As far as ‘American Idol’ is concerned, Saving Jane’s song might as well be talking about Kellie Pickler (although it’s Melissa McGhee that bears a passing resemblance to Marti Dodson). I’ve posted on different forums that Kellie is this year’s Julia De Mateo, and nothing she’s done so far has made me change my opinion there.
Last week, Josh and I combined to go 3 for 4 in elimination picks. The lesson here, don’t underestimate whoever the heck is voting for Bucky. Although hopefully the third time is the charm and Bucky goes home this week.
Opening Credits.
Ryan Seacrest is here, and apparently tonight we’ll find out things about the girls that we didn’t know. But nothing incriminating, I’d guess. And here are the ladies, and now, it’s the Warner siblings, Yakko, Wacko and Dot.
Let’s get right to the first performance
Paris Bennett is a Tomboy. And, as all tomboys do, she sings “Conga” by Miami Sound Machine.
It feels like I’m listening to a 45 at 33rpm. For whatever reason, it feels like Paris is treading water while singing this. As my wife put it, it was a good PERFORMANCE, but the singing wasn’t there.
Randy – It was alright, I liked it.
Paula – It was a difficult song to sing. (In other words, you frakked up)
Simon – It’s your enthusiasm, your age that’s going to get you through. We’ll see you next week.
It’s as Simon says – Paris had a bad night, but she’s good enough that this is a small burp on her way to the Top Twelve.
Rating: 4/10
Ad Break
Lisa Tucker loves Hendrix, and plays guitar. Sadly, she does not light it on fire after playing Wild Thing. She’s singing “Where I Stand” by Tiffany Taylor. Presumably not Miss November 1998 Tiffany Taylor.
It’s an OK performance, but it’s not dynamic or anything. In addition, she’s shouting the words. Not a good outing for Lisa.
Randy – Still too old for me. I wanted you to slay it, but it was just allright.
Paula – I wish that you had sung a song we could get into.
Simon – We think you’re talented but it feels like you’re singing a song your mum chose for you.
You can tell that the judges aren’t particularly concerned with Lisa getting eliminated, and I can’t disagree with them.
Rating: 3.5/10
We get our second Heart song of the season as Melissa McGhee sings “What About Love”.
I thought that the song was right for her voice, but unfortunately she was off key and like Paris she was shouting the music more than singing it. Melissa could be in trouble here.
Randy – Good song for you. You did a good job.
Paula – You are a powerhouse.
Simon – I think that last note booked your plane ticket home. You shouted the song.
And Simon and I are again in partial agreement. Melissa can do better, but she needs help to stay.
Rating: 3.5/10
Ad Break
Kinnik Sky loves chitlins (apparently the small intestines of hogs. I could call that gross, but it’s not really that different from what Chinese people eat at dim sum).
However she doesn’t love Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You”. Or at least it seems like it. She gets half a point for again trying something different, but she’s flat everywhere, and I think it’s a given that she’s done.
Randy – Started out amazing, but you went sharp. I didn’t think you nailed it.
Paula – I have no idea what the frak Paula said, but suffice to say Paula thinks she’s done.
Simon – You just messed it up! I think you’ve (also) booked your plane ticket home.
When all three judges are signing off, it’s a good indication that you’re going home.
Rating: 1.5/10
Ad Break
Katherine McPhee went to the same music Conservatory as Constantine, which is how she learned to eyefrak the camera. I think she already knew. She’s singing “Think” by Aretha Franklin.
I think my buddy Ed might be right – Katherine could go all the way (hey, he was right about Melissa O’Neil). She cuts loose, genuinely seems like she’s enjoying herself, and it shows in her performance. Unlike those that sing like there’s nothing to lose (that’s coming up), Kat is radiating confidence and she’s sailing through.
Randy – We got a hot one right here tonight.
Paula – You’re like a well-oiled machine.
Simon – That was a risk, but you pulled it off. You made it seem effortless.
Pretty much the top compliment you can get from Simon. And when Randy and Paula are stumbling over themselves to give you props, it’s also a good sign.
Rating: 7.5/10
Ad Break
Ayla Brown was convinced that her dad was Elvis. She’s singing “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
Not a good 7 days for the Bedingfield siblings. Better than Ace though. The song didn’t suit her voice, and Ayla is also shouting the music (what’s with that today?). And what exactly was that dance? That was close to Elaine-level jerky. Melissa is probably breathing a sigh of relief, because even though she’ll be bottom three, Ayla’s stolen her plane ticket back home.
Randy – Song was okay. It’s not a great “singer” song though.
Paula – You are working your butt off (apt, since Ayla has none). You rose to the challenge.
Simon – That was pretty good, but you look 30 (onstage). You need to get younger.
Clearly the judges want Ayla to stay, but she looks really awkward onstage and I think that it will show in the voting on Thursday.
Rating: 3.5/10
Mandisa sucked her thumb. And she’s singing “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan.
This is her kind of song. Mandisa gets crowd into it, and shows off strong soulful voice. Pickler’s gonna have to step it up coming off of this performance.
Randy – This is the best vocal for a female this season. This is the one to beat.
Paula – You sang your butt off (um, no she didn’t).
Simon – (To Paula) So you hated it? You made everyone who sang before you appear ordinary.
Mandisa isn’t about to settle for being the second best on any night, and she served notice to Kat and Chris that she’s reaching for the top every week.
Rating: 8/10
Ad Break
We’re back, and Kellie Pickler misses her dog. She’s singing “I’m The Only One” by Melissa Etheridge.
Remember what I said about singing as if you had nothing to lose? This is the performance. Kellie has flashes of brilliance surrounded by lots of shouting and general sharpness in her singing. Not good, but then very few girls were tonight.
Randy – You’ve been consistent. Good song choice.
Paula – Guys (well, Paula’s nephew (wonder if that’s Charlie Sheen’s kid? Do they still count as nephews and nieces?) anyway) are in love with you. And you just keep getting better.
Simon – You are what’s known as a naughty little minx (better than being a miserable little trollop or a filthy, dirty, disgusting, brutal, bottom feeding trash bag ho I guess). I don’t think you’re the best singer (well, DUH) but I prefer you to last year’s winner.
To be fair, Carrie Underwood has developed a personality since she won. Not much of one, but its there.
Rating: 4/10
Time to recap the singers, and time to start voting.
I’m outta here. Josh gets the guys Wednesday, and I’ll see you next week.
