I had originally intended to review last week’s result show but I had a killer week at work and ran out of time. Couple that with the fact that I’ve been on my back for three days now with a stomach virus and I’m going to keep my comments short and sweet for this week’s showcase of vocal styling from the guys — which had to be better than last week — and it WAS!
BTW – loved (tongue in cheek) the touching shout-out to Jennifer Hudson, which was more self promotion than heartfelt congrats. Guess they had to say something especially since she neglected to thank the show in any way during her acceptance speech.
So, without further ado, here’s the view from my red leather couch (under my warm quilt and propped up with pillows) for tonight:
Phil Stacey / I Ain’t Missing You – John Waite
Solid opening vocals, not doubt, I get the feeling he’s not that comfortable on stage because his movements are wooden at best and just plain awkward all of the time. Also, it’s more distracting to keep the mic plastered to your mouth – move it out of the way sometimes so we can see the facial expressions. Gotta be safe even if Simon doesn’t seem to like him.
Jared Cotter / Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
I never liked the sneakers with suit look. Now that I’ve said that, his vocals were a bit tight but his showmanship was definitely lively, getting Paula all shook up in the process. I was going to say the “K” word but Simon said it for me. Safe due to the face pull down.
A J Tabaldo /Feeling Good – Michael Buble
Well, that was a surprise! Very good vocals (a few problems but nothing major), a great song choice (wouldn’t have expected that song from him) and a solid, relaxed delivery. Good for him because I would have predicted his demise tonight since nothing I had heard up to this point impressed me. He CAN sing and I am now taking notice. Safe even if you’re not a Buble fan.
Sanjaya Malakar / Steppin’ Out – Fred Astaire et al
Dressed to impress? Didn’t expect that type of a song from him and I didn’t think it was a bad as the judges made it out to be. They are always telling the contestants to take a risk and I felt he did. It was WAAAAY better than last week’s offering but he’s just so green when it comes to performing that he lags behind the others. On the bubble because half the audience won’t be familiar with either the song or the genre – too bad.
Chris Sligh /Trouble – Ray Lamontagne
I liked the song choice, I liked the performance, I loved the dedication – 3 for 3! I thought he sang it better than Taylor and for a brief moment his vocals reminded me of Roy Orbison. I really like this guy and so far, he can sing just about anything. Safe, safe, safe AGAIN!
Nick Pedro / Fever – who hasn’t sung this?
One word – SMOOTH! I really liked it and that’s not just because he’s my homey. He got a little ahead of the music toward the end and kinda missed one of his final scats but the whole package was solid. He has such a nice tone to his voice and I’m glad he showed it off in spades tonight. Note to Simon – Nick’s a Portuguese guy from my area and while you think he has a charisma problem I’m just glad he’s not cocky and strutting is stuff constantly (Nick will know what I mean). He’d better be safe OR ELSE I will hunt you all down for not voting – where’s my phone??
Blake Lewis / Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai (who?)
Beatbox boy is back and that had to be the strongest vocal of the night!!! The scat was prime and he is so comfortable on stage it’s insane! He’s a big time contender and a lock for the Top 12. Now, can someone explain to me just who this Jamiroquai is…? So safe it’s ridiculous.
Brandon Rogers / Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Uh, nice dedication but WRONG song choice! I didn’t like it AT ALL because it did nothing for him vocally or performance wise. He’s not standing out from the pack and won’t be around for next week based on that showing. Should be going buh-bye after that.
Chris Richardson / Geek in the Pink – Jason Mraz
Nice tone but tight (and not in a good way) in too many spots. First time I’ve totally DISagreed with our judges this season. I wasn’t impressed. Period. I’d could see him leave but he probably won’t.
Sundance Head / Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
That performance should get him out of VOTE FOR THE WORST this week! A very strong performance that he needed to get him out of the slump he was in. He does have powerful, bluesy vocals and he needs to choose songs, no matter what genre, that capitalize on that. Safe on his own merits.
To sum it up, the boys brought their “A” game finally and it gave us all a great show to watch. IDOL is BACK, my friends (I was getting a tad worried…)!
My choices for “das boot” this evening? Brandon & Sanjaya And since I went 0 for 4 last week I wouldn’t go by me at this point in the game…
Carry on!
