Overall, last night was better than I thought it'd be. Some folks were definitely out of their comfort zone (Lil' and Adam!) but others boosted their stock (Kris Allen, Anoop and Matt Giraud). Some were over the top cheese (Danny Gokey, really?!?! but he sang it well at least). Here are my reviews/critiques of each performance.
1. Michael Sarver - Garth Brooks “Ain’t Goin’ Down Till the Sun Comes Up”
Worst performance of the night. I am now to the point where I am getting angry that he is still on that stage and others (Ann Marie Boskovich and Felicia Barton) were sent home so early. Sure, he is a likable guy. Sure, he's got a relatively decent voice. But tonight was fodder, no getting around it. I thought that he was trying to do a ventriloquist act the whole time- he hardly ever opens his mouth when he sings! Pronunciation, Michael...especially with an overly-wordy song like that. I thought he was uncomfortable and showed how average he is compared to the other contestants.
2. Allison Iraheta - Patty Loveless “Blame It On Your Heart”
Allison did well tonight, but she is starting to sound the same every week to me. That is sad, because I think she has a great voice. I did like the rock edge she put on Patty Loveless though. I think Paula is right in that she needs to show a little vulnerability. I would like to see her sing a ballad, take out some of the grit in her voice and really show the audience that she can sing, no matter what kind of song it is. She's safe this week, but she has to do something again next week to keep her buzz strong like it was after she did "Alone."
3. Kris Allen - Garth Brooks “To Make You Feel My Love”
While Kris might not have taken my advice on what actual song to sing, he definitely took my advice to play it up for the ladies. No woman can resist a soft ballad, right? (personal note: learn this song to sing to the ladies). This was one of my favorite performances of the night. It's hard for an American Idol contestant to resist the urge to throw out the big glory notes on every song, but Kris showed that he can. His laid back and genuine rendition of this song shows that he knows how to play the game better than we thought he did. And, I liked that he did it without his guitar (granted, it would have been baller if it was solely acoustic, but still). It showed that he's not dependant on his guitar like Scott and Matt are for their piano.
4. Lil' Rounds - Martina McBride "Independence Day"
I like Lil', don't get me wrong. I think she can sing. But I think this song showed that she is not as good as we all would like to think she is. She is the token Gospel singer for this season, but she's not as good as others on past seasons. Syesha, Jennifer Hudson, and Fantasia all had better voices, IMO. I respect her choice to not do the overly cliched "I Will Always Love You," because I don't think she would have done it justice. I just think it's funny how the judges told her she should have sang it, even though they rip every girl who does attempt it a new one. Lil' was extremely out of her element this week, so I'm not going to hold it against her too much. But, just because you have the biggest voice (of the girls) in the competition, don't think that it's necessarily big enough for Martina McBride. Girl can SAAANG!
5. Adam Lambert - Johnny Cash "Ring of Fire"Ahhh, the part that you all have been no doubt waiting for. You all know that I like Adam the most of any of the contestants. I think in terms of vocal ability and performance, he can blow any of the contestants this year out of the water. However, this song choice and arrangement was a little on the strange side, I'll give you that. There are tons of mixed emotions on this performance, and I know most of you reading this are on the "I hated that" train. I, however, am on the "I'm loving it" train. It took me three times listening to it to figure that out though. Vocally, his rendition is brilliant. Some of the liberties he took DID give it a very Led Zepplin-ish feel, and I DUG that. Most people would have liked the song more had the musical arrangement been different, I think. But again, I thought it was great. I'm also partial to crazy covers of classic songs, so that might also be why. The one thing that did bug me was the whole starting in a minor chord, then going to a major chord for the chorus, then back into the minor. I would have liked if it was all minor and eerie sounding. The major chords made it sound too bright for the mood that was trying to be set. The drums dropping in halfway through was also baller. It's an iconic song that most people shouldn't touch, and that rubbed people the wrong way, but I challenge you all to go back and watch/listen to it again now that the initial shock has worn off. I think you'll like it more than you think you did. But I'll agree with you, it probably wasn't made for American Idol.
6. Scott MacIntyre - Martina McBride "Wild Angels"Scotty boy, Scotty boy...what can I say. He's consistently average. His piano playing is great. The little arpeggio thing he did at the end was awesome (even though the camera didn't show it!). His voice is just too bland for me. There is no color. There are no dynamics. Pitch struggles mightily. But he has passion, I'll give him that. And he's sorta funny. But that is not what American Idol is about. It's a singing competition. This week wasn't great, and it wasn't terrible. It was just average, middle-of-the-road Scott. He needs to do an up tempo Billy Joel or Elton John song next week to prove to me that he should be where he is.
7. Alexis Grace - Dolly Parton “Jolene”
Ok, Alexis gave a decent performance. Sounded a little too much like the original for me. I like her though. I think she can sing for a lil' white girl (maybe we can call her "Lil' Thin" to complement Lil' Rounds? no? oh well, moving on). I am really disappointed that she didn't do "Before He Cheats," as were the judges!! She would have absolutely killed that. She is fine for this week, but it was nothing to write home about.
8. Danny Gokey - Carrie Underwood "Jesus Take the Wheel"
Vocally, this performance was very, very good. I enjoyed how he sounded on this song. The soul he brought to the climax of the song added a great deal to it. Realistically, why in the world is he pouring Velvetta cheese all over my TV right now?! I just picture Ryan Seacrest laughing hysterically in the back when he found out Gokey was singing this song. But aside from the worship pastor singing about Jesus (very novel), I think he did a great job with the song. I am still routing against him, but I got to give him what props he deserves, even if I did laugh at it. Also, Simon was spot on about the freaking Tundra jacket he was wearing in 70+ degree weather. Really dude??
9. Anoop Desai - Willie Nelson "Always on My Mind"
'Noop-dawg! Ok, so I am overly critical of Anoop, let me go ahead and put that out there. I don't find the fact that we both attended the same University grounds enough for me to judge him any less harsh than I judge any of the other contestants. I do, however, expect more from him than he gives me on a week in-week out basis. I think he's better than he's showing. That being said...on to the review. I think Anoop redeemed himself last night. I think he did what I said he should (croon a soulful ballad) but what really made it stand out to me was how he changed an iconic song to something completely different and very good. I have issues with his pitch when he is doing the softer parts of songs. If he had a little more breath support, those notes would come out more full, but not lose any of their tenderness. Once he goes into his "money range" as I call it, he has the most pleasing voice of any of them. So I hope he goes far, but I think the Chapel Hill girls should not throw their panties at the TV quite yet. He still has a lot to prove before that is acceptable.
10. Megan Corkery - Patsy Cline "Walking After Midnight"
So, not one of the songs I predicted, but same artist! And it's an artist who sounds similar on every song, so I say I got this one right :). Flu or no flu, Megan looked hot tonight! You'll rarely hear me compliment her vocals on this blog because I'm not a huge fan of her kind of voice, but for being sick, she did ok. Her "WHOOP WHOOP!" at the end was vintage Megan quirkiness, and I loved that. She won't be going home I don't think, and if she does, she will get saved hands down. I don't think that she can last too much longer in this competition because she just doesn't have an American Idol type of voice. Very monotone singer, to me. If she had some range to go with her tone, I'd probably love her.
11. Matt Giraud - Carrie Underwood "So Small"
So what is up with all the guys singing girls songs?! Got me, but I'm liking it! I think Matt did an awesome job with this song. Rightfully so, it was the Pimp Spot! There were a few pitchy notes, but it didn't take away from his performance. This is one of my favorite country songs (one I also like to play and sing also) and I thought the musical arrangement was awesome. The staccato that they used with the strings was very nice. I don't like how he chopped up the lyrics so much though. I feel like if he just sang the chorus all the way through, it would have sounded much better to me. He cut out some of the parts that would have been awesome, but maybe too high for him. He still should have hit them though.
Well, that's it! I think that the bottom 3 will be Michael, Megan, and Scott. Michael Sarver is a goner. If he is, then America got it right. If it's either of the other two, you might see a save! Do you agree with my reviews?! I expect most not to for some (Adam), but I hope you all enjoyed the read. Post your comments!
Your American Idol Junkie,
Billy
P.S. I'm going to paraphrase my roommate, Brenton Clark Woodcox. "You should be on the show helping them, because the show would have been better if they sang the songs you picked for them rather than the ones they did." Hear that, Seacrest? Hook a brotha up!
22 comments:
Originally emailed by Laurie:
I thought last night's show was really fun to watch. Here's an article from Rolling Stone that sums up my feelings quite nicely: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/18/adam-lamberts-bizarre-johnny-cash-cover-is-the-talk-of-american-idol-s-country-week/.
My goodness... that's about all I have to say about "Ring of Fire." That was one of the weirdest things I've seen in my entire life. I shared Kara's feelings -- it was just strange -- and I'm not really sure what I think about it.
Who I loved: Matt Giraud. After last week's performance, his song was the one stuck in my head all week, the one I sang back. I would probably buy his CD before any of the other contestants. When I heard he was singing "So Small," I thought it would be a disaster. I love that song and Carrie Underwood, and I thought he'd butcher it. It was actually great. When ranking people I didn't think America would like him as much as I do -- he was just a wild card -- but I hope he wins. If he doesn't, he'll still do something. Kris and Anoop were also really good.
Who I hated: Can Alexis please go home? When Clayton released the rankings on Sunday I got worried. I gave Alexis a one and the rest of you ranked her higher. My rankings aren't the only reason I want her to leave. I also thought she did an awful job last night.
Okay... now I have to get to work...
Laurie
Originally emailed by Kristen:
I agree with Laurie...I thought Matt did an amazing job and that Ring of Fire was sooooo weird. I was actually a little worried that Adam was going to break into some sort of strip tease or something on stage...no sir! Also, Anoop did great as well (yay!)
I didn't rank Alexis low on my list, but that doesn't mean I like her. I would be okay if she was eliminated earlier than I ranked her just because I don't know how many more weeks of "dirty-ing it up" I can handle.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Kristen
Originally emailed by Andrew:
Wow Laurie, that article is right on. Last night's trends continue, my bracket could be in trouble, but I may be okay with that.
Originally emailed by Mrs. Karen:
Like Kristen said, we had to put people where we thought America would vote, so we don’t necessarily agree with some slots. But I would have at least by last week moved Matt up several slots from where I put him. He’s been great the last two weeks.
I do think Anoop has saved himself if he will start “choosing the right song” like this week, even though he probably won’t go up really high. And I know we Carolina people wish he would, but… then you can’t discount that “little girl” vote he’ll be fighting Kris for.
Country week can KILL some people. Not everyone is “ little bit country--a little bit rock n roll”, like Donny Osmond “thinks” he is (None of you probably ever saw his weekly show like I did). This part really grates on my nerves. They make you sing a country song, which Lil did, then they tell you, “that’s just not you.” Well, duh. I hope it didn’t kill Lil, who is number one on my list and my personal # 1. She really made a boo boo on that song, with all the fast moving songs she could have chosen.
I can see some possible inner conflict. It makes it harder for me to watch the show. I don’t feel as laid back about it as before, as I see people doing better, realizing they need to stay longer and wanting to pull for them, yet from where they are on my list and having a deep innate desire to win—well I think you all know what I am talking about.
Mrs. Karen
Originally emailed by Mrs. Karen:
I like Kris and think he is good and cute. But I howled when you wrote about singing like a llama. I had noticed that jaw movement and your description was right on the money. Ha!
Mrs. Karen
Here's my thinking about the save. The judges will only use it if they think the person has a legitimate chance at winning - or at least getting into the top 5. Thus, while I agree with your bottom 3, I don't think any of them are save-worth. It only takes the dissent of one judge to spoil a save.
Save worthy contestants: Adam, Danny, Lil and Matt. Kris and Alexis may be save-worth also because the judges may figure that they won't need to save their "save" for those 4.
am i the only one in the world who thought that matt was off key and extra hoarse sounding last nite? i thought he was terrible but everyone loved (loves) him. i just dont get it!
any chance adam is in trouble if american hated his song? do we think he is the lead vote getter each week?
"Realistically, why in the world is he pouring Velvetta cheese all over my TV right now?!" BAHAHAHA oh Billy.... that just makes me picture you pouring the Velvetta all over that nice expensive T.V. of yours....
A few things (and i totally wish i had a chance to comment after ever person's review because now i forget some of them), but here goes (and they might not all be PC...I'm not sure):
A) While people are hating on Lil for her song choice, I am really glad that she did what she did--she stepped outside her comfort zone and followed the rules--sang a country song AS a country song--where as I think Adam cheated. He didn't play by the rules and sang a funky version (though, I admit, it was kind of cool) of a country song...I think that what he did is NOT what the competition is about...as an artist you need to be able to adapt...he did not and was seemingly not willing to, and i hope that people continue to give him crap for that, regardless of how talented he is.
B) Scott has got to go. Same performance week after week. so over it.
C) In general, my belief is that American Idol contestants should NEVER sing former Idol winners' songs. NEVER. Clearly this person won for a reason & the judges have a particular view of this person's music in their head. I think it's one of the dumbest things an Idol contestant can do. So, sorry. I hated pretty much all the Carrie Underwood songs that were performed.
D) I hate Megan. I know so many people who can sing like her (and better) and if I have to watch her spastic dancing for one more week...well, I just don't know what I'll do! I think she's a cool girl and I'd love to be her friend, but right now, she doesn't have what it takes to win it and every week we keep her around, she is not with her 2 year old son...really, Mom? really?
i think that's about it! haha
Kris, after listening to Matt Giraud's performance again, the vocals are not as good as everyone is making them out to be. You are correct here. What sold it for him was his ability to sell the song with his playing/performance. When I was watching it I thought "wow, this is REALLY good!" but when I just listen to the vocals and I can't see all the pimp lighting and tickling of ivory, I can see your point. I've never thought he was the best vocalist, but he sold last nights song.
"But that is not what American Idol is about. It's a singing competition."
Wrong, Billy. It's a popularity contest. If they wanted it to be a singing competition, they wouldn't let America vote.
Brent that is a great efficient post. I agree.
Megan: Her character, voice, tat, and dancing make her marketable. I think she is one of the few people that can "make it" without the American Idol logo behind them. I think you will hear her on the radio. Unfortunately I think people who would like her voice the most don't watch this show.
What is the difference that makes people like Matt and not Scott. Both have vocals that are less good than others (in my opinion). Matt better than Scott. Scott much better than Matt on piano (yes this involves him being blind). Why is everyone so upset at him getting ahead or some unfair advantage by being blind. 1)he plays piano, arranges, and learns a song each week. wow. be impressed by that. 2)Looking at brent's post above this one it is a popularity contest not just about singing. So don't get all pissed because he doesn't sing as well as others. One name, fantasia.
billy, great idea. i'm sure you are stoked about all the post. here's an idea, don't let kris norris post a new thread one week because no one will read/care/comment that week. congrats on a great idea.
I went to UNC. I am a Chapel Hill girl. I don't throw panties. that's all...no matter how good a singer. You'd throw your boxers at Megan tho ;)
so the question is...who do we think is going? I totally picked Sarver out on this one and he did me proud by singing horribly! everyone thought he had the country vote, but if he can't do the country songs, then he can't count on those fans?!? will amy and billy be 3 for 3!!?
Amy, I'm right there with you...Michael is out tonight! He seems like a really nice guy, but he does not need to go on the Idol Summer tour.
Kris and Billy, regarding Matt Giraud, I think he did great last night, but I have to admit that I haven't listened to the vocals without the "lights and tickling of ivory" like Billy did. During his performance I was impressed and Clayton was NOT impressed, so he agrees with you all. But, Clayton also thinks Scott is great, and well....he's not.
Billy, this blog is great...another thing to keep me from reading about corporate law...woot!! Thanks man.
So, when the contestants sing at the beginning of the results shows, are they lip syncing? I think it's pretty obvious and in poor taste.
"let freedom ring," sang the Lil, the only black girl on the show. ironic, eh? jk
i think you're right, though, billy, on several points. out of all the other black female entertainers of AI's past, she's definitely not the best. she's good, but far from wowing me at this point. i think it's totally unfair they suggested she sing 'i will always love you.' if she had done that they would've talked verbally murdered her, i think.
and adam -- do we think johnny cash rolled over in his grave? it sounded like it should've been in the movie Aladdin. nonetheless, i think you're right billy that he's a great singer, but you know he gets on my nerves and i think he belongs on broadway.
(btw: kudos on the blog. i'm gonna start a 'billy replace paula's crazy ass' campaign.)
and i concur with the sentiments about matt. he was def pitchy and off key. i love that song my carrie underwood, too. what's interesting about the matt performance is that they didn't talk about his off-keyness; they, did, however, talk about kris allen's pitch, and he wasn't as pitchy as matt.
i love this blog and the comments! but i disagree w/ AJ.... paula's crazy ass makes the show!! Billy should replace Kara ... I do not like her
Hahaha... yes I agree that Billy should replace Kara instead of Paula. He's already got the "dang-yous-fine-why-dont-we-make-out-after-the-show" look goin' on....
haha, i'm LOVING the posts guys! Keep em coming! I want to address some of them.
KT Wall- I agree with you on (b) and (d). Scott has to go sometime soon, but not yet. And Megan is not that good (though I like her personality). As for (a), I strongly disagree with you here. The only thing you have to do on a themed night is pick a song within that category. From there, I want to see what kind of creativity you have. If you aren't a country singer, I'd rather you flip the song to fit your voice and show your knowledge on how to make a song relevent to you and who you are as an artist. Adam, Kris, Matt and Anoop managed to do that. But think back to David Cook last season. He killed a good 4-5 songs with original versions that people LOVED! "Hello," "Always Be My Baby" (which was nice!), "Billie Jean," and "Eleanor Rigsby" to name a few. That is what I love to hear from an American Idol finalist. I don't want to hear bad Karaoke. I respect Lil's wanting to show tribute to the artist, but she should do that only if it highlights her voice, like it did when she did Mary J Bliges "Be Without You." end rant.
Kelly- I'm sorry, dear, but you just showed your guilt. Just kidding! The whole "throwing panties at the screen" thing was just a joke, but I do want to challenge you all to judge him just as much as you would judge anyone else. Don't let his UNC-hood blind you to bad performances and off notes. Vote for him millions of times- that's good. Just be willing to accept some tough critique by me. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
Laurie- I agree with you. I think they were lip-syncing. Allison was not singing the correct words, but I heard her voice singing them. Also, funny how the piano kept playing once Scott got up from it...hmmm. At least he moved around the stage, right Paula?!
Loto- I think she is saying that I give those eyes to girls on the show. Well, not girls on this season, but heck yea Carrie Underwood!
Review of last nights episode will be out later today!
So...just to prove that I DO vote for the singers who I think sang well:
Though Anoop hasn't lived up to his potential,I don't think there's been a night he didn't sing "decently".
Now clearly at this point, it's about more than just getting by...you've gotta SAAAAANG (as Billy would say). I feel like Anoop stepped it up this week.
I actually didn't vote for him AS MUCH after the Michael Jackson week. I do think he should have sung another song, but for a song as difficult to pull of, I think the actual performance was pretty good. Not monumental or Idol history by any stretch (and it may have been "forgetable" as Simon would say) but it wasnt as "TERRIBLE" as Simon described. And lets face it, the only possibly historic performance of the night was maybe Adam's... am I right? (Though he also made history this week in another way, HAH).
Sidenote: I'm with Billy about Adam's "Ring of Fire" performance. I think I've decided that I DO NOT like watching it because it makes me feel dirty; but the more I LISTEN to it, the more and more I like it. I love it when people put creative spins on classics and I think he did this one quite well. Loved the "metal" feel he brought to it... AND those high notes give me chills in a good way...unlike the live performance which gave me chills in an "ew, creepy" way.
BACK TO THE ISSUE AT HAND:
I also personally really liked Anoop's performance from country night, and I think it served him well to get back to a "smooth ballad".
I'd rather not be labeled as someone who's voting for him just because he goes to UNC; but because he is from UNC and I think he's got a good voice...When he does well, I am happy...when he doesn't get voted off, I give a sigh of relief.
I don't really expect him to win the whole thing (though crazier things have happened), but I'm certainly going to support him when I think there are other singers in the competition who are not as good as he is (ESP MICHAEL SARVER....GRRRR...NOT A FAN).
For the record I've also voted for Adam, Lil, Alexis(sorry Laurie), Kris and Allison. (Not all of these on the same night, but different nights when their respective performances stood out).
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