Tuesday night’s American Idol surprised the audience with a strange twist of events. People at home tuned in to see the girls perform and instead the boys hit the stage because contestant, Crystal Bowersox was taken to the hospital that morning for an undisclosed medical problem that would prevent her from performing. The guys graciously agreed to swap nights, even though it gave them less rehearsal time, and although they claimed they all felt confident to get up there and wow the judges, their performances really made one wonder whether they could have used that extra day.
Mike Lynche, new daddy and “Mr. Personality” kicked off the night with his rendition of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World.” And although it was a marked improvement over his previous week’s mediocre karaoke-esque performances, it was still a bit more form over substance, with his cheesy poses and facial expressions taking precedence over the actual singing. But all the judges jumped on the Lynche train, Ellen even saying he was “the one to beat” and Simon said he went from a “pussycat to a lion in one week.” It may just have been enough to keep him around for yet another one.
Next, John Park bored us to death with a version of John Mayer’s “Gravity” that had me zoned out and going over the grocery list in my head halfway through. His “adequate” voice just isn’t enough to make up for his complete lack of personality onstage and Randy agreed by saying that he didn’t bring anything “spicy” to the song. Spicy? John Park? This kid is reaching for “interesting.” I think Simon had it right when he said he thought that Park’s a capella group, Purple Haze, might be getting their singer back this week. “In 20 minutes, we are going to forget that performance” he quipped. Nah, I would give it about 10 if I hadn’t written it down.
Casey James aka Calvin Klein underwear model aka Kara’s cougar love obsession was up next, choosing a song that had been done numerous times by other Idol contestants, “I Don’t Wanna Be,” by Gavin Degraw. Apparently he didn’t get the memo that it’s LAME to do a song that has been done a bunch of times, especially when you aren’t going to be TOTALLY AWESOME. So yeah, he wasn’t as impressive as past weeks, but he’s still just so damn pretty and can properly rock out on the electric guitar, so I still give him two thumbs up. The judges thought he was stiff and didn’t bring the presence he has brought in the past and there was a bit of love lost with Kara who said that he had taken “two steps backward” this week. Simon may have hit the nail on the head when he suggested that Casey isn’t returning Kara’s calls. Bitter much Kara? Hmmmmmm???
Ellen’s unripened banana, Adam Lambert, came out and showed how “ripe” he could be with his acoustic guitar and sang “Everybody Knows” by John Legend. Total difference from last week, a lot more confident, and there is no doubt that this boy’s voice is like warm, dark chocolate – sinful and intoxicating. But he still has a long way to go. And preferably his mullet will not go with him, because I’m sorry, it needs to go. He needs a date with a stylist STAT. The judges were all pleased with his transformation, but Simon pointed out his lack of “killer instinct.” I’m not sure this banana has a shred of “killer” anything in him, but we’ll have to wait and see if he can take that “killer” voice and make it to the top.
Todrick, Todrick, Todrick. Poor Todrick Hall. The one American Idol contestant the judges keep telling to STOP changing songs and making them his own. Apparently he just doesn’t do it well. After his performance of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It” last night, Randy finally just told him to pick a song and sing it like it is. And although everyone has been warning him that he is more like a dancer who can sing instead of a singer who can dance, both Kara and Ellen said they wanted to see him dance more. Can you say mixed signals? I say put the boy out of his misery and send him home, because I’m with Simon on this one – it was like a bad theme park performance.
Jermaine Sellers did a poor-man’s version of “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye. I don’t know what was worse, his outfit or his version of the song. I’m not sure if even Jermaine’s close relationship with the Big Guy upstairs can save him from the cutting block this week. Simon voiced his concerns that he is not sure whether he would be there next week and I must say that I agree.
Oh Andrew Garcia. You were one of my favorites right from the beginning. And I loved your performance last week even though the judges were sadly misguided. But this week, you muddled through James Morrison’s “You Give Me Something” and I was so disappointed. Please bring back your unique style next week and make me happy. And by the way, the judges are on to you too. So let’s do something that will make your famous version of “Straight Up” look like an N’Sync B-side next week, shall we? OK then.
The cutie pie with the big voice, Aaron Kelly, was next up, and although he came through with his impressive pipes once again, why, oh why did he choose to sing “My Girl”? Simon’s remarks that it was “too old fashioned” were an understatement. More like too campy and completely irrelevant. But he’ll be sticking around for a while anyway, so let’s hope he can pick some better songs in coming weeks.
Tim Urban went the safe route by choosing a song that lived 100% in his sweet spot by singing “Come on, Get High” by Matt Nathanson, and although it was “nice,” and he still looks like Zac Efron, which is a plus, it just isn’t enough to compete against the other heavy hitters in this competition. Ellen had the best idea out of the bunch and suggested that he joined the case of Glee. I see a love interest for Kurt in the future – Fox, you should get on that as soon as Tim is voted off, which I am guessing is going to be soon.
Finally, Lee Dewyze was a pretty big hit with his version of “Lips of an Angel.” I like this guy. My first impression of him was that he looked kinda douchey, but the guy certainly can sing. He needs to work on his stage presence, but as Kara said, he definitely has the commercial voice for radio. I am not sure I agree with Simon that he is “vocally head and shoulders above the rest” in the competition, but he is an early favorite that I will be looking forward to hearing more from.
The girls finally made it on Wednesday night, including Crystal Bowersox, looking healthy as a horse. And, may I add, with markedly whiter teeth than ever before. Thank you to the cosmetic dentistry team of American Idol. We still don’t know what was wrong with her, although the buzz points to diabetes. All I know is that I am glad she made it back.
BOW-ER-SOX!
I am a fan, what can I say?
Singing Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Long as I Can See The Light,” she didn’t disappoint this fan right here. Her beautiful, booming voice was strong and confident and she proved that she is the real thing. Randy “Zen” Jackson said she is “true and the truth is reality,” while Ellen said she has “true, raw, natural talent.” Simon said he underestimated her, and compared her to Kelly Clarkson, and if that means what I think it means, then all I have to say is…
BOW-ER-SOX!!!!!! All the way baby. Let’s just hope she can stay healthy…
Haeley Vaughn, the smiley 16-year-old guitar strumming teenie bopper took on Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” a mighty big song for such a little girl. As it turned out, it was a bit too big. I was reminded of a middle school talent show as I watched her croon Hannah Montana’s hit song, and cringed as she reached for those big notes and didn’t quite get there. Randy kept it real and told her it “didn’t work” and that it was “excruciating.” And although Ellen started off by telling her she was adorable, she agreed with Randy and said she didn’t “connect” to the song. I think Simon said it best when he said it was a “complete and utter mess” although in theory it should have worked. The best laid plans of mice and teenage girls, I suppose. I think Haeley might be in trouble next week, unless her bubbly personality can save her like Tim Urban’s Zac Efron-esque face saved him last week.
Lacey Brown chose “Kiss Me,” and it was, well…cute. She looked cute, it sounded cute, and she’s just cute. But this isn’t American Cutie Pie, this is American Idol. The unique tone of her voice has the potential to be great, but this song didn’t showcase that at all. Randy said she didn’t add anything to it, Ellen said it was just “adorable” and Simon said it was forgettable and didn’t prove herself as an artist. Sounds like Lacey needs to up her game if she is still around next week. Less cute, more awesome singing Lacey.
But you really are cute. Did I mention you are cute?
Katie Stevens sang “Girl Put Your Records On,” and it was basically a sub-par version of Corinne Bailey Rae’s version. Plus, she barely moved from the same spot in the middle of the stage. Plus, she creeps me out because she is 17 and sings like a 40 year old woman. Ellen’s advice was for her not to sing something she would hear in her dentist’s office, which is always good advice. And the rest of the judges were pretty much all in agreement that she needed to stop choosing boring, old lady songs and sing some more powerful stuff to show off her voice. Which is good, even though it sounds like a 40-year old woman’s.
Didi Benami’s rendition of “Lean on Me” left something to be desired. Although she has an awesome, unique sounding voice, she just didn’t rock out the Bill Withers classic. It was like a phoned in karaoke performance. WRONG SONG CHOICE Didi. Kara told it like it is, and said “It just wasn’t good.” Pick a better song, and try again next time Didi. I have a feeling you will be around next week to redeem yourself, but you better make it good.
Michelle Delamor sang “Arms Wide Open”. Minus one point for singing a Creed song right off the bat. Then minus one point for wearing gloves with only fingers. Then minus a bajillion points for sucking. Nuff said. But apparently Kara and Simon shared some peyote before the show because they both liked it. Whatever. I’d give her another shot, but she needs the rest of her gloves.
Lily Scott, singing “Change Gonna Come,” impressed us again with her pure artistry. This girl knows who she is, and I like who she is. She just rocks. She can sing, she can play guitar and she hypnotizes. She was Randy’s favorite performance, and Ellen said she has “it.” I don’t know what “it” is, but she has it. Kara said she had her first “moment” in the competition and she was “riveted.” Simon said she made the point about how you make yourself relevant. This “mismatched” contestant is shaking things up and I am liking it. As much as Crystal B? Ehhhh, maybe not. But it’s a close race. Run Lily run!
Katelyn Epperly played piano for the first time while singing Coldplay’s “Back to The Start” and I was impressed. I thought it was beautiful with a capital B. Randy and Ellen thought it was too slow. But Kara said she “kinda loves” her. And so do I. I am looking forward to hearing more from Katelyn.
Paige Miles sang “Walk Away” by original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Maybe it’s just because I have heard that song 56,427 times, but it didn’t thrill me. She sang it well, but it sounded pretty much like it sounded all 56,427 times I heard it on the radio so I tuned out about halfway through. Randy agreed with me, but Ellen loved it. Since Kara wrote the song, of course she was a fan, but Simon was on my side. Simon’s my homeboy. She needs to take that strong voice and choose the right song to knock our socks off next week.
Siobhan Magnus tackled Aretha, that brave little thing. “Think,” to be exact. Who would have “thought” that a skinny white girl would be able to sing Aretha? But she did. And she did it well. But she certainly is different. You know, in a good way? I think? The judges were four for four on Siobhan’s performance, but Simon agreed that she adds a certain “color” to the competition.
So here’s my prediction, I say Todrick and Jermaine are going home for the dudes and Haeley and Lacey are packing it in for the girls.
We will find out tonight, tune in to Fox at 8/7 central and I will have the recap here tomorrow of the results show!