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.