AI 11 - 4-11-12

Time to recap last week’s result show. There was a happy dance at my house when I watched last week’s result show this past Tuesday and discovered America was listening and sent DeAndre home. While I was not correct in my prediction of who went home I was 100% correct on who was in the bottom three.

The result shows continue to irritate me with their foolish filler. The fantastic premiere of Jennifer’s new song and video “Dance Again” was anti-climactic. The music and the video were ridiculous. The shameless plugging of everyone’s projects should stop immediately. “The Wanted’s” lip-sync performance was lame but color me surprised that Kellie Pickler sounds great and provides a stellar performance.

The theme tonight is music from the last three years. Our guest mentor is Akon (whoever he is). Let us dish the dirt.

Skylar Laine – “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You”

Skylar was on fire tonight and I mean that literally, because it was all over the stage. The staging is getting out of hand. Skylar took up the guitar and really rocked the stage. The vocals were stellar and she was selling the meaning of the song as well. The only thing, which may hurt Skylar tonight, is going first.

Jennifer – “What a perfect way to start the show!” You have perfect pitch.

Randy – “This is what you love, this is what you should do – you could have a hit with that. That was crazy hot and crazy good.”

Steven – “The crows may crow, but the hens deliver the goods!”

Colton Ford – “Love the Way You Lie”

I am not sure what is happening but for two weeks in a row, I was enjoying Colton’s performance. The over the top staging was distracting but the beautiful arrangement was not. The falsetto was a bit weak during the chorus, but for the most part the vocals were good. I still freaking hate his clothes and hair though.

Jennifer – “You always surprise me with your approach to the notes. You do it in your way. It is so your signature.”

Steven – “You are such a rare talent, man. You could have recorded that now and not have to do overdubs-that’s how good it was.”

Randy – “It showed your sensitivity. I love that you started it like a lullaby. I love where your heart and mind goes.”

How wonderful more duets tonight rather than letting the contestants sing two songs? First duet of the evening is Phillip and Elise with “Somebody That I used to Know”. These two singers definitely should be recording together. This was a great vocal performance and the arrangement works for both of them.

Jessica Sanchez – “Stuttering”

Tonight Jessica out did herself. I think this was her best performance ever. There was class to this performance with her at the piano. This was a very difficult song given the lack of a common melody but what Jessica managed to do with it was unbelievable. The vocals sounded beautiful.

Randy – “I loved the arrangement that you did with the song; it was kind of like Shirley Murdock. You really set the bar high tonight.

Steven – “Every time I hear you sing, I forget where I am.”

Jennifer – “It was beautiful, but you were ‘digging’ in the middle. You need to be more like Joshua who takes the audience on a ride.”

Joshua Ledet – “Runaway Baby”

Wow Joshua goes up-tempo and brings nuance to his performance. I totally loved how fun, young and energetic this song was.

Steven – “You can sell a song like a work of art every time you sing a song, you sell it.”

Jennifer – “It is not just about the vocals, it is about being a performer that is what you do”.

Randy – “This was an unbelievable performance.”

Time for the next duet, which involves Colton and Skylar with “Don’t You Wanna Stay”. I did not like this performance at all. I also hate to admit it but Colton sounded better than Skylar because she was definitely having problems with the melody going from flat to sharp multiple times.

Steven – “You just made love singing to each other.”

Jennifer – “Kelly and Jason sang that song on the show last season and it is not easy. You did a nice job.”

Randy – “I love both of you but the performance was just okay.”

Hollie Cavanagh – “Perfect”

I did not like this version at all. While I thought, the unplugged version with just her and the guitar was a nice choice but the arrangement was excessively slow and appeared to be dragging. The vocals were good especially the power note at the end. I just do not think she really understood what the song was about and she sapped the energy out of the song and it pales in comparison to Pink’s original version. She did not make this her own. I did like her outfit tonight.

Jennifer – “I feel you fighting and wanting to be perfect it is not always about that, but you sang beautifully tonight, and you should be proud of yourself. I am rooting for you.”

Steven – “It is not about being perfect. It wasn’t perfect tonight for me.”

Randy – “No, it was not perfect, but it was a lot better than where you were last week. You kind of redeemed yourself.”

Phillip Phillips – “Give A Little More”

This was just another re-tread Phillip performance. I think it was the most karaoke performance he has given this season. BORING!

Steven – “I think that the more you take things seriously, the more you hit the notes.”

Jennifer – “I was a little bit underwhelmed, for the Phillip Phillips that I love. I have seen this performance a couple of times. I want to see you kind of break out.”

Randy – “I do not think it was that kind of a wow moment.”

Given the odd number of contestants, we have a trio performance versus a duet. Hollie, Jessica and Joshua are up with “Stronger”. I did not like this group performance either. I thought the harmonies sound awful. Individually they do okay but together the voices just do not mesh well.

Jennifer – “This is the season of the big voice. The performance was amazing.”

Steven – “I think it was beautiful.”

Randy – “I really like this trio; you all sounded good.”

Elise Testone – “You and I”

The performance itself was fun to watch but I thought the vocals were a mess. Perhaps she was trying too hard. There were parts that felt rushed. I am not sure she deserved the pimp spot.

Randy – “America, Elise is back! That was a perfect song for you and a perfect time for that vocal. You needed a ‘moment’ and you got one tonight.”

Steven – “You took a song that is so simple and effortless, and you turned it into genius.”

Jennifer – “You let go, but you kept control at the same time, and that is when you are at your best—because there’s no one who can sing like you.”

Tonight was an interesting mix of performances making it hard for predictions; however, I will pick Hollie, Skylar and Elise for the bottom three. Hollie does need to go but somehow everyone likes her but I believe Elise will be heading home.

AI 11 - 4-4-12

I finally had a chance to view the recording of last week’s results show and while I am happy America sent Heejun home, I am sad DeAndre did not even make it into the bottom 3. My winning streak continues to crash but once again, I did pick two-thirds of the bottom three correctly.

The result shows continue to irritate me with their foolish filler. The opening videos are getting more dramatic by the second. The only bright spot for me besides Heejun leaving was the video about the mansion. I freaking want to move in myself. Can someone please tell me how what Nicki Minaj is doing is considered music? I just do not get it. The entire thing was terrible and her lip-syncing sucked! I have never really liked Scott McCreery but I did enjoy his performance and the surprise platinum album award.

Tonight there are only eight performances but we still have a two-hour program but at least Gwen Stefani along with Tony Kanal are back as guest mentors. The theme tonight is music from the 80’s. Let us dish the dirt.

DeAndre Brackensick – “I Like it”

The best I can say about this performance is that it was not a total train wreck. I guess I simply do not get his appeal and why does he always have to rely on that falsetto voice. Perhaps that is my problem because at my age hearing those high notes is near impossible. Overall, the vocals were fine.

Jennifer – The whole thing was natural.

Steven – You have become who you are and you wear it well. (Perhaps he is referring to that damn hair).

Randy – You could be the 2012 version of DeBarge. (Who cares and given how he uses that falsetto I think he is trying to replace Robin Gibb as part of the Bee Gees).

Elise Testone – “I Want to Know What Love is”

Elise originally wants to perform “Hallelujah” but Gwen, Jimmy and Tony convince her to go with this Foreigner ballad. Elise should have stuck to her choice because this song did not really give her the chance to rise to the occasion as she did last week. The performance was okay and the vocals were fine. Elise does make interesting vocal choices but the song went nowhere. Even the gospel choir did not help. I was laughing hysterical when all the pocket watches were swinging behind her when she got to the lyric, “take a little time.” Really - American Idol producers!

Steven – I love your voice but I am not sure this was the right choice for you. It was a true 80s song.

Jennifer – It was not totally right at every moment but your heart is in it.

Randy – I love the song, which is hard to sing. You were pitchy the whole time until the end. You were just under the pitch. You should have focused more on the pitch than the runs.

We are having duets this week to fill up time because nothing screams “American Idol” like a duet. Colton and Skylar are up with “Islands in the Stream.” Colton and Skylar have no chemistry and they seemed to be spending more time mugging for the camera than singing to each other. This was not a performance, which provided any fun.

Randy thought it was interesting.

Jennifer thinks it is perfect.

Steven thinks it was a great match and showed both singers’ individuality. Ronald is just shaking his head at the judges.

Phillip Phillips – “That’s All”

I did not like this performance one bit. Phillip fell off the beat multiple times in the beginning and as he reaches for the end of the verses, he stops supporting his vocals. The arrangement was a nightmare and there was no connection to the meaning of the song.

Steven – You are a wildflower. I love you.

Jennifer – You were not in your comfort zone at the beginning but it might be because your brother-in-law was playing so loudly.

Randy – I like the song choice. (Where is the criticism about being flat?)

Our next duet is Hollie and DeAndre with “I’m So Excited” and I was just so excited for it to end. It was loud and did not really show case the singers’ voices. What was Hollie wearing? It was nice to see her do something upbeat but the poor girl cannot dance and given how her partner does not know when to stand still it was just a very comical and horrible performance.

Steven – It was nice seeing Hollie let go and get excited.

Jennifer – It was an iffy choice of song but I like it and praises their dance moves. (Really?)

Randy – I was impressed.

Joshua Ledet – “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”

Joshua gave a stand out performance. This was absolutely note perfect and emotional. Joshua has confidence and he can sing! This performance was deserving of the judges standing ovation.

Jennifer – We asked for a powerhouse performance and that is what we go. I thought you were holding back at the beginning but you were still comfortable. It was spectacular.

Steven – The choir “nestled” you. “It wasn’t too much over-the-top and it was way over-the-top.”

Randy – I felt like standing up the whole time. You fulfilled what I said, if you sing it well song choice does not matter. You “gotta have it”.

Jessica Sanchez – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”

This was not Jessica’s best vocal performance of the season. I did not think she sounded great on the power notes and all that moving around was creating severe breath issues and so she lacked support for them. I think there were multiple sharp and flat notes. On the other hand, the performance itself was fun to watch, Jessica was clearly enjoying herself. Getting the audience to buy it is half the battle.

Jennifer – Your choices come so natural for you. You are a little girl and a woman at the same time. I really liked the performance.

Steven – You always sound good and everything you do is beautiful.

Randy – You worked this song and you sing just as effortlessly as Whitney does. You “gotta have it,” too!

The next duet is Phillip and Elise with “Stop Dragging My Heart Around”. I really liked this performance. Their voices really worked well together and they were having fun. The duet was better than their individual performances.

Randy – Welcome back Elise. I thought you and Phillip sounded awesome together.

Jennifer – I want to hear more.

Steven – It was good.

Hollie Cavanagh – “What a Feeling”

This was my fingers down the chalkboard performance of the evening. Words cannot even describe how horrible this truly was. The weakness of her lower register came shining through and I am not sure that she once was in tune. This was a scary performance to watch along with that horrible frilly blue dress. I think fate was trying to tell Hollie to go rushing off the stage given how they could not get power to the keyboard even before she started.

Steven – You always get to where you need to go. You had pitch problems tonight.

Jennifer – I know you are listening to what everyone tells you but you just need to let go. The song did not sound like a pop song at the beginning. You did not release enough. You have to stop thinking and feel it from your heart.

Randy – He agrees with Steven and Jennifer. It was not your best performance.

Our final duet is Jessica and Joshua with “I Knew You Were Waiting for me”. This was by far the best pairing of the night. They sounded fabulous together and I do not think I have ever seen them so relaxed. This was by far my favorite performance of the whole evening. The judges gave the performance a standing ovation. I hope this song ends up on ITunes because I will definitely download it. It will be my first of the entire season.

Randy – You are two of the best singers to ever appear on the show. This was awesome.

Jennifer – I think we may be looking at the two finalists. You were amazing.

Steven – This was “so over-the-top it defies judging.”

Colton Dixon – “Time After Time”

Hell froze over because Ronald was enjoying a Colton performance. I am not sure if it is because I love this song or Colton was good. It was a very solid performance. I liked the arrangement and the vocals were good. I hate what he did with his hair and what he was wearing but for the first time during the finals, I was happy with the song choice and the vocals. Color me surprise this may be another song I download from ITunes.

Steven – You voice is good enough that you could do a record right now.

Jennifer – You were in sync with the band. The music is a journey and I felt different things, and there was a climax.

Randy – Colton, Joshua and Phillip all made their songs their own. You are current and I love seeing what you will do every week.

Skylar Laine – “Wind Beneath My Wings”

Skylar originally wanted to go with “9 to 5” but ultimately chose this tune. I did not like this performance as much as the judges seemed to like it. Skylar got where she needed to go but I thought the beginning of the song sounded flat and she really did not shine until she reached the big notes. The judges gave her a standing ovation, which I do not believe was deserved.

Randy – I like your look and I knew you needed a good performance this week and you delivered. This was the best she has ever sounded.

Jennifer – You just told America not to count you out. Beautiful.

Steven – This was the perfect song both for your voice and for the finale spot. This is the beginning of a great career for you.

I hate to admit has much as I adore Gwen Stefani I do not believe the mentoring was that effective or even worked for the contestants.

Can anyone tell me who is dressing Randy? I found his shirt very distracting. In addition, Randy I do not have to hear that you worked with the original version of the song being used by the contestants. We understand why you are sitting at the judges table. It just sounds so desperate when you keep talking about it.

I was happy the contestants were given longer times to sing their solos but there is no reason to fill up two hours.

Predicting who will go home becomes difficult because America is so fickle and I like Jimmy being honest about young girls voting for the pretty boys.

The bottom three will be Elise, Hollie, and DeAndre. As much as I want, DeAndre to head home the worst solo performance of the evening was Hollie so I will predict she will head home.

AI 11 - 3-28-12

I finally had a chance to view the recording of the March 22 results show and clearly, I am not very happy because Erika goes home before Heejun and DeAndre. This is just plain crazy. America is freaking deaf! It also means that once again my winning streak continues to crash although I guess I did pick two-thirds of the bottom three correctly.

The result shows continue to be light and fluffy with too much filler (freaking commercials) including all the plugging of everyone’s newest project or album. Corporate greed is getting ridiculous. The only bright spot of the entire show was the group number. I am not sure why but the group’s rendition of “For the longest time” was mesmerizing. Color me surprised! Lana Del Ray sucked big time and I was bored. It was almost as if she was not there. I was not impressed with Haley Reinhart’s performance either.

I also watched the recording of Wednesday’s performances so my comments are coming a lot sooner than last week.

How will the show fill up two hours with only nine singers? Will they allow the contestants to sing an entire song? Now that would be a novel concept for a singing competition. I just expect more ridiculous filler.

It is time to move on to the analysis of the performances of the top nine and the theme of “personal icons”.

Colton Ford – “Everything”

I simply do not like Colton or his style. I thought his whiny, nasally sounding voice was terrible and there were so many sharp notes at least the ones I could hear. The volume of all those instruments were drowning him out which I think leads him to scream/shout. I am not sure if he could even hear the melody himself. A better approach would have been to perform this song more simplistically, maybe even an acoustic version. I guess the producers really think he will be safe no matter what since they put him in the first spot. What was up with all that freaking confetti? I guess the producers were crowning their king now even though the finale is weeks away.

Steven – You sing a song like it should be sung. You have perfect pitch (is he freaking nuts) and star quality.

Jennifer – I was moved because the performance was not about “vocal acrobatics.”

Randy – I have been a fan since last season. I can see you doing this song. I found it believable as well. I predict you could win the whole thing.

Skylar Laine – “Gunpowder and Lead”

This was an interesting song choice. Skylar is a great performer on the stage. The performance was full of energy and fun. I do not think it was her best vocal though. There were some severe breath control issues and a few sharp notes. I am not sure what the producer or director is doing but the backdrop for her performance was weird. I just did not understand the “Hell on heels” scrawled over a fake newspaper.

Jennifer – I like the “Skylar” part of the show because it is unbridled.

Steven – It was over the top.

Randy – I loved it especially how you listened to Stevie about telling a story. You have more range than possibly any other country singer. You are representing the “dirty South”.

To fill up time we will have some group performances and first up is Colton, Elise and Philip doing a Fleetwood Mac medley including “Landslide”, “Edge of 17”, and “Don’t Stop”. There were some good moments and there were some not so good moments. P.S. I do not give a crap that Steven Tyler just had dinner with Mick Fleetwood and they spent the evening talking about Stevie Nicks.

Heejun Han – “A Song for You”

I will give Heejun some credit for making a change after last week’s ridiculous performance. The vocals sounded fine, i.e. it was on key but I am still stuck with the fact that his diction sucks and I could not understand most of what he was singing. This was an improved vocal but the performance was boring and I want to be able to understand what a singer is saying. I still think he needs to be walking out the door. The judges gave him a standing ovation, which was just crazy.

Randy – This is your moment of the competition.

Steven – I do not think you realize how good you are. You need to keep believing in yourself.

Jennifer – People do not make it this far in the competition by mistake (I would beg to differ on that one). Your tone and vibrato are beautiful. I love the funny side of your personality but when you connect and sing to your audience, you move them. (Yes, he moves me to mute or turn the channel).

Hollie Cavanagh – “Jesus Take the Wheel”

What is wrong with these contestants? Do not sing the hits of any prior Idol? Good, bad or indifferent the comparison to the prior Idol never goes away. I just shake my head in disbelief at the foolish choices. The vocal was fine but there was no connection to the song. The performance itself was boring. Hollie seems to close her eyes when she belts which pretty much shuts you off from the audience. What was up with the blizzard?

Randy – It is not always a good idea to sing a song by Idol alum but I liked it.

Jennifer – This was one of Hollie’s best performances. I felt it and you connected.

Steven – I do not want to mess with Jesus or Carrie but I wish you had picked a different song. It was just okay.

DeAndre Brackensick – “Sometimes I Cry”

I must preface my comments to say I freaking do not like this contestant and this performance did not win me over. I get you can sing in a high register but it is not necessary to perform the entire song in falsetto land. I could hardly understand what you were singing. The whole thing bored me. The judges were on their feet for another standing ovation.

Steven – I love your passion. This is what your voice was made for. You gave Prince a run for his money.

Jennifer – Vote for DeAndre.

Randy – I like that we get so many different types of music on the show. I am pleased you want to be an R&B singer.

Jessica Sanchez – “Sweet Dreams”

Outside of the ridiculous red doors all over the stage, I loved the performance. Jessica has incredible vocal control and this slowed-down version completely worked.

Jennifer – I think Beyonce will be inspired to do this version in concert. You left everyone wanting more.

Steven – You are a star. I liked your restraint. The show pushes people to their limits, and you were not quite there but it was still beautiful.

Randy – You are a star. This performance shows a maturity that most people your age do not have. You are one of the best singers I have heard in a long time. “I liked the arrangement and how you did not go over the top with big notes.”

Time for our next group number with DeAndre, Heejun and Joshua paying tribute to Michael Jackson with a medley including “The Lady in My Life”, “Rock with You”, and “P.Y.T”. I was not impressed with the singing at all. I was happy it was over. Jennifer on the other hand thought the singing was perfect but teases they are lucky they are not on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Phillip Phillips – “Still Raining”

I should sing this song since it has been raining for days here in the Pacific NW. As much as I would like to hate this performance, I must be honest and say I enjoyed it. I liked the bluesy feel of the number and I felt a connection. I guess Phillip was selling it tonight or it was packaged right and I bought it. This was definitely better than last week. On the other hand, it was a very simple song. The judges were up again.

Jennifer – You always say you want the music to come first and speak for itself. I think you succeed with that. You make everything else go away and the audience focuses just on what you are doing. The performance was amazing.

Steven – You own every song you sing. There is something in there trying to climb out.

Randy – “We hear a lot of different music styles on this show. I love you as an artist and how individual you are.”

Joshua Ledet – “Without You”

While I understand Mariah did a cover of this song, it is not hers originally. Things like this just irritate me. Well enough about me when this is really about how Joshua performs. I thought this was an incredible performance. It was soulful, passionate, and there was clearly a connection between the song and the singer. I think the crying was a bit over the top but I will let it slide since this was a spot on vocal. What was up with the freaking desert trees all over the stage? There was another standing ovation from the judges.

Randy – I think Mariah would be proud of this (What about the group Badfinger who wrote it back in 1970?). You have a big voice and you need to sing big songs. I think the audience felt what you were feeling.

Steven – Everyone is pushing themselves beyond their limits.

Jennifer – “You are a phenom.” “An angel from heaven.” “Your voice is a godsend. “

It is time for our final group of Hollie, Skylar and Jessica performing a Madonna medley including “Like a Prayer,” “Borderline”, and “Express Yourself”. There was no rhythm with this performance and they were incredibly stiff in their movements. Randy on the other hand loved the medleys.

Elise Testone – “Whole Lotta Love”

Elise gave a killer performance doing something completely different from anyone else. This was a total rock star goddess energetic and go for broke vocal smack down. Elise was even screaming in tune and she can belt with the best of them. This was a shining moment and she deserves the pimp spot. She had me out of my seat rocking with her! The judges were on their feet again too!

Steven – I was not sure if you could pull it off because no one can but you made Robert Plant proud.

Jennifer – I think you have “the real rock-star stuff”.

Randy – I am impressed that everyone played to win tonight.

It is time to start my rant about the show tonight. Why was it that the opening took so long? It must have been five minutes or more before they freaking introduced the contestants. The entire video about Tommy Hilfiger letting the Idols pick out clothes was a waste of time. All of this to advertise a new line of clothing. Really, American Idol you need to rake in even more cash. There has not been one outfit I would even consider buying or wearing for either myself or anyone else.

What was up with the weird stage props tonight? It was over the top even for American Idol standards and was very distracting.

I simply do not understand why the producers cannot give the contestants time to sing an entire song versus having to cut it down. They had two freaking hours to fill and listening to the contestants sing would have been an excellent use of that time.

I love and adore Stevie Nicks and personally, I thought she had some very interesting comments and suggestions for the contestants but everything is not always coming up roses. Jimmy was of no value tonight since he remains in a love fest with Stevie. If Stevie Nicks is the mentor, why is she not singing during the results show? I do not give a damn about either Scotty McCreery or Nicki Minaj.

Here is my prediction for the bottom three DeAndre, Hollie, and Heejun. Tonight one of my dreams will come true since DeAndre will be heading home. The reason I am making that prediction is I realized the pattern of eliminations have been with all the wild cards (discounting Jermaine’s boot – still a judge’s choice not America’s.) DeAndre is the last remaining wild card contestant.