This week begins with a look back at least week’s cuh-razy results episode. We get to relive Casey’s short-lived dismissal, followed by what looked like the beginning of a nervous breakdown. Hands shaking, body collapsing, Casey gave it all to us last week after being ‘saved’ by our judges.
Ryan has a new, swoop haircut. It looks nice, though it doesn’t appear to have made his personality any more tolerable.
Elton John is the theme this evening, which pleases me greatly. His songs are some of the best ever, and this year’s group of singers (that actually sing well) should benefit from such a bountiful songbook.
Before we begin, who else thinks Thia Megia is going to belt out “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” You know she’s working on that Disney compilation album.
The kiddies are at a fancy photo shoot for Entertainment Weekly. Lost of sequin on the gals and ties on the guys. We’ll get more photo shoot footage before each contestant’s performance.
Scotty McCreery, “Country Comfort”
Jimmy Iovine mentions that people think Scotty is a one-trick pony. I’m not saying I’m one of those people, but his performances do tend to feel a bit one note. The good news is that one note is pleasing to a group of people that actual buy music – country music fans. This song is probably one of the only Elton John songs I would classify as boring, but I’m sure Scotty’s fan base will love it. All he really needs to do is say ‘thanks, ya’ll’ or ‘good grief’ once per episode and he should be fine for a while.
Naima Adedapo, “I’m Still Standing”
J. Lo thinks the idea was better than the payoff and Randy says it was corny (ouch), but Steven gives Naima props for choosing a song that ‘fit’ her. Don’t you love it when the judges give comments that make it sound like they’ve watched three different performances? It’s so hilarious and irritating. I wasn’t the biggest fan of this performance, mostly because one of my (many) musical pet peeves is when artists create accents. We’ve heard Naima talk and sing for weeks now, but all of a sudden she sounds like she’s from Trinidad? Or Tobago.
Pardon the interruption. I just realized that we are going from 11 to 9 this week, while only 10 will make the tour. Does that mean they are going to be super awkward and eliminate one person first, then tell the remaining 10 that they’re on the tour, all before eliminating another person? That will be some messed up, yet deliciously dramatic ish.
Paul McDonald, “Rocket Man”
If Scotty is a one-note singer, then Paul is a two-note kind of guy. Like Scotty, it’s hard to differentiate one Paul performance from another. That being said, the artist affectionately referred to as “F**kin’ Paul” has more charisma than Scotty and a less narrow musical genre. Sure, he’s the closest thing to ‘indie’ that American Idol will likely ever see, but between his song choices, his teeth and his rose petal suit, he appeals to a pretty broad group. Singing early isn’t a good thing for someone like Paul, but I think his personality will send him through once again.
Pia Toscano, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”
Unless this is “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me: The Remix,” we are getting another ballad. The good news is that this is one of my very favorite Elton John songs. The not-so-great news is that Pia still needs to move her arse. Ok, this is actually really good – again. Those big ol’ notes (Randy speak) in her upper register are like butter to my freshly baked bread. The judges love it, and Pia promises some “River Deep, Mountain High” if she’s around next week. She’ll undoubtedly be back, and I can’t wait to hear her rip through that song.
Stefano Langone, “Tiny Dancer”
This is a nice performance. I’m not hooting and hollering (and I like to hoot and holler), but it’s definitely a pleasing vocal performance. I appreciate that Stefano is taking the judges’ notes and making an effort to connect more with the audience. Unfortunately, it takes more than holding J. Lo’s hand to make a real connection. The judges give him pretty high praise, though I’m still unsure of just how safe Stefano’s current place in the competition is. He started as a Wild Card and then ended up in the bottom two last week, neither of which is a terribly good sign.
Lauren Alaina, “Candle in the Wind“
Let’s hope Lauren has left her shiteous attitude behind this week. As we all know, Lauren has been compared to both Kelly and Carrie, but what they both have that she lacks is class and grace. Lauren is like your best friend’s little sister that says obnoxious things during dinner and tries to correct you if you say something that’s not 100% correct. Also, does she really have any business singing this song? I feel like you just don’t sing this song on a competition show. Seems like poor taste to me. Does she sound good? Of course she does. Her voice is splendid. I’m not giving up all hope of becoming a Lauren Alaina fan, mostly because I love that voice, but everything else about her is just so irritating.
Oh, Carrie Underwood is in a movie. Unfortunately, “Soul Surfer” looks pretty bad. I’ll wait for it to air (ad nausea) on ABC Family.
James Durbin, “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)”
Oh hello, flaming piano. Really? Ok, who am I kidding? I love that over-the-top business. I actually had an epiphany watching this performance. James might be the most manic contestant this year, but he also might be the only one that never misses a note. It’s honestly remarkable how well this kid sings, even when running around the stage and amongst the audience. I’ve always liked his story, but I’m turning into a legit fan.
Also, James mentioning Pepsi might have been the best part of the show thus far. You could see the stress wrinkles on Seacrest’s face fighting their way through the (mucho) Botox as he bellowed that desperate and obvious line about American Idol being brought to you by Coke. Yes. A million times, yes.
Thia Megia, “Daniel”
Thank you, Thia, for not singing a song featured in an animated film. Additional props for growing up quite a bit and taking on a more mature tune. Thia’s usual pitch issues are present in this performance, but there are also moments when the gorgeous tone of her voice really shines through. Randy gives her a pretty hard time, as per usual, but the two-person cheerleading squad of Steven and J. Lo give Thia some nice kudos. She’s singing late in the night, but is she still in trouble?
Casey Abrams, “Your Song”
Loved it. Loved it. LOVED IT! I also love the beard and hair trim. I’m pretty sure I said a few weeks back that he needed just that to take his look to the next, adorkable level. Casey made the perfect song choice this week. He also wisely decided to just sit on a stool and sing with heartfelt emotion. It was definitely a tender moment and his voice sounds as good as ever. All three judges feel vindicated in their decision to ‘save’ him last week, and Casey appears as appreciative as ever. Don’t be silly, America. Vote for this guy!
Jacob Lusk, “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”
During Jacob’s pre-performance vignette, a visit from Mary J. Blige appears to make his decade. Jacob’s doing that thing where he sings out of the side of his mouth again. That always gives me a chuckle, because I imagine him singing an Elvis song, which would be quite amusing. This wasn’t as good as last week – and not as good as Casey’s performance before him – but Jacob always sounds fantastic, and this is no exception. The stylists do need to tend to that ass, though. Give the boy some pants that hide the rump, not accentuate it. As a fellow member of the Bubble Butt Club (it’s nothing to be ashamed of!), I’m here to tell you that there are ways of concealing the posterior.
Haley Reinhart, “Benny and the Jets“
My favorite saxophone is really bringing it tonight. I would’ve liked one less pageant-like arm raise, but that’s my only critique. Haley has the most exciting voice of all the girls and she sounds pitch perfect once again. That growl gets me every time! Steven Tyler thinks Haley ‘sings sexy,’ J. Lo loves her some Haley and Randy called the performance the best of the night. Finally! I don’t want to jinx her, but singing last – and singing like that – should ensure that Haley is around next week.
Two folks are leaving tonight, which always makes it tougher to predict. I think Naima’s time is up, but I’m struggling with the second person. I’m guessing Thia and Stefano will round out the bottom three, but I really don’t know which one of them is more likely to join Naima on the outside looking in. I’ll go with Stefano, just to keep it gender equal, but I’m not confident at all in that prediction.
