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!!!
I'm totally losing respect for Steven Tyler. Does he seriously think every singer is awesome? Does he not have an ear for talent? J-Low is worthless.
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