I’m a little late getting started tonight because I HAD TO WATCH the first few minutes of “Survivor” to see who won the Redemption Island duel between Matt and Russell. I won’t give away the outcome in case you haven’t watched yet, BUT I MOST DEFINITELY HAVE SOME THOUGHTS.
All righty. Idol. Away we go.
Lauren Alaina – “Any Man of Mine” – My biggest issue with this song is that it tends to err on the side of karaoke, and maybe the reason I feel that way is because I personally have attempted to BREAK IT DOWN on several occasions when playing “Rock Band” with my family. This wasn’t Lauren’s strongest performance by a long shot – a little holler-y in parts – and she didn’t seem very comfortable on stage (nerves, maybe?). It felt a little herky-jerky, but I’m hoping the voters will extend her some grace because she really could win the whole kit and kaboodle in the end.
Casey Abrams – “I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends” – It’s tricky for Casey to pick a Joe Cocker song because, well, there will be comparisons. But listen: there was not one false note in that performance; it was original and modern and compelling. Loved it (especially the falsetto on “I just want someone to love”). So, so enjoyable to watch him and hear him – he really is, as Steven said, “a rainbow of talent.” (Let’s just all nod and pretend that we know what that means.)
Ashthon Jones – “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” – I just need to pause for a moment and mention how much I enjoy Ashthon’s hair. It is spectacular. As for her song – well, it started off pretty rough. She was a little flat, then a little sharp, and while there were places when it seemed like she was going to get on a roll, she never completely recovered from the pitch problems. On top of all that was the fact that the song was hard to follow (I appreciate that she chose a lesser-known Diana Ross song, though). In the end, the judges seemed to like it more than I did.
Paul McDonald – “Come Pick Me Up” – Is this the first time someone on Idol has sung a Ryan Adams song? This development is very indy and folksy and good. I was a little thrown off by Paul asking the audience how they were doing tonight, but hey – new season, new traditions. This wasn’t the best song choice in terms of reeling in your listeners – it made for a performance that was definitely quirky and maybe even a little bit weird. That being said, I’m a fan of his voice, and I’ll give him a pass on this week’s performance in the hopes that he’ll break out something a little more relatable next week.
Pia Toscano – “All By Myself” – As a brief personal aside, I would like to point out that this was my all-time favorite song to sing in the car during the road trips of my mid-20s. You haven’t lived until you’ve rolled down the windows of your sah-weet maroon Altima and BELTED ‘ER OUT on I-55.
Given all that, this song choice didn’t surprise me at all – Pia seems to enjoy the Moving Ballad. She did a great job with the song; the only negative, at least to me, was that she didn’t do anything terribly original. At some point she’s going to have to break out and show us a little individuality. And at the end of her performance, I couldn’t help but think, “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, CONTESTANT NUMBER FOUR, PIA TOSCANO!” However, there’s no question that she’s really, really talented.
p.s. – I was somewhat confused by the train on her dress. And I just needed to share that.
James Durbin – “Maybe I’m Amazed” – Before he even sang a note, I was intrigued – because this song has a BIG OLE chorus. And y’all, he nailed it. I loved that the whole thing wasn’t one big screamfest; the more subdued parts at the beginning and the end were a great contrast to the chorus. Here’s the other thing: there’s a real sincerity from him when he’s on the stage. I can’t explain it; I just know it when I see it. He may be the biggest surprise of the competition – I wasn’t expecting him to be nearly as consistent as he has been.
Haley Reinhart – “Blue” – Even though the melody of this song sounds simple, it can go south fast if the singer is even a teensy bit sharp or flat or pitchy or whathaveyou. She did a nice job with the song, but it was just sort of what I expected (though definitely with more of a country twang). It was a little pageant-y, and since the arrangement was so straightforward, it didn’t really feel special. It wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination – it was just a little boring.
Jacob Lusk – “I Believe I Can Fly” – To be clear: I DO NOT LIKE THIS SONG. I feel like Jacob is way better than this song. But I have to say: the slower arrangement worked in his favor, especially at the beginning. There was a LOT of vibrato and a LOT of runs packed into a short amount of time – maybe even a little too much for my taste. I wouldn’t have minded if he’d dialed it down a notch or four; he hit the crescendo of the song so early that he didn’t really have anywhere left to go for the last half of his performance. So he just kept on with the vibrato and the runs. He gave it everything he had, though – and even though the song wasn’t my thing, he did a good job.
Thia Megia – “Smile” – I’m not sure if this particular Michael Jackson song is the best choice for Thia, but maybe that’s just because I feel like she needs to break out from performances that make it seem like she’s auditioning to be a Disney princess (not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind you). She’s remarkably understated and comfortable on stage for someone who’s 15 years old, but it may take awhile before we get a sense of who she is as an artist. It was a lovely performance, but it wasn’t necessarily a memorable one.
Stefano Langone – “Lately” – I am of the opinion that it’s almost impossible to go wrong with a Stevie Wonder song. Unfortunately, though, this one seemed to get away from Stefano. I couldn’t tell if he was ahead of the music or behind it at the beginning, but he was all over the place pitch-wise until the tempo picked up. It felt a little manic to me (maybe because I had that sense that he was playing catch-up), but I was glad that he seemed to grab hold of the reins about mid-way through. Not my favorite performance, but I’m rooting for him. (Does his voice remind anybody else of Jimmy Needham? Because his voice really reminds me of Jimmy Needham.)
Karen Rodriguez – “I Could Fall In Love” – I’m gonna step out on a limb and say that JLo will have a special appreciation for Karen singing a gorgeous Selena song (I thought JLo was really good in the Selena movie, by the way), but this performance was so subdued that I was a little bored in parts (I think she has laryngitis, though, so she’s probably off her game). It was another one of those straightforward, way-too-similar-to-the-original arrangements that left me wishing that I’d seen something unique or different from the person doing the singing.
Scotty McCreery – “The River” – Scotty is a fella who knows his strengths, and the song choice was perfect for him. The first part of the song was a little choppy, but he hit his stride on the chorus. It remains to be seen if Scotty can change up a song and really and truly make it his own, but he did a nice job with this one. I imagine that somewhere in Oklahoma, Garth Brooks is mighty proud of the North Carolina boy who sang his song on TV tonight. Purely speculation on my part, of course. Since I don’t really know whether or not Garth is, you know, at home. Or whether he watched Idol. SO LET US JUST PRETEND.
Naima Adedapo – “Umbrella” – I have so enjoyed Naima so far – she’s unique and memorable and oh-so-talented, not to mention that she sang her heart out during last week’s wild card competition (seriously – it was one of my Top 5 Idol moments ever). I loved that she put her own twist on the song, and even though she as a little off-key in parts, she was one of the few people tonight who showed us who she is as an artist. It was courageous to go with something new and different as opposed to the status quo, so good for her.
Best of the night: Casey, James, Pia
Should go: Haley or Karen (they’re both talented – but they didn’t stand out from the pack)
Will go: I have no idea. Since Lauren sang first and didn’t wow us, she could be in trouble. So could Ashthon. And I think Haley and Karen are in danger, too.
By the way, I SO enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes stuff from rehearsals, and the feedback from the producers was really interesting. Thumbs up for that little addition to the AI line-up.
What did y’all think?
This is a great season. I think the American Idol people have pulled the show out of a nose dive and are hitting it out of the park.(And I am full of the idioms, apparently.) Real talent and not jokes this time around.
Well, I am not an idol watcher, but I do enjoy the banter you toss about on the topic. I’ve seen bits and pieces, and watched a couple of the videos you linked, and I have to say that your man Casey does have some TALENT, now does he not?
I have a lot of favorite BooMama lines but “LET’S HEAR IT FOR CONTESTANT NUMBER FOUR PIA TOSCANO” almost made me wet myself. Seriously, tears from laughing so hard. Thanks for ending my night so well.
Hey Boo! You were spot on….but I have to tell you that I am not seeing the talent that everyone see’s in little Ms. Thia. Well…let’s say that I just don’t see it. I think Karen will go tomorrow night. Paul didn’t do his very best either..especially with song choice. It seems like it’s time for a girl to win…I love Lauren personally but I did not like her song choice….should have done Trisha Yearwood. Loved your comments!!
My husband said James would when he made it through at auditions. We’ll see. I seriously had to turn the channel (to Les Miserables, of course) while the majority of these folks were singing tonight. I don’t know what it was. I couldn’t watch Scotty or Paul. I love Paul’s voice, but his moves make me uncomfortable sometimes??? Love your recap as always.
I was bemused by “rainbow of talent”, but “plethora of passion” really did me IN. Stephen, buddy, I’m loving your Judge Mode more than I ever thought you would … you wear reading glasses! and tell stupid dad jokes! (my dad is a Presbyterian minister in stead of a Rock Legend, so his stupid jokes tend to fall along more biblical lines — when was baseball first mentioned in the Bible? In the big-inning), but do you HAVE to crack open the thesaurus before airtime?
Oh, you wanted our opinion about the singers? I adore Casey, think James is great, and am wishing the girls were stronger. Naima’s performance was fun to watch, but oh! the pitch problems!! From my living room, it sounded like she didn’t hit a single note squarely in the center.
One more Bible joke: When was tennis first mentioned in the Bible?
When Joseph served in Pharoah’s court.
(My dad is something of a sports fan.)
Said James would WIN. I left out the most important word there. Sorry.
SO SO SO exactly what I was thinking about writing tomorrow…down to Ashton’s hair and Pia’s tail!! Only thing missing was comments on Haley’s growling.
I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stuff too. I loved Pia and Scotty. Interested to see what happens tomorrow night. Oh, and are you planning to do a linky again this year?
Out of the country, haven’t seen an episode, but I feel compelled to ask incredulously, “THERE’S SOMEONE NAMED ‘ASHTHON?'”
I loved James tonite-the quality of his voice was so crystal clear and beautiful. I also liked Casey. Other than that, eh. I think I’m in the minority this season as everyone is raving about the talent but I’m just not feeling it. Too much screeching. Too many runs where they should just ‘walk’ : ) I told my husband that the song James did would be the only one I’d leave playing if it came on the radio (that’s how I judge-would I turn it off or leave it on) I think we need a little more constructive criticism from the judges…too much hearts and roses. Also, I love Steven Tyler but I’ve decided he spends the week googling expressions he can mix into his assessments which is why he periodically says stuff that has us smiling but scratching our heads.
I missed the first 3 singers but from just watching the re-cap last night, Lauren is a lot better than her song choice. Ashthon, I really love her hair but that’s it. I honestly think she needs to go. Pia, did not like her performance at all and I, too, was bothered by the train on her dress.
I was surprised by James, he did a great job. Casey was the best, Scotty was great and as for who I hope goes home tonight…..Ashthon. I really hope Mia is given another chance.
So, I am not an Idol watcher but you alsmost have me convinced to tune in!
I was also distracted by the train on Pia’s dress. I thought it looked like she was wearing a superhero cape!
You’re spot on, as usual, Dear Boo. I really like Jacob, but that performance was just so out there, I couldn’t follow it. I think Steven may have described it best when he mentioned that we’re used to 3 minute performances on the radio but we’re only getting 1:40 here. I think they all thought they had to go for broke in the first eight bars or they wouldn’t get a second chance.
I like Pia’s voice. She needs to do more than move her right hand in a wing-like movement. I think Ashthon needs to go. She’s all hair and no tone. I think Haley the yodeler will go. Scotty is enough country for one contest.
Having fun watching this year!
My tv viewing last night was right on course with yours…I can’t wait to see you comments from Survivor!!! :)
I love all your reviews. I think you right on the money. My favorite is James. NOt just for his singing, but for the fact that he is just so humble and knows that this is a great opportunity for him and takes if seriously. I am with you on the fact that there is something about him that is precious.. but can’t pinpoint it. Keep up the good reviews, l;ove your blog.
only because our local country radio station is now calling itself ‘scotty 94.7’ do i remember now that it is, in fact, scotty mccreary who is our hometown favorite and not casey abrams.
and, also, because you said it.
and, also? casey abrams is *my* favorite. whatever the hey-nonny steven tyler means by a ‘rainbow of talent’, i am certain i agree with him. he. is. INCREDIBLE!
can i get an amen?
i hope he wins it all.
WINS IT AAAALLL!
okay, but i really just wanted to say that while you were singing ‘all by myself’ in your altima in your twenties, i was in college hanging out with my gay friends, one of whom was a drag queen. (a very convincing one who won all sorts of competitions and…other things drag queens win…)
anyway, he was most ‘famous’ (that just doesn’t sound right, does it?) for his ‘performance’ of ‘all by myself’.
seriously, tina collins (or ‘david’ as we call him. her.) could bring you to tears in no time flat.
and, also? i just can’t hear anyone saying, ‘ladies & gentlemen, your NEXT aMERican Idol IS…KAREN anyone. karen who? that’s, like, the name of the mom next door. not really the name of screaming fans everywhere.
iiii’m just saying.
xo
You are dead on. I agree with everything you said. I did not think I would love James but something about him is so endearing. It shocks me to say he was my favorite last night. You just want to root for him! I loved Casey as well. I think you hit the nail on the head with James’ sincerity.
I did not enjoy Pia, mainly because I have a problem with non-age-appropriate songs. So tell me, how old was Pia when she remembers being young and making love was just for fun? 10? 12?
You are spot on, in my opinion!
I think James will take the whole thing by the time it’s all over but I could be wrong. (Like that’s not a given.)
He’s my fav. Although I agree with you on Paul’s performance last night, I LOVE him! Love Scotty and the Lumberjack, too. ;) But James is my fav.
I really love Lauren in spite of her lacking performance last night. But I have to be honest, although I DO love her voice, she reminds me much of my oldest daughter. She looks like her, I should say, not so much personality wise.
I agree with every one of your observations but one: I LOVE HALEY! I think she is the whole package and I absolutely thought she nailed it last night. She and Casey are my favorites, but the mother in me is cheering for James.
And what was up (or down) with Steven Tyler last night? Overall, I thought the judges and the show itself were — for lack of a better word — flat.
I recorded Survivor and watched American Idol in order to feed my need for reality TV. This season I am more invested in the guys. Although the women are talented, I am not wowed by them. Paul makes me nervous, but I really like his voice. Casey and James are bringing more every week, and are really terrific entertainers. I don’t like ” I believe I can Fly” , but I sure like Jacob.
I love the quirkiness that is Paul, but does anyone else think he looks a little like a leprechan? Is Paul “Magically Delicious”? Maybe it’s just because its March and his background was green…
Casey has my heart forever :) I just ADORE him. I was a little worried that that song would come out kind of similar to the last but I enjoyed every second of it! As for Paul, I completely agree with what you said. Normally, I LOVE his folksyness, but last night he just seemed a little … off. He probably greeted the crowd because he’s used to doing that when he’s on stage with his band. Who is TOTALLY worth a listen if you Youtube him, Grand Magnolias I think? As for James, I wasn’t really a fan before last night but when he didn’t totally scream (like I thought he would) and I could listen to his actual voice, I really liked him! I’m intrigued and excited to see what these 3 do next week :D
Can’t wait to see what you have to say about Survivor. SHOCKER!!! This season is shaping up to be the best ever!
I really like Casey and Paul, but Paul seems like he was once an addict and is having withdrawals while he’s performing. I do love his voice though.
I think James feels so comfortable on stage because it’s like his Turret’s (sp?) or whatever seems to disappear while he’s up there. It’s beautiful to watch.
This is definitely the season for the guys.
I totally agree with your recap! I couldn’t imagine liking this season with the new judges but they have breathed fresh air back into this show and I love it!
Loved your recap–except for Naima. I don’t really like her much and what’s with being all over the place? She was compared to Ella Fitsgerald, she sang a broadway show tune, now she’s wearing high top tennis shoes and singing a Rhianna song in reggae? What happened to “staying true to yourself”? WHO IS SHE?
LOVED Casey and James…and I love Lauren but oh girl, you gotta sing something super memorable or you’re gonna have to go…and I’m gonna be so sad for ya!
i can’t believe only one person mentioned Pia’s irrelevant waving arm motions. SO much more distracting than the train on her dress – very pageanty.
Casey has so much overall talent and likeabililty that he’s definitely my favorite. James is really good, but he seems a bit fragile for the pressure of this competition. that may just be the way he’s being marketed at first and he could blow it up as things progress.
judging was really harsh on Lauren as first singer and i would say she’s much more talented than most of the other girls, she just drew the early criticism.
I missed an hour of Idol because I had to watch Survivor. And OH MY WORD, the redemption island outcome was ….well, I won’t spoil it, but it was INTERESTING, to say the least. I did watch the last hour of Idol and enjoyed Stefano and Naima’s and Scotty’s performance. The rest were meh, in my humble opinion.
Haven’t commented in ages so first of all : love your blog!:)
I’m just not feeling most of these singers this year; I keep hearing “best season ever” and wow – no. There are so many pitch issues and the judges rave and I think “Wow it must sound WAY different there!”. Weird.
I like Lauren but that song needed more oomph from here – that’s a very technical term, I know.
I’m a big Stefano fan, but that version of the song was a little weird for me.
Pia’s voice? Amazing. But I think she accidentally got James’ tail stuck to the back of her dress, hence his lack of one this week.
I feel like I want to echo so much of what you said, but since you already, ya know, said it, I won’t. However, I do want to say that I have not like James Durbin in the competition AT ALL. Until now. That song last night was perfect for him and perfectly executed. Now I’m ready for more
Also, thanks for not spoiling Survivor right at the beginning of this Idol post as I can only handle so much reality television on a Wednesday night and Idol won out last night. I do plan on watching it tonight, though, so could you maybe whip up a Survivor post soon? It’s so good this season and I feel like no one is talking about it!
Have you noticed that when the judges say “vibrato” it sounds way too much like “bravado”? I’ve wondered if they know the difference between those two words.
I think Pia borrowed the train from James because he was missing his tail last night. *grin*. I love her voice. My favorite of the night was definitely Casey. And I’m dying to know your thoughts on Survivor and what went down!
At this (amazing and wonderful) point in my life (my sweet babies are 4, 2, and 2 months), I don’t get to watch TV (other than PBS Sprout and Disney Playhouse). (Don’t you just LOVE all of my parenthesis?!? I don’t know why I feel I have to clarify and explain everything. Sorry.)
But anyway, I walked through the living room a few times last night while AI was on and can I just say that James’s voice stopped me in my tracks and I just had to declare out loud, “That boy can SING!” I don’t know anything about him. I don’t even know what he looks like, but I hope he wins.
No idea about Idol but if we don’t get Survivor starting soon I will cry!!! They are at least advertising it now in Australia……..
When the camera panned out and showed the full length back of Pia’s gown, my son asked, “Is she wearing a cape?”