AI 10 3-24-11 And Now there are 11?

The results show tonight was one of the most interesting and exciting in a very long time and while the cheese factor was strong it was a great night of television. This is AMERICAN IDOL!

Cue the introductory video montage of the prior night’s performances with the ending notice to “EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!”

I let it slide hoping the producers would stop on their own but the announcer to announce the host and judges must go and go now!

There were 30 million votes cast after yesterday’s program and teases us that the results will “shock us!”

The top 11 take the stage in formal black and white attire – what was up with that? Are we going to the prom or something?

I guess the Anthony-Lopez home is not taking in enough cash because there is Marc Anthony helping the contestants advising them on how to perform in front of a crowd. The best part of this was his critique of the judges – now that was funny!

The group number began with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” which was better than last week, although the entire group was bordering on screaming versus singing. This transitioned to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” with Stevie Wonder singing the lead which was most excellent.

Next up was a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Steven Tyler with cake thrown in. Mr. Tyler’s birthday is actually Saturday.

Time for the Ford music video commercial or as I refer to them - how Fox makes a killing. The music video itself was boring and uninspired.

Time to fill those uncomfortable bottom three seats as Lauren, Pia and Scotty come center stage and all three are safe.

Our first musical group is Sugarland performing “Stuck like Glue.” Considering the horrible performance from last week’s guest this was good although I do not like the song. Exactly how many times can we repeat “stuck like glue” before it becomes repetitive?

Cue video montage letting us know that James is a wresting fan and Ronald is just shaking his head as this was just cheesy filler. James and Paul are called forward and I was just praying Paul was heading to the bottom three as Ryan tells them both they are not safe tonight and I mean you really are not safe as the walls part and there is Hulk Hogan in all his glory. Hulk Hogan – really? Hulk tells both of the guys they are safe and then tells Ryan he is not safe and throws him a punch where he goes flying to the audience. I realize this is fake but I enjoyed seeing Ryan being hit!

Jacob, Thia and Stefano are the next ones heading center stage to learn their fate. Jacob is safe while the other two are heading to the uncomfortable chairs.

Now the final three Naima, Haley, and Casey come center stage. Ryan tells Naima she is safe and then provides the shocker of the night in that Haley is safe over Casey. America you are freaking nuts!

Jennifer Hudson hits to stage and sings her first single from her new album – “Where You At”. I like her new album but this song is not one of my favorites although she sang the hell out of it. Did anyone else notice that third season alumni George Huff was singing backup for Jennifer?

It is now time to get to the reason we are all here. Ryan is going to send someone back to safety and it is Thia. OMG, this is ridiculous and it got even more ridiculous when Stefano is safe leaving Casey with the least number of votes. This is just totally nuts especially looking at the performances from the prior evening. The camera panned to Randy when the news was announced and Randy’s reaction was priceless when his mouth falls open.

Time for Casey to sing for the judge’s save and he chooses to go with “I Don’t Need No Doctor.” Casey starts to sing when Randy interrupts Casey and tells him he does not need to sing, because “we know who you are.” Steve tells Casey, “We have made the decision to keep you on.” Wow the judges used their save so soon but Ronald is very happy about that decision.

Poor Casey was just plain stunned about the whole turn of events and I do not think he believed the judges. This was great emotional television happening live. Given his ulcers, I am not sure all that suspense is good for him; let us hope he does not end up back at the hospital. When it finally sunk in that he was safe, the joy on Casey’s face was truly inspiring, very surreal.

Steven asks Casey to listen to Jennifer. Jennifer explains, “That he needs to get back to being the musician he is.” Randy tells him he does not have to growl.

Ryan then tells everyone that the producers have decided this year there will be a top 11 touring and not just 10 but reminds everyone that next week two contestants will go home!

Wow Ronald is exhausted after tonight’s results show.

Until next week…

AI 10 3-23-11 The Top 11

This is American Bandstand, wait, this is just a corny introduction with Ryan playing host and the contestants hopping around in 1960’s costumes. I guess this is AMERICAN IDOL!

Welcome to “Motown” week as we cue the educational clip package of what “Motown” means for the umpteenth time in last nine seasons.

“Let us get it on” as we comment on the performances of our top eleven. There is much at stake because only 10 go on tour.

Casey Abrams – “Heard it through the Grapevine”

I really liked this performance. Casey has pure passion when he is singing and it is why he is so compelling to watch. This was awesome and I believed every word he was singing. I loved the beginning and growl and the strut down the steps. I thought Casey made this song his own. This certainly made up for the botched vocals from last week. Well done! Casey cleans up really well too.

Steven – “You are the perfect mix of crazy and out-of-control ego. I think you are the perfect entertainer.”

Jennifer – “You are so specific to who you are. Is there anybody out there life you? I do not think there is! You could really carve a niche out there for yourself!”

Randy – “You are a true original. You can only do you and that ‘you’ is great!”

Thia Megia – “Heatwave”

I will give Thia some credit because she did improve her stage presence barely by semi-strutting around the stage. The vocals were okay but nothing spectacular and rather bland. Thia was mumbling mostly because I think she forgot the words. Overall, I am not wowed by this performance and am tired of her at this point.

Jennifer – “Now I feel like we are scratching the surface with you. It was great to see you let loose like that. Who knew you had that in you? Now that we know, she does have it she has to bring this every week. Part of performing is acting and she needs to connect with her lyrics so she can bring even more.”

Randy – “The reason you are here is we knew you had it in you. It is about taking chances. You just have to believe. I think you can dig deeper.”

Steven – “You have taken a step out and I love it.”

Jacob Lusk – “All You Need to Get By”

Tonight was the first time where I really enjoyed Jacob’s performance. It was not a perfect vocal but the overall performance worked including the way he restrained some of his vocal gymnastics, which is why he often goes off track. Mr. Iovine provides some sage advice, “You need to grab the song, sing it, control it and use the power when it is justified.” Surprisingly Jacob listened and it definitely worked.

Randy – “You know what was wrong with that performance, absolutely nothing! The great Barry Gordy is somewhere going, ‘Oh my god.’ This was your second best performance.

Steven – “You held back, you milked it, and you did it.”

Jennifer – “You made us beg for those notes! Give it to us Jacob. You move me. You me us!”

Lauren Alaina – “Keep Me Hanging On”

I did enjoy Lauren’s performance this evening. I thought she showed great attitude, her voice was excellent, and she looked lovely as well. Lauren showed some restraint although flirting with Randy was just plain creepy. This performance improves her standing after last week.

Steven – “You ripped that song another beauty mark. You do not listen to anyone and I like that.”

Jennifer – “You threw your head and neck into it and that is what the song required. There was so much attitude.”

Randy – “She has got her swagger on high. You are ready.”

Stefano Langone – “Hello”

How can one contestant have the highs and lows this one does? Poor Stefano you must remember this, song choice is everything and this was just wrong. You were flying high from last week’s stunning performance but then you come out on the stage giving us a performance, which flopped big time. I hated the arrangement, the way he vocalized and do not get me started on his enunciation. In addition, that head tilt was driving me crazy and he was nodding up and down, up and down which was making me nauseated. Stefano just was not able to sell me the emotions of this song.

Jennifer – “I do not want the intensity to come from you wanting to do well; I want intensity to come from your heart breaking.”

Randy – “You can definitely sing but there was no real emotion.”

Steven – “You ‘ramped up’ too soon.”

Haley Reinhart – “You Really Got a Hold on Me”

I have mixed feelings about this performance. I think the vocals were good but I hated the arrangement. I hated Haley’s outfit, the performance was strange, and she seems to have an inability to move on stage.

Randy – “This started rough, but by the middle, the Haley we fell in love with came roaring back. This is exactly the kind of singer we always thought you were!”

Steven – “Beautiful, you sang your heart out. You do not look a day over fabulous. I have been looking for this Haley since your first audition.”

Jennifer – “You have effortless control, more than anyone else in the competition. You also might have a more soulful voice than any of the other singers.”

Scotty McCreery – “For Once in My Life”

I hated this performance. I will say it again I hated this performance. I think this could rank as one of the worst ever and that is saying a lot.

Jennifer – “Every time you hit that note at the end, you get me all over again. I like this version, I was not sure what you were going to do but you made the song your own.”

Randy – “That is a lady killer note.”

Steven – “This was like Glenn Campbell and Harry Nilsson. You cannot make a three-point shot from under the net. With those low notes, you tweak everybody.”

Pia Toscanno – “All in Love is Fair”

Pia looks beautiful and she can sing. The ease at which Pia can make her voice soar is remarkable. Listening to her is listening to a master class in singing. The entire song was pitch perfect and she was able to put her unique stamp to it. This is after all a singing competition and there is no question of the talent Pia demonstrates each and every time she steps out on the stage.

Jennifer – “Again you kill us with one of your killer ballads but if I am going to give you constructive criticism, we have seen you sit there three times and do a ballad. You need to show us a little more heart and a little less head. I need you to start including that other part and dynamic. That will take you over the top. We need to see it because we know it is there.”

Randy – “You hit the notes dead on but you cannot live on ballads alone. Give me even a mid-tempo.”

Steven – “You are the closet star in the ‘American Idol’ universe. Step out, put your sneakers on and kick some ass.”

Paul McDonald – “The Tracks of My Tears”

Here is yet another Paul performance, which I hated it. I just do not get what people like about him. I did not like this version of the song. I do not think it used his voice to any meaningful effect. I felt no emotional connection to the song. I found the entire performance odd.

Randy – “You definitely have a distinctive kind of voice. You took it to a cool, Rod Stewart-y place.”

Steven – Makes a comparison to Bob Dylan (a man who cannot sing) and Willie Nelson.

Jennifer – “You are the most season performer that we have. You are the complete package. All you need is the right producer and there you go.”

Naima Adedapi – “Dancing in the Street”

I absolutely adored this performance and I am not sure why. It was fun to watch and everything was working including the instruments and the dancing. It should have been a horrible flop but instead was beautiful listen to and watch. Naima was on key and the vocals were probably the best ever from her. There is no doubt she was having fun.

Steven – “It was an ‘e” to the “z” tweedle-dee-dee!”

Jennifer – “You gave me ‘my first little goose bumps of the night’ and you are an exotic performer. You are my mover, my share, my dancer up there, a little extra something.”

Randy – “All of Naima showed up tonight, the African dancer, the one who loves reggae, it was beautiful.”

James Durbin – “Livin’ for the City”

James definitely brought his “A” game tonight. This was balls to the wall great entertainment. It was a great vocal, some great stage presence, and was just pure pleasure to watch and listen to.

Jennifer – “You are serious business up there. It is just an incredible thing to watch. You leave me speechless.”

Randy – “It started rough but when you finally hit your pocket, it was unbelievable.”

Steven – “I think sometimes it takes a little bit of being crazy to make a difference in this world and that is what you do.”

Motown week definitely had the ups and downs for me but once again some contestants surprised me and others just fell flat.

I voted for James, Jacob, Casey, Naima, and Pia.

I think the bottom three will be Thia, Haley, and Naima.

My prediction is the third time is the charm and Haley will be going home.

Until tomorrow…

AI 10 3-17-11 And Now there are 11

Last night we had the performances of the top 12 and now for an elimination, who will be going home? This is AMERICAN IDOL!

Mr. Producers I do not now or will ever care what these contestants wanted to be when they grew up, I want to hear them sing and hope it will be excellent music.

Wow are the producers trying to cross promote their slate of shows because we have our contestants doing a mash up just like on “Glee”. The “Glee” cast can do this well while this production number was terrible. I thought Jacob sounded the worse and it truly was not a mash up since for the most part the men stuck to “Born to Be Wild” while the women went with “Born this Way.” I almost muted the sound it was irritating me so much.

What was up with that Ford music video? I guess the concept might have sounded good during a meeting but the song choice “Val Kilmer” did not exactly go with the images I was looking at.

Excuse me; I guess I turned on the Oprah show by mistake? I must have because the entire audience is getting a copy of the Idol tenth anniversary CD. I really hate to quibble but while we are on their “tenth season”, it is only the ninth anniversary given the program started in the summer of 2002.

It must be time for some results because Jacob, Lauren and Casey are called forth to hear their fate. Ryan tries for the big fake out but all are safe. Haley and Paul are next with Haley heading to the couches for yet another visit to the bottom three.

The moment I was dreading arrives as our current American Idol (what a joke) takes the stage. Mr. DeWyze performs some boring song called “Beautiful like You.” It must be hard to be the lowest selling Idol ever. This was a typical Lee performance where he was in and out of key, mumbled, and bored me to tears.

It is time for more results as Scotty, Pia and James move up to meet Ryan but once again, the entire group is safe. Stefano and Naima are the next on the chopping block and with little surprise; Naima makes another trip to the bottom three. Finally, we have Thia and Karen with Karen filling the last spot in the bottom three.
The Black Eyed Peas hit the stage with a performance that I consider to be “freaking horrible!”

After almost an hour it is time for the big reveal and Karen received the least number of votes and will reprise her version of “Hero” for a chance at the judge’s save. Unfortunately, the decision is not unanimous and Karen is heading home.

I had picked Haley to head home tonight but she was in the bottom three. I guess she had better pick up her game or she may find herself singing for her life.

Next week the top 11 will be singing the “Songs of Motown”.

AI 10 3-16-11 The Top 12

“We’ve been watching the devastating events in Japan and tonight we’d like to offer our help,” explains Steven Tyler. “All the songs from tonight’s show will be available on iTunes for sale and all proceeds will be donated to the Japan relief effort,” per Jennifer. “In addition during tomorrow night’s results show we will explain how you can text your donation,” says Randy. “We thank you in advance for your generosity,” shouts Ryan. This is AMERICAN IDOL!

My weekly rant continues until the producers stop the madness of an announcer introducing our judges and host. Ryan if you walk down that staircase one more time I will arrange for someone to trip you. Enough is enough!

Tonight’s theme is “Songs from the year the contestants were born” or as I describe it, “torture to the ears and thank you for reminding me how old I am!”

I will save my bitching, excuse me, my insightful commentaries about the show until the end. Let us get on with discussing the performances of our top 12.

Naima Adedapo – “What’s Love Got to Do with It” 1984

Naima has some natural raw talent and she is a terrific performer, which is excellent to watch but we are in the middle of a singing contest, which means I would hope to hear some excellent vocals. I thought she was horribly off key for most of the beginning. Recovered a little bit during the chorus but then it broke apart towards the end. The last note was so sharp it could slice someone open. The arrangement was interesting but not sure, I totally enjoyed the changes they made to update the song. I did like her outfit though. She needs to work on controlling the vocals.

Steven – “You opened up a can of whoop-do-doo. You have a sorcerer’s grasp of melody. I loved it.”
Jennifer – “You bring your specific flavor to everything you do and I love that but I gave you a pass on the pitchiness last week, but it is becoming a consistent problem. I love your flavor but you need to work on your singing.”
Randy – “I am glad Jennifer brought that up. You were under pitch for most of the song. The vocals were a mess and all over the place.”

Paul McDonald – “I guess that’s why they call it the blues” 1984

I absolutely hated this performance. Paul was off key and mostly sharp. I realize he is sick but he was squeaking. I do not find his twitching around the stage interesting to watch either. Paul needs to address his lack of tone-breath connection because if he does not he will lose his voice permanently. I am not sure why people like him. I just do not get it.

Jennifer – “I can see you were struggling vocally but you have so much soul and so much star quality, it overcame that.”
Randy – “You were off-key for the first half. What I like about you though is you give off that Ray LaMontagne vibe, you do not compromise and you try to make every number your own. You just need to hit the notes.”
Steven – “You define a cool dude in a loose mood.”

Thia Megia – “Colors of the Wind” 1995

First Thia looked terrible; you put her in that boring, uninspiring dress. Give me a break. On top of it, her song choice was ridiculous and then she did absolutely nothing with the song. The vocal sounded fine but there was no connection, no feeling, she stood there like a robot and sang the words. This is a pretty song but you would never know that from this lackluster emotionless performance.

Randy – “The vocals were okay. You sing ballads every week. This was like a pageant performance. You need to take some chances and do something different. There was nothing special or unique about it. It was a little boring.”
Steven – “You sounded beautiful but is that song who you think you are?”
Jennifer – “When we first saw you we loved the unique tone and quality of your voice but we have lost that. You are being safe and we need to see you break out of that. I heard something in the tone of your vibrato and I am not sure if it is nerves or if that is just, how it is. You need to work on that, you need to learn to push on it.”

We have some filler when Ryan introduces us to the vocal coach from hell Peggy Blu who is in the audience. I thought Thia was nice to point out that she was sweeter than portrayed and she hugged them a lot. Interesting that Ryan points to Kate Hudson in the audience but makes no mention of her boyfriend Matt Bellamy who is the front man for the group Muse.

James Durbin – “I’ll be there for you” – 1989

This was an interesting choice for James and except for an off-key yell, the vocals were good. The thing about James is he seems like a seasoned pro when performing on stage. The kid was working the crowd, slapping the audience’s outstretched hands and stomping around the stage in his custom-made leather boots. (How is it that he does not have money for diapers but can afford custom-made boots? I am just asking.)

Steven – “You made Desmond child proud. I have leftover sandwiches under my bed older than you. Don’t get too poppy on me.” James replies that he is waiting to roll out Aerosmith for the finale are you willing to join me. Steven agrees.
Jennifer – “A good performer makes you want to sing along and that is what you did for me. Every time you get up there, you bring me so much joy.”
Randy – “There was a couple of pitch issues but what you do is figure out how to make it your own. Very tastefully done dude.”

Haley Reinhart – “I’m Your Baby tonight” 1990

Song selection, song selection and I will repeat it again, song selection is critical and Haley simply does not have the power to sing Whitney. I found the vocals to be harsh and shrill. This was my fingernails down the blackboard moment of the evening. I truly wanted to hit the mute button or going screaming from the room. This was a painful vocal to listen to and I was so happy when it ended.

Jennifer – “You look beautiful. You have an amazing voice. You did look tense up there in your body and movement and you need to learn how to focus on releasing the tension in your body in order to look more fluid. You do not have to force movement, you just need to do what comes naturally, just feel it.”
Randy – “I am confused. I am not sure who you are or that you are sure, either. You need to find out. The vocals were okay but the releases not so great.”
Steven – “I miss that Janis Joplin vibe when you are sweet and tough. You need to sing more blues.”

Stefano Langone – “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” 1989

Where did this vocal come from? Outside of the horrible ending note this vocal was almost pitch perfect and thousand times better than last week. This kid was having fun, he was able to change up the arrangement a little, adjust the phrasing, and delivered one freaking awesome solid kick-ass performance. If Stefano keeps this up, he might be the truly dark horse in the competition.

Randy – “This was the best performance of the night so far. You took a song with a huge degree of difficulty like the Olympics and slayed it. 10, 10, 10!”
Steven – “You are gonna make Jimmy Iovine more famouser!”
Jennifer – “The perfect song for you but you need to learn to open your eyes, lower your head in order to connect with the audience. If you sing to me a little more, look me in the eyes, you can win this!”

Pia Toscano – “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” 1988

I love Pia and this performance was good. I do not think it was as spectacular as last week but then again she is tackling Whitney, which I think she pulled off better than others have done. I just love the sound of her voice. There is a rich, deep, beautiful tone to it. I thought the arrangement of this song was a little cheesy but Pia made the most of it. The last part of the vocals was pure heaven. Those high notes sublime. My only complaint is Pia needs to feel more joy when she is singing. She needs to let loose and have some fun.

Steven – “You are why this show is called American Idol. You took that song over the top in your own special way and you nailed it!”
Jennifer – “I was so happy you chose an up-tempo number. You definitely have an angel watching over you.”
Randy – “Amazing vocals, Pia is in this competition to win it!”

Scotty McCreery – “Can I Trust You with my Heart” 1993

Scotty can sing there is no question about that but once again I do not believe he did anything different from any other performance except for keeping the irritating facial expressions to a minimum. The performance bored me.

Jennifer – “You pushed it out there.”
Randy – “You did Travis Tritt proud. You were brave and took a chance outside your comfort zone (REALLY?) We believe in you.
Steven – “You just need to keep being yourself and you will go places.”

Karen Rodriquez – “Love Will Lead You Back” 1989

What was up with that outfit? I thought the vocals were all over the place and she should never sing in her upper register ever again. I did not like the performance. I think I hated this worst than last week. The Spanish to English and back again is becoming boring.

Randy – “It was better than last week but I’m still not jumping up and down.”
Steven – “I love when you work in your ethnic what-it-isms.”
Jennifer – “I love that you attacked the song. As a performer never expose your weakness but play to your strengths. If you do not think you can hit the notes then do not even try, adjust the key, you need to perform from your heart and see how it translates.”

Casey Abrams – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” 1991

Casey seems to be doing well after his stint in the hospital last week. Casey always makes interesting choices and while it may be great to be the first to sing a certain group’s songs, it does not always means it is the right choice. I was never a fan of Nirvana and Casey did not win me over on that score. There is no doubt that Casey can sing but this was not his best vocal given the majority of it was off key and deep in the throat. Yet on the other hand, I could almost let some of those bad notes and tones go because Casey is so damn entertaining while on the stage. There is passion and fire when he is performing. I just feel good when watching him.

Steven – “You are so good, crazy, and talented. That’s the goop that great stuff is made of.”
Jennifer – “You had some big shoes to feel and I like that you took a risk. There was a lot of screeching so watch the screaming/intensity.”
Randy – “You are like Radiohead, Muse and Lykke Li. What I love about you is that you put art before commerce. You’re fearless.”

Lauren Alaina – “I’m the Only One”1994

Lauren certainly looked better this week and for the post part sounded somewhat better but this was once again the wrong song. It was not a bold choice because the arrangement and singing just brought out country and her twang was in full force. This is a song about raw yearning and passion, which I am hoping Lauren does not understand, but even if she did, it did not come out in her performance. I thought she ripped the song of all of its original emotion. I will give her credit because she has no fear when performing and she as least demonstrated confidence and swagger while singing.

Jennifer – “You gave it that country flavor. You took it and made it your own!”
Randy – “You should have a cold every week if you are going to sound like that. Very nice.”
Steven – “I agree. You are a shining star.”

Jacob Lusk – “Alone”

I do not think this was a good song choice at all. I do not think he did anything with it and there were some incredible sharp notes especially during the chorus. The key changes were not his friend because he stretched too hard and went off and struggled to find the right key. I did not like the arrangement, the over the top vocals or the performance. I realize Jacob has some incredible raw vocal talent but he has not been making the right song choices to show it off. I hated the entire thing.

Steven – “Your mother may not be able to sing but she gave you moxie. If gospel had a baby they would name it Jacob Lusk.”
Jennifer – “You give yourself completely to every performance, every moment you’re on-stage and we can all feel that.”
Randy – “You stepped out of your comfort zone. Jacob is in it to win it!”

My favorite part of the show is still watching the rehearsals and the interviews with the producers and Jimmy Iovine. There is so much more we could see I suspect.

The clips and interviews with the contestants and their families are as dull and uninteresting as they have been over the last nine seasons. If the producers cut, some of those videos the contestants would have more time to sing. Now that would be a novel concept.

I was thoroughly impressed with Jennifer Lopez during the performance because she really stepped up and offered some helpful criticisms but even more offered up some honest and insightful suggestions for improvement. Now that was a pleasant surprise. Steven Tyler is just plain crazy fun. Randy on the other hand is beginning to put me over the edge, if I hear whatever, whatever, whatever again I am going to flip out. Just say what you mean without all the ridiculous filler.

Overall, the show was better than last week but honestly, some people stumbled more while Stefano rose to the front of the pack.

I voted for Casey, Pia, Stefano, and Jacob.

My predictions for the bottom three are Karen, Haley and Thia. I believe Haley will be heading home.

The results show will include visits from the Black Eye Peas (yeah) and our current American Idol Lee DeWyze (I am so excited – NOT!).

Until tomorrow…