'American Idol': Top 11 perform
I'm sorry to tell you this, but tonight's theme on American Idol is Grand Ole Opry (which will probably be boiled down to country). I think that's really not going to work for some people. But I guess we'll see.
Simon Cowell even sarcastically tells Ryan Seacrest that he loves country music so much, he wishes it was a full week instead of two hours.
Hey, Randy Travis is in the audience! That's because he was the one who invited Carrie Underwood to join the Grand Ole Opry and because he worked with the Top 11 during the past week.
First up is Michael Sarver, who is going to sing a speedy song, Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down Til the Sun Comes Up," and Randy Travis warns him not to biff the words. He handles it swimmingly, though the manic harmonica player sitting on the stage is a little distracting. Randy Jackson says it was a cool song choice, but he didn't think it showed his vocal capabilities. (Ha, Simon is booing him, like Randy always does to him.) Kara DioGuardi said it didn't have any big notes, but she was impressed he handled all the lyrics. He says he just wanted to have fun. Paula Abdul says it was fun to watch him and that the genre suits him well. Simon says it should have been good, but he couldn't understand a single word he sang. "Country folks did," Michael says. Simon calls is clumsy and karaoke, and then, pressed by Ryan, gives it a "1.2" out of 10.
Allison Iraheta tells Randy Travis she's going to sing Patty Loveless' "Blame It on Your Heart," and he's impressed. He does suggest she skip the little dance she does during her practice with him. It's a good choice for her -- she gives it a rock vibe and kills it. Kara says she could sing the alphabet and sing it well (snore), but adds that she gave the song her own spin, which isn't easy. Paula calls it another rock-solid performance. Then she tells Allison she needs to expand her range and show some vulnerability. (Except you just know that if she did that, she'd get scolded for getting outside of her little rock-grrrl box.) Simon says it was good, though a little bit tuneless at parts. Randy Jackson says he thought it was dope, and her family goes wild.
Kris Allen takes on "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks, and Randy Travis tells him that Garth will like it. He sings it, sans guitar, in a very balladeer-ish manner. It's nice, but kind of boring, and his last note, a high one, is off. Paula says she's surprised and that it was an honest, pure and vulnerable performance. She adds that he needs to make sure his low notes are on pitch (and some of the high ones). Simon says he thought it was terrific, that it was a great song choice, and a very controlled performance. "That, in a way, probably is the first time ... when I've really thought you've got a shot at this competition." Randy Jackson says Kris brought out the tender moments. Kara says the song wasn't even country, it was just beautiful.
Lil Rounds talks to Ryan about how she is going to hold back her R&B sound and "honor the country." She sings Martina McBride's "Independence Day." She sings it well, but it is a departure. Randy Jackson says it was ambitious and he wasn't sure at first, but when she hit her "power zone," it was better. He says it was "all right." She says she wanted to show that R&B isn't the only thing that she can sing and that she thought the song was really relevant. Kara says she could have chosen other songs, but she did what she felt, and that's part of being an artist. Paula says she things everything is going right for her tonight. Then she babbles about her voice "piercing through." Simon calls her "Little" and struggles with trying to say "Lil." He says it came across like she had to sing a song at a wedding that she didn't like and that she seemed uncomfortable. See, this is what happens when someone gets out of their box! They get yelled at. (So Allison, don't listen to what Paula said a few minutes ago.) Sigh.
Adam Lambert tells Ryan that this will be a signature performance. He talks with Randy Travis about how he is going to perform "Ring of Fire," based on this cover that has a lot of sitar and a Middle Eastern flair. Randy's not so sure. Adam is. Dear Adam, remember how you were going to rein in the theatricality? Not so much. It might be technically difficult and well done that way, but I didn't find it enjoyable. Kara says it was all a little strange, and she doesn't know what to make of it. She closes, "It was strange, but I kind of liked it." Paula says he is true to who he is as an artist (as in: he stays in his box), and she liked that it reminded her of Kashmir-era Led Zeppelin. Simon: "I think what Randy [Travis] was trying to say was, 'What the hell was that?'" He adds that people are throwing their televisions out the window right now because "it was absolutely indulgent rubbish." Yes, yes it was. Randy Jackson says it was like Nine Inch Nails doing a country song, so it's relevant and current. (Perhaps he was thinking of Johnny Cash's cover of NIN's "Hurt"?) Blah. Randy Travis says he's still speechless.
Scott MacIntyre is going to sing "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. Randy Travis interviews and says he didn't want to tell him, but he thought it was a bad choice. After working with him, though, he decided he could pull it off -- he suggested Scott speed up the tempo. His piano playing is spot-on, and he does OK once it gets a little faster, but some of his high notes are seriously off. Paula says tonight was another impressive, lovely performance, but she thinks the piano is becoming a crutch and separating him from the audience. "We can move it closer," he says. Hee. She wants him to mix it up. (Don't do it! Stay in your box or they will yell at you.) Simon says she's being stupid, that he's comfortable behind the piano, and so is Elton John. He adds he isn't picking the right songs yet, that really show him off. Randy says he is looking for the "hot, crazy, unbelievable" vocals, but this has been kind of safe. Kara tells him they just want him to up his game a little bit.
Alexis Grace is going to sing Dolly Parton's "Jolene," and Randy Travis says it was a good choice for her -- he doesn't even have any notes for her. She's comfortable with the song, but it was a little pitchy. And Randy Jackson agrees, immediately saying it was pitchy. Kara says she lost her edge a little, and she found it a little flat. Paula says it was more effective than the others said because she showed a different side of her vocals. "I don't care about pitch problems," she says. Hello, it's a singing competition. Simon says it was a little "soundalike," which Alexis doesn't understand. (She keeps talking back and responding to everything. Shhhh! It's time for you to listen!)
Danny Gokey got nervous in front of Randy Travis. He is going to sing "Jesus Take the Wheel," and he messes up a bunch of times during his practice. (Whoever told him to pop his collar on this weird white blazer didn't do him any favors.) He remembers the words and delivers a nice performance, though he loses some notes here and there. Kara wants to talk, but the audience is being too loud. She finally says when he hits his stride, he's like no other, though she says the first half was not great. Paula says if he was always that high up, they would get used to it or something? Anyway, she thought he was brilliant. Simon says he agrees that there should be light and shade, but he doesn't like his outfit -- he says he looks like he is going on a polar expedition. Randy agrees with Kara, saying that he didn't support the verses enough, that they were pitchy.
Anoop Desai says he was nervous about Grand Ole Opry week at first. Randy Travis says he was interested to hear that he's singing "You Were Always on My Mind," but his doubt went away when he heard Anoop singing it. Anoop says he was driven by Simon's comment last week that he didn't deserve to be in the Top 13 after his performance. This is way, way better -- controlled and serious and heartfelt. Nice recovery after "Beat It" last week. Paula: "Anoop is back!" She adds that she is proud of him and his vocals. Simon: "Anoop, you just managed to go from zero to her. That was a good choice of song. In a way, that was one of my favorite performances of the night. ... You definitely deserve to be in the show." Randy Jackson says this is why they wanted him in the show -- because he can really sing. He adds that the arrangement "was dope." Kara says it is hard to take an "untouchable" song and create a personal performance. She says it was the surprise of the night. Ryan asks if he is surprised by the feedback and he says no because he expects the best of himself.
Megan Joy Corkrey sings "I Go Walking After Midnight." Randy Travis wasn't sure at first, but loved her arrangement. He tells her to sing it just like she did in practice. So. I know the judges are in love with her "unique" sound, but to me she just sounds kind of stilted. I just want to ask why she's singing that way and enunciating that way. I don't get it. Her notes are OK, I guess, but I'm not totally enamored. Randy Jackson says he thought it was going to be a trainwreck, but it was really good. Kara says it was the perfect song and the perfect look. She adds that she's a winner because she just got through that song with the flu. Paula says she's been in the hospital and didn't get to do the run-through. Simon says she should have the flu every week because she sounded better this week than last week. Hearing that she has the flu, OK, I definitely cut her some slack, but I still don't get her.
Matt Giraud is going to sing Carrie Underwood's "So Small." As happened a few other times, Randy Travis says he wasn't sure about the choice, but once Matt sang, he liked it a lot. He performs behind the piano, and I guess he changes up the song a bit, but I'm not familiar with the original. Kara says he's an artist and he "worked the dynamics of that song. Amazing. I just love you." Paula struggles over the word authenticity, but she eventually says he pierces through people's hearts. That sounds painful. Simon says he doesn't think he's been given enough credit for his vocals, and that tonight he thinks he outsang Danny. He says he reminds Simon of Michael Buble. Randy Jackson says it was his favorite performance of the night, and that he has it going on since he's gotten compared to Justin Timberlake and Michael Buble.
Who'd you like? Who'd you hate? Any predictions for tomorrow night?
Comments
And I think this was the first AI Season where the contestants as a majority twisted the Country song choices to fit their own style. It was rather refreshing to hear.
That being said - and knowing Country week is always difficult for the contestants - I found something wrong with everyone’s performance this week .. except .. Adam. Don’t die of shock - I actually really enjoyed his performance.
OK - hear me out before you disagree. I’ve noticed a trend this last year - the whole “Bali-wood” genre is becoming more prevalent in American music and dance. The kids are eating it up - and I don’t blame them. It’s a fun genre - its fun to watch - and I'm sure it would be fun to dance as well.
Adam was spot on in selecting this version to perform this week. he’s trying to establish himself as that alternative rocker who is going to surprise you every week. The Asian influence is totally relevant to what the kids today are listening to. It was a brilliant choice - and her performed it brilliantly. My only fear is - the TWEENS and the older ladies won’t get it. And they won’t vote for him. However - Adam has the support of the Musical Theater crowd - and a huge online following so I’m not that concerned.
Getting lost in the shuffle tonight - and at risk of going home are Lil Rounds, Scott and Megan. I’m placing them as my bottom three. I really and truly think Lil is at the greatest risk of having the fewest votes this week - talk about your shockers! But … she’ll be saved by the new Judges rule. They won’t let her go home this early.
Megan’s saving grace will be how much the judges mentioned her illness. It was evident to me she was sick when she wasn’t hitting the notes - I’m not sure someone who hasn’t performed would notice. The judges did her a HUGE favor of only mentioning the illness and not critiquing her performance. Because it sucked - illness or not - it was bad. She should go home next.
Scott will be saved because of his disability. I’m not saying that to be cruel - it’s the truth. People want to see hi do well so they’ll vote for him. His performance this week was much better than last week - and I think he’ll continue to grow as an artist if given a chance. I’m keeping my fingers crossed he makes it to the Top 10 … because I think he’s the one who will benefit from the coaching the most.
Other top performers tonight - Matt, Anoop and Alison. Matt killed the last note - in a bad way - but that was the only thing I saw wrong with his performance. Alison was just amazing - and Anoop surprised me. {he’s a handsome kid!}
I enjoyed Kris and Alexis - but I’m not jumping up and down over their performances. Michael Sarver - just taking up space - they need a country sound on the tour. He could go home next week and I wouldn’t notice.
Now Danny … you guys know that I adore Danny. He wasn’t at his best tonight … but I totally understand why he selected that song. My relationship with God isn’t the best … we’ll call it a hate-hate thing going on between us. But after the hubby passed away “Jesus Take The Wheel” became a relevant song in my life. And not really in a spiritual way where I thought God would control my life .. but in a way that I knew my life was on a total crash course and I had to rely of Fate to get through that time.
Danny’s a Christian - and the whole religion battle going on over AI right now could have played in to his song choice this week. It ran through my mind when I heard he was going to sing this one. BUT .. I think it held a more personal reason for him. He did start off a bi shaky .. but the end was amazing!
I’m going to go broke this year downloading performances off of iTunes.
Bottom three: Lil, Scott, Megan. Lil fewest votes - but saved by the judges.
Posted by: Willo | March 17, 2009 10:55 PM
Okay, Michael was a boring disapointment...no energy that the song demands.
Allison...I just don't like her, yet. Gretchen Wilson would have suited her better.
Kris, perfect choice for wooing the women.
Lil...what was she thinking?!?
Adam...self indulgent crap was right! Johnny Cash is gonna come back for him and bash a bottle in his face and call him Sue.
Scott...want him to wake up with a bit of fire.
Alexis...I screamed at Brooke White last year and anyone who tries to sing "Jolene" to remember the Passionate pleading for this song...Alexis didn't hear me either.
Danny...Started out too slow...and then in the verse you couldn't help think about his dead wife and the pain he felt. I almost cried.
Anoop...moving
Megan (the Robin killer)...I don't care if she is sick...GO HOME MEGAN!!!!!!
Matt...Going...going...gone! A Homerun.
My bottom two would be michael and megan...sending the no talent in dancing ( wiggling your hips like you got to go to the bathroom isn't cutting it ) Megan home and Simon saying "no" as fast as he can to her when Seacreast asks if she will be saved.
Posted by: Dana G | March 17, 2009 10:58 PM
I'll narrow it down to Scott, Lil or Michael going home. I love Lil when she's doing an R&B song, but I didn't like her song tonight so much.
I think the same thing about Megan as you do. She sounded like she was trying to sing with an accent, if you ask me. I like bits and pieces of her music, but this was too quirky for me. I think enough people will like her to keep her in this week.
Posted by: daisy | March 17, 2009 11:41 PM
Danny , Matt and Allison were the best.
Michael,Meagan and Alexis lights were not shining.
Who's going home? Alexis, because Meagan gets a free pass because of the ful.
Posted by: Brice | March 18, 2009 1:11 AM
They are all so different performers that it is difficult to compare one to the other. The weakest performer is Michael Sarver so I think he should be going home next. Anoop really showed tonight that his vocals have been highly underrated to this point. If he continues to have performances like that, he will be a force to be reckoned with. You are so right about Alan being way too theatrical for this competition. Both Megan and Alexis are overrated and vunerable in the next few weeks. Danny too is starting to show signs of weakness in his vocals. That means in my opinion Kris, Matt, Scott, Lil, Allison, and Anoop would be the best bets for top six.
Posted by: Bob | March 18, 2009 1:58 AM
I love Megan. She's unique. She's hot. There's something about her that is irresistable. That smile! Go Megan!
Posted by: Leonor | March 18, 2009 4:28 AM
Scott or alsxhs goes.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 18, 2009 6:43 AM
Johnny Cash is rolling over in his grave.
You didn't expect Adam to shine during Country week and it's certainly to his advantage to get it out of the way early in the competition. But THAT was very possibly the worst performance ever by a top 12'er.
It won't send him home, though. He's got a fan base to carry him to the final five or so.
I am afraid, looking at the dialidol predictions, we are losing someone I like tonight. I really hope it's not Alexis.
Posted by: Bucky | March 18, 2009 9:28 AM
Adam Lambert = creepy.
Posted by: Allen | March 18, 2009 9:31 AM
Megan Joy is terrible!! Having the flu is no excuse since she has been terrible throughout this competition. She enunciates weird, has little control and is frequently off-key. It is completely unfair that this blonde "pretty girl" is getting props for doing well when other girls aren't.
Oh, and Lil Rounds? She HAD to sing country. I thought she did well considering.
I loved Adam's performance.
Posted by: GBA1 | March 18, 2009 10:00 AM
I thought it was interesting this week when they praised some of them for being "Artristic" this week, while last week Simon told Scott "It's ok to be artistic, just not on this show".
So, tell me, what changed? hmmmm.
Posted by: Nina | March 18, 2009 10:44 AM
How can you "not get" Megan?
she is the only person I would consider buying a CD of her music..
the others are all boring cookie cut-outs of the AI production line!
Posted by: Ray Barcia | March 18, 2009 11:09 AM
How can anyone like Adam. he is horrible. Anyone who screws with the brilliance of Johnny Cash should be harmed, but it goes way back even before this. Everyone loved his Stones impression. Uhm, HORRIBLE. It isn't even that I don't like the genre (which honestly, I do not care for) He can't sing. There is a place for Adam, and it isn't the stage.
Posted by: Madalyn | March 18, 2009 1:00 PM
I thought Adam's song was bizarre but I find him highly entertaining...Many performances are not memorable (Michael and Alexis and even Lil this week), but I always remember Adam.
Plus I really loved his "I can't get no satisfaction performance", so I'd like to see him stick around.
Posted by: liz | March 18, 2009 2:41 PM
No offense, liz, but I remember a train wreck I saw on the way to work a few years ago, too. Adam's "Ring of Fire" sucked.
(Acknowledging, once again, that country music isn't in his wheelhouse and that he will shine in other theme weeks that are.)
Posted by: Bucky | March 18, 2009 3:06 PM
They liked Adam because he was SOOO different...I kind of liked his arrangement. Better than most last night...although thats not hard with this season. Yikes. Kelly Clarkson please come back.
Posted by: lore | March 18, 2009 3:20 PM