I got to the show and after initially being seated, some people didn’t show and my row was forced to bump over. This wasn’t a bad thing, as I believe I was seated next to Top Ten Idol finalist, Katie Durst.
Before the show began, we went through our usual opening routine with Mark Lysakowski asking the crowd if they were ready to rock, followed by Sue Brophy asking the same question. Yes, I know. Cliché city.
The judges were introduced, and Zack came out wearing some ridiculous metal outfit with a long-haired wig. I think that a parallel can be drawn between Zack and Nancy Silverman as they both are always looking for attention.
Ben Mulroney came out and talked about how much he enjoyed having a band at the Bassett Theatre.
“I love having a band here, give it up for the band,” he said.
Sue Brophy came out and once again name-dropped the network that Idol airs on.
“The reason we’re here, is a network called CTV… world domination.”
Ben also said hello to his sister Carolyn who was in the audience.
The show began.
Ben came out and said that tonight was “all about the classic rock.” He then asked for opening comments from the judges who spoke about the theme for the evening.
Jake: Radio was a lot more open to that kind of music. Styx became the progressive version of great American rock bands.
Sass: Who more qualified than Roger Hodgson and Dennis DeYoung to show the kids what to do.
Farley: The race is closer than ever.
Zack: I’ve been there, I’ve done tht. We are ready to rock? ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?!
A Roger Hodgson and Dennis DeYoung tribute video was then played.
Then it was time for the night’s first performance.
Rob James
– Sang “She’s Some Kind Of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad.
– In his opening video, Hodgson and DeYoung told him that he had a “huge smile in there that wants to come out all the way.”
– This is rock?
– Farley obviously likes this guy as he is almost immediately bopping his head to the beat.
– James is singing decently.
– Nice high register.
– I just don’t think the audience connects with the song, especially after the hype that this show would be in the spirit of Van Halen and Queen.
Jake: Guess what? The smile came out today buddy!
Sass: Gorgeous to see you blossom with confidence.
Farley: Really, really good performance.
Zack: Gotta show what is different about you.
Commercial.
Tyler Lewis
– Sang “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
– Because there were two guitars and a stool set-up on the stage during the commercial break, I knew that he would be singing a stripped-down version of the song.
– In the opening video, Hodgson and DeYoung said that he had to commit himself to the song.
– They also said “this is where you get the young girls’ hearts ’cause you are a simple man.”
– The performance itself is brilliant.
– Lewis has this uncanny ability to choose the perfect songs for his voice and once again delivers an awesome show.
– He is undoubtedly the competition’s most improved contestant.
– Continues to climb.
– Pitch and tone are perfect.
– Murtz is a fan.
– He is obviously safe.
Sass: Showed off the sweet edge to your voice.
Farley: Your voice is distinct. Really, really well done.
Zack: Somewhat predictable, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing (strange because didn’t he just tell Rob James that he had to differentiate himself?)
Jake: You did a fantastic job!
Commercial.
Eva Avila
– Sang “Who Wants To Live Forever?” by Queen.
– In the opening video, the celebrity instructors told her that she is very “charismatic, beautiful and confident.”
– They also said that she has to stick to what she does best.
– I think she could not have chosen a more boring Queen song.
– The song almost started off like a ballad, and despite rocking it out in the middle and end parts, anything that sounds like a ballad on classic rock night is a bad call. Bad, Eva, bad!
– I don’t like the song at all.
– While she picked it up and exhibited nice rang, I don’t think it is enough to guarantee her safety.
Farley: Turning point where I turned from a judge to a fan.
Zack: Bar none, the best performance of the Top 10.
Jake: Showed why you’re still here.
Sass: Lovely mature performance and the singing was out of this world.
Craig Sharpe
– Sang “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner.
– The opening video showed Hodgson and DeYoung being tough on him.
– They said “he’s obviously got an amazing voice and we’ve been harsh on him because we know how exceptional he can be.”
– He is singing well, but he is not connecting with the audience.
– As has been the theme for the show, he is picking up the performance in the middle part of the song after a weak beginning.
– He can definitely wail.
– He is not going anywhere, but capable of better just as the guests had indicated.
Zack: Star power is about being unique, you are so unique!
Jake: Huge fan of your voice, not wasn’t believable to me.
Sass: I loved that performance. You sucked me right in.
Farley: Vocal performance was off-the-chain.
Commercial.
Ashley Coulter
– Sang “Knocking On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan.
– Sporting longer hair to accompany her new blonde look.
– In the video, she said that while she wasn’t around during the time that Roger Hodgson and Dennis DeYoung were popular, her dad was “freaking out” when he found out that she would be singing with them.
– The pair told her that when she sang, she went places.
– Ashley also said that when she covered the song that has been covered by so many before her, she didn’t want it to sound like everybody else’s before.
– This girl is the main event.
– She is the competition’s best performer.
– She steps up again.
– Her popularity is climbing.
– Perfect tone.
Jake: A really great rock performance.
Sass: I love the changes you do every week.
Farley: Off the hook would be the best way to describe it, because when you hit the hook of the song, it won me over immediately.
Zack: It’s predictable. If you win you have to show them what you are completely unique at.
Commercial.
Chad Doucette
– Sang “Bad Side Of The Moon” by April Wine.
– He was told to make singing his first priority, instead of jumping around on stage.
– There is a nice moon graphic in the background as he performs.
– Good song choice.
– The tune fits his voice well.
– I liked this performance because it came across as very honest and really highlighted the ‘twang of his voice that Sass talks about like every week.
– This was the first time that I heard what she heard.
Sass: Your voice is undeniable.
Farley: There are three memorable voices in this room. Roger Hodgson, Dennis DeYoung and Chad Doucette.
Zack: (Who clearly did not agree with Farley’s comparison) First half was cool but you tried to kick it and your flaws kicked you.
Jake: Here is, without a doubt, the most unique singer in the competition.
Commercial.
Steffi D
– Sang “Life On Mars” by David Bowie.
– In the opening video, Steffi said that “you don’t have to be a teenager in that era to know them” referring to the mentors.
– Hodgson and DeYoung said that they thought “Life On Mars” was the perfect song for her.
– She displayed a degree of vulnerability in the performance.
– The song is AWFUL.
– I like Steffi, but the song is just dreadful.
– There is no rhythm to it whatsoever.
– While she is performing it well, I am a big believer in singing songs that people actually recognize as I believe it has a significant impact on viewer voting.
– She is in trouble.
– Hits a HUGE note at the end of the song, one that is probably the biggest that I have heard in any Idol competition.
– The “star search moment” might just be enough to save her.
Farley: That was soooo *roars*
Zack: You’re so weird for a little Canadian Idol girl. So cool dude.
Jake: David Bowie would be really proud of that performance.
Sass: Yes, there’s life on Mars and thank god it’s Steffi D!.
Recap.
Show ends.
Who’s in trouble? I’d say it’s Steffi, Rob, Eva and Steffi. I think it will probably be Steffi or Rob’s final curtain call.
Check you after the results.
