Well, it was “Idol Night” on “Idol.” Yes, it looks redundant in print but it actually had more variety than the theme nights of the past. I mean, how many Burt Bacharach songs can you sit through in one evening?
The finalists were tasked with choosing songs from their personal idols, which you’d think would give us a clear indication of their musical influences and places in the industry.
Not necessarily so.
While some choices were a given, others read as schizophrenic. How can an artist sing Alicia Keys one week and pull out LeAnn Rimes the next?
A few of the Idols seemed to make their picks very shrewdly, clearly factoring in the judges’ past comments. “Oh I remind you of so-and-so? Well, then that’s who I’m gonna sing.”
While these are the most talented finalists yet, it is becoming increasingly clearer that survival may be based more on image than vocal ability. A label can’t market a singer if they don’t know what they’re selling,
LAUREN ALAINA “Any Man of Mine”
Lauren’s idol is “legend” Shania Twain because she was the first female to mix pop and country. OK, her reasoning makes sense. Plus, it was a smart move to choose Shania over, say, Carrie Underwood because Lauren has the pipes to outsing Shania. Everything should work in favor of this little teenage powerhouse … Except it doesn’t. Alaina has never sounded worse. The performance was a little hokey, a little county fair. And on top of that, the outfit didn’t work. Girl, you’re on national television. Put on some heels or at least a pair of cowboy boots! Mentor Jimmy Iovine says that Lauren is going to have a big career and I agree. Regardless of whether she is the next American Idol, I have no doubt that the country music world will embrace her. But I hope that she’s around next week to redeem herself.
CASEY ABRAMS “With a LIttle Help From My Friends”
Those of us who are of a certain age cannot help but think of “The Wonder Years” when we hear this Joe Cocker tune, and Casey said that he is no exception. In his endearing self-deprecating way, he told us that he relates to Cocker because he’s “got that growl in his voice and then he doesn’t look that hot either and i think he’s inspired that look for me.” Jimmy Iovine advised that this was a very physical song and to let the audience “see it and feel it.” Feel it we did. Casey’s big personality just owns the stage. Normally it’s much further into the season before we see the bagpipers and didgeridoos, but Casey had the guts to bring out a gospel choir on the very first finalists’ performance show! Lopez was left practically speechless, wondering what she was watching and saying that it blew her away. Tyler called him a “rainbow of talent” and a “plethora of passion.”
ASHTHON JONES “When You Tell Me That You Love Me”
Ashthon obviously took note when the judges called her a “baby Diana Ross.” So who else to sing for Idol Week, right? She looked the part, sporting diva hair and a Diana-esque evening gown. More importantly mentor Jimmy Iovine clearly thought she sounded the part, too, as he invited Motown founder Berry Gordy to come and take a listen. No pressure. Producer Rodney Jerkins worked with Jones on hitting some notes she had never attempted before but I’m not sure it paid off. The girl who had the “confidence of a queen” last week seemed very jittery in the beginning of the song. Could it be because she was singing for Berry Gordy? Or was it because she was anticipating the high note? Whatever it was, she seemed to relax once she hit it perfectly. Tyler thinks that there’s “a lot more in there” and Lopez wants to hear her do songs that we can sing along to.
PAUL MCDONALD “Come Pick Me Up”
McDonald is unlike any “Idol” contestant that has come before, so why would he have a typical Idol like Elton John or Elvis Presley? His idol is Ryan Adams (not to be confused with “Bryan”). It was risky to choose an artist who may not be familiar to a lot of voters, but at least he stayed true to himself and the kind of music he wants to perform. The song was a little sleepy, but Paul’s animated dance moves make it impossible not to love him. Tyler loved “the character and rasp” in his voice — takes one to know one. He also said that no matter whose song he does, it winds up being his own. Lopez isn’t familiar with Ryan Adams and said, “I hope America gets it.” Randy is familiar with Ryan Adams but he too said, “I hope America gets it.” I will go on record as saying that I also hope America gets it. Despite dancing like he’s got an inner ear problem, McDonald is refreshing.
PIA TOSCANO “All By Myself”
It was not a huge surprise that Pia’s idol is Celine Dion. In fact, some of her phrasings last week sounded like dead-on Celine impersonations. Her golden dress perfectly illustrated her golden girl status and also accentuated the fact that she has the “whole package” – a body, looks AND a voice. After last week’s performance of “I’ll Stand by You,” she was the one to beat. But she was really only in a competition with herself. J. Lo wondered how she could possibly top last week but then marveled that she pulled it off. Tyler told her that she “just slammed it.” Randy addressed the issue of taking on the 3 Divas — Mariah, Whitney and Celine. “Don’t tackle these songs if you can’t do them,” he said. Clearly she is the exception to the rule, as he called it a “very hot, dope, cool performance.”
JAMES DURBIN “Maybe I’m Amazed”
I was a little surprised that Durbin’s idol is Paul McCartney and not Adam Lambert or Dee Snyder. But how can you argue with Sir Paul as a choice? I have not been a huge fan of James but he is definitely changing my mind. Without all the vocal histrionics, he actually has a beautiful pure voice. I loved this toned-down James and I appreciated that while he showed off his higher range beautifully, it was appropriate to the song. Randy appreciated it too, saying that “this dude can do anything.” When the audience went crazy, Lopez told him to get used to the clapping because he has what the greatest rock singers have – a melodic quality. While many viewers may have enjoyed his screechy hard rock performances in the past, I’m glad that he has brought me into the fold with his softer side.
HALEY REINHART “Blue”
I’m not sure Haley read the assignment. You were supposed to sing a song from your musical idol, not a song that you simply liked a lot growing up. Two different things. With her soulful stylings all season long, Reinhart makes it hard to believe that her biggest influence is Miss LeAnn Rimes. Despite performing an awkard hula dance while dressed like “Solo in the Spotlight” Barbie, Haley impressed Steven … and apparently cowboys everywhere. “If you listen real close,” he said, “you can hear the rest of America roaring — the country and western part of America — how great that was.” Lopez said that Haley had the same unique quality as Paul but Randy called her out on her identity crisis. While he liked that she “can do everything,” he found it a little boring and very “I’m at a luau.” I think that she may be in trouble. Aloha.
JACOB LUSK “I Believe I Can Fly”
When Seacrest teased that Jacob’s idol was R. Kelly, there were only two possibilities — “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Trapped in the Closet.” Oh, how I wish it were “Trapped In The Closet!” Lusk’s excessive amount of energy could best be channelled into performing multiple parts in the 22 chapters of that urban operetta. Instead we got yet another performance of Lusk trying to fit all of his tricks into a minute and 40 seconds. While borrowing Casey’s choir and dressing them up in robes was a great idea, composing new melodies and ad libs was not. Yes, the end was good but by trying to do a different melody in the beginning, he just made it sound like he was completely off key. Though I really like Lusk’s effervescent personality, I am not drinking the Kool-Aid when it comes to his singing. Apparently the judges are, though. Tyler “can’t even judge it; that’s how good it is.” Randy said he was excited every time Lusk hits the stage. And Lopez copped out, “It is very hard to judge because you make us feel so much.” Surprise, Jennifer! They are not paying you to “feel.” They are paying you to “judge.” Get to it!
THIA MEGIA “Smile”
Like Ashthon, Thia was paying attention when Randy compared her to a Motown legend. Yes, “Smile” was Michael Jackson’s favorite song, but Megia seemed completely oblivious to the fact that it was written by Charlie Chaplin. She also seemed completely oblivious to the fact that Charlie Chaplin ever existed, calling him “Charlie Chapman.” Ah, youth. The beginning started off quiet and intimate, much like last week’s “Out Here on My Own” but then it took a turn for the worse with a jazzy beat and phrasing. None of the judges liked the arrangement but, to be fair, Jimmy Iovine and his team were to blame for that. Thia kept it very together on stage, asking America to give her another chance, and I was starting to wonder if her coolness and stage presence were the result of child beauty pageants. Much to my relief, though, she was shown crying on the backstage cam, proving that she is more than a singing robot. Like J. Lo, she has feelings too.
STEFANO LANGONE “Lately”
Langone admires Stevie Wonder for the layers in his songs and the way he’s carried himself throughout his career. Fair enough, but Wonder is not easily imitated. Producer Polow Da Don wanted to work with Stefano right away, after seeing him perform. “No one in America knows how well you sing yet,” Iovine said. I don’t think that’s the problem, though. Stefano’s voice is impeccable with an almost-Broadway tone to it. But in a season of such colorful characters, his personality comes off as simply “sweet.” Polow infused the ballad with a disco beat that didn’t quite work for me, dawg. Obviously the queen of the dance remix, J. Lo, liked it, while Tyler said “the arrangement was crazy” (in a good way.) Randy referred to Stevie Wonder as “probably one of the greatest male singers ever, in life” but said that he would be proud.
KAREN RODRIGUEZ “I Could Fall In Love”
I was sure that Rodriguez would name Jennifer Lopez as her ultimate idol. But no. She chose Selena, a woman whom Lopez portrayed in her breakout role. (Do I get half credit?) A video of a young Karen performing Selena served as proof that she is serious about her devotion, as did her collection of Selena Barbies. Rodriguez has been a favorite of mine, but this performance fell flat, despite her very Selena-like belly-baring sequined jumpsuit. Iovine’s advice to “don’t oversing tonight and DO NOT talk on the phone" made me wonder if she was having an issue with laryngitis but that was the only allusion to any kind of problem. Jennifer lamented that she’s usually so “spot on” and wondered if she could hear herself, while Randy called it “sleepy.” Tyler said, “I know that you can sing so much better.” I think so too. Fans of Latin pop may take Rodriguez to the next level but she’s going to have to deliver next time to keep her “Idol” journey going.
SCOTTY MCCREERY “The River”
McCreery is missing baseball season to pay homage to the King of Country Music! His producer, Don Was, has worked with Brooks himself, calling him an incredible storyteller and saying that Scotty just naturally knows how to do that too. McCreery is just a sincere guy. “You’ve gotta BE country music, you can’t just sing it,” he proclaims. Clearly he’s doing something right. As a silly “river” graphic played behind him, Scotty delivered his baritone lines with conviction. Is it possible to sound more country than Garth Brooks? Maybe not, but he was definitely more believable than Gwyneth in “Country Strong.” Randy loved it and said he could put out a record right now. Lopez saw him open up as a performer and connect to the audience. Tyler said that Scotty “did the Garth justice.” Then he went into what sounded like a sting of incoherent ramblings, a la Paula Abdul. Not to worry, though, he was just quoting an Elton John song.
NAIMA ADEDAPO “Umbrella”
I expected Naima to choose an Idol a little more mature than Rihanna. Perhaps she decided to cover the diva after learning that her producer was “Tricky,” the mastermind behind “Umbrella.” With her rendition, Naima wanted to “keep it hot but put a twist on it.” Well, there was definitely a twist. Sporting an urban hip-hoppy outfit much different from her usual quirky gowns, she started the performance off with some unexpected dance moves. She was pitchy throughout, no thanks to her intermittent dancing. Then, in something I’ve never seen on “Idol” before, she broke down into a reggae rap. I’m still not sure what to think of it but the judges liked it. Naima fan Tyler said that she is “crazy good” and “brought flavor tonight that no one else has done.” Lopez empathized with how hard it is to sing and dance at the same time but said that she’s “doing it like stars do it.” Randy noted the pitchiness but loved “the whole reggae thing.” I’m not sure that “America will get it.” This is not the Naima we signed up for. Then again, that Naima only made the Top 13 due to the Wild Card, not the votes of America. Maybe this new Naima will endear herself to the public.
