AMERICAN IDOL 9 - WEEK #04

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The theme for the evening was The Rolling Stones.

Getting down to the business of the evening, Ryan Seacrest, after introducing and welcoming the judges, forged ahead with personal introductions which included glimpses into the lives of each contestant followed by their performance of the evening.

Michael Lynche sang Miss You. Randy said that at first he wasn't really sure about how he felt about the performance. The vocals were good but he wasn't sure about the arrangement. Ellen gave an enthusiastic "that's the way to start the night", while Kara liked his style and swagger. Simon seemed pleased that he got his confidence up even though he did not like the dancing. His final comment was a little disheartening when he said that overall the performance was "a tiny bit desperate".

Didi Benami sang Play With Fire Randy said that she was on fire and that it was one of her best performances. Despite the fact that Ellen felt that she had lost her way but got right back, she said it was "great". Kara felt that Didi pushed on the vocals and that the song got dark but that she had made two steps forward. Simon was pretty much in agreement, stating that Didi was showing the type of artist she wanted to be. His final analysis was that it was a solid performance but not brilliant.

Casey James, with guitar in hands, performed It's All Over Now. Randy loved it and said that he was back. Ellen said simply "fantastic", while Kara told him that he was a rock star even though she wasn't fond of his blues/soul rendition. Simon, bless him, said he felt it was like an audition performance and that he needs to "push" himself. He advised him that he needs to do more than stand center stage and sing. His closing remark - "Just be a star".

Lacey Brown accompanied by a string quartet,performed Ruby Tuesday and was greeted by Randy with his commentary that she was the most interesting one of the night- so far. Ellen expressed that it was "a bit sleepy for me" while Kara said it was 50/50 for her. She identified Lacey's problems with some of the notes but that she did like the drama. Simon equated her to an actress. The song was okay but that she needs to stop over thinking. (Lacey had recognized that in her performance this evening and wasn't sure why she did it.)

Andrew Garcia sang Give Me Shelter and was glad, I'm sure, to hear Randy say that he loved the song, but as equally disappointed to hear that it was "pitchy" and "everywhere". Ellen's retort, looking at Randy, was "What do I know, I think it was your best yet". The connection bothered Kara and Simon felt it was somewhere in the middle; something didn't quite click.

Katie Stevens' Wild Horses made for a strong performance, according to Randy. He described it as a "great song" and that Katie "sang it well". Ellen sensed that Katie had a little bit of a rough start but that once she got into it she did fine. Kara, in her mentoring way told her that she is never technically perfect but that she was better than last week. Simon felt that the song was a strong choice and that she had connected in the second half of the arrangement.

Tim Urban, accompanying himself on the guitar, performed Under My Thumb. Randy just didn't get it. What didn't he get ? The Folksy-Reggae version on the song. He just didn't like it. Ellen said that it had a cool take-off and that it didn't wow her while Kara applauded Tim for doing something incredibly different. Simon too applauded him for doing something different but said that it didn't work and furthermore it was a "crazy" decision.

Siobhan Magnus sang Paint It Black. Randy was glad to see her bringing drama to American Idol, Season 9. Ellen loved it and loved her look. Kara felt it was the best interpretation of the song. She added that she had a flash back to Adam Lambert because of the drama Incorporated in the performance. Kudos came from Simon when he said it was the "standout performance of the night".

Lee DeWyze on his guitar performed Beast of Burden. While Randy said that it was one of his better performances, Ellen expected a tiny bit more from him. Kara added that he is growing more than anyone else. Simon said that he liked Lee but feels that his personality holds him back. He felt that Lee had picked a safe song and closed by saying that Lee has an incredibly good voice and that he "needs to stop thinking that other people are better than you".

Paige Miles performed Honky Tonk Woman which was not received too favorably. There were vocal difficulties throughout the performance which could be, in part, explained by the fact that Paige is suffering with laryngitis. Randy told her that she pulled it out but that there could have been more energy. Ellen recognized her voice problems but credited her with "sounded good". Kara thought that she hit those notes despite the fact that she got a little lost at times. Simon thought that the song was a bit generic and that Paige had not quite connected.

Aaron Kelly sang a great sounding rendition of Angie and was received warmly by Randy saying that it was a tender moment. Ellen complemented him on the song choice. Kara told Aaron that he had shown her . . . after having "beaten him up last week". Simon said that Aaron was 100% right in song choice and that he sang the song within the limits of his vocals. Tonight's performance was one of his strongest.

Crystal Bowersox, with her guitar, of course performed You Can't Always Get What You Want. Randy felt that it was not her best but that he loved her. Ellen said that she sings with ease and that it seems effortless and showed added personality. Kara said that she felt that Crystal is so comfortable on stage and that tonight she loosened up. Simon said that she came on tonight 100% the clear favorite but that he felt that for the first time she was beaten by someone. He expressed concern that perhaps she had too much confidence in "winning". Crystal expressed that she did not feel that way.

Who do you think will be eliminated tomorrow night?

DID YOU VOTE HER OFF?

Wednesday's Show:

Ryan Seacrest called the contestants up and addressed each one reflecting on comments made by the judges on Tuesday and then informed them whether they were one of the bottom three after which he revealed the person receiving the lowest number of votes.

The Bottom Three:

Paige Miles, Tim Urban and Lacey Brown.

(see above for details of their Tuesday Night performance)

Lacey Brown Voted Off

She was given a chance to perform again tonight so that the judges could determine whether or not they wanted to use their one-time "save". The unanimous decision was to let her go.

SURPRISED? I was!