Another Wednesday. Another night of American Idol. We are just three weeks away from the finale. Who's it going to be? My money is on a showdown between Scotty and James. However, I think Lauren could sneak in there. Possibly Haley could too.
The theme for this show is Now and Then. Each contestant will sing two songs tonight. One a current song. The other from the 60's. That's a lot of music to choose from! Sheryl Crow came in to mentor the kids. And here we go:
James (now—Closer to the Edge): Judges loved it. I was not impressed. Maybe one of my least favorite James performances. But to be honest, it may have more to do with song choice and music style. Best I can give him is a 4.0 out of 5.
Jacob (now—No Air): Hmm. I thought he sounded like he had no air. Little bit of disagreement among the judges. It really didn't work as far as I'm concerned. Guess I'll give him a 3.2.
Lauren (now—Flat on the Floor): Sing it, girl!!! Way to go, Lauren. She knocked that one out of the park. Carrie outta be proud. She's getting a 4.9 from this judge.
Scotty (now—Gone): Another great performance from Scotty. Woohoo!!!!!!!! I am always amazed at this kid's assurance on the stage. He's pretty much cured himself of that odd way of holding the mic, too. I'll give him a 4.9 as well.
Haley (now—You and I): This unrecorded Lady Gaga song was a good match for her voice and style and growl. I can't say it was a song I would hurry off to download from iTunes, but I can recognize a solid performance when I see and hear one. Judges gave her a mixed bag of feedback and didn't seem to think the song did her any favors. So I guess I liked it better than they did. She's getting a 4.4.
James (then—Without You): Okay, he cried. Talk about tugging the heart strings. While not an absolutely perfect performance (little pitchy in spots), it was beautiful. "Emotionally perfect" Randy called it. Who can't love a man who loves that much? 4.8
Jacob (then—Love Hurts): Oh, that sounded awful through my TV. Off-key. Pitchy. Screamy. Smarmy. Judges noted his bauble in the middle but said his passion came through. Sorry. Didn't make it to Boise. Although it was better than his first effort. He gets a 3.5.
Lauren (then—Unchained Melody): Oh, my. Was that a lovely dress or what? I danced to this song at my very first high school dance. I even remember the pink dress I was wearing. That was in the 60's, long before the movie Ghost. I wasn't crazy about the arrangement, but she did a beautiful job with it. I'll give her a 4.6.
Scotty (then—Always on My Mind): I got goose bumps on a few of those low notes. Very subtle and tender performance. (Too bad somebody didn't fix that cord on his ear piece that was sticking out a mile.) He did have a few pitchy notes, I think, but overall terrific. He gets a 4.7.
Haley (then—House of the Rising Sun): Hold it. I'm having a flashback. Talk about a perfect song for a singer. Made to growl. And that last note. WOOOOOOO. A standing O from the judges. There was one little spot that keeps it from getting a perfect score, but not by much. 4.95
TONIGHT'S COMBINED RATINGS:
- Scott 9.6
- Lauren 9.5
- Haley 9.35
- James 8.8
- Jacob 6.7
Obviously you can tell who I think should go home tomorrow night. And my favorites this week are:
See you Thursday, Idol fans.
~robin
I agree that Haley had the best performance of the night. And one of the worst, too – I didn’t care for that Gaga song. But luckily the good one came last, so people remember *that*. I really hope Jacob goes home tomorrow – he’s my least favorite at this point of the competition.
I agree with you on James’s first song. It wasn’t just your unfamiliarity with the song. It was solidly his worst performance of the season. Haley…wow. Just wow. I guess she’s too much like Casey…doesn’t fit into one of those pop/rock niches that America seems so fond of.
Birgit, if there is any justice (in regard to American Idol), Jacob will go home tonight. Period.
Glad to know you agreed on James's first song. And Haley's last one was amazing. Like I said to Birgit, if there is any justice, Jacob will be sent home tonight. I cast a bunch of votes for two singers last night. Don't know if they were enough, but I hope so. Yes, a "dislike" button would be helpful. Vote for who should leave rather than who should stay. If that was a reality, Jacob would definitely go, according to the various Internet sites where people can answer polls.
Have to agree with you about Jacob. His songs have seemed so aimless for so long. I too think this will be his last week.
I am a James fan though. Seeing him break down reminded me of how young all of these kids are. James’ personal story is pretty compelling any way you slice it. I think that I pull for him because he seems to be such an overcomer. Hard to believe a young person with Tourette’s and Asperger’s has made it this far.
I think that this is the best quality top 5 I have seen. I enjoy watching all of them sing. I could see any of them take it all. I cheer for each of them and wish them all well.
Bob, I mostly agree with you but can only say this is a very talented top 4 (once Jacob leaves). I have not been impressed with his singing for too long, and his arrogance gets to me. I like to think he is just not savvy enough to realize how arrogant he sounds, but I'm less convinced of that each time he opens his mouth. I'm definitely a James fan. He is a miracle story, to be sure. Actually, I guess I'm a James and Scotty and Lauren and Haley fan. <g> I will be cheering all four along and will be sad when any of them depart.
It is interesting that Jacob is portrayed as the Christian kid. Gotta wonder how much of the sound-bites are real representations his demeanor. Gotta be hard for a young guy like him who is experiencing fame for the first time. LOL, I could see a younger version of myself saying some of the things he does.
On a side note, if Randy says ‘So-and-so is in it to win it!!!’ one more time I might throw something. ;0)
LOL. Birgit, I know just want you mean. Hey, they are all in it to win it. To say that to one over the others… Sheesh! It is rather ridiculous. But be careful. If you throw something, don't damage your TV or you won't know who actually does win it. At least not in real time.