AMERICAN IDOL: Top 11 Perform
March 18, 2009 by Kath Skerry
In the interest of full disclosure, I wasn’t feeling well last night and I went to bed early. So here I am on Wednesday morning at 5:02am, bleary eyed but watching. I’ll try by best to be enthusiastic and alert. Perhaps some of Adam Lambert’s screeching will wake me up.
It’s country night and the 11 remaining contestants will be singing hits from the Grand Old Opry. Helping them find their inner cowboy this week is Randy Travis.
Michael Sarver
Song: Ain’t Going Down Until The Sun Comes Up
My Take: Starting off tonight with a little Garth…not too bad. This one isn’t easy though. Fun song but I’m not sure it was the best song to show off the vocals as this tune is almost like a country version of rap. And what’s with the guy sitting on the stage playing the harmonica? Kind of creepy. Michael did an ok job with it. I felt like he was playing catch up with the lyrics the whole time. And did anyone else notice he hardly open his mouth when he sings. Bizarre.
The Judges: Randy and Kara thought that the song didn’t do enough to show off his vocals. Paula thought it was fun and the genre suited him well. Simon thought it was a bit clumsy.
Allison Iraheta
Song: Blame it on Your Heart
My Take: I keep forgetting that Allison is only 16 years old. She is so comfortable on the stage. While I thought she sang the song well, the melody didn’t do much for me as it was the same 3 or 4 notes the entire song. But she did well.
The Judges: Kara thought she was great. Paula actually gave some solid advice (shocking) suggesting that while Allison shouldn’t lose the rocker tone to her voice, she should explore different sides of her voice more. Simon thought it was good.
Kris Allen
Song: To Make You Feel My Love
My Take: I don’t understand why Kris isn’t getting the respect he deserves in this competition. He has a beautiful voice. I really liked the bluesy approach he took with the song. It’s one of my favorites of all time and I think he did well by it. This is perhaps the first performance thus far that I might actually go but off of iTunes.
The Judges: Paula thought it was a smart choice of song for him. Simon thought it was terrific and thinks that Kris has a genuine shot in the competition. Randy thought the song really showcased his vocals. Kara thought it was very Kris Allen and not very country – and she said that in a good way.
Lil Rounds
Song: Independence Day
My Take: I can’t say that I loved this performance. Maybe it’s because I associate it so much with Carrie Underwood, but it just didn’t work. Lil looked uncomfortable during the voices. The song picked up a bit during the big chorus, but on the whole it wasn’t my favorite. I wish Lil has put a little more of her R&B flavor into it. I know she said she wanted to hold back to honor country but I didn’t love it.
The Judges: Randy said it didn’t feel comfortable. Kara didn’t think it was her best performance was the best but she liked it enough. Paula thought it worked. Simon insisted on calling her “Little” which was kind of hilarious. He didn’t think the song suited her.
Adam Lambert
Song: Ring of Fire
My Take: WOW, Adam is looking especially scary tonight. His look is just too much. He needs to bring it down a bit. The clothes, the hair, the jewelry – it’s all too much. The pre-video was hysterical – Adam truly frightened Randy Travis. So funny! As for the performance, this guy can hit unbelievable notes. Off the charts! But I’m glad I’m watching this in the morning because had I watched it before bed I might have had nightmares. It was borderline creepy. Honestly I can’t tell with this one viewing whether or not I liked it.
The Judges: Kara didn’t know what to make of it. She thought it was strange but she kind of liked it. I’m with ya, Kara. Paula babbled for ten minutes but I think she liked it. Simon thought it was indulgent rubbish and really, really horrific. Randy thought it was Nine Inch Nails does country – he loved it.
Scott MacIntyre
Song: Wild Angels
My Take: Zzzzz. Wake me when the song is over. I thought the song was boring. But I think Scott is boring so that doesn’t surprise me. This guy is an adult Top 40’s artist – he’s just not current. On Billy Joel night he’d rock, but I don’t think this is the right competition for him.
The Judges: Paula thinks the piano is starting to be a crutch. I loved when she and Simon started arguing about the piano and Paula started rambling off other artists that were always behind a piano – like Billy Joel, Steve Wonder, Ray Charles. Ha ha! Any other blind guys you can think of Paula? Simon thinks he’s choosing the wrong song. Randy is looking for some stand up vocals.
Alexis Grace
Song: Jolene
My Take: I really like the control Alexis has. She has a beautiful voice and I think she showed her versatility tonight. There was one off section where she decided to ooh and ahh in her upper register that didn’t quite work, but overall I thought it was a great performance. I’m ready for her to rock it out again soon though.
The Judges: Randy thought there were a few pitch problems. Kara thought Alexis lost her edge. Paula thought she took a good risk. Simon thought it was forgettable.
[What is up with the contestants being so damn chatty tonight. Shut it.]
Danny Gokey
Song: Jesus Take the Wheel
My Take: Danny loves a song that allows him to just scream. I’m not saying that I didn’t enjoy it because I did, but the boy loves to shout. I was a bit nervous when the song started because the verses are so wordy and I was worried that Danny was getting a little bogged down in the words. But he pulled it off and by the time he got to the chorus he was rockin’ it like a pro. I love this kids voice. I’m not sure I love the whole package yet but he definitely can sing.
The Judges: Kara agreed that the front half didn’t work but when he hit the chorus is was fantastic. She suggested he go for songs that are more about the big vocals. Paula respectfully disagreed (and shockingly I agree with Paula here) – if Danny only chose songs with big vocals then we wouldn’t appreciate them as much. She thought it was brilliant. Simon liked the song and Danny but he questioned his wardrobe. Randy thought he was great but he suggested he needed to support the verses better with his vocals.
Anoop Desai
Song: You’re Always on My Mind
My Take: Beautiful vocals tonight from Anoop. I loved this performance! Talk about making it your own! I’m glad that he took Randy Travis’ advice and waited to bring in the riff until later in the song because it did have a nice building effect. I thought the vocal nuances he brought were smart. Anoop is back in the game! Judges, you better be kind.
The Judges: Paula declares that Anoop is back. Simon thought he went from zero to hero and it was one of Simon’s favorite performances of the night. Randy thought it was dope. Kara thought it was amazing and the best performance of the night. YAY Anoop!
Megan Joy
Song: I Go Walking After Midnight
My Take: Sorry but holy boobs! I’m not the biggest Megan fan but I thought this song was actually very, very cool. There were a few note problems and then of course there is her heinous attempt at dancing but overall I liked it. I think the song really showcased her unique vocal approach.
The Judges: Randy was quite impressed. Kara thought it was the perfect song and the perfect look. Seems that Megan has the flu and has been in the hospital. Wow. Simon liked the performance but commented that whomever was styling Megan was taking away her uniqueness. I’m going to agree with Simon…on fashion advice…oh dear God.
Matt Giraud
Song: So Small
My Take: My friend Tina (Hi Tina) calls him the Justin Timberlake guy. I’ll take the comparison and I think Matt will too. I can’t say that I’m all that familiar with the Carrie Underwood version of this song, but I could totally hear Matt’s version on the radio as is. This was probably the most contemporary performance of the night. Brilliant!
The Judges: Kara thought it was amazing! Paula thought he was authentic and fantastic. Simon thought it was a terrific performance and made mention that with all the chatter about Adam and Danny, Matt’s vocals have been overlooked. (Agreed!) Randy thought it was his favorite performance of the night.
YAY MATT!!
Done and done!
Based on a whole lot of everything, I’d give MY top three votes to: Matt, Kris, Anoop
My bottom three predictions: Michael, Scott and Lil
Going home? Scott
It’s getting tough. There weren’t any train wreck performances at all last night. I think Scott was by far the weakest with Michael coming in a close second. I really don’t know who America will send home but I personally hope it’s Scott.
What did you think of last night’s performances? Any stand out performances for you? Who is at risk to go home tonight?
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I’m really sick of Adam Lambert’s whinny singing. I can’t tell if it
sounds like a cat screaming or a 12 year old girl crying. I use to like him, but after tonight, I’m over him.
adams performance was kinda strange. i didnt like it.. 😐
when paula was saying scott needed to do more. i was like. DUDE. he is blind you want him to dance right off the stage?!
i do think you are right. scott is an amazing person with a great story. but you dont get much out of him. just the same stuff over and over. nothing special.
side note:
paula’s default answer is “it was fun”
just like randy’s is “that was dope.”
thats why i like when kara and simon talk. they actually have something of value to say.
Fast forwarded through Michael (immediately…didn’t like it at all and I’m a country fan) & Scott ( gave him a little more time but not much). It was painful on both accounts. Lil was also terrible. I thought Simon’s assessment was spot on. She sounded like a wedding singer who was forced to sing that song. I was just all kinds of wrong. This isn’t a show about paying respect to the genre/artist of the week…it’s about taking a song from that genre/artist and making it your own.
By far my favorites were Kris & Anoop with Matt not far behind. All three of those boys hit it out of the park.
Megan Joy (Corkery….was that her married name or something? Is that why they decided to drop it since she’s Divorced??) was 1000 times better tonight. She took that song and made it suit her. Plus having the flu? I’m a singer and I know I couldn’t look that good or sing that well if I had the flu! 🙂
Top Three: Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, and probably Matt Giraud (although I’m very partial to Allison Iraheta)
Bottom Three: Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver, and Lil Rounds.
Should go home: Scott MacInytre
Will go home: Michael Sarver
So I watched Adam on youtube and was so excited he was singing Johnny Cash, but then….huh. I admire that he did such a bold reinterpretation of the song, but it was pretty out there considering the source material. I can’t decide if it’s great that he didn’t limit himself to sounding country just because he was singing a country song, or if he should have been a bit more faithful to the song in order to better show his vocal range (i.e. lower octaves – it’s obvious he’s all over the higher ones).
I don’t know – it definitely didn’t grab me like his performance last week, but I just like him. Plus he really does have a lot of talent. As someone who didn’t see any other performers I’m hardly qualified to compare and contrast but I still really like Adam and hope he continues on.
I liked almost everything last night – all but Adam…there are no words for how over the top he is.
I’m with Alyson and think the bottom tonight will include Michael, Scott, and Lil but I think Michael is the one going home.
If you listen to the last TV Talk Podcast, Kath & Dan offer an alternative explanation for Adam’s bizarre on-camera appearance, noting that he may not have an HD-ready complexion. As a result, the makeup folks have to add extra layers to hold up under the bright lights of the Idol stage.
Last night was the first full episode of the season for me, and I think there is legitimate competition among the remaining singers. For the first time in a long time, there is no consensus on who will be performing in the final two, and that is a great thing for the show.
I think Johnny Cash rolled over his grave after Adam’s performance. That was terrible. Although a bit funny because of Randy Travis’s reaction.
I loved Matt, Anoop, and Kris. I don’t get the Danny hype. I just don’t think he’s that great. The rest as Simon would say were pretty forgettable.
MY top 3: Matt, Anoop & Kris
MY bottom 3: Megan, Adam, Scott
Who I want to go home: all three of those contestants bother me for a variety of reasons. So any one of them.
Who WILL go home: probably Michael (drats!)
I think Scott has a great voice and I thought his performance was beautiful. If there’s anyone in this competition that should be going home, it’s Megan. I think it’s a ridiculous notion to have her on there when there are so many other people w/ much better voices than her’s. Also, ever since I started watching AI, I’ve always complained about the judges inconsistency. They harp on about how much they DON’T like a contestant’s dancing and think he/she has horrible showmanship, but allow another contestant who has ZERO showmanship and dancing skills to slide by (I’m talking about Megan here). Anyway, I would like to see Megan gone.