American Idol 2015
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I don't watch until the "final" group of contestants are chosen, usually. I skip the sideshow auditions. Didn't watch much last season--not an especially great season, although another North Carolina singer (exciting hard rocker) Caleb somebody (oops, surname escapes me, will go find it) won. I recall being disillusioned the big finale show when Candace Glover's name (a very recent winner, in 2013 I think) wasn't even mentioned--that was harsh. Not only not asked to participate in the big show...not even mentioned by name! Cold. As I recall, Candace sang "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" so dynamite I even preferred her version to Jagger's
I just read that a recent winner, Phillip Phillips (that was a very exciting season I thought) is suing to get out of his "Idol" recording contract. He wants to go out on his own with his chosen manager, etc. "Idol" killed him with kindness when they called him very talented in responding to this issue. Even called him "extraordinarily talented" I think. -
Tonight Wednesday American Idol 2015 Michael Simmons "made a splash" in Nashville and Hollywood, but I find his vocals too soft and wispy. But the three judges, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. again, agreed they like his voice. I'm mystified, but tonight's the first night I've heard him or any of them. Tonight is a "showcase for the 48" to reveal who made it through to the Top 24. They previously performed at the House of Blues in Hollywood (I regret I missed that). Tonight and tomorrow night are "the final judgement" nights to tell who gets to be in the Top 24, 12 boys and 12 girls. Simmons is given the go-ahead. Next "actress Loren Lott" appears to find out--She doesn't sing that great, to me, sounds too loud, shrill and blaring when they show a snippet, but Harry grants her entrance into the final 24. I'm surprised, but then, they can hear her a lot better in person than I can on the telly. I may realize later that they can sing better than I thought at first.The third aspirant sports a huge voice and frizzy wild hair, a big guy, makes it through. The snippet I heard of him did sound sort of electrifying when his voice rose to the heights. I didn't catch his name. The forth dude didn't make it. Cody somebody. Didn't quite cut the mustard. Didn't sound or look like star material at this point. Lovey James, 17, a tall pretty blonde with long wavy hair from Portland Oregon with a sassy kind of raunchy rock and blues voice, a rather distinctive voice, succeeds to the top 24 as I thought she should. Has been working her tail off since a small child singing and dancing. Next LaDonna (?) sang James Brown's "It's a Man's World" offering some powerhouse singing but didn't really knock me out, but she did prevail and triumph and will be in the final 12 girls. Maddie Walker, 16, boasts a fairly big yet nuanced singing style and looks the part, is very cute, but was given the bum's rush...at first. Rachael Hallack from Louisiana with a wild hellion sound to her vocals appeared next and suddenly Maddie was hustled back on stage to perform a "sing off" with Rachel to determine who won a spot. The judges had flip-flopped on Maddie, gave her a second chance. They decided Maddie won the sing-off so she gets to stay while Rachel, a bit bitter, was told to leave for good. Clark Beckham, 22 and from Tennessee, and good looking despite short hair sings pretty well (that old chestnut "Georgia" and he played piano too) and made it through. He dared to ask Connick, "Am I close to your standard?" and Connick replied tersely: "Go practice." Daniel Seavy, only 15 but looked 12, came before the judges with his good singing voice and was assured by J-Lo "We want you to be in the top 24." Tyanna Jones, 16, from Jacksonville Florida sings in a big nuanced voice and has a cute fashion style in hairdo and clothes. J-Lo praised "you come to life" while singing and performing while some "just stand there" and blessed her with a top 24 spot. I was glad she made it. Rayvon Owen, 23, blessed with charisma and good R & B voice also succeeded, as did Shannon Barthieum from Minnesota. Shannon didn't make that much of an impression on me, but that could change. "Jax," 18, whom I deemed cool and sounded great (seemed unique) also made it through. The "final judgement" continues Thursday night with the Top 24 finally cemented. Ryan Seacrest promised "more shocking eliminations" (if it's that shocking, shouldn't they have won acceptance instead?).--SUSY
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I don't watch Idol, I've tried but it just don't work for me, guess I just want music to be emotional and/or inventive, records and concerts, not really a competition or TV show with judges. I think most of my favorite artists and bands are selfmade, like The Beatles. They grew up together and had this magical chemistry, it's not like boy band industry, it's a real band.
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American Idol is fake. Most of the contestants who round out the top 12 (or whatever) are pre-selected by producers and other industry-types long before the auditions. And the celebrity judges aren't the ones who decide who passes the auditions either: The one who gives the "OK" or "thumbs-down" is that Nigel dude from So You Think You Can Dance?, which he discreetly indicates off-camera but within the judges' peripheral view. At one time, the show had genuine merit, but it's pretty much just an artist-development machine today. People need to wake up.
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Fake yes, it's what I feel when I watch it, it sits very badly in my stomach. That some find it entertaining is okay, but what I think is a pity is that it drowns out so much else. It's not just a cellarful of noise, it's THE NOISE, for the eyes and the ears.
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American Idol "Showcase 2" Hollywood Anderson, said to be dynamite initially, disappointed the judges later, didn't sound as good, poor song choices, etc. "Hollywood (leaving) sent shock waves through the holding room," said Ryan Seacrest. The judges, Keith, Jennifer and Harry are looking overly serious--I thought this was supposed to be a fun show. But they don't like to send peeps packing, that's why. "Everyone is good in a different way," chirped J-Lo. Harry Connick assured Joey, a girl with bright lavender hair and dressed like a child--whose voice seems a throwback to the 1920's or 1930's Dust Bowl era--"We truly care about every one of you...it's difficult to compare apple and oranges--you're a Kiwi." She should have replied, "And you're a star fruit," since he was implying she's an oddball or something. But she won a spot. Katherine Winston was praised as "magical" by J-Lo and was accepted. From "small town Massachusetts." 16 year old Mattie Hudson who calls herself a "street performer" was given the boot. One of the judges said, "Timing is everything and it's not time right now, but I think it will come." Quentin Alexander sang "Youth" by "Foxes" made it through--"It was a big risk to sing that and it paid off," Seacrest remarked. Savion Wright, 22, handsome and soulful also grabbed a coveted top position. Seacrest thought that "things have taken an emotional turn" but the evening was always emotional what with all the hopes, dreams and hormones. Mark Andrews, 29, an Indiana lad was granted a golden ticket and nearly sobbed "I've wanted to be a musician my whole life. " I heard snippets of him singing the hit "Church." Not bad. "Are you different enough? We think you're in your own lane. You're in, Bro, you're in! Top 24" hailed Harry. Trever Douglas, almost 17, humbly related "I want to make the crowd happy and have a good time." He resembles a cuter Buddy Holly, and earned a top spot. Sings Well. Emily Brook, 15, sings well but "for now it's a no, but we want you to come back." "At 15, she has time on her side," comforted Seacrest. Nick Fradiani, 29, didn't sound that distinctive a singer to me, but he still will be in the top 24. Cute Sarina-Joi Crow, 19, had "tried three times before" and the 4th time proved the charm. She was jumping for "joi" Cool looking Qassim nabbed the 11th spot for the guys and is already acting like a star. Cutie blond Riley Bria from Nashville "who has played with Keith Urban before" and has long shaggy locks was assured a place on the show. He's made to compete one to one with Ricky Dale Hendricks who sports a deep country singing voice like I don't like unless it's Kenny Chesney. I want Riley, 18, to snag the last spot for the boys and he does. Flamboyant Jelly Joseph,26, from New Orleans gets turned down while Shi Scott, 19, who seems somewhat quirky and offbeat is ushered through. Adana Dern had also triumphed. I missed seeing her perform, don't know what she sounds like.
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Wednesday, Feb. 25 "12 boys pick their own songs to sing; first voting night" Adam Ezeglian starts the night with a loud stimulating "I Wanna Rock" by Twisted Sister that gets the crowd (they're in Detroit, one of America's music cities) hoppin' and boppin,' worked up. Michael Simeon, tall and handsome, who "doesn't want to work on a farm the rest of my life" offers a soft ballad that builds in intensity--kind of mushy--"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" which becomes hyper-emotional but he still isn't all that dynamic. "Adam was a tough act to follow," noted Harry Connick. "Stay in tune...good job though." Lukewarm praise, I thought. But J-Lo gushed she enjoyed it and Keith Urban assented. Is Michael S. trying to fill the Art Garfunkel dreamy romance songs slot? Sorry but not sorry, I'm wilder by far about throw-back Artie's, still, his solo stuff. Savion Wright--good looking and has some smooth moves--sang "Hey Soul Sister" and sounded a little too much like the original, I thought, but I liked him. "That started out a little unfocused but became more focused," Harry thought. "I like your style!" beamed J-Lo, "...you have the most beautiful smile I've ever seen." Won't You Take Me to Couger Town" I sang to myself and laughed. Savion wasn't the only one with whom she seemed a bit of a flirty gertie. Mark Andrew from Indiana did "The Weight" by The Band and sounded good. Keith agreed with me saying "that was such a perfect song for you...your voice is really good" while Harry urged Mark "to stay in that zone like that" and J-Lo praised his "vibe--you really have a chance at this." "Geek Chic" (Ryan called him that) Trever Douglas was enjoyable to me so I was aggravated the judges seemed a little bit wishy-washy although they lauded his "energy." I thought he sounded real good. Looked good too. Although styled in the conservative look, plainly dressed, short hair, black horn-rim eye glasses--not a glam rocker, you could say. Clark Beckham, 22, who deems himself "a street performer" belted out "When a Man Loves a Woman" a Percy Sledge torch song that's been around since the Cave People and sounded black like Percy, though he isn't. J-Lo hollered out it gave her "Goosies all day" Connick Jr. was more subdued: "You really are talented, it will be fun to get into the nitty gritty of things with you." Clark is handsome like Trever Douglass and most of the other would-be male pop stars tonight. Rayvon Owens delivered a peppy Nick Jonas ditty called "Jealous" and he's pleasing, cute outfit, cute pork pie hat and damn he sounds good, real smooth in a groove--"You're elegant, handsome, talented" smiled Harry, who compared Rayvon to a "Motown star." Jennifer Lopez: "I love that song too...I could have used a little bit more attitude, it needed more edge for a song called 'Jealous' " Keith Urban praised Rayvon's "falsetto," especially. Daniel Seavy, 15, did a perky "I'm Yours" by Jason Msraz (I'm tired of that song) but damn if he didn't sound good, too, I fancy his voice and looks, but he needs longer hair. Keith smiled "that was cool...you got to the really high notes..." Jennifer cooed, "You are beyond adorable" but she wants all aspects of the performance to flow together or something like that--I felt annoyed, I thought it flowed. Harry opined, "There's some great talent here, nice job, man." Riley Bria sang a countrified Eric Church number called "Home Boy" and moved around with flair playing his guitar, tossing his shaggy mane. Darn if he doesn't sing pretty well also. Fairly well. J-Lo thought he's "the perfect combination of sweet with a little bit of edge" while Harry stated, "You remind me so much of Keith (Urban). I'll have to call you Keith Suburban" (chuckles). Keith gushed, "I can't wait to hear more." Quentin Alexander, 21, in a funky ostrich feather top and funky hat, with pierced nostrils, didn't look overly conservative like most of the others perhaps because, as he said, "I grew up in a beautiful artsy city, New Orleans"--yeah he was lucky, except for Hurricane Katrina. He launched into a steamy "I Put a Spell On You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins causing Harry to enthuse, "There's a real artist in there who makes good choices." J-Lo liked the whole thing, "It was perfect." Urban went so far as to say "That was like a Grammy performance." Not that they are always that great, Keith! I thought to myself. Nick Fradiani, 29, sang a sensitive "Thinking Out Loud" an Ed Sheeran original. Nick's already a paid musician, but small time, wants to bust out into the big time. He sang it well and earned all the judges' blessings. J-Lo even called it "One of the best performances of the night!" Qaasim Middleton, 19, did a Bruno Mars funky ditty and lived up to the source. "You make me wanna get up there and dance and sing with you!" (J-Lo) "I just love you!" Harry agreed that "You give it everything you have!" Urban responded, "You killed it, man." "Top 12 ladies throw it down on the stage tomorrow night" promised Ryan.--SUSY
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12 Girls Sing Their Song Choices Thursday, Feb. 26 16 year old Lovie James chose a current hit, didn't catch its name and sang pretty well. "Till the Love Runs Out" might be the title, her version didn't knock me on my keister, was just looking for something more different and unusual tonight. I think I admired her singing more last time. Harry Connick Jr., though, was more positive calling hers "a really strong job" and Jennifer Lopez chimed in,"That was awesome!" Keith Urban liked it. Lovey reminded me of Chloe Grace Moritz. Adana Duru, 18, who previously was called "the whole package" by J-Lo delivered a rousing current hit too, the one that goes "When I Am With You There's No Place I'd Rather Be." I prefer the original singer's rendition, but Adana sings well. Keith Urban (I keep wanting to call him Tim) effused, "That was really good," while J-Lo lauded "You're going for blood...you have so much talent...when you get excited like that be sure to stay in control." Harry extolled, "That first part was the best I ever heard you sing." Alexis Gomez is looks quite striking, but her voice doesn't sound all that special to me---it's like a lot of other girl singers in country music. Yet Connick hailed her as "lovely" and "talented" and "so natural on stage." Urban agreed, "I loved it," and told her "don't be afraid to get rid of that thing (her guitar) as he thought she came alive more when she put it down and flounced about the stage. Jennifer: "I love you!" Urban was tickled when Joey Cook, 23, rendered a Keith Urban ditty, a cute song with a good melody--Joey's the one Harry had called a "Kiwi." She boasts an unusual distinctive voice, and Jennifer agreed with me saying "incredibly unique-- (that song) showcases you exactly like you are" and Harry blurted out "if Keith and I had a child it would sound like Joey!" Urban enthused, "Fantastic, that's what artists do--take a song and make it theirs." Joey plays accordion and the uke. She wears cute hats and voluminous 1950s dresses and sports a different hair color each time. Attractive Katherine Winston, "a folk singer" whose "musicality" Urban had remarked upon previously, sang a slow pretty song with a lovely emotional singing style. She's one to watch. I disliked her outfit at first, and then quickly flip-flopped and approved of her ensemble. Katherine wore a subdued 8o's look combined with current Americana, not the glittery flashy bling-type 80s fancy attire but more a demure folksy look, with a hat. Keith hailed, "A beautiful song, a gorgeous song...don't forget to feel the song" (I thought she had felt it). J-Lo: "(you have) a magical quality to your voice. It's very special." Harry cautioned that singing only "ballads" on "this show might be a problem. He implied he'd like to hear more lively up-tempo numbers from her sometimes. Not belt it out all the time though, I thought. (to be continued)
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Shannon sang "Who Knew" by Pink with a Kristin Stewart scowl on her visage much of the time, it looked dramatic. I liked her singing on this, but feared the panel might call it pitchy in a couple places. Harry opined that "we've seen a lot of polish so far...you're so green (which is), wonderful and a great quality, but that might wear off." Keith cautioned, "I like you, but don't think that was a good song choice for you." Jennifer was more effusive and positive: "You are a phenomenal singer, and you just need to start believing that." Shi Scott performed a bombastic more histrionic "Umbrella" by Rihanna, and Keith didn't like her song choice. Harry too thought it not right for her. Jennifer called Shi "an incredible singer." Maddie Walker, 17, from Iowa has a big sharpish country voice, sounds like a lot of them, but the culture seems to require and need an endless supply of country singers. Harry hailed "another good solid performance from you." But Keith thought "that's not a really great song to show the strengths of your voice," but went on to give some praise. I found out it was a Shania Twain song and recalled liking Shania. Serena Joi Crowe sang "Mama Knows Best," a big bold saucy sassy number by Jessie J.
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I liked the song and Serena-Joi's rendition, finding it rather exciting and stimulating. Jennifer even told her, "I think you just rivaled her (Jessie J) on that song!" Harry flirted, "You looked great and sounded great." Keith mumbled "Chill and right on point...very good, Baby." Jax, 18, offered an original quirky cover of "Bang Bang," a baby boomer oldie hit by Cher. The judges all appeared to approve, smiling and nodding as Jax performed.I think they were each favorable--I was texting with Miranda, and didn't catch everything. Tyanna Jones is another aspiring Idol I admire, sounds super. But sported one of those ugly short Rooster quiff hairstyles tonight, dyed blue. I liked her outfit last time much better as well, but she's still perky, hyper, cute. Harry was beside himself, "you're in the ridiculously talented category...incredible..." Jennifer advised "just be you...that voice is from God himself, it's crazy." Keith wants to hear Tyanna sing in a higher key sometime.--Susy
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Wednesday Mar. 4 "12 Boys Sing Motown Tonight" I go back and forth between "Idol" and "the Voice" tonight, which isn't conducive to live blogging (LOL). Seems like Harry's being a little too stern and critical tonight, on the couple of singers I caught on "Idol" Motown is in Detroit, and the show's coming from Detroit, but some of these guys' voices don't fit w/ Motown hits very well. Not their thing, really. I find myself flipping back & forth between the Voice w/ the Voice show winning out.
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Damn Idol is kicking four guys off the show tonight, I thought Seacrest just said. Quentin .Alexander from New Orleans just retained his spot. He said he's always felt like he was considered weird and he's doing it for fellow weird ones or whatever. He's doing a Stevie Wonder hit right now, sounds pretty good, but compared to Stevie...I keep hearing Stevie singing this in my head...about jammin' until the break of dawn. J-Lo is having a cow, "That was so easy, so smooth, so perfect...all of you are so talented please don't forget that...Quentin you know you're one of my faves" Harry "Nice how you settled in to the groove of that..." Keith: "You know what suits you....how to play to your strengths..." He's the last guy voted through and darn it looks like some of the boys I liked have been ousted, including the Buddy Holly looking guy, and Savion he was cool, and Michael and Trevor and Riley...damn...major bummer, losing some of these. The 12 girls sing Motown Thursday nite and some of them will hafta hit the road too.
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I blogged Ladies Top 12 night (previously blogged and finally put it here), and all of the text got lost! I feel discouraged by the thought of writing up all those notes again, right now. I will later. I live blogged tonight's American Idol back in L.A. Top 12 selected show. The theme is the first song each contestant offered at their audition. "The top 12 will be revealed tonight and compete for your votes" (Seacrest). Serena Joi Crowe is first up, will be in the top 12 and sang "Till the Love Runs Out." Sings well but a bit shrill in places, I thought. Keith Urban cautioned "be really careful with your pitch" but was favorable overall. J-Lo jumped in, "Same thing--pitch...do something so you come in strong," but Harry Connick Jr. was totally appreciative of Serena tonight. Rayvon Owen made it through next and plunged into "Wide Awake," giving a very emotional moving rendition. He's a vocal coach by profession. J-Lo was effusive: "I love that you felt that moment--it was sick--great job." Harry thought "you sounded terrific today, man." Keith Urban opined, "You sounded exponitionally better at the end." Big time music producer Scott Borchetta was introduced. "One of you is going to sign with me." Daniel Seavey, 15, was chosen with enough votes but failed to impress much with "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul. Connick said Daniel's "inexperience" is "really showing, man. "Aussie Urban comforted, "I bet if you find an emotional song you'll really kill it." Jennifer advised to "be sure you're strong all the way through, pick the right song." Next to be admitted to the top 12 is Iowa's Maddie Walker. She seemed nervous, was stiff like Carrie Underwood but Connick deemed hers "a solid performance." Keith and J-Lo thought Maddie was "too much into her head." Jennifer: "If you love a song just sing it and it'll come out right." Tyanna Jones was also ushered into the magic circle of 12. She's got a big voice, power of vocals and charisma. A natural performer. Sang an ebullient "My Little Butterfly" and almost flew into the air with euphoria--Keith praised "You're a star" and the audience roared and raved. Nick Fradiani made it through and did Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," bringing passion and fire. Urban pronounced it great and added, "You need to believe in yourself as much as America does." Jennifer wants Nick to sing a song that uses all parts of himself. Connick noted his "experience." Jax prevails too, and sings "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by the Fabs, starting out at the piano. Her slow version sounds very nice and smooth, turning the hit into a smooth pop confection, sung with vulnerability and longing. "So beautiful!" Urban was moved to praise and J-Lo called it "compelling...really, really great." "Nice work" said Harry. (to be continued) -
"only 10 will get lucky on our stage 2nite" (Ryan) Nils Rogers leads the kids in "Lucky" and says he always looks for "passion" musicians who love the music "regardless of the outcome" (LIVE blog of latest "Idol"--will provide recaps of last two shows after this one) "2nite we're soundtrack central" Nils Rogers had smash hit "Le Freak" Nils played on soundtracks like "Coming 2 America" too. He produced Daft Punk Madonna Mick Jagger and many more. Must be talented as heck. He's mentoring the Idols tonight. It's "Movie Nite" on Idol tonight. Themes and hits from flicks get trotted out. The Idols will sing the anthem at the big car race thingie, racer Jeff Gordon comes out to announce, to thrills & chills and shrieks. "Wow I talked to Jeff Gordon," Ryan Seacrest enthused. The first person to sing for your votes tonight (and who made it through) is Adanna Duru. "Mine is from a romantic comedy set in the 1990s. "I love you I do" from Dream Girls. Nils R. said I have a feeling she's gonna get it down. Scott Borchetta, mellow music mogel is also on hand with advice when the Idols rehearse. Urban "I think she's gonna kill it." Jennifer Hudson song. Starts out smooth but intense and soon builds up strong and high, shows nuance and range. Keith hard to hear you at the beginning...started kinda low...really good song choice for you was good. " J-Lo "You hafta worry about the low parts too, you always sound good on the high parts...don't want fake excitement, want real emotion coming from the song" Harry: "You look like a movie star for sure...every thing was good, everything was strong." He exhorted "sing to them (audience)" and make more of a direct connection. Seacrest revealed "Jennifer Hudson and Iggy Azaela will be on the show in a few weeks." the next to survive your votes is Danny Seavey--I really enjoyed his "Happy" last week. Hope Daniel doesn't turn into another Justin B. He will sing an Adam Levine song from the musical I loved "Begin Again" Goodie goody ! Dan picked a pretty heavy love song (Jennifer)." She noted he's "only 15, I hope he can bring the emotion the song needs." He messed up some a couple times but overall I'm feelin' and diggin' it, I dig that song anyway. J-Lo hollers "Daniel Seavey you're such a cutie, it makes it hard...I actually felt a lot of emotion, but don't know that it was your best performance." Harry opined rehearsal is absolutely imperative but not at the expense of being spontaneous. " Sounded like he was in rehearsal Connick thought. Urban was more positive, liked Daniel's arrangement, "I know you got it in you man." "Many more movie classics after the break" (Ryan)
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Up next to survive is Rayvon Owen, "I'm trying to save the world from bad music" is singing Staying Alive by the Bee Gees. I wanna make it be dancing and fun but still want to make people feel the root of the song." I hope I can bring edge and attitude. 'Harry said big challenge to take one of the biggest songs ever and do something different with it." Rayvon starts out slow and dreamy yet intense--slows down the ditty and also makes it sound pretty. Looks and sounds sexy. Keeps it slow and smooth. Voice goes up to a wail at times, still. Then returns to slow & high. He did good I thought. Harry I really admired the arrangement...a really cool way to interpret that song...but how do you remain interesting cause you really have that nice guy thing...every week a bunch of high falsetto notes and the crowd goes crazy, but not a lot of substance there" (the audience boos) Urban "don't loiter there, be in command of the stage, come out front like you own it. "Jennifer when you came forward that's when you really got us...that's the thing how you capture the audience every time, cause you really do have an amazing voice.," Rayon said we wanna get out here each week and show more layers and make it happen." "Find out who else gets starring roles tonight" (Ryan)
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More results: next to make it thru and stay alive in the contest is "Nick Fradiani" in my movie I'm an action hero...gonna sing Danger Zone from the Kenny Loggins song in Top Gun. Oldie but a goldie. harry wants him to "crack open" on stage. Nick starts out well, soulful and emotional and then kicks in, does bring some degree of excitement to his performance (not overwhelming though). Or maybe it is sorta if you're watching in person. Should have sped up the song more I thought, faster pussycat faster--Keith jumped in with "Well the crowd likes you, I love the fact you played air guitar in front of Niles Rodgers...I think you're getting more comfy up there, I think you're moving ahead." J-Lo flirted you're like our cool guy, you know you're hot...I see you still in your head, you got to own it your hotness the whole thing...sing, have fun" Harry: "Listen some really talented guys wrote this song...honestly speaking that song doesn't give you anything to work with...give yourself a song you can be sexy on. I love Kenny Loggins but that was the wrong song." For one thing, Nick probably feels old as the hills, he's 29, oldest in the show. Oddball Joey Cook is next to triumph and be voted in. "My movie is a science fiction movie...but the twist is I'm an alien." will sing "Mad World" from "Donnie Darko." She delivers a striking and dramatic but at times downbeat rendition. "Joey that was...I really enjoyed that, it was beautiful you were giving me 'Sia" vibes, it was a different side to you...this was like pared down and serious artist." Jennifer raved. Joey you always seem to stay in your lane but you're finding ways to widen your lane (Harry) this was a song to give her a chance to "chew on some lyrics" and "it made you modern" said Lopez. "Depth of artistry, always something unusual, I love you bring attention to the lyrics of the song and make me hear it in a way I never heard it before" (Keith Urban)
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Tyanna Jones succeeds next, earns a green chair (made it to the top 10) for movie night I'll sing Circle of Life from Lion King. I had to work on holding my vibrato back a little bit more." She really belts it out in rehearsal. Tyanna hasn't had a bad performance yet...can she keep the streak goin' (Harry) She turns in a sometimes subtle but more often blazing tempestuous turn...a little pitchy in parts...but I love how she powers up the Lion King theme to the utmost. Harry: Hey Tyanna, you always have this ability to achieve the greatest results with the least amount of effort, until tonight, to me looked like you were trying really really hard...some intonation (problems)like you yelled it the whole way through."Keith your tone and vibrato is beautiful, you may be our best singers...but tonight had pitch issues." Very challenging song, no doubt you have a power ful voice, I think you'll make it through next week (J-Lo) Ha ha, Harry called Jennifer's tacky very low cut blue sequined dress "rated NC-17" and she smiled demurely, a smile at bewildering odds with the low ho (probably super short too) garment she was sporting. She will take the stage with something from her new movie, next. (Half-naked?) Can't wait. She's not the greatest singer on the planet. Or greatest dancer or actress, but she must have something to have preened in the spotlight for so long. I'd like to see and hear Harry Connick Jr. perform his song "She."
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Song from upcoming DreamWorks movie "Home" sounds like a sci fi animation thing. "Feel the Light" from "Home"-- Her long gown changes colors and turns into a milky way effect--she sings this pretty well in her little girl baby doll voice. She sounds to me like Heidi Klum when she talks. Would Heidi sing like her? Anyways this song is fairly compelling. Sounds pretty good. Kids in the audience are slowly waving blue glow sticks they were provided. Well, she's not ugly to look at which helps her stardom-keeping greatly--actually I'm a bit of a sucker for this song "Feel the Light" it's emotional and moving. It's pretty. A lot of the movies for children are so cute you could drown in their cuteness, they're adorable, visually witty and clever, get in some funny eloquent verbal bon mots too. Superior to (most?) adult fare, one sometimes feels. Quentin Alexander enters the golden magic circle next! "You're the One that I Want" from Grease. The way he flipped the song was amazing to me, said Niles Rodgers. He looks a little like a baby Jimi Hendrix tonight or did in rehearsal with his long floating head band. He starts out real slow with the famous Grease ditty--sounds rather ethereal yet strong--sings with huge feeling--sounds like the most in-love lover in the universe--"he made this song important" Borgetta had said in rehearsal. "That's...I have heard that version before, really interesting...part of your talent is still coming through, you've got this amazing voice" Keith "Very haunting and beautiful...I don't know that it translated as much as you felt it" J-Lo Harry: "Very adventurous...that was horribly out of tune, you must focus on your singing as well as your performance." Ouch.
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Maddie Walker goes through to the top 10 next, "I'm singing let's hear it for the boys from Footloose"--I'm ready to bring it-- Lo-pez Lets see if she can bring some weight to it (might be too light)" Maddie does some flourishes and jumps, but still has that slightly wooden and stiff Carrie Underwood stance. thank goddess this isn't a hick country anthem. But she's underwhelming, just serviceable on this I fear. I'm glad you sang that song for very personal reasons, my mother's favorite song...it was cute, it was sweet, your twanging on it actually made me like it a little bit more. Thus spake J-Lo back in her blue bling bling Ho outfit. It's difficult to pry her out of 'em (Meow). Harry : on country songs you have an incredibly strong country twang...(on other songs) I don't know who you are. Are you a country song or pop singer. It wasn't good tonight."Keith urban thought "if you had chosen a ballad tonight you would have really really hit." Harry:"most are sub-par tonight...pick a really good song."Kenny Loggins appears to sing Footloose in person! He doesn't look like himself much. Might have gone to the plastic fantastic well and partaken? He looks sweet though. "That was a treat!" exalted Harry. Pee pee break (commercials)
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Cutie Pie (even with short hair!) Clark Beckham sings SundayMorning by Maroon Five from a romantic comedy playing his song is a little bit of a risk he says. Urban, wants to show his sensitive side. This may be the missing link. He plays the guitar, does a stripped down version to show off his vocals and his blue eyes glow in close-ups...sounds just about perfect! ( I thought) Harry: You're a musician and know what the word arrangement means...you can change the tempo, melody or rhythm...you knocked it out the park!" Urban you're such a good singer Clark, put a little bit of a smile" in it and the girls will go wild or something. J-Lo you just did a whole different thing with it that I so love. It's so you." The crowd goes wild as predicted as the stunner saunters back to the highly coveted green chair. Only two left...Jax and Qassim...the latter might prevail because of his infectious exciting dance moves...I don't want to see Jax go. She looks upset.
