Giddy up, Idol fans.
And for the record, I apparently have been living in a cave. I didn’t know that the format was going to be so different this year (moving from top 24 to top 10 plus two wildcards this week). I also didn’t expect to see the big stage tonight, so just color me surprised all the way around.
Clint Jun Gamboa – “Superstitious” – Now y’all know I’m a sucker for some old school Stevie Wonder. It almost seemed like the band was too loud on this song, though – the horns especially were way louder than Clint’s vocals. He seemed really at ease and did a good job (I love an energetic start to the show); I just think that somebody needs to TURN DOWN THE BAND.
Jovany Barreto – “I’ll Be” – He looked really nervous at first but settled down about a third of the way through the song. The main thing for me was that there wasn’t anything really special about it. Not very memorable.
Jordan Dorsey – “OMG” – Jordan admitted that this song isn’t who he is as an artist. So here’s the lesson, young Jordan: pick a song that is you. Otherwise you end up doing gimmick-y stuff like taking off your jacket and not sounding nearly as good as you did during the auditions. I was disappointed.
{SIDENOTE: It would be ever so helpful if Idol would provide song titles. Why, you wonder? BECAUSE I’M OLD.}
Tim Halperin – “Come On Over” – I liked the song choice, and he did pretty well with it considering that his nerves had to have been completely out of control. He reminded me a little bit of Matt Wertz in this performance, and that is never a bad thing. Like Jovany, though, I’m not sure that he was memorable.
Brett Loewenstern – “Come On Baby Light My Fire” – Oh, I feel that picking a Jim Morrison song was a very bad call. Never a good thing to take an iconic song and make it karaoke-ish. However, I have to say that Brett’s hair looked fantastic, so that’s a positive. Based on what the judges said, I wasn’t sure if they saw the same performance that I did – it wasn’t nearly as good as they said it was. In my opinion.
James Durbin – “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” – Honestly, I’ve been a little worried that James would get on the big stage and fall apart. But he did a great job tonight. He was charismatic without being over the top, and he was dead-on with his notes. Really happy for him.
Robbie Rosen – “In The Arms Of An Angel” – I’ve said over and over that A Thoughtful Ballad isn’t the best approach for the first AI performance. Why? Because we get bored. We want bam! and pop! and zing! and wow! I thought he sounded uncertain and a little sharp in parts, and again, I felt like the judges heard something different than I did. Because it just wasn’t that good, my friends.
Scotty McCreery – “BABYLOCKTHEMDOORSANDTURN” – oh, wait – “Letters From Home” – Well, clearly Scotty already has the sit-on-a-stool-and-lean down pat, and that’s at least a quarter of the battle in terms of becoming a country music singer. He did a really nice job, and given the enthusiasm that teenage girls have for Scotty, I think he’s gonna be sittin’ right purty vote-wise in the weeks to come.
Stefano Langone – “Just The Way You Are” – He started off a little rough – like he was about two beats behind the music – but he eventually got on track and was much stronger for the rest of the song. The high notes were a little rough, and I’m not sure he set himself apart from the pack, but it was a’ight, dog.
Paul McDonald – “Maggie” – We saw so little of him in the audition rounds that it was hard for me to know if this was his usual sound. Regardless, I really liked him. He seemed comfortable, and I thought he put an interesting spin on the song – definitely one of the strongest of the night.
Jacob Lusk – “A House Is Not A Home” – He seemed the most at ease (and the most in tune) when he was going after big notes. He was less effective when he was singing the more understated parts of the song (like, for instance, the beginning). But sweet mercy – he has a big voice, and there were parts tonight where he sounded absolutely incredible…and maybe with time and practice he’ll be just as good with the more straightforward, simple parts.
Casey Abrams – “I Put A Spell On You” – I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but I’m sort of a fan of Casey’s. So even though our FOX affiliate had some technical difficulties and I missed at least a third of his performance, I can tell you that I loved the part that I heard. I wasn’t expecting his authority on the stage, but he had loads of it. LOADS OF IT. And also: I’ve never been more grateful for the YouTube.
Best of the night: Casey & James
May need the wild card to stay in it: Jovany, Jordan & Robbie
Biggest disappointment of the night: Our local FOX station, who seemed to be having all manner of satellite-related ISH-AHS.
What did y’all think?
As always, your analysis is right on. (Why have they not offered you a judge spot? Perhaps they did and you declined because of your already full schedule.) LOVE Casey and was very perplexed by some of the song choices tonight, especially Jordan and Tim’s
Very glad you’re doing these AI reviews again this year. I thought it was a decent start to the show, but like you I was surprised and a bit disappointed by some of the song choices. I also didn’t always agree with the judges’ remarks. My favorites of the night were Paul and Casey because they both seem quirky and different, and they chose songs that suited their own personal styles.
Casey nailed it! I’ve already predicted he’s the next American Idol on my FB page. Robbie annoys me. His pronounciation/enunciation is strange.
I really like Paul too. Does anyone else think he looks a LOT like the main guy singer in Lady Antebellum? Is it the hair that makes me think that?
So glad you’re blogging AI again this year!
I said Robbie, but I really meant Brett. Sorry Robbie!
I’m just now watching it. Not that impressed so far.
BTW, the name of the song Jordan sang is “OMG.” (By Usher.)
:)
Scotty McCreery – “BABYLOCKTHEMDOORSANDTURN†– oh, wait – “Letters From Homeâ€
Hysterical! Love your recaps!
In my mind, there is impossibly good talent this season. As in they all sing better than most of the people who are “singers” with their auto-tune and words I can’t understand. And I just love the fact that the judges are so into the music and performances and seem to love their new jobs. Steven just kills me – he’s ridiculously cute with his comments and his appreciation for what he’s hearing. American Idol finally got it right – they got rid of THE GRINCH!!
Hugs from Minnesota
Marie
LOVE LOVE LOVE CASEY!!!! He did AMAZING tonight! Oh my, he just makes me swoon :) I loved Paul too, I love his folksy voice and singing style. I agreed with Jennifer Lopez when she talked about his smiling while he sings, it just LIGHTS UP his performance :) During those two songs I just grinned like a giddy little girl and I loved every minute of it ;-) I think the top 5 will be 1. Casey………………………2. Paul 3. Scotty 4. don’t know and 5. don’t care LOL as long as Sexy Casey makes it I’ll be happy ;-)
Casey all the way, Baby! James’ performance was amazing and I was surprised by his stage presence. Both Casey and James were in their element. My #3 pick is Scotty. If this was a Country Music competition, he’d have it hands-down. I know he doesn’t have the range and versatility of some of the other performers, but that rich, deep voice is to-die-for!
Loved Paul’s smile, too. But I found myself more attracted to his eyes and his smile than his voice. ;-)
And Steven Tyler? Almost didn’t watch this season because I didn’t think I’d like him, but he may be the best judge Idol’s had so far.
So glad the bleeper works well on AI this season. And they gave Steven his own American Idol sign to put across his mouth when he speaks? Hilarious.
I think the judges were very lenient tonight in their comments. I hope it won’t be this way every week. Hoping they were just saving their opinions so America could vote their faves.
My son walked through during the recap (he’s 19 and does NOT watch Idol). He got a huge grin on his face when James’ recap came up. Yeah. I think he liked it. I won’t be surprised to see him come through the den each week to catch a glimpse.
Oh, and I don’t like Scotty. Sorry. It’s like Scotty McCreepy to me. I think he has fine character, but I cannot watch him perform at ALL.
As I was watching last night with my parents (whom I’m visiting) my dad pipes up saying that Scotty looks like the kid on the cover of Mad magazine! After looking and comparing I can’t look at Scotty without thinking of it! He does look like him!
Jacob and Casey were my favorites. I think Jacob will end up on Broadway after all is said and done. Scotty is cute and the boy can sing Country music, I think if he continues on to the top 10, he will have trouble with other genres of music.
One of the best things of tonight….the judges did not go on and on incessantly about each performance and that is refreshing considering we suffered through Paula and then Kara. Not once did I have to use the mute button.
Looking forward to the tonight.
I’m sure you know this, but Paul is from Huntsville – Alabama represents AGAIN! :) Also, if you didn’t see him sing Blackbird last week, look it up on YouTube. I’m pulling for my hometown boy and Casey, too. LOOOVE him!
I love Jacob. I wish they would let him haul off and sing a big ol Gospel song. Can you imagine? I think the talent is really good this year, and I really like Jennifer and Steven.
Do you listen to R&B in the mornings? They keep doing the “BABYLOCKTHEMDOORSANDTURN” on their show and it cracks me up. I thought Casey was the best and will pull for Alabama boy Paul. And I just laughed through Brette’s song – guess I’m just not a fan of his.
Due to child difficulties and some problems with taco meat that are too complicated and let’s just say, gross, to type, I missed almost all of this show.
I did see Paul perform though and found him pretty attractive in a European/lumberjack sort of way. I mainly just stared at his teeth. How do you think he gets them so white? Why is he so good at maintaining his dental hygiene, but clearly is a little off on his facial hair grooming?
I guess this really doesn’t fit with the feedback of the night, but it’s all I got on American Idol.
Darn taco meat.
I’m not a country fan, but Scotty’s voice is to die for. His facial expressions cracked me up, because clearly he doesn’t have the serious/sexy look down, but I would listen to him on the radio any time.
If you turn on Closed Captioning, you will see the song titles. Annoying, I know (I have a 13 year old who LOVES CC a little too much…go figure…so it’s usually on around here) but at least I know which songs they are singing. ;)
I missed Casey’s performance, so I’ll definitely have to check it out on YouTube!
Oh you make me smile.
Love the hair comment!
Surprised at how much I am enjoying AI this year.
JLo’s hair needs it’s own chair!
HAHA! I can not even hear the name Scotty without “BABYLOCKTHEMDOORS”. Bust out laughing as soon as I saw this. My faves- the new Luther Vandross and Casey! Casey is amazing.
Love your commentary! Scotty is so gone so quick! They should have kept John Wayne for the country singer!! My picks are Paul, Jacob and Casey (love him!)
And…Brent = Carrot Top
Okay, I know this is sort of a “chick” blog but I have to chime in here. First, I really like Casey – but that performance last night was AWFUL. Screeching and hollering – Simon would have come in very handy straghtening this kid out. The boy is good but that was mostly yelling. Okay Brett – I wasn’t 100% sure that Brett was a guy until Secrest identified him as such on the Hanger episode. It makes me feel better about having “hair envy”. You gotta love James’ heavy metal chops – he could win! I disagree about Robbie (the Nose). I think he is really good and liked his ballad last night. Jacob is just from another world – unbelievable and very entertaining. I can’t wait to hear his next one..
Scotty seems like a nice guy but he lacks polish and the novelty of his baritone will get old. He could turn things around and i think he will get the chance. Clint, known mainly for his “Mr. Peabody” glasses and being mean to J.C., is not a favorite. I agree that the music overpowered his voice last night.
Jovy, Stephano, Tim, Paul and sadly Jordan – They need to go home…
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one thinking Brett = bad Carrot Top!!! My picks: Casey, Jacob, Paul, James, and…I really want it to be Tim, but I don’t think he’s gonna make it!
I love your American Idol reviews. My top three favorites are James, Jacob and Scotty. I didn’t get to hear a couple of the others. Brett bugs the fire out of me. All his constant hair tossing and annoying voice…I hope he goes Thursday. I also don’t like Paul-something about his voice is trying to hard to sound like Rod Stewart ish.