Last night was Rat Pack Standards night. I'll admit I'm ignorant about the Rat Pack - I knew it was a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Except for Sinatra, I tend to think of them as actors, though, not singers. Wikipedia says they were in the original Ocean's Eleven. So I wasn't sure what to expect from the music, but I didn't expect I'd like it very much.
And it was pretty much what I expected - but somehow it was fun, too, and told us a lot about the performers. Jamie Foxx was their mentor. He's an excellent musician, classically trained, besides being an Oscar-winning actor.
Kris Allen continues to surprise me. He's one singer who has improved as the competition has gone on. Last night he performed "The Way You Look Tonight", once performed by Frank Sinatra, and he carried it off beautifully. His voice was clear and true, and he didn't flub any notes that I noticed (and I would have). Randy thought it was his best performance to date, and I agree. Kara and Paula heaped praise onto Kris, as usual. Simon, however, thought it was a bit wet. When Ryan asked him what he meant by "wet," he responded "Not dry." Uh huh. "Like taking a very well-trained spaniel for a walk...it's going to be safe, it's going to be quite nice, but I didn't think it was incredible." He didn't get the feeling from this performance that Kris could win this competition.
I wasn't sure what Allison Iraheta would do with this category. She's such a punk rocker at heart, with the pink hair and the outrageous clothes. But she was absolutely wonderful performing "Someone To Watch Over Me" (also sung by Frank Sinatra). She had such poise; she sang from her heart, and she made the song just wrenchingly beautiful. She is so talented, and Monday was her seventeenth birthday. It's amazing how mature she sounds when she's singing, given that when she talks, she's clearly a teenager. Randy thought it might be a tough genre for Allison, but he thought it was "da bomb." He loved it. Kara thinks Allison made some new fans tonight. It was beyond her years. Paula loved the innocence. Simon asked her if she thinks she could win this competition. She said yes, she thinks she can. He said it was a great performance, but he thought she might be in trouble. So I voted for her - only the second time I've ever voted in American Idol (the first time was for David Cook in the finals last year). My son voted for her, too. She's wonderful, and she's still in my Top Two.
Matt Giraud performed "My Funny Valentine" (which was recorded by both Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., making it a double Rat Pack choice). Matt's the weakest performer left in this competition. He wore the fedora again (or maybe it was a different one), but it didn't improve his singing. He started out weak, a little off-key. This music just doesn't suit his singing style. He was husky; his voice lacked the purity I'd like to be hearing. Randy thought it was a hard song to sing, and it was a little bit pitchy, some of the runs didn't land right, 6 out of 10. Kara didn't think he was emotionally connected to it. Paula did feel the connection, and thought he did an excellent job. Simon disagreed with Randy; he thought it was the only believable, authentic song he's heard tonight; he can tell Matt loves the music. He thought it was brilliant. Simon has clearly got his head up his ass where Matt is concerned, I don't know why. I predict Matt goes home tonight.
Danny Gokey did "Come Rain or Come Shine", another song Sinatra recorded. He made a classic entrance, sauntering onto the stage as the introduction played, and he sang his heart out. I was surprised; this was the best Danny has sounded since the beginning of the competition, as far as I'm concerned. He was superb, well into character, and he gave a riveting performance. Randy thought Danny could put out an album of songs like this. Kara said he has the Rat Pack swagger. She thought the end of the song was the most creative he's been this season. Paula said "Stellar." Simon liked the swagger and confidence; he felt Danny came out to prove a point; his vocals were the best he'd heard from him in weeks. The arrangement was superb. It was outstanding. I've seen Simon quoted as predicting Danny would be in the Top Two, and I could never see it before tonight.
And finally, the always unpredictable Adam Lambert sang "Feelin' Good", a song once performed by Sammy Davis Jr. (and also by such varied artists as George Michael and the Pussycat Dolls, according to Wikipedia). He made a grand entrance, starting to sing on the red-lit staircase and then swaggering down the stairs and onto the stage. The music reminded me of something that would be played while a stripper is removing her clothing, kind of typical over-the-top Adam fare. It was a little tongue-in-cheek; he didn't seem to be taking himself or the song seriously. But he's clearly a performer, and he loves the audience. Randy thought it was a little too theatrical, a little too Broadway, but another great performance. Kara thought he was "confusing and shocking and sleazy and superb and way over the top, but I don't know, I like you." Paula thought he was superb. Simon thinks Adam wants to win, wants to entertain, and he made the best entrance we've had this year.
I'd rate the performances tonight:
Danny Gokey was the best. Allison Iraheta runs a close second. Adam Lambert has dropped back to third place. Kris Allen was fourth, and Matt Giraud was fifth and should be going home tonight.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
American Idol Update: Two Eliminations
I suppose it doesn't take any great skill or luck to have figured out in advance who would be going home this week from American Idol. I was right - it was Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai. It was time for both of them to leave, I'm afraid. Now there are five. Allison Iraheta was the third member of the Bottom 3, and I'm afraid she'll be voted off too soon. She should be at least in the Top 3, if not the Top 2. Anyway, that's all on my Idol blathering this week.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
American Idol Top 7 Perform (again)
In one of those statements I can't believe I'm making: It was Disco Night last night. I don't know what the American Idol producers see in disco music; maybe it's a deliberate challenge to the performers. Here, take this reeking pile of, um, discs and turn it into something that's, if not exactly beautiful, at least bearable. And several of them rose to the challenge. There were seven performers again this week, because the judges chose not to send Matt Giraud home last week. That means two will be going home tonight.
Yesterday Michael Slezak (who writes about American Idol for ew.com) posted a little article on what he thought the top 7 should perform on Disco Night. He made 14 selections, of which I'd heard of one. Before that, he said:
Geez, he got it almost perfect.
Plagued with lengthy shows, they plunged right in: as soon as Ryan gave the intro, Lil Rounds was up there on stage performing Chaka Khan's “I'm Every Woman”. This seems like a song that would suit Lil well. But, once again, she didn't live up to her earlier promise. She wasn't always on key, and she flubbed a few notes. Randy thought it lacked vocal control. Kara made her standard complaint that Lil didn't tell us who she was as an artist (anybody else getting sick of Kara's constant harping on artistry?). Paula pointed out that Lil had been suffering from laryngitis yesterday. Even so, Paula didn't think Lil had reached the boiling point (hot, but not hot enough). Simon, predictably, hated it. No originality, vocals and arrangement were a mess. He thinks Lil will be going home this week. I agree - I thought she was going home last week.
Kris Allen made an unusual choice for his song; he did “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer. It was hard to imagine what it might sound like sung by a guy. He accompanied himself on the guitar, and surprisingly, the arrangement was wonderful. It was kind of Latin, with those large drums - congas? - and a slower, softer tempo. I thought it was the best Kris has ever done. Kara thought he took a real risk, and it paid off big time. Paula said it had a classy Santana feel to it. Simon thought it was original, well thought out, not karaoke, a fantastic performance. Randy thinks he's ready for the big time.
That was the first Donna Summer song...
Danny Gokey didn't do "Grease", however; he did “September”, by Earth, Wind and Fire. This is one of those songs that I've certainly heard before, ad nauseam, but I had no idea what it was called or who performed it. (I was in my classical music phase in the 70s.) I wasn't all that thrilled with his performance. I thought it didn't deviate that much from the original, and was expecting the judges to throw the K word (karaoke) around. But they didn't. At least three of them think Danny can do no wrong. I was wondering if they heard the same song I did. Randy thought the song worked for him. Kara thought it was pitch perfect, another solid performance. Paula said he has one of the sexiest voices ever. Simon, at least, had a similar experience to mine. He didn't get any star power from the performance. He thought it was a bit awkward and clumsy.
Allison Iraheta chose “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer. I rolled my eyes when I heard what she was performing. But she carried it off well. She started out sitting on a red-lit staircase, singing the song very slowly, and I was concerned for a minute. But then she swung into the up-tempo version. She was strutting around the stage in a black minidress, and I thought she looked the part of a 70s disco singer. She sounded great, too, as always. Randy didn't love the arrangement (it was a little overindulgent for him) but he still thinks she's one of the best singers in the competition. Kara didn't love the arrangement, either; she didn't like the slower tempo, but she agrees Allison is one of the best singers in the competition. Paula liked it. Simon thought it was a brilliant performance.
That's two Donna Summer songs...
Ryan pointed out that Adam Lambert had already performed a disco song, "Play that Funky Music." (That was disco?!) Adam, of course, had to be tremendously original. He was dressed in a black suit with his hair in a kind of puffy style, and he sang “If I Can't Have You,” from Saturday Night Fever. I had to look up who performed it originally; it was Yvonne Elliman. Never heard of her. And I don't remember the song, but that may just be due to the arrangement Adam did. He did it as a ballad, slow and romantic, crying his heart out with his singing. Randy said he's ready right now (something I've been saying all season). Kara said he was brilliant. Paula liked it. Simon had thought Adam would choose a Donna Summer song, but he loved this because it was original, memorable and the vocals were immaculate.
One Saturday Night Fever song...
I guess it's no big surprise that Matt Giraud, who got the Judges' Save last week, chose “Staying Alive,” by the Bee Gees, also from Saturday Night Fever. The fedora was back. I thought he sounded amazingly good. This song suited his style. His pitch was pretty good, and I thought he conveyed the excitement very well. Randy didn't love the song choice or the arrangement, but said that Matt can really sing. Kara said it wasn't original, but he gave a solid performance. Paula said he'll be staying. Simon didn't like the performance; a bit desperate, he didn't think the vocals were great, he didn't hear any originality.
That was the second Saturday Night Fever song.
And, last but not least, Anoop Desai sang “Dim All the Lights”, by Donna Summer. He's grown some facial hair that I thought made him look scary. He gave it a slow intro, and I held my breath, but he finally brought it up to rhythm. But his notes weren't true, and I thought his performance was just boring. And I usually love Anoop's performances. I think he's going to be going home after this. Randy thought he could sing even though he didn't like the arrangement. “Nice, baby, nice.” Kara thought it was a great song choice. She thinks he's hitting his stride. Paula thought he looked fantastic. He was wearing a pink sweater under a gray suit. She thinks he should smile more. Simon disagreed; he thought it was mediocre at best. A horrible version of that song, his worst performance by a mile. Yeah, Simon hit the nail on the head.
And that was the third Donna Summer song. Michael Slezak was right. Almost. I think that's funny. Also a little sad. At least Disco Week is over.
I think that Lil and Anoop will be going home tonight. It's sad; we can't keep everybody all the way to the end, of course, or what would be the point? But there is a lot of talent in this group.
Yesterday Michael Slezak (who writes about American Idol for ew.com) posted a little article on what he thought the top 7 should perform on Disco Night. He made 14 selections, of which I'd heard of one. Before that, he said:
Of course, if the top 7 are stupefyingly uncreative -- or limited to the same tiny list of songs the Idol producers seem destined to hear on the show over and over and over -- then we'll be hearing three Donna Summer tunes, three tracks off the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and Danny Gokey's cover of "Grease."
Geez, he got it almost perfect.
Plagued with lengthy shows, they plunged right in: as soon as Ryan gave the intro, Lil Rounds was up there on stage performing Chaka Khan's “I'm Every Woman”. This seems like a song that would suit Lil well. But, once again, she didn't live up to her earlier promise. She wasn't always on key, and she flubbed a few notes. Randy thought it lacked vocal control. Kara made her standard complaint that Lil didn't tell us who she was as an artist (anybody else getting sick of Kara's constant harping on artistry?). Paula pointed out that Lil had been suffering from laryngitis yesterday. Even so, Paula didn't think Lil had reached the boiling point (hot, but not hot enough). Simon, predictably, hated it. No originality, vocals and arrangement were a mess. He thinks Lil will be going home this week. I agree - I thought she was going home last week.
Kris Allen made an unusual choice for his song; he did “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer. It was hard to imagine what it might sound like sung by a guy. He accompanied himself on the guitar, and surprisingly, the arrangement was wonderful. It was kind of Latin, with those large drums - congas? - and a slower, softer tempo. I thought it was the best Kris has ever done. Kara thought he took a real risk, and it paid off big time. Paula said it had a classy Santana feel to it. Simon thought it was original, well thought out, not karaoke, a fantastic performance. Randy thinks he's ready for the big time.
That was the first Donna Summer song...
Danny Gokey didn't do "Grease", however; he did “September”, by Earth, Wind and Fire. This is one of those songs that I've certainly heard before, ad nauseam, but I had no idea what it was called or who performed it. (I was in my classical music phase in the 70s.) I wasn't all that thrilled with his performance. I thought it didn't deviate that much from the original, and was expecting the judges to throw the K word (karaoke) around. But they didn't. At least three of them think Danny can do no wrong. I was wondering if they heard the same song I did. Randy thought the song worked for him. Kara thought it was pitch perfect, another solid performance. Paula said he has one of the sexiest voices ever. Simon, at least, had a similar experience to mine. He didn't get any star power from the performance. He thought it was a bit awkward and clumsy.
Allison Iraheta chose “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer. I rolled my eyes when I heard what she was performing. But she carried it off well. She started out sitting on a red-lit staircase, singing the song very slowly, and I was concerned for a minute. But then she swung into the up-tempo version. She was strutting around the stage in a black minidress, and I thought she looked the part of a 70s disco singer. She sounded great, too, as always. Randy didn't love the arrangement (it was a little overindulgent for him) but he still thinks she's one of the best singers in the competition. Kara didn't love the arrangement, either; she didn't like the slower tempo, but she agrees Allison is one of the best singers in the competition. Paula liked it. Simon thought it was a brilliant performance.
That's two Donna Summer songs...
Ryan pointed out that Adam Lambert had already performed a disco song, "Play that Funky Music." (That was disco?!) Adam, of course, had to be tremendously original. He was dressed in a black suit with his hair in a kind of puffy style, and he sang “If I Can't Have You,” from Saturday Night Fever. I had to look up who performed it originally; it was Yvonne Elliman. Never heard of her. And I don't remember the song, but that may just be due to the arrangement Adam did. He did it as a ballad, slow and romantic, crying his heart out with his singing. Randy said he's ready right now (something I've been saying all season). Kara said he was brilliant. Paula liked it. Simon had thought Adam would choose a Donna Summer song, but he loved this because it was original, memorable and the vocals were immaculate.
One Saturday Night Fever song...
I guess it's no big surprise that Matt Giraud, who got the Judges' Save last week, chose “Staying Alive,” by the Bee Gees, also from Saturday Night Fever. The fedora was back. I thought he sounded amazingly good. This song suited his style. His pitch was pretty good, and I thought he conveyed the excitement very well. Randy didn't love the song choice or the arrangement, but said that Matt can really sing. Kara said it wasn't original, but he gave a solid performance. Paula said he'll be staying. Simon didn't like the performance; a bit desperate, he didn't think the vocals were great, he didn't hear any originality.
That was the second Saturday Night Fever song.
And, last but not least, Anoop Desai sang “Dim All the Lights”, by Donna Summer. He's grown some facial hair that I thought made him look scary. He gave it a slow intro, and I held my breath, but he finally brought it up to rhythm. But his notes weren't true, and I thought his performance was just boring. And I usually love Anoop's performances. I think he's going to be going home after this. Randy thought he could sing even though he didn't like the arrangement. “Nice, baby, nice.” Kara thought it was a great song choice. She thinks he's hitting his stride. Paula thought he looked fantastic. He was wearing a pink sweater under a gray suit. She thinks he should smile more. Simon disagreed; he thought it was mediocre at best. A horrible version of that song, his worst performance by a mile. Yeah, Simon hit the nail on the head.
And that was the third Donna Summer song. Michael Slezak was right. Almost. I think that's funny. Also a little sad. At least Disco Week is over.
I think that Lil and Anoop will be going home tonight. It's sad; we can't keep everybody all the way to the end, of course, or what would be the point? But there is a lot of talent in this group.
Friday, April 17, 2009
American Idol Update
Well, the "elimination" on American Idol didn't happen the way it should have. I'm just going to sum this up briefly:
- Anoop Desai was in the Bottom 3 again. This should NOT be happening.
- Kris Allen was NOT in the Bottom 3 again. Once again, this should NOT be happening. Okay, he made the best song choice of the evening, when I stop and think about it; it was original and not at all overdone. (And it wasn't by Bryan Adams!) But he's a performer, not a singer, and it bothers me to see everybody adoring him all the time.
- Lil Rounds was not voted off, even though she gave the worst performance of Tuesday evening. She's a sweetheart, and I guess she's got a huge fan base, but she's not American Idol material.
- Matt Giraud was voted off. Sort of. The judges used their veto to give him another chance. I was actually fairly happy about that, because he wasn't the worst performer of the week.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
American Idol, Top 7 Perform
Last night was Movie Night at American Idol. Quentin Tarantino was the guest coach. He loves American Idol; he was a guest judge during Season 3. I'm somewhat of a fan - loved Reservoir Dogs and the Kill Bill movies but didn't get Pulp Fiction at all. Anyway, the contestants performed songs from the movies. This had the potential to be either excellent or an utter disaster. In my opinion, it was closer to the second of these. Overdone? They did it again anyway. All the blah, boring movie themes were rehashed.
Because the show ran so far overtime last week (pissing off people like me, who TiVoed it and had Adam Lambert's performance cut off), only two judges were allowed to speak for each contestant. It still ran over, but I was prepared this week.
Allison Iraheta: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", by Aerosmith (from Armageddon)
Ah, Aerosmith's sellout song... I have always found this song hard to accept as an Aerosmith song. It's too lite-pop. And I don't think this is a good song for Allison. She's sounded better. Sometimes this is barely musical. She's shouting and emoting; I don't like it at all. But the judges seemed to love it. You never can tell... Paula said she's authentic; she compared her with Adam Lambert. (Since they're my choice for Top 2, I'm inclined to agree.) Simon thought Allison was the girls' only hope. Every week she's getting stronger and more confident; he didn't think he'd ever heard a girl sing that song as well.
Anoop Desai: "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", by Bryan Adams (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves)
I groaned when I heard his pick. Overdone! Overdone! Overdone! But he sounded really good on it. I was impressed. He hit every note clearly and on pitch. Randy had the same impression I did – this is gonna suck – but he said Anoop has found his zone, it was in tune and had some emotion, a really good job. Kara agreed that Anoop has found his place. She thought it was one of his best (I agree). She felt connected to his singing. I'm a huge Anoop fan, and I'll be furious if he ends up in the Bottom 3 again tonight.
Adam Lambert: "Born to be Wild", by Steppenwolf (from Easy Rider)
Adam didn't disappoint. His choice was typical of him: flashy, edgy. The guy is a born performer. He did a lot of gasping, scooping between notes; it could have sounded sloppy, but it was effective. He played off the band and back-up singers. Actually there have been a few less-than-pure notes. But when he soared up there in the falsetto, wow. There were sixties-style strobe lights. Paula was on her feet (again). The audience was screaming. “You dare to dance in the path of greatness.” “Fortune rewards the brave.” Simon said it was vocally incredible, but it was a little bit like watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show in parts. He thinks some of the audience will despise it; it won't be as popular as his last week's performance.
Matt Giraud: "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman", by Bryan Adams (from Don Juan DeMarco)
That little "Overdone!" light was flashing in my mind again when this was announced. Of course, Matt chose to perform it sitting at the piano, and he is a very good pianist, so he's playing to his strength. As for his singing: not every note was accurate, but overall, it wasn't that bad. Randy thought it was interesting (a word he uses when he didn't like a performance), but there was a rough patch at the bridge. He thinks he overdid the melody; he fell down more places than he won. Kara said it's the struggle between rock and soul. She thought he altered the melody too much, trying to put soul into a rock song.
Danny Gokey: "Endless Love", by Lionel Richie (from Endless Love)
He performed without the distinctive glasses last night. It was a weak beginning; the range was too low for him, and the notes weren't strong and were occasionally off-key. He was stronger on the second half of the song. I don't know this song, so I'm not sure what it's supposed to sound like. I think it'd be very hard for him to sing this song, though, where he recently lost his wife. All in all, though, I thought it was one of his weakest performances. Paula didn't like the beginning, either, but he pulled it together by the middle. Simon said he can't fault the way he sang it, but he was disappointed by the harp and the very traditional arrangement.
Kris Allen: "Falling Slowly", by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (from Once)
This little song won an Oscar in 2007. I suppose it was a good movie song, but I still haven't seen the movie, so I don't know. I don't really like the song; it's too small and wispy. He started it at a range that was too low for him; the inaccuracies of his pitch stood out. He did a little better on the chorus, but I've never liked him and I didn't really like this song. It was slow and not very interesting. The ending was nice. Randy thought it never quite caught on for him. It was pitchy from note one. Kara thought it was one of his best moments. I'm with Randy, and I hope Kris finally takes his place in the Bottom 3 where he belongs.
Lil Rounds: The Rose, by Bette Midler (from The Rose)
Unfortunately, Lil has gotten weaker as this competition has gone on. She just hasn't lived up to her promise. She played too much with the melody. It was pitchy and just wasn't that effective. In fact, it was excruciating. Paula said something about how it's worth it to get along the road; it sounded as if she thought this was the end of the road for Lil, and it may well be. Simon thinks she got it completely wrong; the song was too soft for her, too middle-of-the-road. There are no excuses any more; she's not the artist we met 7 or 8 weeks ago. I think Lil will be going home tonight. I hope she gets a recording contract, at least.
So that's it: Lil Rounds should be the one going home tonight. I hope that Kris Allen joins her in the Bottom 3; I'm getting sick of his popularity. Maybe Matt Giraud will be there, too. Maybe Allison or Anoop, who knows?
Because the show ran so far overtime last week (pissing off people like me, who TiVoed it and had Adam Lambert's performance cut off), only two judges were allowed to speak for each contestant. It still ran over, but I was prepared this week.
Allison Iraheta: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", by Aerosmith (from Armageddon)
Ah, Aerosmith's sellout song... I have always found this song hard to accept as an Aerosmith song. It's too lite-pop. And I don't think this is a good song for Allison. She's sounded better. Sometimes this is barely musical. She's shouting and emoting; I don't like it at all. But the judges seemed to love it. You never can tell... Paula said she's authentic; she compared her with Adam Lambert. (Since they're my choice for Top 2, I'm inclined to agree.) Simon thought Allison was the girls' only hope. Every week she's getting stronger and more confident; he didn't think he'd ever heard a girl sing that song as well.
Anoop Desai: "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", by Bryan Adams (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves)
I groaned when I heard his pick. Overdone! Overdone! Overdone! But he sounded really good on it. I was impressed. He hit every note clearly and on pitch. Randy had the same impression I did – this is gonna suck – but he said Anoop has found his zone, it was in tune and had some emotion, a really good job. Kara agreed that Anoop has found his place. She thought it was one of his best (I agree). She felt connected to his singing. I'm a huge Anoop fan, and I'll be furious if he ends up in the Bottom 3 again tonight.
Adam Lambert: "Born to be Wild", by Steppenwolf (from Easy Rider)
Adam didn't disappoint. His choice was typical of him: flashy, edgy. The guy is a born performer. He did a lot of gasping, scooping between notes; it could have sounded sloppy, but it was effective. He played off the band and back-up singers. Actually there have been a few less-than-pure notes. But when he soared up there in the falsetto, wow. There were sixties-style strobe lights. Paula was on her feet (again). The audience was screaming. “You dare to dance in the path of greatness.” “Fortune rewards the brave.” Simon said it was vocally incredible, but it was a little bit like watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show in parts. He thinks some of the audience will despise it; it won't be as popular as his last week's performance.
Matt Giraud: "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman", by Bryan Adams (from Don Juan DeMarco)
That little "Overdone!" light was flashing in my mind again when this was announced. Of course, Matt chose to perform it sitting at the piano, and he is a very good pianist, so he's playing to his strength. As for his singing: not every note was accurate, but overall, it wasn't that bad. Randy thought it was interesting (a word he uses when he didn't like a performance), but there was a rough patch at the bridge. He thinks he overdid the melody; he fell down more places than he won. Kara said it's the struggle between rock and soul. She thought he altered the melody too much, trying to put soul into a rock song.
Danny Gokey: "Endless Love", by Lionel Richie (from Endless Love)
He performed without the distinctive glasses last night. It was a weak beginning; the range was too low for him, and the notes weren't strong and were occasionally off-key. He was stronger on the second half of the song. I don't know this song, so I'm not sure what it's supposed to sound like. I think it'd be very hard for him to sing this song, though, where he recently lost his wife. All in all, though, I thought it was one of his weakest performances. Paula didn't like the beginning, either, but he pulled it together by the middle. Simon said he can't fault the way he sang it, but he was disappointed by the harp and the very traditional arrangement.
Kris Allen: "Falling Slowly", by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (from Once)
This little song won an Oscar in 2007. I suppose it was a good movie song, but I still haven't seen the movie, so I don't know. I don't really like the song; it's too small and wispy. He started it at a range that was too low for him; the inaccuracies of his pitch stood out. He did a little better on the chorus, but I've never liked him and I didn't really like this song. It was slow and not very interesting. The ending was nice. Randy thought it never quite caught on for him. It was pitchy from note one. Kara thought it was one of his best moments. I'm with Randy, and I hope Kris finally takes his place in the Bottom 3 where he belongs.
Lil Rounds: The Rose, by Bette Midler (from The Rose)
Unfortunately, Lil has gotten weaker as this competition has gone on. She just hasn't lived up to her promise. She played too much with the melody. It was pitchy and just wasn't that effective. In fact, it was excruciating. Paula said something about how it's worth it to get along the road; it sounded as if she thought this was the end of the road for Lil, and it may well be. Simon thinks she got it completely wrong; the song was too soft for her, too middle-of-the-road. There are no excuses any more; she's not the artist we met 7 or 8 weeks ago. I think Lil will be going home tonight. I hope she gets a recording contract, at least.
So that's it: Lil Rounds should be the one going home tonight. I hope that Kris Allen joins her in the Bottom 3; I'm getting sick of his popularity. Maybe Matt Giraud will be there, too. Maybe Allison or Anoop, who knows?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
American Idol Update
Scott MacIntyre, the blind pianist, was sent home last night. He was definitely the weakest singer left. As I predicted, Lil Rounds joined him in the bottom three. As I did NOT predict, Anoop Desai was sent there, too. It should have been Kris Allen. How long can the fact that a person is attractive keep them in the competition? Isn't this a talent show??? (Of course not; it's all about marketing.)
When Scott sang for his life (sang for the judges so that they might allow him to stay with their single override), he did a better job than he did Tuesday night. For one thing, he didn't have that discordant electric guitar. The judges had a hard time coming to a decision. Finally, Simon sent him home. I'm glad they saved their override; what if Allison gets stuck at the bottom again?
When Scott sang for his life (sang for the judges so that they might allow him to stay with their single override), he did a better job than he did Tuesday night. For one thing, he didn't have that discordant electric guitar. The judges had a hard time coming to a decision. Finally, Simon sent him home. I'm glad they saved their override; what if Allison gets stuck at the bottom again?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
American Idol: Top 8 Perform
Last night, the contestants chose songs that were out during the year they were born. All but one of them (Allison Iraheta, born in 1992) were born in the 1980s. Only one of them is older than my oldest kid - Danny Gokey, who's 29. (My oldest kid will be 28 this Friday.) This part of the competition always brings interesting and varied song choices. Last year it gave us one of the best songs performed in that competition: David Archuleta's performance of a song I'd never heard before, "You're The Voice" by Australian singer John Farnham. I downloaded it, and I still play it and love it. It also gave us David Cook's performance of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", which was also very good, and which I also downloaded.
This year was no exception. The song choices were varied, some of them were great, some of them not so much. Here goes:
Danny Gokey, born April 24, 1980: “ Stand By Me”, based on the Mickey Gilley version
This started out in a slow, syrupy style, which didn't suit him at all. He hit a few notes kind of poorly. But then the song went up-tempo and it fit his performance style and his voice a little better. Frankly, I still prefer the Ben E. King version. The judges basically liked it. Randy didn't like the arrangement, but he said Danny made him like it. Simon said overall, great.
Kris Allen, born June 21, 1985: “All She Wants To Do is Dance”, by Don Henley
I always liked this song; it's wonderful social commentary, a little political. Kris has that kind of shaky vibrato; he'll never be Don Henley. He had to clean up the lyrics a little. I'm going to quote the second verse, which he omitted:
Well the government bugged the men's room
In the local disco lounge
And all she wants to do is dance, dance
To keep the boys from sellin'
All the weapons they could scrounge
And all she wants to do is dance
But that don't keep the boys
From makin' a buck or two
And all she wants to do is dance, dance
They still can sell the army
All the drugs that they can do
And all she wants to do is
All she wants to do is dance
And make romance
I don't like his voice, and I didn't like this arrangement at all. He performed down in the mosh pit, surrounded by adoring girls. Kara didn’t like it. “Jazz funk homework,” she said. She thought it lost a lot of its youth. Paula said he's likable. Simon thought it was indulgent, boring, forgettable. He thought he came over as a guitarist who wanted to sing. Randy thought the arrangement was a little self-indulgent; he lost Kris in the arrangement.
Lil Rounds, born Oct 20, 1984: “What's Love Got to Do With It”, by Tina Turner
I thought this song would be a good choice for Lil. It's a powerful song, one I've always liked. But she tried too hard to be Tina Turner. She wore a short black skirt and silver high heels, and strutted around the stage in an imitation of Tina's walk. She wasn't always on pitch, but she showed a lot of passion when she sang, and there were some really nice parts. But once again, she didn't live up to what I think Lil can do. Paula complimented her outfit, which is always a bad start. She doesn't think Lil took it far enough; she used the dreaded K word (karaoke). Simon said "We're not looking for a second- or third-rate Tina Turner"; he labeled it "one of those ghastly copycat performances". Randy agreed with Paula and Simon. He didn't think Tina was the right choice for Lil. Kara uses the A word again (artist). She didn't think the song showed Lil's artistry.
Anoop Desai, born Dec 20, 1986: “True Colors”, by Cyndi Lauper
I loved this performance. He started out sitting on a stool, with just a guitar accompaniment, really a very nice touch. He wasn't perfect, but all in all it was a downloadable performance, definitely good. He gave it a gentle touch. Randy thought the way he pulled it back was good. Very nice, controlled vocal. Kara said he controlled the song, not the other way around. Paula liked it, too. Simon said he's like a yo-yo - some weeks he's great, others he's terrible. Simon doesn't think it was fantastic, but it was really good.
Scott MacIntyre, born June 22, 1985: “The Search is Over”, by Survivor
I never liked this song, and Scott didn't change my opinion. He started out standing on stage holding a guitar, which he wasn't playing. When he finally started playing it, the chords he used were jarring, kind of a raucous electric sound which didn't fit the song. I don't think it was a good choice for him. The crowd seemed to love him, though, as usual. Kara commended him for coming out with his guitar, but she didn't like his song choice. Some good moments, some off moments. Paula gave him credit, too; she was surprised by the guitar, and thought an acoustic one might be more fitting. She thought he screeched some of his high notes (he did). Simon suggested he go back to the piano next week. The song was horrible; the guitar playing wasn't much better. The two didn't go together, either. Randy thought it was all okay; it didn't show him as a star.
Allison Iraheta, born April 27, 1992: “I Can't Make You Love Me”, by Bonnie Raitt
I groaned when I heard her song choice. This song has been overdone on American Idol: Kimberly Locke, Constantine Maroulis (on whom I had a major crush) and Amy Krebs (whom I don't remember) have done it, according to Wikipedia (which, being what it is, already credits Allison Iraheta's version). But Allison pulled it off. She did a lovely job, very mature for a teenager. Her hair was styled in a conservative (comparatively) style; she wore a black dress that was cut oddly at the hem (short in front, long in back), but looked good. Her voice fit this song very well; every note was gorgeous. Paula said she made it her own. Simon thought it was very good. He thinks she needs to come out of herself more; he doesn't think he knows her. Randy says she reminds him of Kelly Clarkson. She needs to engage the public a bit more. I think he was referring to the fact that she's been in the bottom three twice now, even though she's so talented. I love her performing. I think she's a born star.
Matt Giraud, born May 11, 1985: “Part-Time Lovers”, by Stevie Wonder
He wore a fedora that made him look like a 1940s-era gangster. It looked kind of cool, actually. His arrangement was more bluesy than the original; it suited him. But I think he put in too much ornamentation, too many runs. Randy thought it was one of the best of the night vocally. Kara loved it, too. Paula gave him a standing O. Simon said “Well done.”
Adam Lambert, born January 29, 1982: “Mad World”, by Tears for Fears
He did a very subdued performance, based on that version by Gary Jules that was out a few years ago, simple piano for the first (shortened) verse. This is a song I can sing from memory, so I could tell every place he played with the lyrics. He chose to be lit by blue light throughout the song, which was pitched higher than the original, to suit Adam’s superior high voice. I loved it. I hope that he does the full-length version on the download; I’d get it. (Why not? I’ve already got two versions of the song on my iPod.) They were out of time by then, so Simon was the only judge to give his critique; he chose to give Adam a standing ovation. This is Simon we’re talking about here; he never gives standing Os. Adam is head and shoulders above the other performers in this series. It’s almost unfair to everybody else, having him in the competition.
Bottom three? Well, Scott MacIntyre should be there. He's past his expiration date on this show, and I'm pretty sure he'll be eliminated tonight. It's hard to figure out who will join him in the bottom 3, though. I'd put Kris Allen there, but he's got a huge fan base. Possibly Lil Rounds or Matt Giraud (he's been there before). But Matt was actually good enough tonight that I liked his performance. So I don't know. We'll see.
This year was no exception. The song choices were varied, some of them were great, some of them not so much. Here goes:
Danny Gokey, born April 24, 1980: “ Stand By Me”, based on the Mickey Gilley version
This started out in a slow, syrupy style, which didn't suit him at all. He hit a few notes kind of poorly. But then the song went up-tempo and it fit his performance style and his voice a little better. Frankly, I still prefer the Ben E. King version. The judges basically liked it. Randy didn't like the arrangement, but he said Danny made him like it. Simon said overall, great.
Kris Allen, born June 21, 1985: “All She Wants To Do is Dance”, by Don Henley
I always liked this song; it's wonderful social commentary, a little political. Kris has that kind of shaky vibrato; he'll never be Don Henley. He had to clean up the lyrics a little. I'm going to quote the second verse, which he omitted:
Well the government bugged the men's room
In the local disco lounge
And all she wants to do is dance, dance
To keep the boys from sellin'
All the weapons they could scrounge
And all she wants to do is dance
But that don't keep the boys
From makin' a buck or two
And all she wants to do is dance, dance
They still can sell the army
All the drugs that they can do
And all she wants to do is
All she wants to do is dance
And make romance
I don't like his voice, and I didn't like this arrangement at all. He performed down in the mosh pit, surrounded by adoring girls. Kara didn’t like it. “Jazz funk homework,” she said. She thought it lost a lot of its youth. Paula said he's likable. Simon thought it was indulgent, boring, forgettable. He thought he came over as a guitarist who wanted to sing. Randy thought the arrangement was a little self-indulgent; he lost Kris in the arrangement.
Lil Rounds, born Oct 20, 1984: “What's Love Got to Do With It”, by Tina Turner
I thought this song would be a good choice for Lil. It's a powerful song, one I've always liked. But she tried too hard to be Tina Turner. She wore a short black skirt and silver high heels, and strutted around the stage in an imitation of Tina's walk. She wasn't always on pitch, but she showed a lot of passion when she sang, and there were some really nice parts. But once again, she didn't live up to what I think Lil can do. Paula complimented her outfit, which is always a bad start. She doesn't think Lil took it far enough; she used the dreaded K word (karaoke). Simon said "We're not looking for a second- or third-rate Tina Turner"; he labeled it "one of those ghastly copycat performances". Randy agreed with Paula and Simon. He didn't think Tina was the right choice for Lil. Kara uses the A word again (artist). She didn't think the song showed Lil's artistry.
Anoop Desai, born Dec 20, 1986: “True Colors”, by Cyndi Lauper
I loved this performance. He started out sitting on a stool, with just a guitar accompaniment, really a very nice touch. He wasn't perfect, but all in all it was a downloadable performance, definitely good. He gave it a gentle touch. Randy thought the way he pulled it back was good. Very nice, controlled vocal. Kara said he controlled the song, not the other way around. Paula liked it, too. Simon said he's like a yo-yo - some weeks he's great, others he's terrible. Simon doesn't think it was fantastic, but it was really good.
Scott MacIntyre, born June 22, 1985: “The Search is Over”, by Survivor
I never liked this song, and Scott didn't change my opinion. He started out standing on stage holding a guitar, which he wasn't playing. When he finally started playing it, the chords he used were jarring, kind of a raucous electric sound which didn't fit the song. I don't think it was a good choice for him. The crowd seemed to love him, though, as usual. Kara commended him for coming out with his guitar, but she didn't like his song choice. Some good moments, some off moments. Paula gave him credit, too; she was surprised by the guitar, and thought an acoustic one might be more fitting. She thought he screeched some of his high notes (he did). Simon suggested he go back to the piano next week. The song was horrible; the guitar playing wasn't much better. The two didn't go together, either. Randy thought it was all okay; it didn't show him as a star.
Allison Iraheta, born April 27, 1992: “I Can't Make You Love Me”, by Bonnie Raitt
I groaned when I heard her song choice. This song has been overdone on American Idol: Kimberly Locke, Constantine Maroulis (on whom I had a major crush) and Amy Krebs (whom I don't remember) have done it, according to Wikipedia (which, being what it is, already credits Allison Iraheta's version). But Allison pulled it off. She did a lovely job, very mature for a teenager. Her hair was styled in a conservative (comparatively) style; she wore a black dress that was cut oddly at the hem (short in front, long in back), but looked good. Her voice fit this song very well; every note was gorgeous. Paula said she made it her own. Simon thought it was very good. He thinks she needs to come out of herself more; he doesn't think he knows her. Randy says she reminds him of Kelly Clarkson. She needs to engage the public a bit more. I think he was referring to the fact that she's been in the bottom three twice now, even though she's so talented. I love her performing. I think she's a born star.
Matt Giraud, born May 11, 1985: “Part-Time Lovers”, by Stevie Wonder
He wore a fedora that made him look like a 1940s-era gangster. It looked kind of cool, actually. His arrangement was more bluesy than the original; it suited him. But I think he put in too much ornamentation, too many runs. Randy thought it was one of the best of the night vocally. Kara loved it, too. Paula gave him a standing O. Simon said “Well done.”
Adam Lambert, born January 29, 1982: “Mad World”, by Tears for Fears
He did a very subdued performance, based on that version by Gary Jules that was out a few years ago, simple piano for the first (shortened) verse. This is a song I can sing from memory, so I could tell every place he played with the lyrics. He chose to be lit by blue light throughout the song, which was pitched higher than the original, to suit Adam’s superior high voice. I loved it. I hope that he does the full-length version on the download; I’d get it. (Why not? I’ve already got two versions of the song on my iPod.) They were out of time by then, so Simon was the only judge to give his critique; he chose to give Adam a standing ovation. This is Simon we’re talking about here; he never gives standing Os. Adam is head and shoulders above the other performers in this series. It’s almost unfair to everybody else, having him in the competition.
Bottom three? Well, Scott MacIntyre should be there. He's past his expiration date on this show, and I'm pretty sure he'll be eliminated tonight. It's hard to figure out who will join him in the bottom 3, though. I'd put Kris Allen there, but he's got a huge fan base. Possibly Lil Rounds or Matt Giraud (he's been there before). But Matt was actually good enough tonight that I liked his performance. So I don't know. We'll see.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
It's All Rod Stewart's Fault!
I was in the local CVS the other night picking up prescriptions. There was a Rod Stewart song on the Muzak, which I was tuning out because he's not a great favorite of mine. As I was walking out of the store, though, the chorus came through loud and clear:
"Leave Virginia alone,
Leave Virginia alone, she's not like you and me..."
My name is Virginia. I haven't had a date in five years.
Now I know why. It's all Rod Stewart's fault!
(Or maybe it's Tom Petty's fault. He wrote the song. But I'm a Tom Petty fan, so I don't want to blame him.)
I have a very small collection of songs in which my name appears. Up until this point, there were two: Billy Joel's "Only the Good Die Young", in which Virginia is a good Catholic girl he's trying to seduce, and Train's wonderful "Meet Virginia", in which she's a quirky and lovable and lonely person. I don't smoke, and I don't wear high heels, but hell, I'd like to have somebody sing this song about me.
I watched the video Rod Stewart made for this song, and I don't really get it. Why is she not like the rest of them? She might be moody and withdrawn (just like me!), but she seems to be functioning in the real world (also just like me!). This song came out in 1995, so I'm not sure how I missed it for so long.
"Leave Virginia alone,
Leave Virginia alone, she's not like you and me..."
My name is Virginia. I haven't had a date in five years.
Now I know why. It's all Rod Stewart's fault!
(Or maybe it's Tom Petty's fault. He wrote the song. But I'm a Tom Petty fan, so I don't want to blame him.)
I have a very small collection of songs in which my name appears. Up until this point, there were two: Billy Joel's "Only the Good Die Young", in which Virginia is a good Catholic girl he's trying to seduce, and Train's wonderful "Meet Virginia", in which she's a quirky and lovable and lonely person. I don't smoke, and I don't wear high heels, but hell, I'd like to have somebody sing this song about me.
I watched the video Rod Stewart made for this song, and I don't really get it. Why is she not like the rest of them? She might be moody and withdrawn (just like me!), but she seems to be functioning in the real world (also just like me!). This song came out in 1995, so I'm not sure how I missed it for so long.
American Idol Update: Finally!
We can all heave a great sigh of relief. Megan Joy is going home to her little girl. Simon wouldn't even let her sing for a chance of a reprieve. (She sang, but it was her swan song. I turned it off.)
With Megan in the bottom three were Allison Iraheta (as I predicted) and Anoop Desai (not Matt Giraud, oddly enough). I hope Allison does better next week. She's good enough to win this whole thing with the right song (and outfit) choice.
With Megan in the bottom three were Allison Iraheta (as I predicted) and Anoop Desai (not Matt Giraud, oddly enough). I hope Allison does better next week. She's good enough to win this whole thing with the right song (and outfit) choice.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
American Idol, Top 9 Compete
I never updated last week to say that Michael Sarver was eliminated. He made my bottom three, so I wasn't disappointed the way I was when Alexis Grace was voted off.
Last night the contestants were allowed to choose from popular downloads on iTunes - which must be limitless, given the range of songs that were chosen. Let's see...
Anoop Desai decided to sing Usher's "Caught Up," and he gave it a lot of energy. My only comment on this was "He's cute. But his pitch isn't true." The judges weren't terribly impressed. Randy didn't think it was the right song for him. Kara thought he was playing it safe. “I”m getting the feeling like, a bunch of frat guys, maybe, like, dared you to get up and sing Usher.” Paula thought the vocals sounded good, but he needed to work on his stage presence. Simon thought it was a complete and utter mess. Anoop came over as a wannabe. The arrangement was a mess; it gave him a headache.
Next on the program was the girl I love to hate, Megan Joy. She sang "Turn Your Lights Down Low," by Bob Marley. It was horrible, as usual. She made her voice all tight and pinched, and her pitch wasn't always true. Kara thought she was in trouble. It wasn't the right song choice for her. (Somebody in the audience said “Broken Record” because that's one of Kara's favorite criticisms.) She thought an Adele song might have worked better. That part of her register was even getting irritating for the first time. She thinks Megan should use her falsetto more. Paula wants to see Megan singing a sensitive ballad. Simon said the song was boring, indulgent and monotonous, and all the things they liked about her are disappearing. Randy said it was like watching paint dry. Maybe she'll FINALLY get voted off tonight.
Danny Gokey did "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts. I was prepared not to like this song (Country! Eww!) But I ended up liking it a lot. He oversang a little, but it had some really nice moments. Simon thought it was the best performance of the evening. Randy said tonight's show starts right here. Kara thought he moved everybody in the room emotionally. She had goosebumps.
My favorite teenager in this competition, Allison Iraheta, might be in trouble. She did "Don't Speak" by No Doubt, one of my favorite songs, and she really wasn't very good. She accompanied herself on guitar for part of the performance. She was dressed in a fuchsia dress with a kind of puffy skirt; it clashed with her puffy crimson (or whatever you want to call it) hair, which she had puffed up something like a spiky crewcut on top. So it was pink and puffy for Allison tonight. My main complaint is that she really couldn't handle the chorus of the song, which should wail out; she forced it and made it heavy. The judges had a lot to say about her outfit, too. Randy just didn't understand it. Simon said it was like something out of the Addams Family. They didn't really have much good to say about her singing, either.
Scott MacIntyre surprised me tonight. He did Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are," a song I don't especially like, and he did it well. Of course his piano playing was good, but his vocals kept up with it for once. Every time I thought he was going to falter, he managed to keep on track. I think he made it his own. Kara thought he made some smart decisions, picking that song. Paula's very proud of him. Simon said it was his best performance by a country mile. “A different Scott – the Ryan Seacrest hair” (Scott had shorter hair, a little puffy on top). Randy agreed it was one of the best of the night.
Matt Giraud made the Bottom Three last week. I thought I'd throw that in here, since I never wrote it up. (Hey, I was sick.) He did "You Found Me," by The Fray, a band I basically like. He murdered it. I can't say one good thing about it. The judges didn't like it, either. Wrong song for him, he should do more R&B, etc. etc. He might be in trouble after that performance.
Lil Rounds did "I Surrender," by Celine Dion. I am NOT a Celine Dion fan; hearing her name will prejudice me against a song from the start. That may be why Lil's performance was such a disappointment to me. What happened to the Lil I liked so much? I thought it had pitch problems, and it didn't suit her style at all. Randy didn't like her song choice. He wants her to have a little more swagger. He thought she sang it really well, though. Kara liked it. Paula, not so much, she doesn't like the adult contemporary song. Simon thought she was singing to stay in the competition with a safe song. So old-fashioned, all of her personality is being sucked out of her.
Every week I look forward to whatever Adam Lambert is going to pull out of his hat, and he didn't disappoint me last night. He did "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry, combing his hair back off his face again (a better look for him, I think). What can I say? He's Adam, he's awesome. Those high notes, the way he gets the crowd going. Over the top, as usual. Paula was up and dancing. She compared him to Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler. Simon thought it was brave, original, better than some of the other karaoke stuff. Randy thought it was going to be corny, but it wasn't. “You worked it out.” Kara liked it.
Kris Allen chose "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, and he played the piano for it. (Usually he hides behind his guitar.) He actually did a pretty good job. He sounded better than he usually does. This is a song in which the entire second verse of the original is “I know, I know, I know” repeated ad nauseam. He got through that part well, cutting the number of times that phrase is heard. Randy said he was in the zone, one of the best performances of the evening. Kara said it was artistry (a word she overuses). Paula said was his best performance to date. Simon thought he did a very good arrangement, very clever, his best performance so far.
So there you have it. I think Matt Giraud and Megan Joy will be two of the bottom three, and Allison Iraheta might be joining them. We'll see.
Last night the contestants were allowed to choose from popular downloads on iTunes - which must be limitless, given the range of songs that were chosen. Let's see...
Anoop Desai decided to sing Usher's "Caught Up," and he gave it a lot of energy. My only comment on this was "He's cute. But his pitch isn't true." The judges weren't terribly impressed. Randy didn't think it was the right song for him. Kara thought he was playing it safe. “I”m getting the feeling like, a bunch of frat guys, maybe, like, dared you to get up and sing Usher.” Paula thought the vocals sounded good, but he needed to work on his stage presence. Simon thought it was a complete and utter mess. Anoop came over as a wannabe. The arrangement was a mess; it gave him a headache.
Next on the program was the girl I love to hate, Megan Joy. She sang "Turn Your Lights Down Low," by Bob Marley. It was horrible, as usual. She made her voice all tight and pinched, and her pitch wasn't always true. Kara thought she was in trouble. It wasn't the right song choice for her. (Somebody in the audience said “Broken Record” because that's one of Kara's favorite criticisms.) She thought an Adele song might have worked better. That part of her register was even getting irritating for the first time. She thinks Megan should use her falsetto more. Paula wants to see Megan singing a sensitive ballad. Simon said the song was boring, indulgent and monotonous, and all the things they liked about her are disappearing. Randy said it was like watching paint dry. Maybe she'll FINALLY get voted off tonight.
Danny Gokey did "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts. I was prepared not to like this song (Country! Eww!) But I ended up liking it a lot. He oversang a little, but it had some really nice moments. Simon thought it was the best performance of the evening. Randy said tonight's show starts right here. Kara thought he moved everybody in the room emotionally. She had goosebumps.
My favorite teenager in this competition, Allison Iraheta, might be in trouble. She did "Don't Speak" by No Doubt, one of my favorite songs, and she really wasn't very good. She accompanied herself on guitar for part of the performance. She was dressed in a fuchsia dress with a kind of puffy skirt; it clashed with her puffy crimson (or whatever you want to call it) hair, which she had puffed up something like a spiky crewcut on top. So it was pink and puffy for Allison tonight. My main complaint is that she really couldn't handle the chorus of the song, which should wail out; she forced it and made it heavy. The judges had a lot to say about her outfit, too. Randy just didn't understand it. Simon said it was like something out of the Addams Family. They didn't really have much good to say about her singing, either.
Scott MacIntyre surprised me tonight. He did Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are," a song I don't especially like, and he did it well. Of course his piano playing was good, but his vocals kept up with it for once. Every time I thought he was going to falter, he managed to keep on track. I think he made it his own. Kara thought he made some smart decisions, picking that song. Paula's very proud of him. Simon said it was his best performance by a country mile. “A different Scott – the Ryan Seacrest hair” (Scott had shorter hair, a little puffy on top). Randy agreed it was one of the best of the night.
Matt Giraud made the Bottom Three last week. I thought I'd throw that in here, since I never wrote it up. (Hey, I was sick.) He did "You Found Me," by The Fray, a band I basically like. He murdered it. I can't say one good thing about it. The judges didn't like it, either. Wrong song for him, he should do more R&B, etc. etc. He might be in trouble after that performance.
Lil Rounds did "I Surrender," by Celine Dion. I am NOT a Celine Dion fan; hearing her name will prejudice me against a song from the start. That may be why Lil's performance was such a disappointment to me. What happened to the Lil I liked so much? I thought it had pitch problems, and it didn't suit her style at all. Randy didn't like her song choice. He wants her to have a little more swagger. He thought she sang it really well, though. Kara liked it. Paula, not so much, she doesn't like the adult contemporary song. Simon thought she was singing to stay in the competition with a safe song. So old-fashioned, all of her personality is being sucked out of her.
Every week I look forward to whatever Adam Lambert is going to pull out of his hat, and he didn't disappoint me last night. He did "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry, combing his hair back off his face again (a better look for him, I think). What can I say? He's Adam, he's awesome. Those high notes, the way he gets the crowd going. Over the top, as usual. Paula was up and dancing. She compared him to Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler. Simon thought it was brave, original, better than some of the other karaoke stuff. Randy thought it was going to be corny, but it wasn't. “You worked it out.” Kara liked it.
Kris Allen chose "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers, and he played the piano for it. (Usually he hides behind his guitar.) He actually did a pretty good job. He sounded better than he usually does. This is a song in which the entire second verse of the original is “I know, I know, I know” repeated ad nauseam. He got through that part well, cutting the number of times that phrase is heard. Randy said he was in the zone, one of the best performances of the evening. Kara said it was artistry (a word she overuses). Paula said was his best performance to date. Simon thought he did a very good arrangement, very clever, his best performance so far.
So there you have it. I think Matt Giraud and Megan Joy will be two of the bottom three, and Allison Iraheta might be joining them. We'll see.
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