COUNTRY SUPERSTAR'S SONG BOOKIn addition to having Shania Twain as the mentor for this week the songs were selected from her songbook. Shania met with each contestant and discussed song choice and the particulars of each person's performance. I found her refreshing in her relationships with the contestants. She encouraged each of them to connect with her song and gave personal advice as to how to give their best performance. She was very much a part of their performance as was evidenced when the camera flashed on her during each contestant's performance.
Now for the breakdown of the evening's performances.
1.) Lee DeWyze, playing his guitar sang "You're Still The One". Although it sounded as though there were a few notes where he was "off" he managed to make it a good performance as was acknowledged by the judges. Randy said that this song was one of his personal favorites and that despite some difficulty in the beginning he did a pretty good job. Ellen credited him with making it his own version while Kara said that she liked the sound of his voice and complimented him on a "good job". Simon said it was "absolutely the perfect song from her catalog" despite the fact that he had some difficulties in the beginning of the performance.
2.) Michael Lynche sang "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing" His smooth voice gave a different spin of Shania's song but I found it to be very likable. Randy said that he had found his zone and that he knows who he is. He said that he had done a "great" job. Ellen felt like she was listening to Luther Vandross (which is a great thing). Kara said that he goes to that place that relates to him and by changing it just enough makes it his own. Simon agreed with Ellen's statement that he sounded like Luther Vandross but also said that he felt that the song was a little "too girly" for big Mike. As the cameras panned into the audience there was no mistaking the fact that Shania became emotional during his rendition of her song.
3.) Casey James and his guitar performed Shania's "Don't". Despite the fact that Shania had expressed her concern that she feels he lacks his inner confidence , he stepped up tonight and put on a real performance. Randy said that it was one of Casey James' best performances ever. Ellen said that he sang it like that's where he belongs and compared him to Bob Segar. Kara said that he showed it all while Simon said that perhaps last week was his wake-up call because this was his best so far.
4.) Crystal Bowersox, accompanied by a band performed "No One Needs To Know". As usual, she did a good job with the song but the judges felt that it was by no means her best. Randy did like her "country" version of the song while Ellen reaffirmed that there's nothing she can't do. Kara said that it was believable and while not her best was "amazing". Simon spoke out saying that "we" don't like Crystal this week because it did not show her conviction and was a little weak and forgettable. Tonight Crystal responded back by saying that even if it was not a big performance, she is of the belief that bigger is not necessarily better.
5.) Aaron Kelly, accompanied by piano and guitar gave a great rendition of "You've Got A Wait". He had been encouraged by Shania to give the audience what he loves and apparently he did just that. As far as I'm concerned I feel that this was his best performance. With the minor lyric change he made he made it believable, considering his age.Randy said that this song was his and that he is our country star. He told Aaron that he did great. Ellen was impressed with his emotion and maturity and Kara seemed to be pretty much in agreement when she said that he really felt the song. She particularly liked the way he changed a few words to make the song fit his mother rather than a lover. Simon acknowledged that he had struggled over the past couple weeks but that tonight he was like a different artist. He said that he felt that the song was sincere and believable .
6.) Siobhan Magnus lived up to my expectation when she performed "Any Man of Mine" She had been coached by Shania to put attitude into the song. I feel that she did her "Siobhan" interpretation and that it was done only as she can do it. Randy loved it. He loved her entire punk-country look. Ellen said, only as she can, "That was the way to pull the Twain into the station. Kara said that she was glad to see sassy Siobhan back. Simon said that he really really likes that song and he really doesn't like country music and that it was fun. He did conclude his comments by saying that he did not like the screeching at the end, saying that it sounded like someone "giving birth". Simon just doesn't get it with Siobhan despite the fact that he acknowledge from the start that she was "different".
Who will be eliminated tomorrow night?
Who has the best chance of becoming the next American Idol?
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT AMERICAN IDOL
Ryan announced that there were 3 million votes cast last evening. Numbers keep growing.
Tonight's eliminations were sandwiched in between entertainment by Rascal Flatts, Son's of Sylvia, Rascal Flatts with Shakira, and Lady Antebellum. I really wish there was some other way they could give us the results without packing an hour full of entertainment and advertisements. These contestants have to spend considerable time on promotional materials along with their preparation for the week's performance. I certainly hope they are being paid well for this additional commitment.
Rascal Flatts, making a comeback, performed "Unstoppable" and later in the show Carrie Underwood introduced Sons of Sylvia, the group travelling with her. The final performance of the evening was the combined performance of Shakira and Rascal Flatts performing "Gypsy". I was pleasantly surprised at the performance. That was the second time today that I had seen and heard bare-foot Shakira performing "Gypsy". Lady Antebellum sang "Need You Now"
Ryan had called the six contestants to the stage and separated them into three groups of two persons each:Siobhan Magnus and Lee DeWyze
Aaron Kelly and Crystal Bowersox
Michael Lynche and Casey James
I recognized then that there would be a second tier grouping in order to come up with the bottom three. The bottom three were announced as Siobhan, Mike and Casey. Surprised? At this point in the competition nothing would be too surprising.
<---Siobhan Magnus was eliminated.
She sang her "farewell" song and I thought she did a better job this second time than she had the first. Don't worry Siobhan, you WILL have a career. There is someone out there watching and waiting for an artistic, unique performer. I have been calling her the "other Lady Gaga".
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment