AI 11 - Semi Finals Round 1

I realize my blog disappeared but I ended up with a serious medical condition which led to a visit to a hospital and during my recovery while I was recording American Idol I have not yet watched the Hollywood episodes or the reveal of the top 24 (or should I say the top 25). I came into tonight’s episode not having a clue as to who would be on. I hope to keep up my blog now on a regular basis or until America or the show ticks me off as they did last year.

The semi-finals begin and finally America has some say into who will be in the finals. The producers changed it up by letting the guys go first.

On a positive note, I thought the stage looked amazing which I have not thought so in the last couple of years. On the other hand, was it necessary to bring up the non-existent J Lo nipple controversy from the Oscars? I also did not need to see Steven’s nipple. I am recovering from a serious medical condition I do not want to have a relapse.

Enough about me it is time to dish the dirt on the performers.

Reed Grimm

Reed chooses “Moves Live Jagger” and while the performance was interesting, I do not think he did himself any favors. First if the censors have to bleep you something is wrong. In addition, the overdone scatting just makes me believe you forgot the words. The jazzy arrangement may work for Reed it did not make the song better. I was also amazed by the lack of vocal strength and the fact that he did not use the higher octave once which indicates to me he cannot get there. On the other hand, Reed clearly is an entertainer and was having fun on the stage.

Randy – I am glad you made a bold choice to start the season.

Jennifer – This was a great way for you to show America what they are dealing with. This showed off your voice well.

Steven – You can do anything with your voice.

Adam Brock (or rather White Chocolate)

“I have a black woman living in my body” and “it’s time for America to see what white chocolate is”. You cannot make this stuff up he really said it. Adam chooses “Think” as his performance song. Since the contestants could choose any song and he goes with this one. I thought the choice was very desperate and absolutely the wrong choice if he wants to sell America on why we should vote for him. Adam did not demonstrate strong vocals and his performance was sad to watch. Adam just could not use the stage and he simply looked lost as he paced around. I was just happy when it was over. Luckily, Adam has a career as a chef, which he must be excelling at, given the huge home he lives in.

Steven – “It is hard to make a comment about anything here.” Then adds it was brilliant.

Jennifer – “I loved the big finish. Adam needs big moments because so many singers have stand-out voices”.

Randy – I like your throwback vibe.

Deandre Brackensick

Deandre goes with “Reasons” as his song choice. I wish I could tell you he can sing but since the music was so loud, he was overpowered and I could not understand one single word he sang. All I can tell you is he tosses his hair well. There was a falsetto note that ended the song, which appeared clear, however, singing in complete falsetto would get old in a hurry. The performance did not impress me in anyway.

Steven – I knew you would get the response you just got from the audience (teen-age girls screaming – big deal). Keep up the good work.

Jennifer – I was hoping you would come back after missing the finals last season and I think you will have an amazing season.

Randy – You are one of the most commercial guys he has ever seen. (If you like, singers you cannot understand.)

Colton Dixon

Colton why oh why would you let the stylists dress you like that. I hated the whole outfit and your annoying blonde streak. It is not wise to tell America how long it takes to do your hair. Colton chooses “Decode” for his performance song. Once again I would like to comment on Colton’s singing but alas the music was fast and loud and I could not hear him at all (maybe it is my 53 year old ears but I do not think so). I disliked the entire performance.

Randy – I am happy to see you back this season and this show needs its own “indie-alt rocker”.

Jennifer – “I want America to see what she sees, which is Colton singing from his heart. I think you are relevant and could be played on the radio right now.” (I guess I am loosing it because somehow if I am listening to my radio I would like to hear and understand the singer.)

Steven – he mumbled something I could hear (this is becoming repetitive).

Jeremy Rosado

Jeremy performs “Gravity” and for the first time tonight, it was a well-chosen song. I thought the song was perfect for his voice. I really enjoyed the soulful vibe he provided and it was well sung. The entire performance was genuine and I connected with him as an audience member. I was ready to attend his concert.

Steven – I think you should be the Idol just because of your big heart.

Jennifer – I always get drawn to you when you sing.

Randy – I was impressed by your tender moments and booming notes.

Aaron Marcellus

I never think it is wise to choose a song sung by a group for your performance but Aaron goes with “Never Can Say Goodbye” and color me surprised because I really, really enjoyed the performance. Aaron has incredible technical skill. The falsetto note at the end was perfection. The judges give Aaron a standing ovation.

Randy – I love your vocals and the ease with which you perform.

Steven – I am pleased.

Jennifer – You can sing.

Chase Likens

Chase goes with “Storm Warning” a song that I did not recognize but I certainly loved the fun performance. I thought Chase’s voice was strong and I could understand each word. This always earns points with me.

Steven – You look like Brendan Fraser.

Jennifer – You sounded great. Tonight is about singers showing America who they are and you did that.

Randy – You have range and looks so you are ready.

Creighton Fraker

Creighton chooses one of my favorite songs “True Colors” for his performance. After the intro video the producers over did the whole backdrop of rainbows. I was paying too much attention to the annoying backdrop as opposed to Creighton. I thought it was a solid vocal although there were a few pitch problems and there is a strange affectation he adds to some notes. I think the performance overall was good but not stellar.

Jennifer – I think America has some hard decisions to make. I do not want you to go home. You sang from your heart and it was great.

Steven – You did great.

Randy – The girls have their work cut out for them because you can definitely sing. (Thank you Randy for acknowledging that all those teenage girls texting to their fingers bleed has too much influence in who goes and stays).

Phillip Phillips

Philip decides to perform “In the Air Tonight”. This was another solid song selection. I was not particularly fond of the arrangement but I cannot deny how solid the performance was.

Jennifer – After last season’s auditions, the judges came home talking about Lauren and Scotty. This season we came home talking about you. You just proved why you are so memorable.

Steven – you did a great job.

Randy – I was not sure about the “reharm” of the melody. You continue to remind me of Dave Matthews. You are unique and not completely, what I would expect on the show but it works. Jennifer adds stick to the melody.

Eben Frankewitz

Ronald simply shakes his head when he hears that Eben is going to tackle Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain”. This was one of the worst song choices of the evening. I have no clue where the vocal coaches were but the song was in the wrong key for Eben. Eben should be singing in his higher register not his lower register. I also have to say stop with the Justin Bieber references. I will give credit that the song was well rehearsed and the kid has technical ability but at 15 he has no idea what he is saying it, how to say it, or understands the emotions in order to sell the song. This was a tragic misstep.

Randy – You are “mad young” and calm. It was not perfect but you did well at the end. I was impressed how you collected yourself when you fell flat.

Jennifer – agrees with Randy and adds that you are aware of what you are doing.

Steven – you were a little pitchy in the middle. You need to listen to blues records and “try to shake it off a bit”.

Heejun Han

Heejun goes with “Angels” and I do not think it was the best choice. I liked the start of the song as his voice has a smooth feeling to it but when he belts his voice just sounds average, there is no excitement to the notes. I hate to be fussy but he has pronunciation and phrasing issues, which always irritates me. I was simply not “wowed” by this performance.

Jennifer – I love the smoothness of your voice and say it is even better than you just demonstrated. (Is this your way of saying he sucks?)

Steven – I do not think this was the right song choice but I still love you.

Randy – This was not the best way to show off your voice but you are really talented and I am glad we found you.

Joshua Ledet

Joshua’s performance of “You Pulled Me Through” was the best of the evening. The song and what he did with it personally moved me. There was passion and it came through. I think he really connected with the audience. A great voice is what this show is about and Joshua proved he could be the American Idol. The judges give Joshua a standing ovation as well.

Randy – “This is what singing is about.”

Jennifer – I want to punch you (WTF?). I think you can do anything.

Steven – Your voice is what the world has been waiting to hear.

Jermaine Jones (the mystery top 13 guy)

Jermaine sings, “Dance with My Father” and overall it was good. I thought it started a little shaky but the vocal performance got better as the song progressed.

Randy – I wanted you because your voice is so different from the other guys’ voices.

Jennifer – I am glad America got to see your spirit and hear your voice.

Steven – Thank you for coming back.

America is going to pick the top five guys and the top five women. The judges will each choose one additional person to make a top 13.

There will be many disappointments on Thursday but I am choosing the following guys to be voted through by America. They are Joshua Ledet, Jermaine Jones, Heejun Hun, Colton Dixon, and Phillip Phillips.