Shania Twain was a sweet mentor who doled out some good advice with a heaping spoonful of sugar. Not a bad thing, really. I loved that she sat in the audience, and the camera kept cutting to her.
If only her mentoring had rubbed off on the contestants in a meaningful way. Of course, that this bunch lacks significant star power is something Shania can’t fix in an afternoon.
Tonight’s show featured solid performances from Crystal Bowersox, Casey James and Michael Lynche, but by no means were they the Idol’s best. The rest of the performances were at various levels of meh. I keep waiting for these kids, who can’t work a stage, or perform in front of a camera to step it up, but unfortunately, it’s not really happening, and I don’t think it ever will
Live blog and Videos after the JUMP…
Ryan Seacrest announces that IGB raised over 45M dollars. He introduces the judges’ panel, who are already seated.
We are 1 month away from the finale, says Ryan. He introduces the Top 6 who take the stage. We are celebrating a special songbook, the music of Shania Twain! Video package rolls. Shania is sitting in the audience looking very sparkly. Shania is the biggest crossover artist…evah! She was the guest judge in Chicago (she’s already met Lee and Crystal).
She thinks her songs lend themselves to any style. Ryan introduces Shania from the audience. She’s feeling super responsible for her charges this week. Shania says it’s a challenge for a group of diverse singers to sing the music from one artist–especially the guys.
Lee Dewyze – “You’re Still the One” – Shania suggests he start the song with just voice and piano. Lee begins with pitch problems. He improves, but I don’t know. The performance sounded shaky throughout. It’s a great song choice, but it could have been better. Still waiting for that moment, Lee. Randy says, “One of my favs of all time, you started out pitchy, but you found a way to make it your own. Pretty good job” Ellen says, “I think you did better than pretty good. It always sounds like your version. You couldn’t look cuter.” Kara says, “The sound of your voice on every song makes it sound so relevant. Look how far you’ve come. It was a good job.” Simon says, “I thought that was absolutely the perfect song. It started off a little bit hesitant, you were pulling some weird faces.” Simon and Kara argue. Kara says he was smiling. Simon can’t finish, because he runs out of time. The judges are totally pimping Lee into that final! 1-866-436-5701, 1-866-436-5707 – VIDEO
Ryan announces the summer tour.
Mike Lynche – “It Only Hurts When I Breath” – Shania is really moved by Mike singing her song. She stresses the importance of making a connection. Mike begins the performance sitting on the steps. Very sweet, emotional vocal from Michael. Aw, Shania is swaying in the audience. Mike is feeling it. He loses it at one point on a high note, but finishes it nicely. Randy says, “I really think you’ve found your zone. You did a great job, you are in the zone of who you are.” Ellen says, “I was nervous about your song choice, but it felt like Luther Vandross, I felt your emotion. It was beautiful.” Kara says, “Shania is connected when she sings, I always feel that from you. I thought it was great you didn’t change the melody too much. Great job.” Simon says, “I thought the performance was a little bit wet, like in a musical acting out the words.” Randy has no idea what “wet” means. Simon says it means “girly”. Randy is laughing his ass off. Shania says she got teary listening. “You really did get me, ” says Shania. 1-866-436-5702 – 1-866-436-5708 – VIDEO
Casey James – “Don’t” – Chat with Ryan. He realized that the judges critiques were correct last week–he didn’t give anybody anything new. He’s going to sing more, and play less guitar this week. Shania tells him to bring it inside and let it come out in his voice. “I don’t think I’ve sang yet” says Casey. He’s sitting on a chair, behind the judges, with an acoustic guitar. The rock-star thing Casey does on the upbeat numbers is contrived. Casey is so much better on the ballads, when he allows his vocals to take front and center, and he’s able to really be expressive. This week is a huge improvement. Randy says, “This is one of the best Casey James performances ever. This could be a great thing in your wheelhouse.” Ellen says, “You sang that like that’s really where you belong. I actually think it’s your best to date” Kara says, “Artists do not hide, you were vulnerable, you were raw. If you keep doing it, you’ll be at the front of this competition” “I agree this is probably your best performance so far. Last week was a wake-up call. It didn’t feel like somebody else’s song.” Then Simon suggest he give Shania a kiss. Ok, I still think “Jealous Guy” was his best performance. 1-866-436-5703 – 1-866-436-5709 – VIDEO
Crystal Bowersox – “No One Needs to Know Right Now” – Crystal tells Ryan Shania’s got an aura around her, and is a super-positive person. Shania signed her guitar. Crystal says the song is a message to her boyfriend. She’s got musicians on stage with her. Pedal steel guitar, upright bass. IT’s got a traditional feel. Her performance is awesome as always, but it’s not the kind of performance that’s going to stick with viewers. Crystal is going to have trouble topping herself week after week. Randy says, “I love the nicklecreek version, it wasn’t my favorite performance, I love seeing you try different things.” Ellen says, “There’s nothing you can’t do. Not my favorite either.” Kara says, “It’s impossible for you not to be good. It was believable. Was it your best? No. But still amazing.” Crystal says the song isn’t big, but that “Bigger isn’t always better.” *snicker* Simon says, “Shocker we don’t like Crystal this week. I thought it was limp. Something you would expect in a coffee show. I didn’t feel the conviction.” Crystal says she has the conviction, and repeats the meme that bigger isn’t always better. But she’s cool with the judges. 1-866-436-5704 – 1-866-436-5710 – VIDEO
Aaron Kelly – “It’s in the Way You Love Me” – Well, he’s still pitchy, but little Aaron is singing his heart out. He’s really tugging at the heartstrings. Aaron got a standing o! Randy says, “Dude this is definitely your wheelhouse, I think you did a really good job.” Ellen says, “This is gonna be tough, everybody is doing well. I can’t get over the fact that you’re 16” 17 Aaron corrects. Ellen continues, “Then I’m not as impressed! Ha ha. The amount of emotion and depth you showed…good job” Kara says, “I completely agree, it was like you really felt those words.” Aaron changed the line about “making love”–he was singing the song to his mom. No way he’ll be eliminated now. Simon says, “I think the last two or three weeks you’ve struggled. Tonight, you were like a different artist. This is the kind of record you should make. It felt sincere, believable…well done” Aw Aaron is kind of weepy… 1-866-436-5705 – 1-866-436-5711 – VIDEO
Siobhan Magnus – “Any Man of Mine” – Shania says she’s playing a character in the song and has to put some attitude in those lyrics. Siobhan has the backup singers and fiddle player out on stage with her. She goes out onto the catwalk to perform. She sounds breathy and pitchy and the band is overpowering her, if you can believe it. She hits a great big note at the end, and as usual, doesn’t quite hit it. Screech! Her personality is way more interesting than her singing. Randy says, “I loved it, I loved the punk country look. I loved it” Ellen says, “Way to pull the Shania Twain into the staiong. Fantastic.” Kara says, “Guess whose back! Siobhan!” Simon says, “I thought the song was perfect, I think the screaming in the end went on a little too long, it was almost like you were giving birth up there. But it was fun, it was good.” Wow. Like Lee, also overpraised… 1-866-436-5706 – 1-866-436-5712 – VIDEO
