Hi:) Did you hear that collective sigh America? That’s right; we can all relax because American Idol is back. No, it’s not 100% back, but it’s almost there. Perhaps we have a couple of scraggly old Jurassic rockers named Mick and Keith to thank as the top 12 tackled the songs of arguably the greatest living rock band, The Rolling Stones. These classic songs certainly inspired this motley crew of singers who, save for a couple shining stars, have been underwhelming, boring and downright bad in the weeks leading up to these finals. And we can thank two nerds in particular for stepping up their games this week. We actually might have a contest on our hands. Sorry, Crystal Bowersox, you’re gonna have to fight to win now.
Those aforementioned nerds, the steadily climbing Siobhan and the out of nowhere Aaron, both brought their “A” game tonight while still staying true to themselves. That’s a key ingredient in making the perfect Idol cake. While neither seemed to realize the weight of their accomplishments tonight, I think both made incredible strides. First and foremost, the quirky glassblower girl, Siobhan, must now be considered a front runner alongside the consistently fantastic Crystal, and Aaron has stepped out of the tween ghetto to showcase a strong voice and presence that I presume a number of adults will be supporting in the weeks to come. He even had the best makeover of the week. Thank god, Buddha, and your higher power that the top 12 have a wardrobe and stylist budget! Aside from all of that, you had several other contenders delivering strong performances as well, refusing to go down without a fight. Let’s take a closer at look at the competitors in this suddenly exciting race.
Michael: Big Mike certainly took to the big Idol stage like a star with another good if not great performance. Taking on the #1 hit from 1978 “Miss You,” Mike again incorporated his falsetto and worked the entire stage with finesse. However, something was missing. It seemed a little too “performed,” i.e.: it felt a little false and ultimately forgettable after seeing some of his peers. The judges generally liked it with Randy saying he “slayed it,” Kara calling it “hot” and Ellen noting “what’s not to love about that?” Simon was the one detractor saying it seemed “a tiny bit desperate.”
Didi: The comeback kid from last week kept that upward trajectory with a sexy, passionate and confident performance of 1965’s “Play with Fire.” Looking gorgeous, Didi impressed the judges with Randy imploring “for the first time, you are on fire” and Ellen calling it “great.” Kara commented on her “intensity” and how it was “dark and compelling” while Simon was a fan as he could finally see “the artist (she) is going to be.” I am a fan too, Didi.
Casey: The blues-guitar rocker was next with an adequate if uninteresting spin on 1964’s “It’s All Over Now.” He’s clearly capable, but to me, he just seems like any other bar band singer. I guess his blonde locks and Val Kilmer face circa Top Gun is casting spells on the judges because they really liked it. Randy likened him to Johnny Lang and Kara exclaimed “tonight, you were a rock star.” Ellen, in fine comedic form tonight thank you very much, chimed in with “for most women, their hearts are gonna start racing just looking at you… but for people like me… blondes… I thought it was fantastic.” Touché Ellen! It was up to Mr. Crankypants to rain on Casey’s parade saying he was disappointed that it was “like an audition performance” and he should’ve “done something incredible.” Well, apparently the V-neck wonder and I are on the same page about Casey tonight. Who’d a thunk it?
Lacey: Nikki McKibbon 2.0 with the whiny squeaky voice hit the stage next with a pretty much horrible version of the #1 hit from 1967, “Ruby Tuesday.” For me, the only thing interesting about that performance was the string quartet. Lacey’s vocals were appalling. At least, she looked fantastic… The judges didn’t seem to love it either. Randy said it was “interesting” while Ellen called it “weird” and a “bit sleepy.” Kara called it a “50/50” performance Simon felt she “over thought it.” I bet Lacey will have plenty to think over when she lands in the bottom 3 at the results show.
Andrew: Ok, it’s official, Andrew confuses me. Just when I think we’re headed for another acoustic “Straight Up” clone, he goes and makes like Seal on an electric rock version of “Gimme Shelter.” I didn’t quite know what to make of it, but I liked it. It was easily his best performance since Hollywood week. The judges weren’t quite on the same page, as Randy called it “pitchy” and Kara failed to feel a “connection.” Simon thought he gave it “100%, but something didn’t connect.” At least the average viewer like us, Ms. Ellen, loved it proclaiming “that was your best performance yet.”
Katie: Little miss teen was up next with a surprisingly tuneful and lovely interpretation of 1971’s “Wild Horses.” Tonight, Katie showed some personality in her clip package along with an assured performance that easily ranked as her best to date. The judges were happy with the improvement as Ellen thought she sounded “amazing once (she) got into it” and Randy said “you sang that really well, very strong performance.” Kara said she was “moving in the right direction” and Simon was happy she finally connected with a job “well done.” Well done indeed, Katie. You may finally not be in danger of going home!
Tim: Well, Tim aren’t you just adorable with those abs and dimples and, wait, a darn second, what’s going on here? Did you just turn “Under My Thumb” into a reggae tune? Well, kudos to you for taking a big chance and staying on tune for those four notes you can hit. Despite my jokes, I sorta liked it. The judges did not. For Randy, it was just “bizarre.” Ellen wasn’t wowed and Simon said it was “a crazy decision” that “didn’t work.” Kara, at least, applauded his effort in “making it his own.” I think he may be making a trip to the bottom three too.
Siobhan: Give it up for the queen of the lady nerds! And hello, there’s another glory note! Damn, Siobhan is in it to win it. Her fantastic and dramatic version of the #1 hit from 1966 “Paint it Black” stole the show. Let’s also give her some props for the prom dress and combat boots combo. She seriously hit all the right notes literally and figuratively. The judges also had high praise for her with Randy extolling “that was hot” and Kara comparing her to last season’s best Idol Adam Lambert. Simon called it “the standout performance of the night” and Ellen loved how she rose above the competition. She added “Like Snookie’s poof, you stand out and I like it.” I like it too, Ellen!
Lee: Getting all Dave Matthews-y on his cover of the #8 hit from 1978 “Beast of Burden,” Lee gave his best performance so far. He had a great deal more confidence than before and I love his raspy distinctive voice. Randy did too, eloquently calling him “dope.” Ellen thought that it was good despite it almost not “coming together like a hospital gown” and Kara liked his “tremendous growth.” Simon also liked him but wishes he would shine more in order to get his “moment” on the show. No need to worry, Simon, he should get another chance next week.
Paige: Despite battling laryngitis, Paige recovered incredibly well from last week’s train wreck with a fun country rock spin on “Honky Tonk Woman” a #1 hit from 1969. Showing the spunk and personality we saw from her in the first week of the semi-finals, Paige returned to form. Randy thought she “pulled it out” and Ellen loved her “great star quality” and the way she “worked the stage.” Kara applauded her vocals in spite of her situation as did Simon. However, he’s still waiting for her “to connect” to the audience. I think she’ll be safe to attempt that connection again in a week’s time.
Aaron: What? Wait, what? Are my ears deceiving me or did the lil teen wonder Aaron just kill it with an excellent performance of the #1 hit “Angie” from 1973? Color me confused and bewildered, but in a good way. I’m not even ashamed to say I really liked it. With a strong new look, confident vocals and an easy stage presence, Aaron has shockingly emerged from his more seasoned competitor’s hallowed shadows to become a real threat for the title. The judges certainly would agree as Randy praised “you were born to sing” and Kara called it “powerful” and “really great.” Simon was encouraged that he “chose the right song” labeling it “one of his strongest” performances to date. Ellen thought it was “beautiful” and then joked “are you trying to do your hair like mine now?” Whatever he’s doing, if he keeps it up next week, he’ll be in the game for a long time.
Crystal: Closing out the show with another great and skilled performance, Crystal infused 1973’s “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” with personality, pitch perfect vocals and her usual authentic interpretation. It’s just so easy for her. However, that doesn’t mean she’s coasting on her laurels. And now that she’s got some serious competition, I bet she steps it up. The judges are still on the Crystal bandwagon too. Randy loved that “she didn’t disappoint” and Ellen called it “effortless.” Kara loves how comfortable she is on stage and Simon loved her but “wants her to dig deep” as the Idol crown is no longer set in stone for her. Crystal’s humble response and praise for Siobhan show what a great person she is, as well as a wonderful artist. I can’t wait to see what she does next…
Now, if you were paying attention to those summaries, you’d see there was a lot of positive feedback and critiques from me and the judges. So, just where do they all rank? Take a look.
The Idol Rankings for tonight:
1. Siobhan
2. Crystal
3. Aaron (who knew!)
4. Lee
5. Didi
6. Katie
7. Paige
8. Andrew
9. Mike (see what happens when you go first and others are more memorable? A former front runner could be in danger)
10. Tim
11. Casey
12. Lacey
Predictions:
Bottom 3: Andrew, Tim, Lacey
Going home: Lacey
I don’t know about you, but I am pretty excited after tonight’s top 12 performance show. There was huge improvement all around. (Well, except for Lacey). It also feels like we have a true competition on our hands finally! … What do you think? Did the Idol’s performances of the Rolling Stones catalogue start you up? Or did it leave you with mixed emotions? … Are you happy that Ellen is finally bringing the funny? … Did you buy that forced confrontation between Ryan and Simon? … Are you annoyed that the audience sway-bots are back? … Did you get any satisfaction with tonight’s show? Rock it out below.
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