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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Was Ohio “American Idol” favorite dethroned tonight?
The Top 12 “American Idol” contestants moved from a comfy-cozy stage to the big stage for the first time Tuesday to perform some big rock hits from the Rolling Stones.
The best? Siobhan Magnus with an over-the-top, dramatic stage show set to the tune of “Painted Black” complete with some crazy high notes. I don’t think she’s quite dethroned early favorite Crystal Bowersox, who just happens to be from the Toledo area, but she definitely had the most memorable performance of the night.
The worst? Tim Urban. He really had no competition for worst with his reggae take on the Stones that showcased no vocal range. But somehow, I fear Tim won’t be going home. Just a gut feeling. Since the judges don’t have the judges save again this season, maybe they can surprise us with a judges vote-off, sort of a veto power to send someone home who sucks.
Here’s a closer look at the Top 12’s performances:
Michael “Big Mike” Lynche
Song Choice: “Miss You”
Judges comments: Randy complimented Big Mike for his performance. Ellen said that was the way to start the night. Kara said Big Mike conveyed the message of the song and was hot on stage. Simon said the performance at times, especially the dancing, was corny. He sang the song well, but the performance itself verged on desperate.
Commentary: It would have been difficult to top last week’s performance of “A Woman’s Work,” which proved Mike has strong vocals, an ability to connect with the audience and a strong stage presence. But it was an overall good performance. Desperate? I don’t see that, but he can be a little overly dramatic on stage. He’s been that way since Hollywood Week. But it’s also part of his charm.
Rank: Four stars
Didi Benami
Song Choice: “Playing With Fire”
Judges comments: Randy said that was one of Didi’s best performances yet. Ellen said she sounded great and managed to make “fire” a two-word syllable. Kara said she really attacked the song with intensity and was two steps in the right direction toward defining herself as an artist. Simon said she is beginning to show what kind of artist she could be and that it was a solid performance and good song choice.
Commentary: I really like Didi’s voice. I can imagine her on the radio very easily. She has been inconsistent, though, so it’s hard to predict how far she can go against some big talent. If she keeps getting better, she could be one to watch
Rank: Four stars
Casey James
Song Choice: “It’s All Over Now”
Judges comments: Randy said Casey’s back and the bluesy guitarist is his vibe. Ellen said for most women, their hearts will start racing, but “for people like me, blondes” I thought it was fantastic. Kara said he was a rock star and she made a good song choice that brought country and soul and that it was his best performance. Simon said it was like an audition performance and that he didn’t do anything incredible. He has to do more and show he’s a star.
Commentary: I wasn’t as impressed as most of the judges. This performance was fun, but didn’t offer much beyond that. Take away the guitar and close your eyes for a few verses (let’s face it, Casey’s popularity is based largely on his looks), and the vocals themselves were pretty boring.
Rank: 3 stars
Lacey Brown
Song Choice: “Ruby Tuesday”
Judges comments: Randy said the arrangement was interesting and he was pleasantly surprised. Ellen said it was weird that she sat when she should have been standing and vice versa and that the performance was a bit sleepy. Kara said “she agreed with the guys” (was that a dig at Ellen or just stupidity?) and it was 50/50 for her and that she could do better. Simon said Lacey performs like an actress but that maybe she’s overthinking it performance wise, but there was nothing wrong with the vocals.
Commentary: It was slow and boring. It did get a little better toward the end, but I definitely felt like Lacey was trying way too hard to play to the camera instead of focus on the audience and the song itself. Lacey does has a really unique voice, like Didi, but voice isn’t enough in this competition.
Rank: 2 stars
Andrew Garcia
Song Choice: “Give Me Shelter”
Judges comments: Randy said he loved the song and Andrew and that the performance was pitchy. Ellen disagreed and said it was his best performance yet. Kara said there were great moments but she lacked connection with the performance. Simon said he gave it 100 percent but said something didn’t quite connect and that he genuinely hopes he survives another week.
Commentary: C’on Andrew! I really wish he’d get it right because I think he could be such an interesting recording artist/guitarist. I think there were moments, particularly in the second half of the performance, where he showed some star power, but overall it was pretty mediocre, especially sans guitar.
Rank: 2.5 stars
Katie Stevens
Song Choice: “Wild Horses”
Judges comments: Randy said it was a very strong performance. Ellen said it started pitchy but then she sounded amazing when she got into it. Kara said it’s never technically perfect and that she made nice variations. Simon said this is the only week where Katie has chosen a right song and gave it 100 percent.
Commentary: Katie has a really good voice, especially for a 17-year-old. She has such a grown-up sound. I think Katie’s biggest challenge, no surprise, is finding her identity as an artist. In a world of Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, where could Katie find a niche?
Rank: 2.5 stars
Tim Urban
Song Choice: “Under My Thumb”
Judges comments: Randy said it was bizarre, and the reggae vibe didn’t serve him or the song well. Ellen said she felt like she was at a resort drinking a pina colada. For a night like this, it wasn’t enough. Kara again said she totally gets what “the guys are saying” and the risk didn’t pay off. Simon said it was great he took a risk, but that didn’t work and was a crazy decision.
Commentary: Zzzzzzzz. I think Ellen actually described it best. I was transported back to Sandals resort in Jamaica for a brief moment. The vocals weren’t anything special. But somehow, I think Tim will be back.
Rank: 1 star
Siobhan Magnus
Song Choice: “Paint It, Black”
Judges comments: Randy said Siobhan is “bringing the drama” to Season 9. Ellen said she really stood out tonight. Kara said that was the best interpretation of the Stones tonight and that she was having flashbacks of Adam Lambert from last season with all the drama. Simon said it was the standout performance of the night and that a lot of people will love it and others will hate it … and that’s a good place to be.
Commentary: This girl deserves some credit. She has confidence, she keeps you guessing each week and she can hit some notes (a bit screamy but still fantastic). She could be a surprising contender this season.
Rank: 4.5 stars
Lee Dewyse
Song Choice: “Beast of Burden”
Judges comments: Randy said he has an amazing voice and was a cross between Rob Thomas and Dave Matthews. Ellen said she expected a tiny bit more and compared it to a hospital gown (as in not quite together). Kara said Lee is gaining confidence on the stage more than anyone else. Simon said he really likes Lee and that what’s holding him back is that he didn’t shine. Simon wants to see Lee have a “moment” and “stamp your mark” on this competition.
Commentary: Siobhan was a tough act to follow of course, so Lee gets bonus points for that, but all things considered, it was a pretty good performance. Lee has a great recording voice but he really needs to step up the star factor to make it to the top.
Rank: 3.5 stars
Paige Miles
Song Choice: “Honky Tonk Women”
Judges comments: Randy said he liked it. Ellen complimented her stage presence and both she and Kara applauded her for a great vocal despite a case of laryngitis. Simon said the song was a little generic but she delivered great vocals. The real issue is she hasn’t quite connected with the audience or the song yet.
Commentary: Now I finally see what Simon has been talking about every week: that Paige has probably the strongest vocals in the competition. Up until this week, we didn’t really hear what Paige can offer vocally. She had laryngitis? Wow. My biggest complaint about Paige is I have no idea what kind of artist she would be.
Rank: 3 stars
Aaron Kelly
Song Choice: “Angie”
Judges comments: Randy complimented Aaron for the tender moments in his voice. Ellen asked if he was trying to copy her hair and that it was a great performance and a standout. Kara said when he connects with a song, it’s very powerful. Simon said he chose the right song but that he sang it cleverly within his range and was one of his strongest performances.
Commentary: Aaron consistently delivers a pretty good vocal, but the performance itself was sort of boring for me. I can’t imagine Aaron has any reason to worry though.
Rank: 3 stars
Crystal Bowersox
Song Choice: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Judges comments: Randy said it wasn’t her best, but that he’s always excited to see her perform. Ellen said it’s so effortless for Crystal and that tonight she injected some more personality into the performance. Kara said tonight she loosened up a bit and that she’s really easy to watch. Simon said this is the first time where Crystal was beaten by someone and that she needs to dig deep every week before coming on stage.
Commentary: Crystal really knows who she is. And that’s the best thing about her. It feels so natural and genuine when she comes on stage. There are never big surprises or major “wow” moments; she’s just really good.
Rank: 4 stars
What do you think about the performances and the judges this season?
Who should go home? Cast your vote:
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