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.

AI 11 - 3-21-12

Please accept my apology dear readers regarding my long delayed analysis from last week’s performances. There were other pressing matters requiring my attention. I hope to be timelier this week.

My wonderful streak in predicting the bottom vote getters along with which contestant is going home sadly ended with the top 11 results show from March 15. My prediction for a Shannon and Heejun bottom two was not to be with America saving Heejun (WTF?). Poor Shannon must head back to her giant mansion and life of privilege without making it to the American Idol tour. My other observations regarding the results show include how stupid the Ford video was, my surprise that I enjoyed Demi Lavato’s performance, how much I did not like Daughtry’s performance and why was he singing in profile (strange), and producers make up your mind about how you are going to handle the eliminations. I am happy though we are back to America making the decisions and there being one judge’s save. Time will tell if the entry of Tommy Hilfiger as a styling coach will work. I am afraid very afraid.

Tonight’s theme is the Billy Joel songbook, which means song selection will be critical but I am expecting several train wrecks.

DeAndre Brackensick – “Only the Good Die Young”

This was not a wise song choice. I really dislike this contestant, his freaking hair is such a distraction, and irritating that paying attention to his vocals is difficult. The performance itself was interesting to watch and he seems to be having fun. The music instruments were overpowering the vocals making it difficult to hear whether he was on key or not. My hope he is since he is first he will end up in the bottom three.

Steven – The song was too happy at first.

Jennifer – This song showcased who you are. (Really?)

Randy – I was not excited because there was nothing special but it was okay.

Ericka Van Pelt – “New York State of Mind”

I have to disagree with Tommy H regarding the total makeover as she looks like a very different contestant. Here is a woman who has a powerful vocal tool but she really has not had a chance to soar. I really liked the bluesy take on the song but there was no shining moment. Going so early in the program will probably hurt her in the end.

Randy – I love your new look. You are one of the best singers this season. I agree with Jimmy about over singing, if a singer can pull it off, she should.

Jennifer – You were great. Your haircut is a little Pat Benetar-ish.

Steven – You could have put more character into the song. I liked it.

Joshua Ledet – “She’s Got A Way”

This was a terrible song selection and Joshua was out of his element. The first half of the song was a mess and poor Joshua did not have a clue about what to do, however, when the song reached the crescendo and the choir joins Joshua the vocal performance was excellent. I really love the sound of Joshua’s voice though.

Jennifer – Billy wrote his life into his songs, his lyrics are descriptive and singers need to feel them. I hate to provide negative comments because you are such a good singer but I just wish I felt your connection to the song more.

Steven – I do not know this song and I did not like it that much at first, you made it come to life.

Randy – You should never feel defeated because you are so talented. You got more confident toward the end, when the choir came out; you made the song your own. You have nothing to worry about.

Skylar Laine – “Shameless”

This seems to be an easy song choice for Skylar given her country niche. The beginning verse was not even close to perfect but after that I though the vocals were strong, consistent, and well crafted. The performance itself more restrained than usual for Skylar. This was good but there were no wow moments as in previous performances.

Randy – It was too low at the start but as the song went on you got into your comfort zone and we heard the singer we know.

Jennifer – I like how you are always fearless.

Steven – You sang the chorus with a lot of conviction. It was a little pitchy but you breathed life into it.

Elise Testone – “Vienna”

This was an inspired song choice because it is not one of Billy’s most famous songs but it is one of his best. This was a freaking exceptional vocal performance. I guess being in the bottom three last week shook her up. The vocal technique was killer. The phrasing sublime and what she did with that final run was incredible. This was hands down the best performance so far of the evening. I cannot say I agreed with Tommy’s make over advice but I did think the dress and accessories where better than bellbottoms. The judges gave her a standing ovation.

Steven – You were all over the place but still in the room. The melody was wonderful. You put a lot of heart into the song.

Jennifer – I am happy for you and want to shake you. (I just do not get that statement.)

Randy – I knew this theme would be tough but you made the song your own. You showed why you are in the competition. You had a moment tonight. You may be the only singer who could have tackled the run you did at the end.

Phillip Phillips – “Movin Out”

I did not like the song choice and I find Phillip’s attitude annoying. His snide comment that “he does not dress or perform to please everyone” really irritated me and I wanted to say fine. I certainly will not be purchasing any of your music. I am not a big fan. I did not like the arrangement or the performance. The first verse was interesting but after that, I was lost and he never won me back.

Jennifer – Your angry ending was your way of getting out your frustrations with Jimmy and Diddy. I loved your performance.

Steven – You “Philip Phillipsed” the song while tossing a scarf telling him to never stop being yourself.

Randy – You know who you are and where you are going. Your performance was brilliant. (I think not!)

Hollie Cavanagh – “Honesty”

I really could not translate Tommy’s fashion advice to that ridiculously horrible pantsuit Hollie was wearing. These contestants need my style advice stat. I think Hollie has some strong vocal talent but it was not really on display tonight. I think this was her worst performance so far during the competition. There were some incredibly sharp notes being tossed around during this performance. Once the chorus came into play it was a little better.

Steven – You are one of the better singers this season. You were a little pitchy tonight. I think you were over thinking it.

Jennifer – I know you feel like you need to take on big songs but you need to know them well. The sound of your voice is one of my favorites this season.

Randy – We think you can be great which is why we give you these criticisms. I agree with the others you need to tune up the vocals a little. You look great (WTF!).

Heejun Hun – “My Life”

OMG! OMG! This was the worst performance of the night and this is saying a lot. It was a ridiculous choice of song especially from a singer who cannot enunciate. The vocals were my fingers down the chalkboard moment of the night. I wanted to mute the entire thing but I kept listening and shouting at the television set telling him to shut the f*^k up! The fake out at the beginning as if he forgot the words and then tells the pianist to speed it up was a joke. The entire performance as he was running all over the place did not help his vocals especially given his poor breath control. America please put me out of my misery and send this clown home! The only statement made by “Diddy” the whole night, which I found apropos, was “I don’t know if he’s an actor or a con man.”

Jennifer – I liked this because there were many ballads tonight. The vocals were not perfect since you were running around.

Steven – You need to try to take this more seriously.

Randy – You were entertaining and though there were vocal problems, at least you had a good time.

Jessica Sanchez – “Everybody Has a Dream”

Tonight’s vocals were inspiring. I fell in love with the arrangement and everything Jessica did with the song. It is remarkable how her lower register just gets stronger every week. Jessica brought a little swagger into her performance. I think Jessica was the only performer where I agreed with Jimmy, Diddy and Tommy about the advice they gave her, she listened and she worked her magic. This was the second best performance after Elise.

Steven – You were at the front of the line when God handed out vocal cords.

Jennifer – I felt like this song was written for you. This was a defining moment for you.

Randy – The winner needs consistency by having a moment every week. You have that.

Colton Dixon – “Piano Man”

Colton really needs to watch his attitude. I think “Piano man” was too easy of a choice so he could be back in his comfort zone behind the piano. I will admit Colton is not on my list of favorites. I do not like him and so my opinions may be colored but this performance was way over the top. Whose decision was it to put the piano in the center and light it up as if he was the resurrection of Jesus? I literally was getting sick to my stomach. I also hated the arrangement of the song. What was up with the squeaky notes? This was easily the worst version of “Piano Man” I have ever heard and he certainly did not deserve the pimp spot.

Jennifer – You sing with “pure feeling.”

Steven – You are the whole package.

Randy – I liked the performance and you need to stay an individual.

This was a night with very little excellent performances and if I had my way, there would be more than one singer heading home. I realize America disagrees with me but then I am “me” and they should be listening to my sage advice.

I will predict the bottom three to be Heejun, DeAndre, and Hollie. While I desperately want DeAndre swinging his hair home, I will predict Heejun to be heading home after the worst performance ever on an Idol stage.