1. Mandisa: I Don't Hurt Anymore (Dinah Washington) – She was less belty than in the past and showed some subtlety. There was creaminess to her vocals. She was so heartfelt. She looked so classy and beautiful in her black dress and she appears to be losing some weight. She really set the bar high for tonight’s performances. I just love Mandisa. There is something so genuine and warm about her. I sent several votes her way.
2. Bucky: Oh Boy (Buddy Holly)- He was a bit off pitch at the beginning and though this is a high energy song, I thought he was phoning it in. He seemed a bit off and he was rather weak and underwhelming. I really want to root for Bucky because he seems like the nicest guy, but sadly, I can’t.
3. Paris: Fever (Peggy Lee)- Paris has an amazing vocal instrument, but “Fever” needs to be sung by a grown-ass woman, not someone who isn’t old enough to vote or buy a beer. “Fever” is far too sophisticated for the likes of Paris. I kept wondering how Mandisa would handle it. However, she was dressed much better. Paris is quite tiny, and when she’s dressed up in too many bangles, ruffles, poof, and jewelry, she looks like a little girl dressing up in her mom’s clothes.
4. Chris: Walk the Line (Johnny Cash) –I did like how Chris sang this song, but Live also did it…much better. I get the feeling Chris’ music collection contains only Live, Creed, Fuel, Pearl Jam, and the like. It’s as if he doesn’t realize music began long before 1991. And I’m starting to get a weird vibe from Chris. I think he takes himself way too seriously.
5. Katharine: Come Rain or Come Shine (Ella Fitzgerald)- It looks like she got eye shagging tips from Ace. I think she’s a very good singer, despite some rank notes, but I tend to forget her performances within minutes of seeing them. I’m getting a pageant girl vibe from her, too. I hope she pulls through and shows us what she can do in future performances.
6. Taylor: Not Fade Away (Buddy Holly)- On a shallow note, I miss the dark, pin-striped suit Taylor wore last week. However, his light blue suit matches my eyes, so I won’t complain too much. I liked how Barry Manilow called Taylor a “whiskey tenor.” I’ve called Taylor’s voice “lived-in.” I do wish Taylor would have picked a different song to show off his vocals. I was kind of meh on “Not Fade Away.” I can’t wait for Taylor to do a ballad. However, Taylor totally got into the spirit of the show and brought such joy and exuberance to his performance. I loved how he used the entire stage (and beyond) and jammed out with the sax player. Taylor could sing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and I’d be riveted. No ringing phone, knock on my door, or desperate urge to pee will keep me from watching Taylor’s performances on AI. I sent many, many votes his way. I just can’t help it.
7. Lisa: Why Do Fool's Fall in Love (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers)- After Taylor, what do I care? I like Lisa; she’s a great singer and very poised and mature, but she’s just so dull as a performer.
8. Kevin: When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole) – After last week’s fiasco of “Part-Time Toddler”, Kevin gives us a more appropriate song. I didn’t think it was too horrible, but he’s still so amateurish. Interestingly enough, there is a weather man here in Milwaukee who looks like a grown-up Kevin.
9. Elliot: Teach Me Tonight (Al Jarreau's version/ original by The DeCastro Sisters)- I think Elliott did an amazing job with this song. He has such a beautiful voice with the proper amount of nuance. He also appears to becoming more comfortable on stage. Great job, Elliott!!! I also sent some votes his way.
10. Kelly Pickler: Walkin' After Midnight (Patsy Cline)- This is a song that played heavily on my psyche when my relationship with someone who I thought was “The One” fell apart. Sorry for the TMI, but this song means a great deal to me, and Kellie turned it into a stripper song. This is song of heartache and longing, not a slutty bump and grind. Did she actually listen to the lyrics? As a writer, this really upsets me. And when she was called a tigress, I nearly shouted, “What an insult to cats!”
11. Ace Gyllenhaal: The Still of the Night (The Five Satins)- He was a bit pitchy in some parts, but I didn’t think it was that horrible. I think this a song for suitable for a group song, but Ace gives me a boy band vibe anyway. Didn’t do much for me but then again, I’m not a little girl like Sammi, the little girl in the audience who has a woodgie-coo jones for Ace.
He may be a pretty face, but Chris has the better voice.
