I really believe that finals are decided already before a contestant even sings one note. After all, Idol viewers have been living with these hopefuls for weeks already. It would take something really spectacular from a contestant to change the prevailing wind. So, although Lauren closed the show on a very emotional moment, I don’t think it’s enough to overcome the lead I think Scotty had coming into this week.
I would give the entire night to Lauren. Even though she did not sing perfectly, she sang like a someone who had something on the line, which is what an Idol finale should be all about. I don’t know if it’s just Scotty’s personality, but he breezed through his performances like nothing was at stake. He was competent but oh-so-dull. Neither brought any surprises, or took any risks tonight, but at least Lauren seemed to be trying.
I’m assuming the judges critique’s were condensed in order to make room for that pointless Taio Cruz performance. If the judging didn’t suck so much I might be mad. But it was kind of nice to have performances free of useless babbling. And once the judges did open their mouths after the second performance? They were all “we can’t decide!” “You’re all beautiful!” IN IT TO WIN IT BLAH BLAH BLAH. Gah. Nigel, I understand you’re bringing this crew back again next year, but you must do something about their ineffectual and annoying critiques.
The judges ultimately give the night to Lauren. As if anyone really cares what they think anyway.
Tonight did turn out to be Worst. Final. Ever. As a predicted last week. Last year’s finale was much better, with Crystal Bowersox singing her ass off, as if her life depended on it. She lost anyway, too. Ah well…
Live blog and Videos below
Seven thousand Idol fans are ready to party TODAY. It’s a battle between Scotty and Lauren! Ryan introduces them.
Lauren says, “I’m here. I’m ready to sing. I’m fine.” The doctor comes out to explain this afternoon’s drama. “During the rehearsal, she blew out one of her vocal chords. We gave her a lot of medicines… she’s going to do great”
Contestant’s pick:
Scotty McCreery – “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry – Scotty works the crowd in his typical fashion. What’s there to say? A solid performance from Scotty. If you liked this performance the first time he did it, you’ll love it the second time. 1-866-436-5701 1-866-436-5703 1-866-436-5705 1-866-436-5707 – Ryan throws to commercial without judges’ comments. – VIDEO
Lauren Alaina – “Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood – Her vocals in her higher register are definitely ragged, but she’s singing. The judges give her a standing O. A for effort, I guess. the 1-866-436-5702. 1-866-436-5704. 1-866-436-5706. 1-866-436-5708 – VIDEO
Still no judges comments. WTF? So far, this final is a snooozzzzzz
Scotty and Lauren’s “heroes” pick the next round.
Scotty McCreery – George Strait chose – “Check Yes or No” by George Strait – So Strait picks one of his own songs? Alrighty. Scotty plays acoustic guitar with the band. Another competent performance of a tune that is right in Scotty’s lane. He’s still pulling those weird faces on stage. Still not a peep from the judges. – VIDEO
Lauren Alaina – Carrie Underwood chose, “Maybe it Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis – What the hell is she wearing? Silver boots with this big orange big bird dress. Dear God. The rasp on the high notes actually works on this song. Lauren sounds good. Carrie did a great job picking a song for Lauren. OMG mom in the audience is SCARING ME. – VIDEO
The judges finally speak:
Randy: “These are the two that you chose. It’s so hard, it’s so even. Scotty, your reprisal of “Gone” was brilliant. The George Strait thing was really good.” Randy liked Lauren’s songs, too. He gives Scotty a slight edge in round 1, Lauren in round 2.
Jlo – She didn’t like Scotty’s second song as much as his first. She’s is also giving Scotty the first round and Lauren the second.
Steven: Gives up the 1st round and the 2nd round to Lauren because she’s prettier than Scotty. SERIOUSLY? – VIDEO
Randy: THEY’RE BOTH IN IT TO WIN IT!!!!
HELLO NON-JUDGING. WHY EVEN BOTHER.
Taio Cruz sings “Positive”, the song written by vote by the Idol audience on AmericanIdol.com. Oh look. He borrowed James Durbin’s drum corp for his performance. This song is just a’ight. Not sure why we are wasting time with this. I guess it’s a Coke thing.
The singles:
Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big” Jimmy says they had to find the right song for the final, but also a good song for his first single. Scotty is all dressed up in a suit to sing this ballad. Clips from his “idol journey” play behind him. I’m pretty underwhelmed by this. Key change! Erm. Zzzzzz. Randy:I’m just marveling that we have the two youngest finalist ever–the range was great–you sung low and you sang really high. SCOTTY YOU ARE IN IT TO WIN IT. That was a brilliant vocal. Jlo: You are our great story teller. You did an amazing job with that song. Steven: Scotty, you’ve come a long way. You take your chances, you ran with it, and you got it. – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does” Jimmy says the lyrics really captures her journey. He does not mention it’s a Kristy Lee Cook leftover – Her audio was cut on the first few notes? Kind of a weird beginning. Mom in the audience with her hand up…like she’s PRAISING JESUS! Oooh girl. Those high notes are ROUGH. Ryan helps Lauren down the stairs so she can hug her mother. This is a sh*t song, and Lauren is having a hard time singing it. TEARS! HUGS! A smiling David Archuleta. Oh how I miss you. Randy: A great ode to your mom, I love that support. I love how at the end, finally, the Lauren we met in auditions came back. THAT WAS AMAZING AMAZING. Jlo: I think with that song you may have just won. It was beautiful. It was perfect for you. Steven: You just gave it up to your mom like this….You are an Idol in my eyes. – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Randy gives it Lauren. Jennifer won’t pick. Steven gives it to Lauren. Don’t worry Scotty fans. America could give a sh*t what these judges think. – VIDEO
I give the contest to Lauren. Her vocals weren’t perfect, but she really had the fire in the belly tonight.
David Cook sings out with “Don’t You Forget About Me” Show ’em how it’s done Cookie. Even if this performance was recorded earlier today… VIDEO
