I have to admit -- I always look forward to Country Night on Idol -- I know most of the songs more than others do and feel I can give a true judgement on what the Idols should have sang and how they performed compared to the originals. Will it live up to my expectations? That's where my nerves set in...So let's do it folks, or should I say, yee haw!
Umm I love the judges entrance -- nice to see them from the waist down...
This means a lot to me, because Randy Travis's Forever and Ever Amen was actually the first country song I discovered. He performed on a Grammy's and I tape recorded the song from the TV screen. Country radio didn't exist in NJ, so I had no exposure, but after hearing the simple lyric and sweet melody, well, I was hooked.
Michael Sarver -- "Ain't going down til the Sun Goes Up" by Garth Brooks. Garth is one of my least favorite Country artists. Michael learned the song well, but I just don't think it shows off his vocals. He did get to show off some personality, though. Smart answer from him saying that country music is about having some fun -- I agree, Michael, see ya in Nashville! but not in the finals of Idol. OK
Allison Iraheta -- "Blame it on your Heart" by Patty Loveless. Patty is a fabulous singer - one of my first discoveries was her music. She is really good at picking the right songs for herself. It allows her to be herself but is in the right genre. And she hits the notes. Nice clean performance - not mind blowing, but strong. Oh, Kara brought out one of the first "you could sing the alphabets" of the season (Why not the phonebook, dawg?) Randy called her dope -- I give him props for the use of a new word! VOTE (to keep her)
Kris Allen -- "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks (actually by Bob Dylan and redone by Garth's idol Billy Joel before Garth re-made it). This is actually a good song, and Kris chooses to strip it and make it his own (actually it sounds like the Billy Joel version). I wished it was stripped even more without the violins, because it leans a little cheesy, but he did a nice vocal and I admit that I would get weak in the knees if someone sang this to me. Simon gave him a terrific and he is now a contender. VOTE
Ooh they made Lil hang out in the mosh pit of androids!
Lil Rounds -- "Independence Day" by Martina McBride. This was done by Carrie when she was on Idol so Lil is taking a chance here. She should have worn jeans and a top -- the dress is not country. It did not jive for me, but I know she can it those high notes. I don't feel any connection to her. At least she had a reason picking this song over others and didn't just say "I liked it." Simon called her LITTLE - I had to pause it and crack up. She is a really good speaker and knew how to take the criticism and apply it. But still not loving Little (that is officially her new name). OK
Adam Lambert -- "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash Randy Travis is so scared of him, it is really funny. Adam is getting more and more drag, right? Yikes, he is giving the camera the Constantine eye. I HATE THIS FROM NOTE ONE. This shows is for all ages, don't lift up your shirt. If this is the kind of music he is going to make, I won't listen. HATED IT, HATED IT, HATED IT. Have some appreciation for the genre and the song. OK only on the strength of the voice, but if he gets BUH BYE this week, I won't be surprised. Indulgent Rubbish in the words of Simon Cowell -- DEFINITELY.
Scott McIntyre -- "Wild Angels" by Martina McBride. Beautiful song, that is usually a rocking anthem. He has a sweet voice, and I like how he played with the arrangement, but he doesn't inspire me to jump up (Adam did, he made me want to turn off the show). I'm glad Simon told him to stay behind the piano instead of trying to get him to need to move. I agreed with Randy that he needs to stretch his vocals. Too much talk for this one...OK
Alexis Grace -- "Jolene" by Dolly Parton. Brooke White tried to do it last season I think. It is a moving song and I think this little one could kill it. She has the anger. She can SING. I thought it was a smart way to be her and still do country. Something not right about the dress, though. Is it just me or do the judges not like her? She is getting Carly treatment, in my opinion. She could talk back a little less. She got yelled at for being too "dirty" last week, didn't she? Whatever, I love her. Not her best, but she needs to stay over eyeliner boy. VOTE
Danny Gokey -- "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. Love how he was so nervous to meet Randy, but Randy was envious of his soulful voice. No to the white jacket. Something about the grit in his voice eliminates the cheese factor. He must have worked on the arrangement -- love the gospel effect. I'm sorry but I just love him. The beginning was wobbly but when he hit it, WOW. VOTE (And Simon's only criticism with the polar jkt was my only criticism too).
Anoop Desai -- "You Were Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson. ZERO to HERO. My boy can sing! Randy Travis was blown away which means a lot. I was scared, I admit it, but the boy made it his own and did Willie proud. And it didn't feel old -- he has the grit that Danny has. Wow, he just brought himself up to the top of the heap. LOVED IT. VOTE
Megan Corkery -- "I Go Walking After Midnight" She confused Randy but he thinks if she can nail it, we will like it. I think it is a good choice for her. She is straight from a 50's record. This girl is gorgeous. She has some vocal problems, though (which I understood later with the sickness). Sweet performance and unique. Interesting the judges told us she has the flu. Sometimes they don't let that be an excuse, but I'm glad they gave her a shot. VOTE
Matt Giraud -- "So Small" I'm glad they didn't give the pimp spot to Anoop only because I wanted him to not get favored treatment. So Matt gets it...and he redoes a Carrie song. He looks smooth. I liked the version and he made it his own as the judges like to say, but I want him to blow me away with his vocals a little bit. He is a good performer / pianist and I liked it better than Kris Allen. Don't agree with Simon saying Matt was better then Danny's vocals although I liked the look and feel of the performance much more. VOTE
Funny that two guys picked Carrie songs. Overall a good night - no Eight Days A Week re-do moments, fresh song choices for the most part. I enjoyed it. My choice to go home? Scott McIntyre -- I just don't think he can do more than he has. Michael Sarver could suffer. Adam will stay because of his popularity, but I am off of his bandwagon in a big way. Now for the grades...
Michael Sarver C+
Allison Iraheta B
Kris Allen B+
Lil Rounds B-
Adam Lambert C-
Scott McIntyre C+
Alexis Grace B
Danny Gokey A-
Anoop Desai A
Megan Corkery B+
Matt Giraud A-
Looking forward to Brad Paisley and Randy and Carrie singing together tomorrow (her new hit is a re-do of his I Told You So which is a heartbreaker so this could be AMAZING).
Whew, need to rewatch Anoop! Yes, I am rewatching...
don't be ashamed of your obsessions...
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