…alright, I don’t have a real secret but I do have some opinions to share on this week’s Top 12 as they attempt to sing from the Lennon-McCartney songbook.
I’ve been a Beatles fan since my Mom bought me their first record album when I was 5 years old ( you youngins will have to look those up on the Internet so see what I’m talking about) and while I was really excited about this in the beginning, the more I thought about the songs and the singers the more I got concerned. Part of the charm of the Beatles is understanding how they were such innovators in the 60’s – that what they did and how they did it was so far ahead of its time. How that will translate in the new millennium on a popular reality TV show where half the audience, not to mention the contestants, are unfamiliar with most of the collection is anyone’s guess. Maybe that’s why it’s taken seven years for the producers to convince the remaining Beatles to allow the use of the songs.
As I researched the collection in anticipation of this week’s competition, I was surprised at how many songs the kids should NOT choose, lest they want to hear from Simon that they are cheesy, cabaret or karaoke. Now, I have no insider info as to what the contestants have chosen to sing but as a singer myself and a vocal coach on occasion, I went through the catalog and tried to match what I feel would be the best song for each of the Top 12 singers. For some I came up with two possibilities and – who knows – maybe I’ve guessed a few for real but we won’t really know that until tomorrow. Let’s see what I’ve come up with and whether or not I’ll be on the money…
Amanda Overmyer – Come Together or Get Back
Ms. Gravel Voice will do no wrong if she picks either of these tunes. They also give her a chance to stomp around the stage and give off more rock diva vibes.
Brooke White – Ticket to Ride
The Carpenters’ remake of this song is perfect for her. It’s slower and very pensive and would continue to show Brooke off as this year’s balladeer.
Carly Smithson – I Saw Her Him Standing There or Eleanor Rigby
We all know she can sing but Carly needs to have more vocal fun as well as do some stage strutting and the first one should do the trick. The second choice might be a bit safe for her but depending on the arrangement, could be a killer performance as well.
Chikezie – Got to Get You Into My Life
Perfect soul number for our soulful guy. Just pick an arrangement that doesn’t make him look or sound cabaret and he should take this number our for a great vocal spin.
David Archuleta – Can’t Buy Me Love or All My Lovin’
He’s already sung Imagine so he needs to change it up, get out of the slow lane and have some fun. The first one is my real choice but either would get the little girls all fired up to vote like crazy for him.
David Cook – Revolution or Day Tripper
Either of these hard driving rock numbers could continue to cement David as THE rocker of the competition.
Jason Castro – A Little Help From My Friends or Hard Day’s Night
Either one of these choices will be a stretch for our dreadlocked cherub but he likes to take risks. Give him a killer arrangement and he should do well again this week.
Kristy Lee Cook – We Can Work it Out
Her smoky, country style should work with this piece. She was the hardest one for me to try to match up.
Michael Johns – Back in the USSR or Something
He could continue down the hard rocking path with the first or switch up and go tender with the second – either one should showcase his distinct vocal style. Besides, I think the second would be a surprise if he chose it.
Ramiele Malubay – The Long and Winding Road or The Fool on the Hill
Both are unexpected for this gal but that would make it a risk worth taking for her at this stage. She needs a show stopper to get some momentum going for her and again with the right arrangement either one could work.
Syesha Mercado – Hey Jude or I Feel Fine
She also needs something to make her stand out and not sound like the last two weeks’ choices. I think she’d be killer on the first one while the second one would be very unexpected.
These are just MY suggestions and I’d be surprised if I got any of them right so we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime let me know if you think I’m on the money or all wet and be sure to check back tomorrow night or early Wednesday morning for my review.
Carry on! J
Hey J… here is what they actually sang tonight, and my thoughts on the matter.
Syesha “Gotta Get You Into My Life” – Very peppy, she sang it very straightforward. Wish she would have put more emotion into it though; I didn’t “feel” it. As a result, she didn’t “stand out” per se… we’ll see how the rest do before I decide how safe she is. I do agree that her pitch was off on a few notes.
Chikezie “She’s a Woman” – Okay, I’m liking this arrangement. It’s totally inventive. Here’s that emotional POW I was talking about earlier, he really poured it on. That last note was a skosh pitchy, but I think he seriously deserves to stick around at least one more week. I totally agree with the judges.
Ramiele “In My Life” – Very sweet arrangement. Nice voice, but I can’t say that she stood out per se either. Agree with the judges here too, unfortunately.
Jason “If I Fell” – I like his arrangement, soulful and vulnerable. He had better control over his falsetto than last week, very strong performance. His last smile was kinda cheesy though. If that’s the worst, I can live with that.
Carly “Come Together” – Very bluesy, growly, kinda rockin’. Pushed a little too much on one of those notes, almost screamish, but she did fine the rest of the song. Excellent. Best of the gals so far.
David C “Eleanor Rigby” – He put his own unique vibe on it… that emo-alternative rock vibe that he does so well. Even though it’s not my thing, he does it EXCEPTIONALLY well and he deserves to stay in another week. Simon is right, he could win it if people vote for raw talent and not just popularity.
Brooke “Let It Be” – Speaking from personal experiences, it’s tough to sing and accompany yourself on the piano, and to do both justice. She gets kudos from me just for that alone. She sang it very straightforward, very heartfelt as Randy said. (I mean, she’s crying for Pete’s sake – she connected with the music.) It was definitely a very personal “I’m living my dream” moment for her.
David H “I Saw Her Standing There” – To quote the dude, “I didn’t feel it, Dawg.” He has a decent voice, but I just didn’t get into it. Agree with the judges once again. (Dare I hope that he’s the one sent home?)
Amanda (whose hair reminds me of Pepe le Pew) “You Can’t Do That” – Uh… yeah. One word, sweetie: diction. You sounded like you had a mouth of mashed potatoes. (Simon was right.) The style was rockin’ though, so it worked otherwise. You have a great voice, and you should be safe for another week… you were not tonight’s weakest link.
Michael “Across the Universe” – I am not sold on his song choice, and it feels a bit dreary. From last week I know he has talent, but it wasn’t shining this week.
Kristy “Eight Days a Week” – Hon, Simon doesn’t like country, he doesn’t get country. Normally I do enjoy it, but she was out of sync… the timing was off. As a result it just sort of ran together like too much syrup on the pancakes. I think she’s going to be on the bubble this week.
David A “We Can Work It Out” – Oops, random lyrics generator… that’s gonna get him busted by the judge squad. He picked it back up though, enough for a solid performance. Lots of energy, good voice. Not bad for not being familiar with the Beatles, but the judges were right. He’ll be with us next week though. His huge fan base will keep him around.
At this point, I’d say it’s between Syesha, David H, Kristy, or Ramiele as to who ends up packing. Those four are good, or else they wouldn’t have gotten this far… but they were the weakest performances of the night. Based on tonight’s performances alone, I’d say Kristy… but based on personal opinion, I’m hoping David H. Then again, AI has always been full of surprises – we’ll see tomorrow who ACTUALLY leaves.