Tonight served an important purpose for the Idols. After weeks of mouldy oldies, the kids were given a clear opportunity to show the viewers (and the producers) exactly the type of artist they’d be outside of Idol.
Haley Reinhart’s star continues to rise as she put her own stamp on Adele’s hit “Rolling in the Deep” tonight. She clearly belongs in the Amy Winhouse/Duffy/Soul Chanteuse wheelhouse and if she ends up getting signed in the end, I can imagine the record she’s going to make.
The other girl left in the competition, Lauren Alaina, will clearly step into the pop country genre and could record some hits with the right direction. But the girl should have waited a few years. At 16, she lacks the self-confidence needed to truly inhabit her big voice. I don’t think she’s going to overcome her issues in a mere 5 weeks.
Ne-Yo’s brand of melodic soul is going to be the way to go for Stefano Langone when he leaves Idol. He’s getting better at connecting with the studio and home audiences. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if it’s enough to save him this week.
James Durbin brought out his theatrical side once again, with a vocally uneven performance of Muse’s “Uprising”. Although the performance was entertaining, I’m still not clear on who James will be once he leaves the competition.
I’m also kind of confused about Casey Abrams. Going back to the growly rock that nearly got him kicked off the show seems like a really bad idea right about now. Is this who he’ll be when he leaves the show? I suppose Casey is going to have to find his niche in the Hot AC World somewhere, but I’m not feeling who that artist would be at the moment. I still adore the jazzy/bluesy side of Casey.
Scotty McCreery was a bit fat fail in terms of revealing a more contemporary side that isn’t Josh Turner. The Leann Rimes song he sang tonight is actually a cover of a tune that’s 30+ years old. Scotty isn’t budging out of his box, and it could cost him the crown.
And finally. Jacob Lusk. You sir? Are no Luther Vandross. Please go home.
The judges actually critiqued the performances tonight, and not only did it help the kids, but stepping up to the plate definitely added to the show’s entertainment value. Please keep it up, judges. Nobody is so talented, that they can’t use some constructive criticism.
Also, loved the Idols mocking each other affectionately in the video packages. Super cute stuff!
Live blog and VIDEOS after the JUMP…
The American Idol 10 Top 7 sing songs from the 21st century. Plus the Top 13 reunite!
The judges enter. Jlo’s wearing a crazy-looking crazy sparkly onsie. The Top 7 enter the studio. The American Idol losers take the stage to sing “So What”. SO WHAT IF I WAS ELIMINATED. SOB. This is pretty terrible! Paul is so horribly off key. Lulz x100000. I can’t wait to post this up. Sorry Holly Holiday, I b snarking! – VIDEO
“You just made America think twice about their decision, ” says Steven. Uhm. I don’t think so.
This week’s Idol package features the Idols describing each other.
Scotty McCreery – “Swingin” by Lee Ann Rimes. – I suggested that Scotty sing a girl’s song, and he is! I’m learning on twitter that this song was written and sung by John Anderson in 1983! Way to not really step out of your box, Scotty. I don’t have much to say about Scotty this week. Once again his vocal is solid, he’s as confident as ever. But, even though he’s singing a girl song…it’s still more of the same. He just won’t stretch himself out of his comfort zone. Steven: I love you. I would love you if you just boot scooted a little more. But I liked it. Jlo: I love your story telling quality. It’s time to pull out the big guns. We were expecting more from Scotty. Randy: At this point in the competition it’s who is in it to win it. That was so safe that was boring from you. It could have been a better song for you to sing. Holy sh*t. THE JUDGES ARE ACTUALLY CRITIQUING? – 1-866-436-5701 – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
James Durbin – “Uprising” by Muse – James gets a little sit down tonight. OMG is that a cane James has with him? *fear*. James wants to prove that he’s contemporary. James has a strong vision for the song. Post-apocalyptic…yada yada. Oh geez he’s got a freaking DRUM CORP with him. That was a bit of a hot mess–a little weak in the lower register, and a bit screechy going for the high notes. Not one of his best vocals, but the theatrics were entertaining. James gets the visual aspect of the competition. He may end up beating Scotty yet. Jlo: That is going to be theatrically the best performance of the night. Amazing. That was the highest we heard you sing. Randy: I hope you follow this direction when you leave. The whole thing was unbelievable. I think this will be the best performance of the night. Matt Bellamy SENT JAMES AN EMAIL telling him to up the octave on the last chorus. Steven: Don’t rob my wardrobe. That was crazy good. T-Rex direction. I love that about you. The judges NEVER critique James’ vocals. They need to start, because he’s frequently off pitch – 1-866-436-5702 – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Haley Reinhart – “Rolling In The Deep” by Adele – Jimmy asks Haley what the emotion of the song is. Adele is a tall order-she brings so much emotion to the songs she writes. Hard to replicate that intensity. But Haley is doing a solid job here. I can hear Haley on the radio right now. She brings some very nice vocal flourishes to her interpretation. She’s really been coming on strong the last couple of weeks. Very assured. Randy: I think you chose a perfect direction for you. I’m really happy that you chose that. You went a little sharp, but a great performance. Steven: I thought it was great. A little slow at start, but you brought it up. I thought it was beautiful. Jlo: There were moments that you brought Haley to it. That’s where I thought you really shined. – 1-866-436-5703 – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Jacob Lusk “Dance For My Father” – Luther Vandross – It’s Luther’s birthday. The Idols call Jacob a “diva”. Jacob’s father passed away when he was 12. Jacob is crying while he rehearses. Ugh. That quiver in Jacob’s vibrato is sooooo distracting. This vocal is sharp and flat. Jacob has a hard time maintaining vocal control and emotion at the same time. Steven: You remind me all the time of why I love music. Jennifer: It’s hard to perform when a song means that much to you. Jlo agrees with me about emotion vs control. Randy. Emotionally it was a great performance. Vocally it was good, but it didn’t make me jump up and down. Don’t hold back any more. (NO he needs to hold back!). Jacob says something went weird with the track. – 1-866-436-5704 – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Mark Ballas is in the audience. I’m so sick of this fake pr romance sh*t.
Casey Abrams – “Harder to Breathe” by Maroon 5 – He’s playing guitar this week. Jimmy says Casey is as stubborn as one of his sons. Jimmy is really happy with his choice this week. Casey is the least interesting when he runs around attempting to belt out rock music. It reveals all the weakness in his vocals. I hoped he would have stuck with the jazz/blues this week, ’cause that’s where he really shines. There are a few moments of awesome Casey-scat, but it’s mostly that growly stuff that got him in trouble before. This wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t very remarkable. Oh, look he kissed jlo. She’s blushing. Jlo: Casey’s not playing fair! Casey’s got soft lips! I loved it….the performance. It was really really great. You took a pop song and took it all the way rock. Good job. Randy: Always it’s about surprise, surprise surprise. I enjoyed it. Continue to take chances. Amazing job. Steven: You already are a cult hero. Steven got bleeped. You’ve changed so many people’s minds. Steven said Casey did what he was trying to do for the last 4 months (the kiss) Ryan is wearing a Casey beard! “This is what it feels like to be a man?” – 1-866-436-5705 – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE – JUDGES
***Reading on twitter that Nigel is really pissed about Steven dropping the F bomb. Nigel put tape across Steven’s mouth!
Stefano Langone – “Closer” by Ne-Yo. Jimmy tells Stefano to look more confident. Good looking guys don’t beg for the girl. There were some awkward moments here, but there is a BIG improvement in Stefano’s performance skills this week. He’s learning how to eye-f*ck the camera which can be sort of creepy, has proven to work for some Idols in the past (See: Maroulis, Constantine). Solid vocal from Stefano. Randy: Dude you turned me around. You did a very good job, you smoothed it out. You took your time singing the verses. You worked the dance steps out a little. Steven: I hoped you would dance and you did. Good job. Jlo: Speaking for the ladies…You really had your swag going on. It felt like a concert, like a performance. Really good job. – 1-866-436-5706 – VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Lauren Alaina – “Born to Fly” by Sara Evans – Miley Cyrus producers, Rock Mafia, produced this track. Jimmy noted that Lauren holds back when she’s intimidated. This song is so lightweight. So many great songs to choose from and this piece of fluff is what she picks? The performance is OK, other than a few interesting moments, it’s all very ho-hum and NOT pimp spot worthy. The producers are probably trying to save the girls at this point. Steven: You’re so good naturally, you have such a great swagger. Sing Allison Krause, Shania Twain, Faith Hill. Jlo: you have so much character and color in your notes. Try it…you can do that. Let it out. Randy: You can sing anything. You don’t think you can sing those high notes…you must believe. Challenge yourself Lauren. The judges basically give her a pep talk, because she is STILL holding back. – 1-866-436-5707 VIDEO – PERFORMANCE
Killing time: Jlo says anyone can win it. Randy says next week, go even harder. Bring it hard. Be all you can be every time.
