I thought having 13 worked week-wise because they aren't doing an Idol Gives Back episode where someone is saved, but then again they did an extra Hollywood Week so getting rid of 2 tomorrow night might mean they have a week where no one is sent home. But more on the surprise changes later.
So Kara loves to talk about getting the winner on the radio -- she opened with "at least 3 people are going to be heard on the radio" which is interesting because i have read a bunch of interviews with Simon Fuller who created the show, and he says that he isn't interested in radio play -- he just wants to sell records. But Kara keeps pushing radio play...maybe priorities have changed?
Let's talk about themes -- Michael Jackson. Could be amazing or horrible. David Cook set the bar by doing Chris Cornell's rock anthem version of Billy Jean and I do have to say the Kris Allen's Man In the Mirror inspired a recent late night karaoke group edition (go WB crew!) Can imagine that the contestants fought over songs. Who gets first dibs?
L'il Rounds -- "The Way You Make Me Feel" Do not like the fashion statement. Interesting that they did not give her a pimp spot towards end. Great song, the band can make it feel old, but she used the opportunity to SANG, I mean, sing, even I did not need to download her version. And then Randy went straight to "you could sing the phone book" comments. VOTE to keep in.
Scott -- "Keep the Faith" He is so much better behind the piano in terms of focusing. I don't think I know this song but that allows for his interpretation to stand alone and this theme could lead to serious copycatting. Still something amateurish about his voice. Ehh. Simon said it is fine being artistic, just not on this show. So funny. He wanted something more recognizable which I agreed with based on what Scott did. OK
Danny Gokey -- "PYT" Love his family story, that they always had to sing their homework. I thought he was bringing it down with a slow mellow opener and then he popped the energy. He is so Robert Downey Jr slightly chubby look a like. Paula jumped out of her chair. A little yelly, I guarantee Simon will make that comment. But it felt like a live on the spot performance. High, high energy. Simon in fact did tell him he was yelling and I loved that he told him he was like Michael McDonald -- a white guy with soul. VOTE
Michael Sarver -- "You are not alone" No need to go back to the oil field -- they didn't mention Danny's dead wife, but this then brought it back. I'm sure this guy does not have training, but he does have a nice, smooth voice. Doesn't feel modern or relevant, but I like a man's smooth voice. He showed that he has a reason for being in the Top 13. Just showed his chops, simple. Simon agreed with his passion making up for the fact that he isn't perfect...and then joked that he wished we knew what he did for a living -- so funny. OK
Can I throw in that I LOVE that the judges take turns starting the comments? So good that Simon doesn't always have the last word. It changes it up!
Jasmine Murray -- "I'll be There" I did not want to watch the back story... I had a smirk from the minute I heard her song choice. TYPICAL. She has a nice voice, for sure, but nothing new or interesting. Gives me a Jordin Sparks moment. Of course Jordin was better than Blake, but he was so much more interesting (not that that is saying much in that comparison) Unless someone really screws up, she is gone. I thought the judges were trying to justify choosing her, they were too nice. BUH BYE
Kris Allen -- "Remember the Time" Yikes, I don't like his wife's voice. Love his look with the guitar and the jeans and short sleeve plaid shirt. So cool. He totally made it fresh. What a great song. (Karaoke anyone?) The band still aged it. How much control do they have over the band? He has a boy band look but then throws a cooler Jason Mraz factor in. I think he was trying to make a statement to make sure the audience remembers him. He did get voted through, though, so maybe he doesn't have to try as hard as I thought. Kara gave him props for helping a lot of the other contestants -- I love that. Simon said he is not sure if he should have brought the wife out so early -- HYSTERICAL. I agree, he is more appealing single. VOTE
Allison Iraheta -- "Give It to Me" We know almost nothing about her, so back story was interesting until we went to the Latin Walmart for her to sing, I got scared. Really scared. Don't make her do these things, just let her sing. She still needs her makeover moment. The song was too rock to appeal to the audience of this show. She needs to be careful. Had moments of Amanda Overmyer. I really don't want a girl to go unless it is Jasmine. Great end note, but really dark. Luckily the judges supported her being true to herself and being a rocker girl. VOTE to keep her in.
Anoop Desai -- "Beat It" Like the Members Only Jacket but agree with Simon that is was too lightweight and karaoke. He should have stripped it. Wrong choice of song. I think his popularity will carry him through but I hope this is a lesson to him about song choice. Yikes, Simon said they regretted making it a Top 13 as if he was that last choice which is so not true -- they just left him for the end for drama. That was unnecessary. OK
Jorge Nunez -- "Never Can Say Goodbye" CHEESY from note 1. Look, I liked him because he can sing, and he still can, but this was straight from a muzak elevator station. And he smiles a lot. I would rather have Anoop be cheesy than him. Yikes. Where is Ju'not? Poor guy, I don't think he can understand the criticism which is uncomfortable. BUH BYE
Megan Corkery -- "Rockin' Robin" She is stunning and her Mom looks like her hot sister. I loved it. Old school, but she brings that 60's voice to it that gives it gravitas and keeps it from being completely cheesy. I am smiling like crazy. And throwing in the bird caw at the end - hysterical. Totally agree with Kara that she brings her signature to everything. Paula refers to her being beautiful over and over and then says she wants people to look past her looks? Simon hated it, but I actually thought it was a smart way for her to be her. Corny, sure, but I was okay with that. Not okay for every time, but okay for this week. VOTE
Adam Lambert -- "Black and White" Interesting that no one has changed a song up yet. We know he can do MJ's range. But he needed to uncheese it. He was better in the bridge - made it rocker soprano like he likes. A little manic screamy though. I didn't connect. But the judges loved it because of his performance. Simon said he should be over the top to do MJ -- so opposite of what I thought he would say. VOTE to keep him in.
Matt Giraud -- "Human Nature" He looks good behind the piano. For those who knew a guy named Michael Pagliarini from my college Paris days -- the similarity is scary. He redeemed himself by showing what he is good at. Smooth and fresh. And the falsetto (or false as Paula and Randy like to call it) was very JT cool. Great job. VOTE
For those of you wondering why they were making such a big deal out of the last phone number of the night-- It ends up that 1-866-IDOLS13 is a sex line. I actually tested it at work (don't worry Ed, I hung up right away! So they were scared that people would assume the number and call the sex line instead of voting for Alexis.
Alexis Grace -- "Dirty Diana" Excited for her to get the pimp spot. Is she going to change it up?? I think Alexis's daughter should marry Megan's son. Song choice is GREAT. I like her so much better than L'il Rounds. I thought this season would be overrun with guys, but this girl can beat 'em all. And the look is already perfected. I stopped typing to clap for that. But then the judges didn't love it. Why am I disagreeing with Simon so much -- what does that mean? Whatever judges, VOTE.
So Ryan announced that tomorrow they are going to introduce a new voting situation which involves the judges. Does that mean judges can change the vote outcome? NO Please do not do this -- even when there were bad voting results, I, who votes A LOT could say, "well did you vote?" to the nay sayers and usually they did not. If the judges interfere, which means the producers are interfering, we should have a revolution. Okay maybe I should calm down until I find out the situation.
I say BUY BYE to Jasmine and Jorge or Scott.
Michael Slezak at EW does a GREAT blog on Idol and he is now grading performances. I think I will do the same.
L'il Rounds B
Scott C
Danny Gokey A-
Michael Sarver B-
Jasmine Murray D
Kris Allen B+
Allison Irahita B
Anoop Desai C
Jorge Nunez C-
Megan Corkery B+
Adam Lambert B
Matt Giraud B+
Alexis Grace A
Whew - so psyched for Kelly Clarkson tomorrow - her new CD just arrived today. I am so tired folks so I will sign off -- just remember, even when you are tired,
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
No comments:
Post a Comment