If this girl doesn’t make the finale…
Hello again, Idol fans! Last night, the Top 10 honored the past winners of American Idol by performing one of their songs they themselves performed on the show or recorded post-Idol. The episode was a mixed bag, but I think I speak for many when I say we all bore witness to one of the greatest performances in the franchises’ history. Okay, maybe not Top 10 level but definitely worth being included in a Top 25 list. You’ll have to wait and see who claims this honor, but I’m sure it won’t be much of a shocker. Away we go, boys and girls…
10. Curtis Finch Jr., “I Believe” — No surprises with this selection (I predicted as much in my song suggestion article). I give props to Curtis for not going completely to church with Fantasia’s coronation song, but the vocals still weren’t hot on this given Sunday Wednesday. There were more rough patches to Curtis’ notes than a Cabbage Patch Doll’s bonnet, and the performance ultimately lacked believability (hello, irony!). Nice attempt at ad-libbing, Curtis, but next time focus on your singing instead. There’s nothing fresh or current about Curtis’ signature sound, so it might be time to start packing those bags. Early pimping from the judges will help him stick around this week, but that’s probably the only extension he’ll receive.
Performance Review: (**)
9. Janelle Arthur, “Gone” — Janelle and her performance last night were anything but memorable. I give her credit for trying to boost her sex appeal, but then again it’s kind of awkward seeing granny in makeup. If Janelle wanted to stick to her country roots, Scotty’s breakout song should have been avoided. To top off the ridiculous selection, the song’s title is “Gone,” meaning Janelle will have signed off her own death warrant if she does indeed go home tonight. Also, this was one of the few times where Janelle’s voice sounded thin and limited. She usually hits all her notes and powers through the chords, but on “Gone” she was barely on the train tracks. Remember folks: forgettable performers always go home before VFTW candidates in the Idol finals.
Performance Review: (**½)
8. Lazaro Arbos, “Breakaway” — I don’t hate this performance as much as the Idol blogosphere does, but it certainly justifies what I said last week: the kid doesn’t deserve to be in the Top 10, period. He has no clue who he is as an artist, and he can never get his nerves under control. With one exception, every performance has ended with Lazaro admitting it was bad. If that’s the case, how can he even justify outlasting some great vocalists who were axed in the semifinals? That being said, his voice did hit some sweet spots in the song, particularly when the track required him to hold the big notes, and I was glad I could understand what he was saying for a change. I also appreciated his explanation for choosing Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway.” I understood why he felt the track suited him, which is far more than I can say for any of his past song choices. Still, this performance wasn’t remotely Idol-level, and barely qualified as decent karaoke.
Performance Review: (**½)
7. Devin Velez, “Temporary Home” — Devin, what happened this week? I get why Devin needed to take a break from the Spanglish, but lulling us to sleep shouldn’t be the next available option. That performance was like downing a bottle of “Dream Water,” except nightmarish considering Devin is (was?) a contender whose talent is better than Underwood’s sleepy ballad. If you’re going to take a risk, at least do something in a genre that we can still associate you with. Jumping to country was not only confusing but contradicted everything we loved about Devin to begin with. He has this calm and collected aura about him, but his vulnerability exists in his voice. Forcing America to discover a side of Devin we already know exists was a complete waste of time. If Devin makes it through this week, he’s going to have to scramble fast to get back in the judges’ good graces. He’s one of those performers who needs to hit it out of the park every week, because his understated greatness can be easily overlooked. Devin, I hope this is the one bad performance you got off your chest this season. Now let’s get back to the level of “Somos Novios” and “Listen”!
Performance Review: (**½)
6. Paul Jolley, “Amazed” — Paul Jolley might be the most underestimated contestant this season. I know this seems wrong, but being the last white male in the competition means you’re likely to get a ton of votes from Middle America. Identifying as a country singer only guarantees more fan support. I still believe Jolley has a voice that can go deep in this competition if he just lets it soar to controllable heights. Remember back in Season Two when Simon Cowell told Clay Aiken that he’s better heard when you close your eyes? That sort of applies to Paul Jolley, since his theatrical eyes and body gestures won’t distract you if have your eyes shut. The good news is that his voice was on pitch and he never strayed away from the melody. The intimacy of the song choice surprisingly made Paul seem more down-to-earth and likable. Also, he handled Jimmy Iovine and the judging panel very well and respectfully. That’s going to impress a lot of Idol viewers watching. My only major complaint about Paul’s performance is that he didn’t capitalize on his high register when the song called for it. Every time there was a spot open for his voice to rise into the heavens, he pulled back and whispered the notes. Still, the guy can clearly sing, and I appreciate how restrained and thought-out this rendition of the Lonestar track was. I’m still a believer in Paul Jolley the country rock/pop singer, so I hope he reverts back to his “Blown Away”-caliber performances. Regardless, Paul’s improvement this week will keep him safe tonight.
Performance Review: (***)
5. Angie Miller, “I Surrender” — How much better would it have been if Angie and Amber switched songs this week? Yes, I’m a tad peeved that Angie stole my song suggestion for my beloved Amber, but I’ll be objective and admit that Angie’s voice was more powerful than I expected it to be on this difficult Celine Dion track. Her vocal fluctuations aren’t that dynamic, but her tone is clean and, as Keith noted, pleasing to the ears. I just wish the performance wasn’t so childish. I half expected the stage to be transformed into Angie’s bedroom, with her looking into a mirror and belting the song into a hairbrush serving as a microphone. Also, her hand gestures are gratingly excessive — she acts like she’s got invisible fireballs in her palms, ready to hurl on those who don’t vote for her. Personally, I think Celine Dion ballads are an odd match for Angie, but kudos to her for challenging her vocal ability. Whatever doubts America had about her range were put to rest after last night.
Performance Review: (***)
4. Kree Harrison, “Crying” — I’m this close to rooting for Kree Harrison, but there’s always something about her that irks me ever so slightly. Kree’s selection of “Crying” was fantastic and perfectly suited her soulful tone, but I felt like she unintentionally put a wall up. I wanted to bask in the emotional outpouring but couldn’t. Maybe it was the restrictive standalone mic or Kree’s technical obsessiveness…who knows. I just wanted her to live in the moment and completely let go. The song is called “Crying” for a reason, right? I heard the pain but I did not see the figurative tears, which ultimately dampened what should’ve been an incredible performance. America and Idol bloggers go crazy for Kree, but I’m not at that level of love with the country artist…yet. Technically, she’s got what it takes to make the finale but I’m still waiting for her soulful voice to grab hold of me.
Performance Review: (***)
3. Amber Holcomb, “A Moment Like This” — Sure, I admit the “P” word came to mind when Amber performed Kelly Clarkson’s coronation song, but I blame that on styling and the setup of the stage. Clearly, the producers have a lot of faith in this girl and so do I, but dial it back a bit, Nigel and Co. because this girl is way too fly for the pageant treatment. I’m willing to forgive Amber for this, as well as her occasional pitch issues, on the basis of her strategy. My favorite Idol contestants are those who come in each week with a plan to survive. Week One, Amber performed a familiar classic that shocked everyone in the best of ways. Next, she evoked Whitney Houston and positively dominated. Last night, she appeased Keith by extending her notes and letting us absorb the power of her prodigal ability. The adjective constantly associated with Amber is “effortless” because it describes her so perfectly. She never overexerts herself or shows any kind of strain when she performs. Her breezy and spunky personality is infectious, and her singing voice is as natural as inhaling air. Now that Amber has proven beyond doubt she can win the whole shebang, it’s time for her to unveil her contemporary side. A smidgeon of creativity wouldn’t hurt either.
Performance Review: (***½)
2. Burnell Taylor, “Flying Without Wings” — I expect that many are shocked/angered to see Burnell so high in my rankings. I get that his antics are starting to get old for some, but vocally he was stronger than when Ruben Studdard performed this coronation song. Revisit Studdard’s performance, and you’ll note that there are some horrendous moments, especially in the verses where his voice abruptly flattens. To me, Burnell’s version had personality and an entire narrative with a definitive beginning, middle, and end. Even when I try to resist Burnell, it becomes impossible. The guy simply knows how to tell a story with the timbre of his instrument and ensnare our emotions. Like Randy said, he’s the obvious threat to the girls this season. It might be time for Burnell to shift uptempo…but man, I just love the way he makes each performance feel like a private concert.
Performance Review: (***½)
1. Candice Glover, “I (Who Have Nothing)” — MY. GOD. CAN-DEES. I mean, to top stellar performances like “Ordinary People” and “I’m Going Down” seems downright impossible, right? Apparently not for someone as talented as Candice Glover! Tackling my favorite Jordin Sparks’ song in her Idol discography should have been a disaster, but not only did Candice improve upon Sparks’ version with exquisite R&B eccentricity, she just inserted last night’s performance into the Idol hall of fame. There’s no performance even comparable this season — none. It could very well be the big moment of Season 12. Candice espoused unlimited amounts of passion and technical excellence, the fusion of which seemed totally surreal when watching. I might even prefer this performance to my favorite from last season, Elise Testone’s “Whole Lotta Love.” After this masterful showing, a finale spot deserves to be held on reserve for Miss Candi Cane. Unlike some dorky faux wizard, Candice Glover is truly this year’s GREAT and POWERFUL superstar. There’s no way anyone can say Season 12 is worse than Season 9 after Candice’s triumphant showstopper.
Performance Review: (****)/A++++++++++
Who Should Be in the Bottom 3: Curtis Finch Jr., Lazaro Arbos, and Janelle Arthur
Who Will Be in the Bottom 3: Curtis Finch Jr., Devin Velez, and Janelle Arthur
Going Home: Janelle Arthur
Phew, Candice Glover knocked the wind out of me, so forgive me if I have little else to say. Speak your mind, Idol viewers! Who were your favorites last night, and do you agree that Candice Glover’s “I (Who Have Nothing)” performance deserves to be in the Top 25 Best Idol Performances Ever? Please share your opinions below in the comments section!
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2 Comments
Your verdict on the bottom 3 is absolutely correct. All three were horrible. Janelle will probably be leaving, but I want Lazaro out so badly. He’s just not in the same league as the rest of them.
Side note: Candice had better win this thing.
2nd side note: Is it just me or was Paul Jolley eye f*cking the shit out of the camera?
Bren(Quote) (Reply)
My ranking for last night:
10. Janelle – Voice sounded thin and performance was forgettable. I do not understand why the judges praise her as one of the best singers, she has failed to impress me since the beginning. She should go home this week. Jett Hermano should have taken her place.
9. Burnell – I do not understand the hype surrounding this guy. He vocals were flat, annoying, and were all over the place. This is a singing competition, not a who is more unique competition. Vincent Powell should have taken his place.
8. Amber – I do not understand her hype either. She destroyed Kelly’s Song, and not in a good way. Her vocals were ok during the verses but when the chorus started she sounded awful. She hasn’t impressed me one bit. And when Nicki compared her to a young Whitney, I bet she rolled over in her grave!!! Mariah should have smacked her right then and there. There is not one female in this contest that can match the levels of the Top Five (Singing) Pop Divas (Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Christina and from the Philippines, Regine Velasquez). Teena Torres should have taken her place.
7. Devin – Safe and forgettable but I loved his vocal control.
6. Lazaro – Safe and forgettable but I loved his vocal control. It wasn’t as bad as people have made it out it to be.
5. Curtis – Liked his rendition better than most contestants who have covered it. I like the inspiration and joyfulness he brought to the performance. Fantasia always sang this song like she was dying on stage. This was a breath of fresh air.
4. Angie – Boring and too ‘Miss America’. Vocals were good but Kelly (with a cold) sang it better during her season. I know she has the voice and has proven herself before but this was upsetting. She will redeem herself later though. I hope.
3. Paul – Best male vocal last night. Good vocal control. Too bad this performance was forgettable (all the boys were forgettable!). But I do like his vocal rendition better than Scotty’s.
2. Kree – Solid, beautiful performance. Great vocal control. She’s in it to win in and has my vote.
1. Candice – Stole the night!!! What a performance!!! What an Idol Moment!!! This was my fav Jordin performance during her season and I think Candice topped it. The only reason I’m pulling for Kree is the fact that Candice acts too snobby at times. But if she shows more modesty and humility, I might change my vote. Either way, it should be Kree VS Candice in the finals. The R&B/Modern Pop Diva VS the Country/Adult Contemporary Pop Diva!!! This is great!!!
O Jay(Quote) (Reply)