Idol Review – Blogging American Idol 9

Three Contestants, Two Songs

In previous seasons, there used to be three contestants and three songs.  Ahhhh, the good old days.  Now there is too much chatter and att store pimpage that they can’t quite squeeze out 18 minutes of music in a one-hour show.  But I digress.

I am still hoping for that awesome breakout performance.  Let’s go, kids!

01.  Casey James	+1/2	“Ok It’s Alright With Me” by Eric Hutchenson – I liked this song!  It wasn’t amazing, but it is a nice laid-back style that is reflective of him as an artist.  In that regard, it was pretty good.  However, he is still going home tomorrow.
02. Crystal Bowersox	+1/2	“Come To My Window” by Melissa Etheridge – I Love this song!  But I have to agree with Randy that I didn’t love this arrangement.  Her vocal was ok, but I was distracted by the harmonica on it, and thought it was counter-productive to the vocal – it was weird and in the way, and seemed like an afterthought. Meh.  I liked Kim Caldwell’s version way back in Season 2 better.
03. Lee DeWyze		“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – Good work, Lee!  He has been slowly gaining momentum, and he really came out and showed how it should be done.
04. Casey James		“Daughters” by John Mayer – Meh – I don’t like this song, but I thought his vocal was ok.  His guitar playing is superb, as always. And I do like Casey singing John Mayer, but there are so many better John Mayer songs!  This was a song choice fail, judges.
05. Crystal Bowersox	+1/2	“Baby I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney – This was a pretty good song choice for her, and it was pushing her vocal range.  However, I think it showed off that she is not a very strong vocalist.  I know that isn’t always what things are about, especially this season, but all season I have been waiting for an amazing vocal, and I don’t think I have gotten a single amazing vocal yet. So pretty good, but in the final 3, I am still waiting for more.
06. Lee DeWyze	+1/2	“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen – Ok, so I think I take back my previous statement — This vocal was amazing!  It was unfortunately ruined by the backup singers, the smoke, the lighting, etc.  I just wanted to hear him sing!  Despite this, this was the moment he needed, and as my husband noted, “He just Carrie Underwooded that song!”

Lee may have wrapped up his win tonight – He came out fighting on both songs, and even my beloved Bowersox didn’t step up tonight the way she needed to.

Casey combined two lackluster performances with the unfortunate placement in the dead-man’s spot, and is a sure ouster tomorrow. Bowersox and Lee will battle it out at the Nokia.  Though I have a feeling with an incredible performance next week, Bowersox still has a slight chance to pull it off, after tonight, it is Lee’s competition to lose.

I am excited to see their hometown visit footage tomorrow.  It will be nice to see some good midwestern (x2) and Texas love!

1 comment May 18th, 2010

Are You Inspired?

The kids are singing “inspirational” songs tonight. Since this is clearly a subjective matter, it should be renamed “Pick whatever you want, so long as people donate to our charity” night.

01.  Casey James		“Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac – He has some awesome guitar chops, but the vocals were just average.  Casey, you better start stepping up!
02. Lee DeWyze		“The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel – This is my favorite S&G song, and I loved this performance.  THere were some places where the phrasing was kind of funky, but I appreciate the artistic liberty taken.  This guy is kicking ass–could he win the whole thing?
03. Tim Urban		“Better Days” by The GooGoo Dolls – Ugh, the vocals were terrible on this.  It is really too bad he is not better, because he has potential.  The whole not-singing-on-pitch thing really ruins it for me.
04. Aaron Kelly		“I Believe I Can Fly” by R Kelly – A Kelly doing R Kelly? Why do they keep letting him pick songs that are too big for him?  Can someone help the high school student with song choice, please?  He had slightly better vocals than Tim, but Tim pulled it off better, honestly.  I didn’t like anything about it, and I think he will be heading home tomorrow.
05. Siobhan Magnus		“When You Believe” – I actually liked her vocal tonight when she didn’t push too hard. The arrangement was a little weird in the middle and it didn’t really go anywhere. Also, it sounded in rehearsal that she was hitting a bigger money note than she did in the performance.  Unfortunately, I think she has already hit her peak, so from here on out, it is all downhill.
06. Mike Lynche		“Hero” by Nickelback – Well, it definitely wasn’t as good as last week, but it was ok.  And in comparison with the mediocre performances tonight, it actually ranks in the top half!  He could have picked a much better song, though.
07. Crystal Bowersox	+1/2	“People Get Ready” – Wow, it was obviously not her best vocal, but what a heart-felt performance!  So much emotion – I love it!  I love the mic stand, too – tres cool.  I didn’t like the glam look from her, however.  She should stick to the hippie look.

I think Aaron is the odd man out tonight.  His cuteness has run its course, and his vocals just don’t get it done onstage.  I have a feeling, though, that Casey could make a surprise appearance in the bottom three.  That dead-mans spot is, well, deadly.

Crystal and Lee take the top spot again!  Everyone else just pales in comparison.

IGB is tomorrow, otherwise I would expect a “Huff”-ing for sure, with Crystal as the Huff-ee.  With the jam-packed two hour show, however, I don’t think there will be time for Seacrest antics.

Add comment April 21st, 2010

Hunk-A-Hunk-A Burning Idol

Elvis Night.  We previously had Elvis night back in Season 5, in the fateful week that Mr. Daughtry was voted off (sigh). Hopefully this week will not produce any shock eliminations (go Bowersox!) 

After the surprise save of Big Mike last week, we have a top nine redux.  I hope they all know how much is at stake, and BRING. IT.

01.  Crystal Bowersox		“Saved” – This is great!  I loved the energy, I loved the electric guitar.  I mean, what else can I say?
02. Andrew Garcia		“Hound Dog” – Yikes, the video package  threw him under the bus, because it showed him and Adam talking about speeding it up, but he didn’t end up doing it.  The arrangement was ok, and the performance was ok, but I agree with Glambert in that it was boring.  Blah.
03. Tim Urban		“I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” – Ok, not bad, Tim. Two weeks in a row you didn’t suck!  Congrats!  Like Andrew before him, he didn’t take Glambert’s flasetto voice advice.  But it turned out ok.
04. Lee DeWyze	+1/2	“A Little Less Conversation” – I love his voice and the performance was great, but I still think he could show more energy on the stage.  It is good he is smiling, though.  And hopefully he will get the performances there, soon.
05. Aaron Kelly		“Blue Suede Shoes” – He looks a little uneasy on the stage, still.  He has a really great voice and it showed towards the end–but I think he might be in trouble tomorrow.
06.  Siobhan Magnus		“Suspicious Minds” – I think Siobhan has hit a major speed bump.  She lost the energy and excitement she had a few weeks ago.  This was just boring to me.
07. Mike Lynche		“In The Ghetto” – Aw, nice, Big Mike!  I loved that performance! It was soulful and felt authentic.  His voice was clear and I really liked the tone.  Props to the big guy!
08. Katie Stevens		“Baby What Do You Want Me To Do” – I like the upped sas-level, but she has to be careful that it doesn’t come across as snobby, and as Simon likes to say, precocious.  But she has a few good weeks left in her, and I do think she is getting better.
09. Casey James		“Lawdy Miss Claudy – The audio mix was off, I think, because his vocals seemed drowned out. It was frustrating because I can’t really decide if it was good or not.  So I give him the benefit of the doubt with a big smile.  I suppose he is allowed one bum week every once in a while.

Ryan scores one for the Dunkleman Jokes!  LOL – maybe Dunkleman should be a guest judge.  Or replace Simon.  I mean, there are so many possibilities!

I loved Big Mike tonight.  And Crystal, obviously, but she is in my favorites list every week.  Lee was pretty good, as well. 

Andrew is definitely going home tomorrow.  Maybe Aaron, too.  Big Mike should survive one more week.

Glee Out!

Add comment April 14th, 2010

Lennon-McCartney Night, Episode 3

Ryan starts us from the idol control room…where the “magic happens.”  Though for Ryan, I would argue that happens in hair and make-up.  Just saying.

Lennon-McCartney night!  In Season 7 we got two back-to-back Beatles/Lennon/McCartney nights, so hopefully there will be some new awesome performances tonight in episode 3.  Please, please don’t suck, kids, or I will personally come and beat your ass.  That is an idolreview promise!

1. Aaron Kelly		The Long and Winding Road – Blah Blah.  His voice is just starting to get swallowed by the stage– or maybe the arrangements, or something.  His voice wasn’t as crisp and clear as it has been in previous weeks.  Aaron, you need to get back on your game, stat.
02. Katie Stevens		“Let It Be” - Katie! I loved that!  It was a really nice arrangement, her voice was fantastic, and she had decent control.  I am way impressed!  Way to go, MiniMcPhee!!
03. Andrew Garcia		“Can’t Buy Me Love” – I liked the arrangement — it had a little bit of a swing vibe.  However, I didn’t think his voice was that great at all.  So I was excited by the performance, but not the vocal.
04. Mike Lynche		“Eleanor Rigby” – Aside from the few bum notes, I thought it was decent.  The arrangement was pretty hot.  The vocal was decent, and I liked that he changed it up.  That said, it was hard not to compare to Mr. Cook.
05. Crystal Bowersox	+1/2	“”Come Together” – Of course it was awesome.  The arrangement was a rockin vibe.  The vocal wasn’t as solid as it has been in the past, but I really can’t complain.  Plus there was a Didgeridoo.  Props to Ernie on the didgeridoo.
06. Tim Urban		“”All My Loving” – Well, this is the first week in a long time that I didn’t hate it.  It was a little hokey, and not very original.  But I would rather have hokey than ear-bleeding awful.
07. Casey James		“Jealous Guy” – I loved this!  It showed off his guitar chops again, and I could really see this as a current recording.  Bonus: His hair was hawt.
08. Siobhan Magnus		“Across The Universe” – Meh, I understand the vibe she was going for, but I still am not on board with her low notes, because it sounds like she has permanent congestion issues!  Perhaps a deviated septum.  Not really sure.  Regardless, I still haven’t stepped upon the bandwagon.
09. Lee Dewyze		“Hey Jude” – Some of his vocal momentsere absolutely brilliant.  The bagpiper, however? Not so hot.  The arrangement was a bit messy, and it was hard to cut this song to 2 minutes.  There was too much audience participation to come over well on TV.  Save this one for the tour, Lee, but not so hot on the Idol stage.  Still love the song and love his voice, though.

So, best tonight? Katie and Casey!  They are followed closely by Crystal and then Lee.

Worst tonight is Aaron. It also doesn’t help that he was in the dead-man’s spot.  This should ensure a bottom 3 appearance for him tomorrow.  I don’t think he will be exiting, however.  He is still liked by the tween set, as is Mr. Urban. 

Maybe Andrew is in trouble?

Add comment April 7th, 2010

The Stones!

The stones are on tap for tonight!

1. Michael Lynche	+1/2	“Miss You” – I thought it was pretty good, but not fantastic.  His vocal was good, so maybe I just didn’t like the arrangement.  Either way,  I didn’t love it.
02. Didi Benami		“Play With Fire” – Wow – I thought it was amazing!  I heart Didi and I think she is just growing and getting better.  Wow, awesome!
03. Casey James	+1/2	“All Over Now” – It was good, but not great.  I dunno – I wasn’t as excited as the judges were.  I still think he can be a little better, but I don’t think he has a shot in hell of winning this competition.  He is, however, winning the height competition with Ryan.
04. Lacey Brown		“Ruby Tuesday” – Eh, I don’t like the arrangement at all, and I wasn’t really impressed with her vocal at all.  She can really only do one kind of thing with her voice, and her whole vibe is going to get real old real fast.
05. Andrew Garcia		“Gimmie Shelter” – He liked caressing the mic stand, which in the world of idol, translates to I’m gonna be a rocker.”  I have to give him props for trying.  There was a weird last note, but other than that, I thought it was a good effort.  And like Simon said, he had to get out of the pattern he was in, and this was a step in the right direction, anyway.
06. Katie Stevens		“Wild Horses”  Katie gets the sit-down interview again – TCO strikes again! I have to admit she actually sounded pretty good.  The arrangement was a little weird in that it never seemed to go anywhere, but as far as vocals go, it was pretty good.
07.Tim Urban		“Under My Thumb” – I dunno – I found myself dozing off during the performance, and it seemed lazy.  His voice is just so weak and not up to snuff with what the vocals should be at this level.
08. Siobhan Magnus	+1/2	“Paint It Black” – And all of a sudden Siobhan is the Adam Lambert of this season!  The screamy, the boots, the dramatic lighting.  I still don’t love her voice, and i think she sings through her nose, or maybe she is permanently congested, I’m not sure. She can do some amazing things, but I’m still not 100% on board.
09. Lee Dewyze		“Beast of Burden” – Hell yeah, Lee!  That was amazing.  His voice is incredible, and he is growing and getting better. I am super impressed.
10. Paige Miles		“Honky Tonk” – I love this song, and I LURVED this arrangement, but I just wish her voice was better!  Maybe it is because she was sick, but I really think that even at 100%, she would still not quite cut it.
11. Aaron Kelly		“Angie” – It was actually not bad.  I wish his voice was stronger, but he can do some awesome things with the riffs.  I think he has good instincts, and I hope he keeps getting better.
12. Crystal Bowersox	+1/2	“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – Every week, she is extremely consistent and dependable.  I loved the arrangement, and I loved her voice. And maybe not her absolute best, but its damn close, and worthy of the pimp spot tonight.

So I know the judges are all on the Siobhan wagon, but I loved Didi tonight!  And Lee. LEE!  I love both of them.

That said, Tim needs to go home.  Like, yesterday.  And I think that Paige has gotten enough free passes, although she did get the sympathy laryngitis nod from the judges.  With 12 singers and big Mike being in the dead-man’s spot, he might be in trouble as well.

So what did everyone think?

2 comments March 16th, 2010

The Boys’ Turn

Tonight we are separating the men from the boys, so says Ryan. I am so curious to see if they will come from behind and surpass the expectation of the girls this year.

1. Todrick Hall		“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson – Well, he gets an A for originality, and I liked the arrangement. It was a little all over the place, especially in the chorus. However, I give him props for stepping out of the box, especially since that is what the judges keep asking people to do.
02. Aaron Kelly		“Here Comes Goodbye” by Rascal Flatts – He seems nervous. I do like him singing country. He looks about 12, though.
03. Jermaine Sellars	+1/2	“Get Here” by Oleta Adams – This is definitely a canon fodder guy. He won’t make it to the finals. The high notes were shaky, his other notes aren’t much better. But at least he learned not to throw the band under the bus.
04. Tim Urban		“Apologize” by One Republic – This performance was a disaster. Ouch. I feel like he had no control of his voice – he slid from falsetto to chest voice with no control, and it was just, well, a mess.
05. Joe Munoz		“You And I Both” by Jason Mraz – This performance was pretty good – It was a good song choice and a good vocal. Not great, but enough to keep him in another week.
06. Tyler Grady	+1/2	“American Woman” by The Guess Who (and Lenny Kravitz) Good song choice, good performer, it’s too bad his vocal was crap. He gets a +1/2 for the cool shirt.
07. Lee Dewyze		“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol – His key is all over the place. The bum notes really overshadowed anything that was good about it. And I disagree with Simon – again, things must sound way different in the studio. I like the potential of his voice, but this performance didn’t cut it.
08. John Park		“God Bless the Child” – Nice, And to me, it sounded like the best of the night. I think Simon is on crack tonight, because I really enjoyed his voice and his tone.
09. Mike Lynche	+1/2	“This Love” by Maroon 5 – It wasn’t bad. I still don’t know if he is as good as the show is hyping him to be, but since tonight has been somewhat lackluster, this performance sounds pretty good.
10. Alex Lambert		“Wonderful World” (by ??) – It was very blah. Like Simon said, he did look nervous, and he doesn’t have too much stage presence. I can’t imagine that he makes it through to the top 12. Like Ellen said, he needs to ripen a bit.
11. Casey James		“Heaven” by Bryan Adams – I did not like the arrangement. Love the song, though, but I don’t love it for him. I expected some blues guitar, and I did not get any of that. Pretty lackluster.
12. Andrew Garcia	+1/2	“Sugar We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy – I do enjoy this song, and I do like it for him, but again, there was just something off in the phrasing or the arrangement that made me not like this. Like Simon, my expectations for him were high, but he did not live up to them. He will definitely be safe, but I expect him to do better.

Oh, boys, boys, boys. I don’t even know what to say. This night was horrid. There was not even really a shining moment from anyone. They need to step it the hell up. Next week needs to be SO MUCH BETTER.

If I had to choose a surprise of the night, it would probably be Aaron, because I had zero expectations for him, and he turned out to be pretty good.

If next week is anything like this week, people will seriously stop watching this show. (Not me, of course, but I will be one of 12 people who still watch).

Add comment February 28th, 2010