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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Ohio “Idol” contestant could be the one to beat
So far, I think the ladies are leading the race to “American Idol” fame. A few of the male performances stood out last night (Michael Lynche and Lee Dewyse … and Andrew Garcia has it in him), but the ladies were a bigger hit this week. Guys, you better step it up.
After tonight’s performances …
Who should definitely stay? Ohio’s Crystal Bowersox, Katelyn Epperly, Lilly Scott, Siobhan Magnus
Who should definitely go? Haeley Vaughn, Lacey Brown
Who deserves a get out of jail free card? Katie Stevens, Didi Benami
Here’s tonight’s play-by-play:
Crystal Bowersox
Song: “Long as I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Vocals: Excellent
Judges comments: Randy said Crystal is the “truth”; she is not trying to be anybody else. Oh yes, and this season’s first: “That girl is hot!” Ellen said that performance was pure, raw natural talent and “amazing.” Kara said Crystal completely recovered from last week’s wrong song choice (Alanis Morrissette’s “Hand in My Pocket, although Kara wrongly said it was “You Outta Know”). Simon said that he completely “misunderestimated” (is that a word, Simon?) Crystal from last week. “This was the moment we realized with Kelly Clarkson that we had a serious artist,” he said.
Overall impression: Wow. Crystal is just amazing. It’s not necessarily my favorite type of music, but when she takes to the stage, I’m captivated. She has a powerful voice and is just so genuine. She really connects with her audience. She could very well win this competition.
Grade: A
Haeley Vaughn
Song: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
Vocals: Not good
Judges comments: Randy said “it was excruciating” and that Haeley had no connection to the song. Ellen said she shouldn’t stop smiling, but agreed it lacked emotion. Kara said a lot of people are rooting for Haeley and that she’s a really good performer, but that she needs to work on her vocals. Simon said it was “a complete and utter mess” and that it was ironic she was singing about climbing when she just fell.
Overall impression: Crystal is a tough act to follow. Haeley seems to have a loyal following, is incredibly likable and could really gain a fan base as a black country artist (her goal), but her vocals just don’t stand up to the competition. Her fan following may save her this week, though.
Grade: D+ (bonus points for the bright smile)
Lacey Brown
Song: “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer
Vocals: Good
Judges comments: Randy said he thought it was a good song choice but that it was very karaoke and lacked a special quality. Ellen disagreed and said it was “adorable” and a good song choice. Kara, who suggested the song choice last week, said the song showcased what was good about her voice and her personality but that she didn’t push it enough. Simon said it was marginally better than last week but that it wasn’t memorable enough.
Overall impression: It was a fun performance, and Lacey’s personality really shined through. I’m sure it was enough to carry her through to next week, but I don’t think she’s a real contender in this competition.
Grade: C+
Katie Stevens
Song: “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
Vocals: Good
Judges comments: Randy said there were some bright moments, but she needs to look for songs that are bigger. Ellen said Katie has a great voice but that she needs to hear songs even younger and hipper. Kara said she’s frustrated because she sees so much potential in her and that she really started opening up toward the end of the song and that she needs to pick songs that have more impact. Simon said it’s frustrating because she made an attempt to be younger, but his issue is that she needs to tell the audience what kind of artist she wants to be.
Overall impression: Katie is struggling with song choice, but has a really good voice. I hope she can find her identity in this competition because if she does, she could go very far. Katie, only 17, is one of those people you really want to see succeed.
Grade: B-
Didi Benami
Song: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Vocals: Good
Judges comments: Randy said deep-routed soul didn’t really work for Didi’s voice. Ellen said she loves Didi’s voice and had a great stage presence and energy, but that the song choice was off. Kara said it wasn’t good and that she should stick with her identity and that “we lost the uniqueness of your voice and vocal stylings that got you to this point.” Simon said the song was screechy and all over the place and that it’s frustrating because it was a wasted opportunity.
Overall impression: Didi was one of the more unique contestants during Hollywood Week and really set herself apart from the others with performances, including a Kara DioGuardi song, but the last two weeks, like Katie, Didi’s struggled to make the right choices. But Didi has a great voice, and I think her past performances will carry her through.
Grade: B-
Michelle Delamor
Song: “With Arms Wide Open” by Creed
Vocals: Strong
Judges comments: Randy said she didn’t do enough with the song. Ellen said she did do a lot with the song and it made her forget it was a rock song, however there were a few pitch problems. “It almost worked,” Ellen said. Kara disagreed and said it was her favorite performance of Michelle’s ever and that it was believable, despite a few imperfections. Simon agreed and said the first half was stronger than the second half and got about it 80 percent right.
Overall impression: Michelle has a lovely voice. This performance was middle-of-the-road, but certainly enough to keep her around.
Grade: B
Lilly Scott
Song: “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
Vocals: Strong
Judges comments: Randy said Lilly is unique and that it was his favorite of the night so far. Ellen says Lilly has “it.” Kara said Lilly had her first “moment” in the competition and that she is going to change the game. Simon said it was good but wasn’t as crazy about it but that Crystal was stronger.
Overall impression: Lilly knows her identity. That will carry her far in this competition. I agreed with Simon in that I thought Crystal was just a step in front of her and was more captivating, but Lilly could make this competition interesting.
Grade: A-
Katelyn Epperly
Song: “The Scientist” by Coldplay
Vocals: Excellent
Judges comments: Randy said he really liked it, despite a few pitch problems at the end. Ellen said it was way too slow. Kara said “I kind of love you,” but you’re all over the place, but she’s really good. She said Katelyn needs to figure out who she is quick. Simon said it was a smart song choice, but she needs to work on being less corny and that she “may have put herself back in the race.”
Overall impression: I was scratching my head when Katelyn announced she would sing Coldplay, but I was really taken by surprise in a good way. Yes, a little slow, but I loved it.
Grade: A-
Paige Miles
Song: “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson
Vocals: Excellent … she can hit those high notes
Judges comments: Randy said he liked it, although the song didn’t showcase her big voice and her vocal range. Ellen said she changed just the right amount and brought energy and fun to the performance. Kara said she didn’t connect with the meaning of the song, meaning she was way happier than the song. Simon said he agreed with Randy in that it wasn’t the right song choice for her voice and was forgettable.
Overall impression: Definitely in the upper-half of tonight’s performances. I agree the song didn’t show off her talents. I want to hear more of this great voice the judges keep talking about to know if she really does have the best vocals.
Grade: B+
Siobhan Magnus
Song: “Think” by Aretha Franklin
Vocals: Good … the last note was impressive, but she was inconsistent throughout the song
Judges comments: Randy said Siobhan picked the greatest singer (a huge risk) and slayed it. Ellen said you shouldn’t normally take on such a big song, but that it was excellent. Kara said the high note was amazing. Simon said it was part good and part bad, but that overall she is very talented.
Overall impression: Siobhan is another one to watch. She’s a contestant who will always keep you guessing, which can be a really good thing. But man, this chick is weird.
Grade: B+
Now it’s your turn: What did you think of tonight’s performances? Any bets on who might win or at least make the final four?
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