Season 10 - Top 7

Welcome to my AI Blog - this is where I humbly break down each week's performances by our Idol hopefuls. This has been a mixed bag this year - yes, there are some great performers left, but I don't seem to have the passion I've had in previous seasons. Maybe I'm still not over the Siobhan fiasco (I mean, leaving before Aaron? Ugh....) Maybe I miss Simon. Well, that's not a maybe - I DO miss his criticism and (at times) wit. Steven Tyler? Amazing front man, but horrible Idol judge.

Perfect example of what's wrong with Idol is the HORRIBLE performance of Pink's "So What" by the dismissed singers. How on earth did I ever pick Naima as the 3rd best singer in my pre-season breakdown? And why did Ashthon sound like Elmer Fudd while singing? And Paul? Is there any doubt he should have gone long before someone like Pia (who I was sad to see out there singing, but glad to actually see her again!) And shame on the Idol judges, especially Steven, for actually uttering the words "America is thinking twice about their decision!" Um, not this American. Well, except for Pia. She's awesome.

This week, we're going to be treated to the nostalgic sounds of the 21st Century. For those who are not in the know, that means songs from 2000 - today. So I'm sure there will be some songs I don't know, since I'm stuck in the 80's.

First up - Scotty McCreery. Can we call him Scott when he turns 18? I did enjoy the segments on the contestants cutting up each other - I was SOOOOO going to call out Scotty for holding the microphone like that, but didn't want to sound petty. But I should have - he's a dork. Yes, he can sing, but a dork nonetheless. Of course, I'm a dork too. But I digress. Of all the great country songs he can choose from, he picks LeAnn Rimes "Swingin'"? This doesn't sound like it will work, and for me, it didn't. I think Scotty holding the mike like a flute and raising his eyebrows every five seconds made me like it even less. I just don't really care for this song - there isn't much to it. And I agree with the judges - it was a very safe choice. Of course, Scotty has that voice that is made for radio, and I anticipate hearing him on the radio one day. And maybe it's better that way - I don't want to see the creepy Howdy Doody look anymore. Yeah, ok, so that may be uncalled for, but it wasn't one of my favorite performances of his. But no worries, Scotty fans - he's a lock to stay again this week.

This next performance is bound to cause some discussion around the water cooler this week - James Durbin is going to sing Muse's "Uprising". And I'm going to predict my friend Karen (the Haley hater) will dislike this immensely. She's protective of Muse, and ripped my girl Siobhan when she covered one of their songs during the AI Live Concert last year. Unlike that song, I've heard this one, so I at least can comment on it. At first I didn't like it - I think he was trying too hard to be like Adam Lambert in this. But then I listened to it two more times, and I really liked it. I am not a huge Muse fan, so for me, it was fresh and I could take it for what it was worth. James really can hit those crazy notes - yes, it was over the top, but that SONG is over the top. So why not? I think James will get his wish of singing with Steven Tyler during the finale because I'm thinking he's going to be one of the final two. He really is a performer that is incredibly entertaining. Great job, James. No matter what the Muse junkies say!! :^)

Haley Reinhart is up next - singing Adele's "Rolling in the Deep". I'll be honest - I've never been a huge Haley fan, but last week I enjoyed her rendition of "Call Me". And to my surprise - I liked her performance this week! Yes, I said it. I was a Haley fan this week! Maybe now that Paul is gone, I can share the love because I really don't dislike any of the remaining contestants. I thought it was very good - not amazingly great, but then again, those types of performances are few and far between. Good job, Haley! And while some may not like Haley (you know who you are), I'll just say that there have been far worse singers in AI history than Haley - remember Lacey Brown from last season? And Megan Joy the year before that? Ugh!

I'm not a huge fan of Jacob Lusk, but I thought he did a very good job tonight - it was a very personal song that he sang (Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father"). I thought he was going to lose it, but he held on and I was impressed. I think Jacob, like Scotty, is very limited in that he can sing pretty much one type of song, but he sings that type of song really well. I liked him better this week than last, and that works for me. And unlike Randy, I don't need the histrionics every week - sometimes, being reserved is actually stronger than singing over the top.

I've become a big fan of Casey Abrams - other than his ill advised version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", he's been pretty solid and very entertaining. He takes on Maroon 5's "Harder to Breath", which is a great song for him. I think vocally he chose the perfect song. I did have to laugh, though, at his stomping around the stage like a 2 year old who had his toys taken away. And he was not slapping 5 with those in the front row - it looked like he was violently hitting them! But he ended it as only Casey can - he planted a kiss on JLo's cheek. I do wonder why she turned her head - was it his breath (as my wife pointed out!)? Was that planned? Probably...but still, it was a fitting end for a solid performance. I liked it! I'm not sure how much Marc Anthony liked it, but hey, it wasn't on the lips...so he can't be THAT upset. And he drove Steven to say, "There's millions of people in America that are really angry, because you pissed them off so f***in' good...you changed so many people's minds". That's about the extent of Steven's comments - he never says anything critical, AND he forgets he's on AI (well, not really...again, he could care less....)

Stefano Langone is portrayed as the loverboy, but he comes off as incredibly annoying. Kind of like his singing. He picks Ne-Yo's "Closer" (I had no idea what that song was called, but surprisingly I had heard it before). It starts out very rough - but once the chorus kicks in, I thought it got better. Interesting dance moves, Stefano (I can't talk, because, well, I can't dance, but it was a little awkward....) I thought the song got better as it went on, but it's kind of a repetitive song, so in the end, while I think he sang it pretty well, I wasn't blown away by it. Yes, he didn't go over the top like he normally does, but I think he is in danger of going home. I mean, there are only 7 left, and I think he's towards the bottom of the remaining singers. That's not a knock on him - I just don't see him lasting too much longer. We'll see - maybe I'm wrong.

My girl Lauren Alaina ends the show with the superfine Sara Evans. I predicted she would do a Sara Evans song, but instead of "Born to Fly", I picked "Suds in the Bucket". I think Lauren is great, but she's not always on top of her game, and this was one of those weeks. By no means is it bad - she's got a very good to great voice, but she does tend to hold back. And I just didn't feel her giving it 100%. I really, REALLY hope she stays - I've been a fan from day 1, and I KNOW she can hit it out of the ballpark. Just believe in yourself Lauren! You are there for a reason...BRING IT EVERY WEEK! So good job, but I know you have more in you...you better be here next week! I will not be happy at all if you get outlasted by Haley, Stefano or Jacob! C'mon....

So I think Stefano goes home this week, but wouldn't be shocked if it's Haley or even Jacob. I think Scotty has too much of a fanbase, and James should be untouchable at this point. Casey has been vulnerable, but I think his fans realized they better vote for him or he could easily be gone (doesn't deserve to, but you know what they say...you must vote!)

Ok, I'm going to bed...hope you enjoyed reading my "musings" - goodnight everyone!

Season 10 - Top 8

American Idol, get over yourself. It's bad enough you play up the whole Pia leaving scandal. I'm using the word scandal as a joke...listen, I thought Pia was great, and she shouldn't have gone, but life moves on...I mean, really Jennifer? Crying, saying, "I wish there was something we could do..." Enough!!

Speaking of Jennifer, for Idol to go on about her being named Most Beautiful Woman to walk the earth (or whatever it was) - that's over the top too. Dimming the lights? Close ups of Marc Anthony? Stop!!

So this week, the remaining 8 will sing songs from the big screen. Leading off is my least favorite contestant Paul McDonald. I know I give Paul a hard time, but by this point, I'm willing to throw my hands up in the air and say I just don't get it. I don't see ANYTHING that the judges see (then again, Steven Tyler likes everything about everyone). He is, in my opinion, just not that good. In fact, he borders on being terrible. There - I said it. I think Paul needs to stick to playing the guitar, because he tends to be less jerky in his movements when he's saddled with the guitar. I will also give Paul mad props tonight for not starting off the song with, "How y'all doing tonight?" Hmmm...maybe he reads this blog and is taking my advice! Ok, here's another one. Paul, please leave the show. I can't take it anymore. His rendition of Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" (featured in Risky Business) was all over the place, but at no point did it reside in a good place. As usual, the judges fawned all over Paul. Blah blah blah. Not for me - Paul must go!

My early favorite Lauren Alaina is next, singing Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" (from that cinematic epic "Hannah Montana: The Movie"). As predictable as I am in disliking Paul, I'm predictable in my approval of young Ms. Lauren. She did a very solid job of a song that I'm not that wild about, but I thought it was good. She had some nice moments and hit all the notes (well, from what I heard). She didn't put on the type of performance that someone like Pia could have done with the song, BUT that's ok. I thought it was well done, and she deserves to stay in this competition. I mean, we have to have some women on here, right? And Haley sure isn't in the same league as Lauren. So I have a lot riding on Lauren to carry through. I hope she continues to do well - I enjoyed this performance. Not my all time favorite Lauren moment, but pretty darn good nonetheless.

Bottom three permanent resident Stefano Langone does "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men (from the movie "Boomerang"). Is Stefano's dad Bruce Willis? Looks like him a little bit. Anyway, it's a typical Stefano performance. That is, I think he over sings it quite a bit, but he has some very nice moments too. I think I'm just tired of his showboating with these songs. I mean, seeing the veins pop in his head, it's all too much. It's not bad by any stretch, but I am left cold listening to this. It doesn't do it for me anymore. Because there are only 8 left, I see him remaining in the bottom 3. Probably doesn't deserve it as much this week as in previous weeks, but I wouldn't lose sleep if he leaves. And to think he stayed and Pia left? That doesn't sit well with me. Again, he kicks Paul's flowery jacket all over the stage, and I would rather see the "How Y'all Doin'" Paul leave way before Stefano. But I don't see that happening.

Was the movie "Pure Country" a direct to video release? Because I've never heard of it. Sounds like the name of a Time/Life CD collection they sell late at night. Anyway, everyone's favorite country bumpkin, Alfred E.Neuman/Howdy Doody lovechild Scotty McCreery is up next. Originally he was going to sing "Everybody's Talkin'" from Midnight Cowboy. I like that song, but I'm glad he didn't do it (based on what I heard in his rehearsal). Instead, he chooses George Strait, who I believe has had 873 #1 hits on the Country Charts. The song is "Cross My Heart" - it was a big country hit, but since I am not that knowledgeable about these pesky country songs, I don't know how well known this song actually is. I know I've said this before, but if you close your eyes and listen to Scotty, he actually sounds pretty good. I just have to get past the look. What me worry? Scotty fans shouldn't worry - he's a lock to stick around another week. I wonder if they'll get around to doing a country week, and if so, will he be there? Also, if they do, what kind of lame advice will Jimmy Iovine offer?

Speaking of Jimmy Iovine, Casey Abrams decides to forgo Jimmy's arrogance and sing his first choice of "Nature Boy" by Nat King Cole instead of "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins. Very wise choice. As Casey has shown when he's tried to fit a song in that doesn't fit his style (see Nirvana), it's usually disastrous. This song, however, is PERFECT. He does a great job with it. Other than the one snarl, I think he was spot on. Great job Casey - you are definitely winning me over. Does he have the best voice? Absolutely not. But he has something that many of the others do not have. It's a type of star power that draws you in to watch him. I think he will be around for many more weeks (then again, I also thought that way about Pia...so you never know!)

I know it didn't sound great. She wasn't always on pitch. And my friend Karen can't stand her. I don't care - for some reason, I enjoyed Haley Reinhart's performance of "Call Me". I hope Karen will still talk to me. Maybe it was the hair. The dress (which Steven had a good crack about). She's predictable, and while I think Lauren is way better, Haley does get out there and seems like she's having a good time. Then again, so does Paul, and I can't stand him. So maybe it's a male/female thing. I kinda liked it. Not great, but I enjoyed it. And this was the closest that Steven had to actual criticism (said he agrees with Randy's criticism, but then went onto compliment her...and said "...here's to lookin' up your old address...." LOL). How old is Hailey, Steven? Wait, how old is Demi Lovato, Mort? Nevermind. So in short - I don't think singing wise it was great, but I enjoyed it. Maybe it's because I like the song a lot? Hmmm....who knows. But in a shocker - Haley will not be in the bottom 3 this week. Book it. (well, don't do that...because I really have no idea...)

Jacob Lusk, at first, is going to sing "Impossible Dream" or "You'll Never Walk Alone". Jimmy and Will think it's CORNY. So they suggest Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water". It was in The Pursuit of Happyness? Really? Actually, I never saw the movie, but this isn't a song I associate with any movie. Regardless, if this was Goofy Face Idol, Jacob would have walked away with the title weeks ago. But this is, as Simon was apt to say, a "singing competition". And based on that, Jacob is good, but like Stefano, I have become bored with these performances. Listen, both of these guys can sing, but it's just not something I will remember...well, I will remember that end note, but overall, I thought it was good...but nothing like the show stopper I expected it to be. So Jacob gets docked a little for that. Did Steven say "Innuendo" when talking about Jacob's singing??? What?

You want to know why I love James Durbin? Besides the voice, which is obvious, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that he stood up to Jimmy "I know everything" Iovine. He absolutely, positively made the right choice - would love to see what Jimmy would have picked. Because I can't imaging it being better than James' performance of Sammy Hagar's "Heavy Metal" from the movie by the same name. He's got Zakk Wylde on guitar out there with him, and it's the perfect compliment to James. To me, James is better than Adam Lambert who he was compared to early on. HOLY CRAP - Zakk Wylde is awesome. And so is James. I should have picked him to win the whole thing because I think he rocked completely. He even won over Jennifer Lopez. If James goes this week, to me that's a bigger shock and disappointment than Pia leaving. James currently occupies the title of my favorite performer on Idol so far this year. The dude just slayed it...as Randy would say. Best performance of the night!

So there you go...my top 3 were Lauren, Casey and James. Easily. I was surprised by how I liked Haley. Jacob, Stefano and Scotty? Eh. And Paul? I'm not even going there. So we'll see what happens tomorrow night (when we get treated to Rihanna!! Wonder if she'll sing S&M?).

And with that thought...goodnight folks!! And Karen, I hope we're still friends. :^) I'd still be friends with you if you liked Paul. Of course, I'd have to seriously question your sanity...but I digress. Paul must go. NOW!!!

Season 10 - Top 9

American Idol + Rock and Roll Hall of Fame could equal catastrophe. I mean, these are songs that are ingrained in our collective consciousness, and hearing some of these up and coming singers trying to interpret them will only make them pale in comparison. But surprisingly, it didn't happen tonight. Well, we got off to a rocky start, but then things began to pick up.

Jacob Lusk starts off the evening deciding to sing "Man in the Mirror" instead of "Let's Get It On". Talk about two completely different songs! I wish he had ended up singing "Let's Get It On" - I think I would have enjoyed that better than his melodramatic take on "Man in the Mirror" (well, there really isn't any other way to sing that song so I guess I can't blame him...) Jacob moves awkwardly on the stage, and to make things even more awkward, sings the song with co-writer Siedah Garrett (who thankfully Steven points out to us...he actually screams it out so we know she was the co-writer of the song)... It wasn't bad, but Jacob really isn't one of my favorites. He's certainly a qualified vocalist, but not really someone who I would rush right out and buy their album. So it's ok, but I would have preferred his take on Marvin Gaye.

Next up is Haley Reinhart, finally singing Janis Joplin. I don't see where there was ever a connection to her - I mean, we're talking JANIS freakin' JOPLIN! And Haley, no offense, is no Janis. Well, she's better looking than Janis...but that's not the point. I am not buying what Haley is selling here. It's by no means awful (I'll wait for Paul for that!), but I don't think she'll last much longer. There are too many more talented singers left for her to stick around too much longer.

I'm starting to get worried about tonight, when Casey Abrams comes on to finally save the day. He was originally going to do the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" - I love that song, but he wises up and chooses CCR's "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". It suits him perfectly - very smart choice. And thought he did a great job with it. Unlike Paul, I believe Casey as an honest artist. I don't find him fake at all - he's different, and that's a good thing. A lot of expression in his voice. Favorite performance of the night so far! (Of course, that's not saying much, but trust me, I really enjoyed it...)

My girl Lauren Alaina is up next - uh oh, she's taking on ARETHA. I love Lauren - but you better really bring it this week. My verdict? It's good...I may even say very good...but it's not mind blowing like I was hoping for. She definitely has her moments, especially towards the end of the song. But I still don't see her commanding the stage like she needs to. It's really hard to find much to fault here, but, sans a few spots, I didn't get any major goosebumps listening to this version. Very professional, very competent, but I wonder if Pia sang the same some how it would turn out. I think that would be more in line with what I was expecting from Lauren. But please don't misinterpret me - I'm still a big fan, and think she'll be around next week.

I'm very happy James Durbin isn't doing your typical rock song this week - he takes on The Beatle's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", written by George Harrison. I think he does an incredible job on this. You really can see that this guy could be a star - I liked how he kept it in until the very end. He showed a completely different side to himself as an artist, and I now think I should have picked HIM to win the whole thing. Blew me away with this - I am a big fan!

Scotty McCreery is up next, singing Elvis. I guess that's a good choice, but wouldn't it have been REALLY out of the box if he tried to take on someone like Zeppelin? Or the Stones? He sings "That's Alright Mama" - and while singing it he scats a bit, and also looks like a cheesy magician on stage. I was actually laughing watching this. If I closed my eyes and just listen to this, it's not bad. Not mind blowing, but not bad. I think the girls running up at the end only adds to the overall humor. That crazy Scotty. I do agree with Randy - he has proven that he is more than just "Baby shut that door and turn them lights down low...." I do, however, wish that Steven hadn't said Scotty was causing the girls to go crazy like Elvis. And JLo saying that Scotty has some "flayva...." Ugh.

Pia Toscano doing "River Deep, Mountain High". This should be interesting. She looks great...holy cow! Well, I don't know about what she's wearing, but yowza. Not only is she attractive, but this girl CLEARLY has an amazing voice. I wasn't wowed by her movement on stage - it was kinda stiff, but it doesn't matter. She is clearly, to me, the female front runner. From a vocal standpoint, I agree with Steven. She KILLED it. I mean, wow.... Great job Pia!! Did I mention she looked really good????

Stefano Langone sings Percy Sledge's classic "When A Man Loves A Woman". To me, Stefano is becoming a one trick pony. And that trick is over singing. The performance is predictable, and while he tries to go for the vocal fireworks and holding notes forever, and making crazy faces that make the veins bulge out in his head, I just don't get it. At least not anymore. I would have liked to see something else from Stefano. I think he's in the bottom 3, not because he's bad, but because it's become very predictable.

And by the way, Steven Tyler has YET to say ANYTHING CRITICAL. Everyone nails everything. Why is he a judge, other than being Steven Tyler from Aerosmith? Does he bring anything to the table? Dare I say JLo brings more constructive criticism?

So that means Paul McDonald gets the sweet spot - the last performance of the night. Paul is going to sing Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues". The "pros" Jimmy Iovine and Will.i.am tell Paul to go overboard with the craziness. Yeah, that's great advice guys. Can't wait to see how the normally fake and spastic Paul handles this one. A little bit of advice to Paul - can you PLEASE stop saying "What's up yo!" at the beginning of your performances? Please??? He even throws in a "Make some noise, yall!" Sigh. Compared to most Paul performances, it wasn't THAT bad, but I still don't like the guy. I really hope he leaves soon, but I fear he's in it for a long while. Ugh.

So my favorites tonight were Pia, James and Casey. Middle of the road were Lauren, Scotty and Jacob. And bottom of the barrel were Stefano, Hailey and Paul.

I think Stefano or Hailey are going home this week. We'll see if I'm right or not...