"American Idol" 2013 New Season
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The first American Idol show I've seen all the way through this year took place in Vegas, and was dubbed the "Sudden Death" round, because five of the ten girl singers were ousted last night. Jenny Beth Willis tried out first, wants to be a country music star and to my ears sounded sort of mediocre like any number of second-rate country crooners. I missed Tina's performance, went out to the barn but the judges seemed to like her. Brandi, one of the many with long dark hair, from Louisiana sang fairly well but again, sounds like a lot of others. Keith Urban noted she sang "an old Travis Tritt song" and found that interesting as he'd only heard males sing it previously. An Arab looking girl Shubha Medulla or something like that could play piano and I thought her perhaps the best so far. Her voice reminded me of Paula Cole's ("Where Have All the Cowboys Gone"). Good vocals. Mariah Carey wished she'd played the entire song through on piano. Shubha sang Lady Ga Ga's "Born This Way" in an intriguing arrangement of her own. Kamaria Owlsley performed "Mr. Know It All," a Kelly Clarkson hit, and didn't come off well by comparison. Mariah Carey still thought Kamaria "commercial" and could record in the studio, etc. Her remark indicates a big part of what's wrong with "Idol" that being "commercial" could trump being truly an artist. The judges do single out those contestants who can write their own songs, though. Cree Harrison from Nashville, another would-be country star, showed off a kind of bluesy, soulful voice but didn't sound all that unique and yet the judges seemed to go out of their way to over-praise her. She might be one to grow on you, though. I felt that Cree and Shubha would make it through to compete further. Angela Miller, with big hair and big teeth also garnered an unusual amount of kudos from Urban, Nicki Minaji, Randy and Mariah, and does have a pretty big voice and sings rather well. Keith Urban admonished her a bit with "You have a big voice that can do a lot with a little," hinting she'd oversung her number while Randy liked her interpretation and called her "passionate"--Mariah Carey agreed, "Yes I feel your potential is limitless." Isabelle from Georgia came on bellyaching about weighing 200 pounds in high school. Now she has blonde hair and looks kind of glamorous, also boasts a great set of pipes on "God Bless the Child." Was a little pitchy a couple times but for some odd reason the judges didn't use that adjective once Wednesday, although several singers displayed that weakness off and on. Using too much vibrato on "runs" was another annoying foible of a few who usually weren't called on that, either. "My Funny Valentine," quite a touching, romantic classic, was offered by Amber Holcom from Texas, who happily sported vocals to live up to her lofty selection though she also put a few too many "runs" in. I still mostly enjoyed her performance. All the judges gushed over her with "You made it timeless, it's about emotion and you knocked it out of the park" (Keith) "You've got legs for days...that vocal was A plus plus" and from Randy "That vocal was amazing" while Carey opined "it was so good I wanted to smack you, I meant that in a good way, loved your interpretation and your vocal." Next came the dodgy elimination part...I got perturbed as usual this year when they sent a big black guy home and I loved his singing and delivery, on an earlier show. I'll really appreciate a few singers and they get ousted almost immediately. Jenny Beth Willis was sent packing "because of the level of talent that came after you" according to Urban and it's true some were much better. Nicki told Brandi "you really do shine" but "it didn't work for Idol 13" and she was ousted, ouch. Tina was assured "you've been amazing...you're gonna stay." He annoyingly made it sound at first like she wouldn't, a "cute" ploy trotted out by nearly all the judges. They must think it adds to the suspense while actually it comes off as cruel. Isabelle, whom I had considered really good, with a strong powerhouse singing style and vocals was also kicked off the show, I was surprised and upset. Keith Urban told her the judges were "mixed" on her Angela Miller made it through, no shocker there while Kamaria didn't make it, also no big surprise. Amber of "My Funny Valentine" was told "you're going through Baby!" by Mariah. It came down to Adriana, whom I forget to mention but she was pretty good, and Shubdha whom I thought very talented, more so than Adriana, so I felt a bit distraught and perplexed when the latter triumphed over her. Tonight, ten guys who have made it so far will experience either "Sudden Death" or sudden joy, on "Idol."
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That was hard to read.
They could have had 5 more performers if they didn't spend so much time hugging the judges. (They literally went through all 4 judges- every time.) At one point Shubba and Adriana bumped into each other as they were going through the 'hug line' from different directions. I didn't watch much last night... there's only so much "dude's singing" I can take at one time. -
Thursday Ten Idol Boy Singers The first guy, Paul Jolly, from Baton Rouge did a Keith Urban ditty. The judges were mainly favorable and I too liked his voice. The second guy Johnny Keezer (?) sang fairly well but nothing very special as did a guy named Chris--I fell asleep and missed a few of the singers, I stayed up too late Wednesday nite (until 6 a.m., LOL). Sorry. The slight pixie Charlie with wavy purple hair (or was it just the lights?) sang "Rocket Man" and started hopping around in circles half-way through. He was gushed over big time by the judges. He's obviously their "pet" this year, and it bugs me they always have one. More hyperbolic over-praise, but he was entertaining. Has B or B plus vocal chords. Was touted for "originality" by Randy. Jimmy Smith,up next and from Tennessee, showcased singing with a warm pleasant quality but again, nothing out of the ordinary. I turned down the sound on the judges' critques for him. I knew they'd be casting about desperately for something to say. They saved the best for last, Curtis Fitz (?) Jr. from St. Louis who is into church gospel music, which means he can also throw down with the soul prompting Keith to gush, "I feel thoroughly cleansed of my sins...well mostly, anyway (snickers)...that was beautiful." Nicki Minaj praised that "you raise the bar every time...darling you're well on your way, you're ready, you're poised, it's your time." Randy thought "you can sing anything...but that song ("Superstar" first a hit for Karen Carpenter) is kind of old fashioned." Mariah urged Curtis to loosen up his tie and get more loosey goosey. At the Sudden Death portion (yikes) Nicki stated, amusingly, "You know damn well you're going through, Curtis (laughs)." Randy delivered the dire news to Jimmy Smith that he's hitting the road. Hasta la vista baby and all that. A man named Kevin (I missed his turn while I dozed off) was also dealt the bum's rush. Elijah (I missed his too, the snippet they played made him sound like a girl and he resembles Justin Beiber, ick) for some reason made it through. Maybe I'll start liking him later, I don't know. A flaming queen, quite obviously gay guy named Jayda was bluntly told by Nicki, "We were unable to keep you," making the judges look like gay bashers. On Paul Jolly they had a "split decision" so Jimmy Iovine was called in to "break the tie." I was glad that Iovine gave Paul the thumbs up. "You're a good singer with the wrong song tonight, but your voice is a great instrument, so I'll recommend you go on" (and stay in the contest). It's nice to see that everyone gets hugged, whether the vote is yea or nay. Chris just shakes the male judges' hands, though, when he suffers the ol' heave ho and hugs Mariah and Nicki. Charlie the "teacher's pet" of course passed muster, and then it's down to Johnny and Devin, and Devin makes it through. Next week, Ryan Seacrest revealed, is another "Sudden Death" night both Wed. and Thurs. with ten more girls on Wednesday and ten more boy singers featured Thursday.
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In case anyone is interested... It's "Beatles Night" tonight.
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Wednesday night The kids sang all Beatles songs but I missed most of the show. I caught that Lazarro was called the worst that night by Jimmy Iovine and the judges while Cree Harrison was effusively praised though she "over sings" sometimes, according to Jimmy. Amber Holcomb performed a moving and beautiful "She's Leaving Home" which really showcased that exquisite song. Candace was hailed as a "natural" and "the best of the night" by music producer Iovine for her "Come Together." Paul Jolly treated us to "Eleanor Rigby" prompting Iovine to remark, "Paul has a really good voice, but to me he's not ready for primetime." Ouch. Angie Miller (who has straightened her big curly mane) was called "amazing" for "Yesterday." Iovine gently chided that "Angie can be too dramatic." Devin Velez's "The Long and Winding Road" was "missing an emotional connection" (Keith Urban) while Nicki Minaji thought it was "truthful" and Jimmy Iovine said Velez "has a great ear" but needs to work on his "delivery and consistency." Janelle unexpectedly was called "my dark horse" by Jimmy, who thinks her "restraint is explosive." The boy would-be idols did a very bland Muzak-like "Got to Get You Into my Life." Thursday night It's Paul Jolly Day in his little hometown but he gets stuck in the bottom three--he acted cool about it and was smiling and looked happy, realizing, perhaps, that he still garnered several million votes. He's good looking with a nice set of pipes. But Curtis Fitz Jr. was apparently ousted, earlier--I realized he was missing Wednesday and feel disgusted, because Curtis could really sing. Idol alumni Casey Abrams (whom I'd completely forgotten) offered a fairly appealing jazzed-up rendition of "I Saw Her Standing There" but it was nothing compared to McCartney's of course. Less than nothing! The Idol show girls did "Here, There and Everywhere" and did way better than the boys with their Beatles performance...the female warblings are superior to the males this year, but it must be said this is overall a pretty dull cast of contestants, this season, mostly lacking in personality and ability to incite over the top feelings of excitement and great pleasure in the audience. Devin Velez too was kicked into the bottom three. Lazaro was "saved." Also safe were Cree Harrison, Candace Glover, Angie Miller, Janelle Arthur and Burnelle Taylor. I thought Amber were be, but she wasn't. I felt Devin should be ousted, as he is woefully lacking in star charisma, but dawg it was the cute Paul Jolly sent packing and the judges declined to use their "one save of the season" on him. Why didn't they, for Curtis?--Susy
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The Top Eight tried their vocal chords at Motown numbers Wednesday, with mostly fair to good results--presided over by the legendary Smokey Robinson in person, who treated the singers to a "master class" in music. Smokey praised first-up Candace Glover, saying her "I Who Have Nothing" had "made me cry" in rehearsal. I hoped she'd sing that but no, t'was the old warhorse "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Smokey had touted Candace "is singing personified," and the judges fell all over themselves agreeing. "Candace keeps raising the bar, blowing their minds," music producer Jimmy Iovine assented. "She delivered a funky version, which was her aim." "It was gritty when you wanted it to be, pretty when you wanted it to be," Mariah Carey enthused. Kree and Janelle teamed up for the hard to sing (according to Randy) "Like a Prayer" by Madonna, which Mariah touted as "a sisterhood moment." Two other judges, Randy and Nicki, thought Janelle's warbles weren't quite up to par with Kree's on this ditty. Nicki Minaji even hailed Kree's stylings as "like buttah." Janelle kept on smiling gamely. Keith Urban stated graciously, "I thought you both were great...you each have really different voices." The handsome Lazaro Arbos was up for tackling the daunting Stevie Wonder's "For Once In My Life" and sang it well to my ears. Lararo has a speech impediment when talking, but can sing clearly and well, which is striking. "Last week we gave you a bit of a rough time....you were far better this week," Randy assured. Mariah opined "It was a smart choice to choose a song more in your sweet spot or register...to me it felt like you are back." Keith hailed, "You really shine." Minaji agreed, "You're definately back," but then launched into a sudden come on to Smokey with "Can you be my sugar daddy?...Smokey looks better than half the men his age," and Robinson laughed flashing his perfect ivory teeth and pretty blue eyes. Mariah jumped in to point out Smokey's artistic prowess with "We have the great Smokey Robinson in the house...does anybody have any idea how many hits he's written and sung" and Ryan Seacrest chirped, "Something like 458 at least." Smokey revealed he is working on a new cd of duets of songs he's composed he's never sung before. Janelle surprised me greatly with a marvelous take on "You Keep Me Hanging On" by the Supremes. Her singing was excellent and the arrangement quite original. She's got more chops than I'd suspected, and hers was my favorite of the night. Mariah Carey hollared "Janelle at her finest" and added, "Anything anybody said about you earlier, you just proved them wrong!" Keith Urban said "you should be a solo act...I loved that arrangement, I thought it's beautiful" while Nicki stated "you're still my little marshmallow" but it "wasn't that great." Randy got on the good foot with "I absolutely loved it, I thought it was incredible." Devin Veloz took on the Miracles to the praise of all and his was indeed pretty good. Amber, Candace and Angie garnered a standing ovation from the judges except Mariah for "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" which highlighted that Angie's voice isn't as special as Candace and Amber's, I thought. "The Southerner" Burnell was up next having been called "soulful" by Smokey, and dared to try "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder. He did fairly well. Nicki said his voice is "rich" and Randy gushed, "You're from Louisiana like me...I love your choices." Mariah, more lively than on previous shows, shouted "Burnelle! I love to see you looking so debonaire, you picked one of my favorite songs....gave it a modern flavor." Next, Angie did an underwhelming rendition of "You Better Shop Around" by the Shirelles, I think. Her voice didn't sound unique or special and the judges sadly appeared to agree with me with Randy trotting out the "pitchy" adjective. Mariah thought it "a little risque...I would rather have heard you at the piano, you could have sung "I'll be There" by the Jacksons at the piano and swing it home." Urban thought "the melody kept dragging you down" and Nicki thought it "not an organic choice for your swag." (to be continued)
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At one point Smokey Robinson smiled, "I love hearing people perform my songs." Of Amber Holcomb, Robinson revealed his anger she landed in the bottom three last week. "I wanted to turn my t.v. off." She is the most beautiful of the girl aspirants and boasts an impressive set of pipes. Her song tonight was hailed as a "tour de force" by Carey. Urban extolled her too and Nicki commented, "If you wear pink lipstick, you'll get more votes...that was out of this world." "By far for me the best vocal of the night!" yelled Randy. Burnelle, Devin and Lazaro sang "Can't Help Myself" of which Nicki disapproved. The other judges remained oddly silent. I'd thought they sang it in a right spritely and entertaining way. Kree Harrison, tall and with long black hair, took on Aretha Franklin "The Queen of Soul" for the last song entry. Smokey praised Kree so highly that she must be a steller singer. It did sound good. Randy: "Yo Kree they got that Kree love in this building." Mariah Carey deemed she gave it "slightly a country infusion...I commend you for doing this song. We have to keep doing these songs and reinventing them, so people remember the queen of soul." Keith Urban chimed in, "I love that you remind us of soul and blues in the country style." Nicki praised, "So organic and natural," but then issued a statement which stunned me--words to the effect that she admired Kree for standing beside Amber during their shared song with Angie because Amber is so beautiful but Kree maintained her poise even though her looks were overshadowed by Amber's--those words must have won Kree many extra votes, for those who caught that. A tactless comment from Nicki. Also Kree has her own individual kind of attractiveness. Thursday somebody must be voted out; Katherine McPhee will be a guest singer and Keith Urban will perform.
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Thursday Night A very enjoyable outing featuring superlative numbers from One Republic with Katherine McPhee, from Colton Dixon, and Keith Urban. One Republic's was stunning, awesome. McPhee blended in well with them and added a lot. Idol Alum Colton Dixon offered his Christian rock hit "You Are," a beautiful song and soon will tour with Third Day. Keith Urban did a highly enjoyable song of his and then told of his upcoming tour, with visible excitement--his music and career are obviously very important and meaningful to him. And it sure doesn't hurt that he's so cute, LOL. Kree Harrison was granted a personal "thumbs up" from the great Aretha Franklin for her performance of an Aretha song Wednesday, and Jimmy Iovine (who dated Stevie Nicks back in the day) praised Kree for "sounding like she's pleading" and "not screaming" as often happens when lesser singers go up into the highest registers. He intimated that's unusual and a really good sign of Kree's vocal prowess. Devin Veloz was ousted Thursday, wheras Iovine had predicted Lazaro Arbos would suffer that fate. Devin does have a smooth pleasing voice, he's got something which will still be showcased on the big Idols tour of the U.S. next summer. I like knowing Paul Jolly and Curtis Fitz, too, I guess, will also be able to strut their stuff then. I appreciated Devin's trilling a bit more the last time hearing him.--Susy
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Wednesday "Rock n' Roll" Night Burnelle Taylor opened Rock night with "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi, a song I always hated but which he delivered with a certain elan and pizzazz. Lots of energy. Keith Urban noted "that last kick was almost like a dare...I don't think rock n' roll is your thing...I love your voice, I've always loved it." Deadpan Nicki Minaji intoned dryly, "I still wanted to hug you." Randy opined "if you do up-tempo songs you got to ride that thing harder," while Mariah Carey praised, "Not the typical song you'd sing but I felt like you had fun with this...I think you did great." So Burnelle didn't know whether to preen or to pout. (He often kind of pouts.) Next up an unexciting duet by Angie Miller and Lazaro Arbos of Queen's "That Thing Called Love" called "cool rockabilly" by Urban--theirs was lively but still rather nondescript. Angie sounded shrill, like Marie Osmond, I thought. Although I have heard Marie sing well, before. Angie and Lazaro were called "Ken and Barbie" by Nicki. Kree Harrison offered "a bit of Janis" Seacrest promised, next. The creaky but still galvinzing "Piece Of My Heart," and Kree's was smoother and much less ragged and wild than Janis's version but Kree's voice glided all over with a soulful bluesy country rock quality which was lauded by all the judges. "You have an innate ability to choose your songs...a true artist" (Mariah), "Your voice is so good...ten out of ten for your professionalism" (Keith) and "that was magnificent" from Nicki. Burnelle and Candace Glover performed "The Letter" another old kind of rockabilly ditty--Candace sounded lots better than Burnelle, blowing him off the stage with her prowess prompting Aussie Urban to declare that (when Candace sings) "this whole galaxy shows up." Nicki deemed her voice "superior" while Randy gasped, "Oh My God Candace when you first started singing we all went 'wow.'" Janelle Arthur gave "a Southern spin" on Billy Joel's more pop than rock "You May be Right." Keith gently chided "not the best song for you" but added, "but every week you're getting better and better and better." One wondered if he has a foot fetish when he commented on Janelle's footwear (fancy sparkling boots) like he had on Kree's. Nicki approved of her boots and her song and Randy gushed, "Authenticity at its best" and called her "the Great Contender." Mariah thought, "I really loved this key you're singing, I heard your vibrato...and at the end when you took it up an octave" all the styles "sort of intertwined." Another Queen anthem was trotted out, "We are the Champions" sung by Lazaro of Naples, Fla. Nicki thought he gave her "some Hispanic tease--I was lovin' that--that was crack juice" (?) and Randy assented "Dude you did a good job." Mariah stated, "I was concerned but I really do feel like you did a good job on what everybody knows is an anthem." Keith: "that was a really good choice...played on your dramatics" and indeed Lazaro had owned the stage like a somewhat macho sexy Latin heart throb. I hope he becomes at least a Latin music star. (to be continued)
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Candace Glover of St. Helena's Island,S.C., although suffering from "a broken toe" (Kree had a "pinched nerve") was game for another old chestnut (but a classic) "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" by the Stones (my theme song, LOL) and man did she live up to it, she even outdid Mick with the singing if not the moves. "How much is your toe hurting now?" demanded Keith Urban, because her performance didn't reveal any pain but was glorious. "Amazing...but that put me to sleep" (Nicki) a rather mystifying comment. Randy raved, "Rock is an attitude--you brought that attitude in a Tina Turner kinda way!" Amber Holcomb did Heart's "What About Love"--Heart is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year announced Seacrest. It was pretty good, but I favored Candace's. Yet the judges gave Amber a standing "O" --Keith: "Great song choice--great shoes"--Nicki: "Pulled me in emotionally...it was striking"--Randy: "What I love is, you didn't lose Amber in there. I love love loved it"--Mariah: "A great job...all your natural inflections so intrinsic to you (were heard)...America get voting!" Angie Miller of Beverly, Mass. closed the show, but before that, Joshua Ledet and Hollie Cavanaugh from the more interesting and fun last season popped up and were touted by Seacrest. Joshua is recording and will perform at the White House soon. Hollie just moved to L.A. and is recording. I'd love for them each to succeed bigtime Angie's take on "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescense could have used a lot more life, I thought. Rather slick and glib. Urban must have thought so too, since he reminded her it's much more important to really "feel" the song than to focus more on "looking good." Carrie Underwood and Casey James will perform at the elimination show tonight (Thursday).
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Burnelle Taylor was booted out last night, in a surprise. Seemed a bit cruel that he wasn't "saved" by the judges, but I understood why--they're saving the "save" for somebody like Amber or Candace, should they need that. It's cool the Idol this year will be a fun fearless funky female--unless Lazaro's sexy Latin factor trumps their stronger superior singing. I'd like Candace to win all as she can really throw down with the vocals, it can be thrilling. And Amber or Kree to be second runner up. Lazaro third, and then Angie, or make that Janelle third, then Lazaro, Angie last. I was grateful I missed Carrie Underwood's often unbearable (to me) shrill caterwauling last night! I must have fallen asleep or something. Underwood's fingernail on blackboard voice is better than Taylor Swift's weak whines, but not by much. Carrie is filling in for Tammy Wynette, for Tammy's popular kind of country song styling revered by country music fans
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Taylor Swift has some songs that are catchy and infectious, and those she should have given to someone who can really sing--if she truly loves music, seems like she'd have done that instead of the self-glorification. "Idol" should feature a Paul McCartney (post- Beatles) music night, shine a spotlight on lesser known great Paul songs like "Souvenir" from "Flaming Pie" for example.
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American Idol Wednesday April 10 Round One Burt Bacharach and Hal David songs Well, American Idol must have millions of baby boomer viewers as well as young ones for them to choose such old tunes for the Idol wannabees, also this must reflect the show's producers and creators, but these particular ditties are catchy and have strong melodies and nice lyrics, etc. Angie Smith with her gorgeous hair opened with "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and Keith Urban again urged her to seek to give "an impassioned performance...can make it look too easy and feel too easy." Minaj stated, "Your voice is so amazing...this one to me felt old-fashioned." I guess it did--Minaji's bizarre music doesn't even sound like music to me, I hate her songs. I thought Angie sounded real good tonight. Randy admonished, "You gotta digest it, like it's a song you wrote" while Mariah told Angie her "pronunciation" is "too perfect" although she agreed with Randy who'd said "you're still one of the greatest in this." Amber Holcomb slayed everybody with a near-perfect "I Say a Little Prayer" a Dionne Warwick hit. Her take was smooth, enjoyable with big doses of excitement and spice. Nicki exalted, "I am bowing down tonight for you little girl...you are unbelievable, you are everything" while Randy hailed, "YO the competition just started tonight YO." Mariah Carey rapsodized," Oh the bridge--genuis--the transition, beyond diva...this was A plus!" Keith jumped in with "I love that you never over perform...a summer breeze kept me floating...you never oversing...it's always felt." Lararo Arbos next offered a sometimes dreamy "Close to You" which sounded good in parts, other places he messed up by not keeping the right key or going into the right key. The judges all got on him for it and it was obvious they regard him as the weak link in the competition. But he sounds good when he picks the right song. Kree Harrison after introducing her brother sang "What the World Needs Now" the very old hit for Jackie de Shannon which the judges all liked. Mariah was over the moon: "You know who you are, and you always sing as Kree...I loved the arrangement..." Keith praised her "motherliness...that's what I feel when you sing...the humanity and compassion come through." Nicky thought "your voice is so sweet and humble and draws you in...you are ready." Randy: "I agree with everybody--this is singing--that girl can sing!" Blonde songbird Janelle treated everyone to an infectious exuberant "What Do You Get When You Fall in Love." I found her performance delightful. Keith Urban said, "I see a different side to you every week...I loved that....I thought that was very good." Nicki hailed, "You could be a humongous commercial success" but added "I thought it was really boring." Her remark again made me think of her weird awful (to me) music she makes and that her conception of what music is, is downright surrealistic. Randy and Mariah were mostly favorable, although Carey thought "I didn't feel you needed to push that second chorus and belt it out." Candace Glover garnered a standing ovation with "Don't Make Me Over," which sounded perfect and even elicited kudos from Minaji--"Candy girl...that didn't sound at all old-fashioned...because you committed wholeheartedly...this is what you were born to do, that was exquisite." Randy: "This is what this show is all about--to me the best vocal of the night, one of your best ever!" Mariah added, "I 100 percent agree...you took a classic and you kept it current, and you kept it you...showed another side of who you are..." "You just became in my Top Three, Baby!" from Keith Urban. Round Two was "Songs they Wish they had Written." Angie came up with "Love Came Down" by Kara Jobe and her rendition won unanimous raves from the judges. Amber did a Beyonce number the judges all raved over, as well. I had to miss the rest of the show. Sir Anthony Hopkins was in the audience and told Ryan Seacrest he was there for "my ladybugs." That was wonderful, to see him there, and to hear him say he appreciates female singers.
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I'm basically over AI, but my disaffection with the show began when it became clear to me that brilliant singers like Casey Abrams will never win American Idol:
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Casey was unbelievable. But yes, it's typical of these shows. Carly Rose Sonnenclare, Josh Krajik, Paul Mcdonald, etc...
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Jonathan:
Casey was unbelievable. But yes, it's typical of these shows. Carly Rose Sonnenclare, Josh Krajik, Paul Mcdonald, etc...
And Casey's duets with Haley Reinhart were killer, too!
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American Idol April 11 "Elimination show" Kevin Bacon (a comedown from Anthony Hopkins the night before) is singled out in the audience. Kelly Clarkson and professional hick from the sticks Scotty McCreary are guest star performers. I liked Kelly's; not so, McCreary. Janelle, especially, and Candace, came off very well in a group number, another Burt Bacharach and Hal David song. Janelle sings much, much better than "superstar" Carrie Underwood, which bodes well for Janelle's music star chances. And she's winsome, perky, irrepressible. Underwood is kind of stiff. Can be almost wooden. I wish I'd heard Janelle's version of McCartney's "I Will" which was lauded. Candace and Kree are the top two tonight, while Lazaro and, surprisingly, Amber, languish in the bottom two vote getters. Lazaro is given the bum's rush (in a nice way) and after a fantastic last vocal--he could be erratic, wish he'd always been this good--was not granted the "save." I won't mind if Angie Miller is next to go. Jimmy Iovine admitted he thinks Candace Glover should win the whole thing (so do I). Uh-oh--Jimmy said Kree should reveal "more personality" during her songs, but at least added he believes she has it in her--more "star quality" personality just needs to emerge.
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Wednesday April 17 "American Idol" Round One: Songs that came out when they were born Candace slayed with her song choice, singing and performance (she always seems charming and surprised by all the gladhanding and hurrahs that follow) with Keith Urban exhalting, "Good Lord...such a great version of that song...your vocals are incredible...and incredible control of your runs (unexpected vibrato trills)... like a slow wink across a bar...you really set the bar high for all the girls, Baby" and from Nicki Minaji: "You're the one to beat now...once again, you showed you're the boss...I like you put your spin on it." Randy gushed, "So cool...I love the arrangement, made the song current...you're letting it flow...props! Great vocal" Mariah Carey was in raptures, "unpredictable, smart, as usual...genuis! Putting that Candace on it... amazing!" I think they liked it! "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul. Jimmy Iovine disagreed, saying "She needs a big song at this point in this contest" to show her "full range." Janelle offered Vince Gill's "When I Call Your Name" sounding real good, and not subjecting us to hideous Miley Cyrus or Carrie Underwood style caterwaulings, I found it emotional and pretty. Nicki liked it, "Your vocals were so pretty and angelic tonight," and Randy praised, "You did a really good job...that's what you truly truly love, that was beautiful." Mariah assented, "I believed you--you were singing with your whole heart for us tonight--it was so raw and real...you know who you are..." Keith Urban (ironic his last name is "Urban" when he's into country) was a bit iffy. "I love that song, Janelle, I really love it when Vince sings it, it's all emotion...your voice is angelic--hit all the notes--but I didn't feel it." Mariah shouted out in protest, "It brought me to tears! Maybe it's a girl thing but you brought me to tears!" Jimmy Iovine put a damper on it too: "She just wasn't strong enough...she's in the middle of the pack and she's gonna stay there unless she gets really really emotional." I was reminded of Naomi Judd's opinion that "country music is all about feelings." I had thought Janelle put some feeling into hers, though. Kree Harrison revealed she was called "Snow White as a child" for her black hair and fair skin and gave a stunning "She Talks to Angels" by the Black Crows and wow she sure sings it better than them, I'd forgotten that song, it's great, about a Southern screwball who thinks "all the angels know her name." I thought the judges should have risen from their seats for that but as I recall their hineys stayed glued to their chairs, unless I'm wrong. But it garnered high praise, with Randy, overwhelmed, "I love you I love your voice...all the naturalness in your spirit and your voice, got a natural blues kinda soulful thing--emotionally I got it from you, and I loved it." Mariah was also very warm and won over: "honestly Kree you can sing anything and I love to hear you sing--my favorite thing is when yiou lose yourself in song (when) you just don't care what anyone thinks, and you're emoting." Keith jumped in, "I agree with Mariah and I love your voice...I feel you feel that moment--your voice is so fine and beautiful." Nicki hailed, "That was the best performance of the night! It felt like I was at the Kreedom show...perfection." Jimmy Iovine startled when he admonished, "That just wasn't strong enough" and added, "Candace and Kree will have to kill with their next songs tonight or they'll leave it open for someone else to take the lead." Really?? Angie Miller belted out the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You" at the piano, singing the hell out of it and not sounding as brassy and shrill as she can at times. Mariah stated, "Wow the Pretenders! I love Chrissie Hynde, she's a perfect combination of toughness and vulnerablity--she had that special quality that cut through and made her different. Urban opined he's looking forward to (Angie's) "edges getting smoother" and revealed she's "got a tone that triggers something" in him and can make him "cry." Nicki loves it when Angie's at the piano. "Congrats on a great performance." Randy said "I gotta say these top five girls are some of the best top five in a long long time...Dude I think you're on your way." From Jimmy: "Angie took a Pretenders song and turned it into a power ballad...as far as I'm concerned, that was the best performance of the night." Amber Holcomb impressed mightily, daring to present Mariah Carey's hit cover of "Without You"-- the higher parts, especially, were lovely and moving, but she started out too slowly, too low and subdued, I thought. Amber thrilled when she burst loose with the high portions. Keith, Randy and Mariah gave a standing ovation, but Nicki thought it showed "no feelings in the beginning...with Mariah, I still felt it with hers, even before she went high...I wasn't impressed, I didn't like it." Randy added, "It wasn't perfect, but I give you mad props (for doing Mariah's hit song)...aside from a couple little parts here and there you did a damn good job." Mariah went to far as to say "Vote for Amber...I loved a lot of the choices you made...thank you, and thank Harry Nilsson for writing a great song." (to be continued)
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(Round 2) Wednesday nite April 17 "Tribute to Diva Songs" Candace takes on "not one but two divas" (Ryan Seacrest) with the Mariah Carey-Whitney Houston duet "When You Believe" prompting Nicki to smile, "That is how you do a Whitney Houston Mariah Carey song..I believed it...I heard notes I couldn't do...you just tore that song up and every one needs to feel that right now." (Indeed, Candace's rendition was thrilling.) Randy: "Again this is crazy Dude that's the best vocals of the night...you got one of the best voices in the known world! Amazing!" Mariah chipped in, "I think you could sing anything...I could break down and cry...rest in peace to the great Whitney Houston! Sing, Candace!' Keith Urban piped up with kudos, too: "I love your voice 'cause you stop me in my tracks...you ripped out all the stops!" Jimmy Iovine didn't comment after the songs in Round Two Wednesday and I missed his informed opinions, while not agreeing with them all, I should say not. Janelle delivered a delightful tribute to her favorite diva, Dolly Partin, with Dolly's song "Dumb Blonde" which I'd never heard before and found zippy and fun. I enjoyed it a lot. Had a bit of a soulful bluesy tinge to it too, Janelle's avid singing, and it's a cool feminist-type song with a very lively pleasing mercurial melody. Randy concurred, "Yo man the sparkles were workin' over time...I love Dolly Partin...a fun performance number for you....would have liked a little more vocal from you (?)" and Mariah offered, " I ove this song and love Dolly Partin... it was Pow cause I felt you were very connected to the song...let them hear your chops Baby" and lauded her "special Janelle fire." Keith Urban had to be a downer with some of his sassy remarks after saying that's not one of his favorite Dolly ditties--"not the best song for you to shine...song choice is everything, Baby" but then reassured her, "You've got the voice." Nicki contributed "this Top Five to me have super powers...I do think you're in jeopardy of going home tonight (?)" but added, "You're very very lovable." (to Janelle) Kree Harrison chose "Have You Ever Been in Love," a Celine Dion hit, a super mushy love song but highly charged and deeply felt by Kree, I thought. So far, the offerings have made me feel it's Candace and Kree in the top two. Mariah praised, " A very smart song choice...the key is in a great place for you...once again, you showed us your versatility, and that's something that can't be faked." Keith Urban: "You stayed in control the whole time...beautiful, effortless control...you have poise and elegance, and such a beautiful way of doing country." Wow. Nicki hailed "You're back! You're not country, you're iconic...you're one of those divas we can watch when they're 20 and when they're 50...you just elevated everything--you are everything, Kreedom." Randy enthused, "You sang it so well...you can sing anything you want to, you are that good." Angie Miller did a Beyonce hit, "Halo," a huge risk because Beyonce sings that "with such passion," Angie said before she started. It's a wonderful song, I'd forgotten it, "Halo" is great for a pop song and Angie mostly did it justice--I liked much of her version. Sounded a bit shrill and like wailing a few times, but I felt favorable overall. Keith agreed, "Definitely Top Three!" and Nicki shouted out "Now my Angie Miller is back...you just did that justice like a queen should." Randy trotted out his familiar catch phrase "Yo Angie's in it to win it y'all !" Mariah pointed out that "it's very difficult to do a Beyonce song...I loved the clarity in your voice--You're here to stay." Amber Holcolmb also picked a formidable number, closing with Barbra Striesand's dreamy classic "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life," a lovely, moody song. Nicki, overcome, stated, "It was simply perfection...I don't think you get the credit you deserve...every note was on point--you're like a young Whitney Houston" which I thought might be hyperbole, but if you're there in person at the show doubtless you hear the performances much better and can tell. Possibly. Randy gushed, "You're so good...hardest song to sing..." Mariah laid on the hype thick, too--"Classic, beautiful...you are potentially a massive star." Keith reiterated "that's such a difficult song to do and you were elegant and beautiful. It was beautiful." Elimination Night Thursday revealed Janelle was the loser and wasn't "saved" but Randy assured her, still, "We really love you."--SUSY
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American Idol Wednesday, April 24 The bland annoyingly self-confident (like Billy Crystal always seems, so totally self-confident) Ryan Seacrest introduced "the Ladies of the Final Four--two songs each from the girls plus one duet" and showed touching scenes from them visiting the Children's Hospital in L.A. Amber Holcomb boldly offered to open the show with Celine Dion's ultra mushy but effective power ballad "The Power of Love," started out acapella and sounded lovely. Garnered a standing ovation from all the judges except Mariah, who explained later she couldn't stand because "my gown is trapped under the chair." (?) Seems like someone would have assisted her with that.Keith Urban raved, "That song is taylor-made for everything in your voiced...the range was effortless...that song was amazingly perfect for you!" Nicki blurted out "you look like a big sexy glass of milk right now...that song was made for you...you're so ready--now it's like we're at your show!" Randy came out with "a black n' white cookie, I like that" and marveled that Amber "has shown the most growth in the entire contest--you came in like a baby and are now a Pro." Mariah, not to be outdone, shouted "Keep it going!" after praising the "range" that "opened up those glorious tones you have." Jimmy Iovine remarked, "That song's going to be very difficult to beat." Candace Glover from St. Helena's Island South Carolina did a "favorite" of her's, Drake's, "Find Your Love" which I thought started out perfectly and continued to be throughout, more or less. She didn't get a standing O from the judges even though they'd looked blissful and grooving to it when the camera panned to them. Nicki quibbled, "Stellar...but I wish you'd stuck to the melody" and "kept it current" and "you're capable of doing anything you want to do...your voice is unmatched, it's beautiful, but don't want you to get lost in old-fashioned." Randy too was wishy washy, telling Candace "your vocals are incredible" but "every phrase doesn't need a run on...it can't always sound like you're in church but we love love love love you." Mariah admitted, "Certain moments took me to a place I needed to be...you should continue to sing anything and everything, that was risky, but you still did it." Keith opined, "I'm hearing Candace every week, I feel like you're finding that (yourself) every week...keep letting that authenticity come out." Music producer Jimmy Iovine thought "that was the second best performance of the night" so far. Kree Harrison from Texas chose "an old blues song" called "Hurts so Bad" that started out strongly and I thought she did the whole thing very well and was looser and more uninhibited than usual, really getting into it. Some blues songs can be boring in their melody though, all sounding the same, and this one suffered from that. Randy praised her effusively but then added "I don't know if that was the best I've heard from you." Mariah Carey sighed, "Oh, I love you as well...not familiar with that song...I did feel you on certain sections" and she thought it "a free-spirited moment" from Kree. "I love it when you get lost in a song...please give us Kree, and you'll keep winning." Keith Urban: "You all can sing--the big thing we're coming down to is the freaking emotion...you gotta pour your heart out, you've got to make my heart break and I know you can do it, Baby." Nicki stated bluntly that "that performance is not going to give you what you need....that is not a top four performance" which was greeted with Boo's from the audience. Iovine expressed that "I gotta agree with Nicki...there are a hundred blues songs like that" and implied he didn't find the song choice special enough. Angie Miller did "Who You Are" a Jessie J number, seated at the piano, which is supposedly her strong suit. I thought it was real good and very emotional, with the message be true to who you are--was the best I've ever heard her sing. A standing ovation from the judges resulted. Along with much ecstatic praise from each. Keith Urban pointed out a good line from that song, "It's okay to be okay." he said, "As the song went on, you got looser and looser, more carefree, just cooler and looser" and Nicki declared that "there's no one that compares to you in this competition when you are behind the piano, we can feel it-- we feel every word." (to be continued)
