by Jenn |
The show began with the potential Idols getting makeovers and a photo shoot. Then it was off to the performances. This week the Idol had to choose songs from Elton John’s songs. In between performances, Ryan announced Coke’s Perfect Harmony campaign, where us at home can write lyrics and submit them to Coke and help write Taio Cruz’s next song, Perfect Harmony. He will then perform this at the American Idol Finale.
The contestants better bring it tonight because tomorrow is double elimination!
Scotty McCreery – “Country Comfort” Scotty made this song sound like it was made for his voice. He ended on a real deep note that could send shivers up your spine. Steven told him, “there’s nothing I can say to you that an old fashioned pair of high heeled cowboy boots couldn’t fix.” Not sure what that meant but he continued on to say that he loves everything about his voice. Jennifer said that he has amazing instincts, right on. Randy felt that he was watching at his concert and the song sounded like it could have been on his record. Scotty also introduced us to his new guitar, Scarlett.
Naima Adedapo – “I’m Still Standing” Naima changed this song to meet her voice with a reggae flare. It felt like she just walked out of Jamaica and onto stage. It worked well and she did encourage the audience to join in and feel the song. Jennifer loved her reggae swag but didn’t feel that this song was ever meant to be flipped into reggae though. Randy agreed with Jennifer, he loves reggae but felt the song came off corny. Steven thought that she picked a song that fit her.
Paul McDonald – “Rocket Man” He kept the song close the original but did add his own, soft, whinny vocals. Randy felt it was pitchy at some points and he needs to allow himself to go all the way. Steven wanted to know if he was watering his pants because there were more flowers than last time. Paul promised to retire the flower suit after this week, thank goodness! Steven likes his character and he is his cup of tea. Jennifer feels that there is a little bit more in there. Paul’s teeth are so freakin’ white!!!
Pia Toscano – “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” Another ballad by gorgeous Pia. Next week she promises to do something that will get us moving. She looked amazing and sounded great. I loved her dress! Steven felt that she nailed it and it made him cry inside, about as good as it gets. Jennifer said that the notes take them to another worldly place. She’s waiting for Pia to pick up her leg and stomp it on the floor. Randy said she slayed it, unbelievable. Great, once again!
Stefano Langone - “Tiny Dancer” Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling his rendition of this great song. There just wasn’t anything special about it. But he is a very good looking guy! Maybe that will save him! Jennifer said that she could feel that he was taking their notes from the past couple weeks, bringing in the audience. Randy said that he loved the connection that he was making and him moving around stage. Steven felt that it was a sweet thing to his voice, he nailed it.
Lauren Alaina – “Candle in the Wind” She wanted to keep the song close to the original because it was perfect the way it was, and I agree. Her voice added just the right amount of country twang to the song. It was amazing. Randy felt that I was one of her best performances, very pro, very hot. Steven said that he’s loved her since the very first moment that she laid eyes on him. He told her to keep singing like that she’ll be able to afford the rest of that dress (she was wearing a short black dress that had a long skirt that came up high in the front and dragged the ground in the back). Jennifer said it was amazing.
James Durbin – “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” James made this a fun rock song! He sounded great and it was really enjoyable. He didn’t go all crazy with the high pitched vocals. He used every inch of the stage. Steven told him not to stay up there too long or he’d end up like him. Jennifer felt it was a great performance by a great artist. Randy said he liked that he enjoyed it, a great performance. After his critic, James said that he had a lot of hairspray in his hair to avoid a Pepsi moment…American Idol is sponsored by Coke, as Ryan reminded him…James said that a Pepsi is bad…
Thia Magia – “Daniel” Wow! She did amazing, put a lot of feeling into it. She was thinking of her own brother, who moved away from her when she was young. Jennifer called it beautiful and that it was well suited for her voice, a beautiful moment for her. Randy said that were some pitchy moments and that it was very safe. Steven said that when you find the right song, a great voice appears.
Casey Abrams - “Your Song” Coming back from after his save, he was told to trim his beard, I really agree with that. He looked good, but I wish that he had shaved it all off. Randy reminded him that them using the save on him is one of the greatest saves ever. He called his song brilliant, well done. Steven said that the last two notes were the most beautiful (major 9). Jennifer said that she slept like a baby after saving him. She called his song “very Casey.” We will see tomorrow night if the save was worth while.
Jacob Lusk – “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” Mary J. Blige (also once say the same song) was in studio for Jacob and came in to hear him rehearsal. Jennifer called the arrangement amazing. Randy said it was a beautiful song for him. He wants him to pick one shining spot in his song, his “Jacob spot” to shine through. Steven thinks he’s wonderful and he loved the whole thing.
Haley Reinhart – “Benny and the Jets” I really loved her version of this song. She added a some good growls to it. Jennifer loved it and said she felt every place she was going. Randy said that it was the best performance of the night. She gave it up and she deserves it. Steven said that she sings sexy.