A Little More Conversation…on Idol.

April 14th, 2010 at 9:07 am by under American Idol, Entertainment, General Talk, The Rhode Show

One of my favorite performers of all time is Elvis Presley.  I was only 6 when he died and I wish I could have seen him in person.  From what I understand, however, I probably did not want to see him in his later years.  His songs are an amazing blend of gospel, rhythm and blues, country, rock, and a little (what is now) pop.  To not find a good song to sing for American Idol from his collection is impossible.  I think a couple of people failed to do it. 

Once again, there were no ‘bad’ performances.  They were all good…but like last week, there were some weak showings which were not bad, but not great. 

Crystal Bowersox gave an amazing performance of “Saved” with strong vocals and a good show behind her.  She’s “saved” this week.  That’s all I need to say, isn’t it? 

Andrew Garcia.    Andrew, Andrew, Andrew.  Sigh.  I thought you were going to be our next American Idol.  You just didn’t cut it this week.   You should have listened to my American Idol, Adam Lambert.  He gave you some great advice about connecting with the song to put on a good show.   He’s the master at that.  Andrew…sigh….you just didn’t have it this week with “Houndog”.  The vocals were strong, but the arrangement was bad.  I would have enjoyed it more if you just sang the song straight.  You’re in danger of going home this week. 

 Tim Urban.  Wow.  Tim finally got it with “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.  Outside of a couple of bad notes, this was a strong performance.   He broke the song down, slowed it down and nailed it down.  It was great.  It reminded of how Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole broke down “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.  I absolutely love that rendition of the Wizard of Oz classic.  Tim should me he wants to stick around awhile.  He should be around another week.  Here’s Tim’s performance.

Lee Dewyze.  Lee could be this year’s Kris Allen…sneaking up on the leaders (Adam and Danny) and winning it all.  He’s got a great voice, great demeanor (although he could be a little more confident), and great ability to perform.    Many times the judges will say, “you made the song more relavent”.   Most of the time, I’ll disagree with them on this.  This time, however, Lee’s performance of “Little Less Conversation” was current and relavent in today’s music world.  Here’s Lee’s performance.  I think it was the best of the night.  He’s safe. 

Aaron Kelley sang “Blue Suede Shoes”.  Why wasn’t Aaron wearing blue suede shoes…or blue shoes at least?  C’mon now.  With that said, it was Aaron’s best performance.  He showed me he wants to win.  If he does win (which he shouldn’t), he should thank Adam Lambert because Adam helped shape him this week.  That new shape may carry over into future weeks.  However, Aaron was in the bottom 3 last week.   Once you are in the bottom 3, that means there’s something about you America doesn’t like.  Aaron could be in the bottom 3 this week.  Hey….someone has to go.

Siobhan Magnus.  I thought her singing was great this week, but I’m getting tired of her bad 1980′s video look.  I think Siobhan can be original looking, but look more contemporary.  Her singing was great in this singing competition and she owned “Suspicious Minds”, but the judges were right….I would have like to see more of the second half of her song in the first half.  She should be safe, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see her in the bottom three. 

  

Michael Lynche sang in “In the Ghetto”.  I thought it was forgettable.  His vocals were strong and technically good, but I was being lulled to sleep.  Michael could be in trouble again this week.  I hope not, but I wish he would stick to the up-beat fun songs.  The judges were very quick in their comments to Michael.  The comments were positive, but quick.  I’m afraid they didn’t want to say anything bad, so they were quick.  I think they are pushing Michael through. 

Katie Stevens sang “Baby What Do You Want Me To Do”.  I have to admit, I don’t know the song very well.  She sang it well and strong, but a little too Gospely for me.   I know, I know…..Elvis’ career was founded on Gospel, but the judges want the performers to stay current for radio.  This was not that.  It was a great performance which was technically okay and with attitude.   She should be safe. 

Casey James.  Why would you go more obscure with all the Elvis Songs you could sing?  I thought this was a bad song choice.   “Love Me Tender”, “Jailhouse Rock”, “Viva Las Vegas”? C’mon Casey.  He fell short, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Casey in the bottom 3 after his “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” performance.  It was technically fine, but a little boring. 

AMERICAN IDOL: Andrew Garcia performs on AMERICAN IDOL airing Tuesday, April 13

So……I think Andrew and Aaron will be going.  Andrew because he hasn’t really given us anything new the past several weeks and Aaron mainly because Lee was so good.  I think Lee is going to absorb some of those 12  year old girl votes from Aaron this week.  Yes….Andrew and Aaron will be gone. 

We’ll find out tonight.

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