeli Sande – Angie is finally at the piano. She gives the kind of performance the judges just LOVE. Mariah notes that she’s at the top of her range, and it is a bit of a struggle for her to sustain the notes AND the emotion. The song improves in the last half, where she finally settles into the song, and seems comfortable. Not as good as her first song, however. Randy says she sang her heart out. “Tonight, you became a complete performer,” he says. Mariah felt she was very present in the performance. “You’re finding your groove,” says Keith. Nicki says she’s come full circle. She’s grown so much–no more theatrical pageant bot. She’s really connecting.
Angie Miller 3rd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky
Kree Harrison – “Better Dig Two” by The Band Perry – I wouldn’t have picked this song for Kree. She’s much better with something that has melody and heft, but she did what she could with it. I wish somebody had picked a blues infused song for her. Country/blues is where she belongs. Mariah wasn’t in to it. She prefers the raw emotion. The song didn’t feel right to Keith. Nicki agrees. It’s not your comfort zone, she says. “Whoever picked that should be stoned.” And then this: “But when you leave..” Nicki catches herself. “Whenever you leave, I’ll buy your album.” Randy says the song is too ordinary for her big voice. Sheesh. Give her props for singing the song well, at least. But leaving a bad taste in the voters mouths is the name of the game tonight, methinks.
Kree Harrison 3rd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky
Candice Glover – Somewhere from West Side Story – Candice lends her powerful voice to a Broadway classic. This song has been covered by so many singers, including Barbra Streisand. And here? Harry Connick Jr. would be proud. Instead of going for an R&B take on the song, she sings a straightforward version that would be welcome on any Broadway stage. It’s a classy and emotional end to the night, and a perfect song to leave with the voters. Candice gets a standing ovation for that. “OH MY GOODNESS WHAT WAS THAT,” exclaims Keith. He urges viewers to vote for Candice. “See you next week,” says Nicki. Randy calls her a pro. Incredible. Like a singing lesson, he says. Mariah says she proves that she can sing any type of song. Big time pimping for Candice tonight! Not that she doesn’t deserve it.
Candice Glover 3rd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol… by HumanSlinky
Jimmy is on stage with the finalists. All three girls did incredible job tonight, he says. “But anyone who can take a song like “Somewhere” and own it. You didn’t win the round, he says of Candice, YOU WIN THE NIGHT,” he declares.
Vote for yours Favorites Top 3 ~ American Idol… by HumanSlinky
