Expanded Recap – Top 12 Guys
This is a revised verion of the re-cap I posted on Tuesday. I added some pictures, ’cause pictures are cool.
Patrick Hall – “Come To My Window” Melissa Etheridge – I keep hearing Melissa in my head. His performance was forgettable — Patrick doesn’t have the power to carry this song off. In Hollywood, he sang “If” and his singing was so beautiful, he actually made me like that drippy Bread song for the first time. I would love to hear him sing more ballads. *He could be in trouble, but the judges were kind, and Patrick is likable–so he may live another week. *Patrick was eliminated this week.
David Radford – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” Queen – David’s voice has a nice tone–there is potential there–but he’s yet to come into his own. David has the cutest dimpled smile–which may keep him in the competition even though his vocals are sub-par. He could knock someone out of the running for the Top 12 who is vocally more worthy. David wasn’t good, but Randy’s comments were harsh. UGH–I have no interest in watching teen-aged boys cry, and David looked close to tears. Just more evidence that the age limit should be raised to 18.
Bucky Covington – “Simple Man” Lynyrd Skynyrd – Bucky has a raspy rock voice that he pushed too hard–maybe it was nerves. His voice sounded really rough and he had trouble staying on pitch. Paula mentioned his “nice tone” and maybe next week we’ll hear something a little softer–possibly a country rock tune? Bucky’s southern charm and hot looks will keep him in the competition, for at least another week. If he steps it up, he could be a dark horse to make it into the Top 12
Will Makar – “I Want You Back” Jackson 5 – Damn, I have a weakness for these 70’s throwbacks. And this song is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I love this kid–great voice and a performance that seemed effortless. Easily the best of all the teen boy singers. If he doesn’t make the Top 12 something is very, very wrong. The teen likability factor will keep him competitive this week, even with Simon’s lukewarm comments.
Sway – “Reasons” Earth Wind and Fire – Listening to Randy and Paula praise Sway’s performance, I thought I’d entered some alternate universe. I thought my eardrums were going to explode, he hit so many bad notes. His transition from falsetto was NOT good, despite what Randy and Paula said–it was terrible. At least Simon had some sense when he said it was a “really pimpy 3rd rate copy of Earth, Wind and Fire.” Even though he doesn’t deserve to, expect Sway to advance this week.
Chris Daughtry – “Wanted Dead or Alive” Bon Jovi – Not crazy about this song, but Chris performed it well. Chris does not have a fantastic voice, but he makes the most of what he has. He’s able to connect emotionally with whatever song he sings. Positive comments, especially from Simon–means that Chris will have no trouble advancing this week. He’s a good bet for the Top 12.
Kevin Covais – “One Last Cry” Brian McKnight – He started out a little shaky, and was pitchy, but he had his moments. Even the goatie vibrato was less prominent. But still–between the goat and the lisp, I find his vocals unpleasant. Kevin certainly has a lot of spunk, but that’s no reason to keep this kid advancing. Randy/Paula’s compliments cast Kevin as the sweetest kid ever–then Simon, the meanie, enters to tear him down. Outraged viewers will vote to keep him in. Kevin will live to see another week.
Gedeon McKinny – “Shout” There is something really…off…about Gedeon’s personality. He speaks with a really pronounced, stilted, enunciation, like he’s preaching or addressing a crowd of people. I think Gedeon is going to have a hard time connecting to the audience. Even though he picked a perfect song for his talents and did a great job–*he’s a good bet for elimination this week. *Gedeon is safe this week.
Elliott Yamin – “If You Really Love Me” Stevie Wonder – Elliott’s vocals are warm and soulful. Who knew talent like his could be found in karaoke culture? He’s been unpimped–until now. When Simon said he was potentially the best male vocalist, he seemed to be casting Elliott as “the rough diamond” who will grow throughout the competition. The high praise received from all three judges means he will advance. With the judges obviously in his corner, Elliott has an excellent chance of making it to the Top 12.
Bobby Bennett – “Copacobana” Barry Manilow – WTF? What is this guy doing in the competition? His rough, crazy performance of this song was completely out of place and just plain bizarre. The Top 24 is where the competition gets serious, isn’t it? Or is this just an attempt by the producers to bring what makes the audition rounds so popular (horrible singers) into the competition? Is he just fodder for Simon’s barbs? *All I can say is–bye Bobby, it was nice barely knowing ya. *Bobby was eliminated this week.
Ace Young – “Father Figure” George Michael – I’ve been critical of Ace and I still don’t think he’s a great singer. And while I usually find his facial expressions and the way he works the camera cloying and hammy, somehow his style worked perfectly for his song choice. Simon was right–brilliant song choice. Best performance from Ace, yet. He’s not only a sure bet for the Top 12–I think he could win this thing.
Taylor Hicks – Elton John “Levon” – I have no idea what Taylor meant when he said “Levon” possesses “Family Values”–once I parsed through Taupin’s opaque lyrics, I found the song’s message hardly uplifting. But nevertheless–he chose a great, classic pop song to sing, toned down the twitchiness, and sounded great on top of it. The judges, including Simon raved. I think Taylor will be sticking around, all the way into the Top 12.
