by Jenn |
The contestants had to choose a song from their favorite idols. They also got to work with Interscope producers and Rock Mafia producers this week, among others, which could be a little intimidating. It was a good night but some really shone more than others.
Lauren Alaina – Shania Twain “Any Man of Mine” This is a fun song that allowed her to show her personality well. Her reviews from the judges weren’t all that fabulous, though. Her song chose seemed to be a little safe and not powerful enough. Steven said that he wished it had been a little more kick ass. Jennifer said she wants her to kick it in to high gear. Randy agreed.
Casey Abrams – Joe Cocker “A Little Help From My Friends” He chose the song based on the growl in his voice and because he’s isn’t a great looking guy, and neither is Casey, according to Casey. His version was not as rough as Joe Cocker’s but it was pretty good. He put a lot of energy into his vocals and hit every note perfectly. Jennifer really felt his power and it blew her away. Randy thought he was unbelievable. Steven said he was a “plethora of passion”.
Ashton Jones – Diana Ross “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” Berry Gordy was invited by the producers into the audience to watch her because the producers were so impressed by her rendition of this song. Berry Gordy is the an executive from Motown Recording Company. Randy felt that she grew as a singer by singing this song. Steven feels that there’s more in there that she is n’t showing us. Jennifer wants to see her sing songs that we could sing along with her.
Paul McDonald – Ryan Adams “Come Pick Me Up” This guys is so strange when he performs. His dancing, if you could call it that, is kind of seizure-like. But he has amazingly white teeth! He was a little pitchy, though. Jennifer didn’t know the song or the artist. The judges hoped that the audience gets him and they like him.
Pia Toscano – Celine Dion “All By Myself” This girl is amazing. Her singing gives goosebumps. Wish she would have sung a song that had more that on line repeated, but it was still great. The crowd cheered extra loud for her. Jennifer was almost speechless, saying that she topped herself from last week. Randy says that she hit the notes dead on. “Hot, dope, cool performance.” Steven said it was beautiful. Again, I am predicting this girl will take the prize, the next American Idol! After her performance, she dedicated the song to her dad.
James Durbin – Paul McCartney “Maybe I’m Amazing” Every time this guy sings, you can her some Adam Lambert in his voice. He put his own spin on the song and it really worked. Randy said he slayed it and showed his sensitive side. Jennifer said he has “everything.” He did a phenomenal job.
Haley Reinhart – LeAnn Rimes “Blue” Beautiful! She did a great job. Jennifer said that she is unique and has a special quality to her voice. Randy said that he thought it was boring, sleepy. She is young and needs to do some more upbeat and fun stuff for her age. Jennifer defended her to Randy says that she is sexy and doesn’t need to dance across the stage to be a great singer.
Jacob Lusk - R. Kelly “I Believe I Can Fly” Still, I’m finding it hard to connect and feel for this guy. Steven felt that he was so good. Jennifer said that he makes her feel so much. Randy said that he has a signature sound, and that’s what they want.
Thia Megia – Michael Jackson “Smile” This girl’s voice is amazing for only being so young. She looked very beautiful tonight, too. Randy felt that it got a little pitchy but it was still good. He didn’t love the jazzy-bit. Steven agreed with Randy, he liked the front more than the end. Jennifer thought she sings like an angel.
Stefano Langone – Stevie Wonder “Lately” He rocked it out. Steven felt that he pulled it off beautifully. Jennifer was even dancing to his remix of the song. It was really him and he sounded great. Randy said he slayed it, wild!
Karen Rodriguez – Selena “I Could Fall in Love” Sounded flat. Didn’t like it. Jennifer could tell that she was a little bit uncomfortable with the notes, especially the lower notes. Randy felt that she was fighting the song, it was sleepy. Steven agreed, it was lacking energy.
Scotty McCreery - Garth Brooks “The River” This is a beautiful song and he did it justice. He is a great country singer and will probably make it in that industry even if he doesn’t win Idol. Unfortunately, the votes will eventually run dry for him because of the lack of voters that can appreciate country music out there. Randy thought that is was great that he didn’t ‘fix’ it cause it wasn’t broke. He said it’s exactly where he belongs and not to change. Steven said he did the Garth justice. He’s riding high tonight. Jennifer saw him open up as a performer.
Naima Adepo – Rhianna “Umbrella” Not feeling it personally. She added in a reggae feel to it. But the judges disagree with me. Steven said it was very good but pitchy. She brought flavor to the show tonight. Jennifer said she has fire. She needs to work on the control. Randy differed, his judging was more technical, she wasn’t perfect.