This is the point in the competition when I think we really start to see who has a chance to win this thing – and who doesn’t. And because of that, I’m sometimes tempted to fast forward through the contestants who will probably be gone in a week or two or three.
But tonight I will resist the temptation and soldier through every single performance because I am just that selfless.
Not to mention obsessive.
Katie Stevens – “Breakaway” – She did what the judges suggested last week and picked a song by a younger singer, but I don’t know, dog – it was a little pitchy for me. It was a lot pitchy, in fact. She has a big voice, and she seems to be finding her way in terms of wardrobe and stage presence and whathaveyou, but I felt like she took a couple of steps backward with her vocals this week.
Siobhan Magnus – “House of the Rising Sun” – Siobhan perplexes me. Because on one hand she’s very skilled technically, but on the other hand there’s something about her stage presence that’s a little off-putting. It’s almost like I appreciate her, but I don’t necessarily enjoy her. And to me this song was a wee bit boring. She was pitch-perfect, but somehow I wasn’t interested. And she’s so talented – don’t get me wrong – but there’s a piece of the Siobhan puzzle that I feel like I haven’t found yet.
Lacey Brown – “The Story” – For the first time I feel like she really showed us what’s special about her voice. It was a great song choice, and I thought, “Oh, I GET IT NOW – she has sort of a Susanna Hoffs / Kate Bush thing going on.” And tonight, it totally worked. She wasn’t trying too hard – just doing her thing. Loved it.
Kaitlyn Epperley – “I Feel The Earth Move” – I really liked her performance last week – loaded with feeling, a little moody – but tonight felt more like karaoke. Nothing interpretive, nothing new – just a bland cover of a song that most of us have heard a million times. It was almost too straightforward. I wish there had been a surprise WOW moment in there somewhere, but not this week. I hope she’s still around for another chance in the Top 12.
Didi Benami – “Rhiannon” – Oh, this was absolutely the right song for her. Great interpretation, great vibe, great voice. She reminded me of a young Shawn Colvin, and that is ALWAYS a good thing. I think this was a Big Moment for her. It got a little rough in spots on the chorus, but it was definitely my favorite performance of the night (so far). I feel strangely proud of her.
(And also: I think maybe Ryan has a wee crush on her? Anyone else picking up on that?)
Paige Miles – “Smile” – She was so tentative at the beginning, and then it seemed like she was about a half a beat behind her music once the tempo picked up. This performance was so much more hesitant than what she’s done in other weeks that I almost wondered if she’s having trouble with her voice? Maybe a touch of laryngitis? I want to hug her and bless her heart.
Crystal Bowersox – “Gimme One Reason” – In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that this is one of my favorite songs of all time. And it would be so easy to do a straight cover of this song – because it’s brilliant without a single modification – but Crystal put a very bluesy, original twist on it. She’s so talented. Head and shoulders above the rest of the girls. Didi may have been my favorite tonight, but I think Crystal was the best.
Lilly Scott – “I Fall To Pieces” – This is a song where quirky vocal stylings don’t necessarily work for me, and I thought the whole thing was a little weird. That being said, she probably did enough to make it through to next week.
As far as official predictions? I think Katie and Paige will probably be the two to go, but Kaitlyn didn’t do herself any favors in the Remember Me department.
What did y’all think?
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