I’m happy to report that my back is much improved. Amazing how great it is to have pain start going away and be able to move more freely and do more regular stuff. I must start doing my stability ball crunches again. Need that core strength.
Tonight’s theme is music from the 21st century (must have recorded in the 21st century, so actually the songs can originate from the 20th). Wonder how many songs I’ll know? But they started the night with a group sing from eliminated finalists (Ashthon, Karen, Naima, Pia, Thia, and Paul). Have they done that before on a performance night? If so, I’ve forgotten. The girls actually sounded pretty great, but this wasn’t the song for Paul.
Scotty (Swingin’): Okay, he does hold the microphone funny. No argument there. Vocally, I thought this was very fine. Country to the toes. Showed off that bass I love. But I agree with the judges. It was too safe. I think he needs to do more at this time, which is what J-Lo said. The performance was tame, though technically the singing was good. Still, I’m giving him a 4.2. [Knew the song.]
James (Uprising): I’ll bet those drummers right behind the judges made it hard to hear. Performance wise it is the opposite of Scotty. This was full out and showy. But he got screamy, and I don’t think the song itself showed his voice in the best light. J-Lo bets it will be the most theatrical performance of the night. Judges seemed to love it as did the audience. Sorry. It didn’t do it for me. I was going to give him the same score as Scotty (one had the voice; one had the performance) but then I heard the scream again and knocked off a bit. 4.0. [Didn’t know the song.]
Haley (Rolling the Deep): Oh, she wasn’t wearing a super short skirt that was in danger of exposing way too much. That was nice. And I liked the singing fine. Not a blow-me-away performance but nice. Hmm. I find myself not very excited. Oh, why not. I’ll give her a 4.2. [Didn’t know the song.]
Jacob (Dance With My Father): The pre-performance showed him all choked up in rehearsals. There’s a flub (I don’t think he could hear in his ear piece). But he recovered quickly. Still, he didn’t move me emotionally, and I didn’t think the song showed off his vocals. Judges seemed pretty moderate even as they said it was good. Well, he gets a 4.0 from me. [Didn’t know the song.]
So far, this is not a night that’s going to go down as a favorite. Why is it, with all of this talent and kids who are having fun this year and a fun-loving (if not constructively critical enough) judging panel, that I go week after week without a real WOW moment? That’s not to say there haven’t been performances I’ve appreciated but I would really like to be blown away.
Casey (Harder to Breathe): Hmm. I’m getting a little tired of the gritted teeth with every song. I mean, sometimes it just feels wrong. I guess he was having a really, really good time, and he did kiss J-Lo’s cheek at the end. (I think she was embarrassed.) But I was not impressed, although it wasn’t awful. Maybe I’m in a mood. Sigh. 4.1. [Didn’t know the song.]
Stefano (Closer): Yes, I really must be in a mood. Didn’t like this. He was off-key more than once, and the song did nothing to show off what he can do. So far my least favorite of the night. 3.8. [Knew the song slightly.]
Lauren (Born to Fly): Very good. Perfect kind of song for her. And she does have more voice than she thinks she does. But once again, I thought this was rather safe. Might as well stick with the tried and true. 4.2. [Knew the song.]
Favorites tonight? I really and truly had no favorite tonight. At the end of the night, the judges raved about what a great night it was. Really?
In danger? I’m thinking Stefano or Jacob.
~robin
