AI Recaps February 28th
Top 10 Girls
Last week we were treated to several stand out and memorable performances by the ladies. Will they continue the streak, or will it be the boys’ week to shine?
But first some fashion commentary. Ryan is wearing a subliminal shade of lavender. Randy’s shirt hurts like a hangover. Paula is channeling Ann Romano on “One Day at a Time.” And Simon is Simon, not the guy to give out fashion advice, but will anyway. On to the show.
Gina Glocksen (Alone)-Gina dedicates her song to her boyfriend. Looking like a prom queen at Hot Topic High, she sings a Heart song. She doesn’t embarrass, but she can’t compare to the inimitable Ann Wilson. However, I do like that she’s singing a rock song. It’s more her style.
Alaina Alexander (Not Ready to Make Nice)-Dedicating her performance to her mom, Alaina sings a Grammy-winning Dixie Chicks’ song. Well, I’m not ready to make nice, either. Alaina is clearly out of her element and comes across amateurish in both her voice and her stage presence. She took all the anger and intensity out of this song. It’s like she’s ticked that she can’t get a table at Applebee’s.
LaKisha Jones (Midnight Train to Georgia)-Dedicating tonight’s performance to her grandma, Lakisha proves that last week was not a fluke. Girl can sing! Finally the show is gaining some steam. LaKisha can belt but she has good control over her voice. She isn’t just loud and all over the place. Plus she connects with the lyrics, which is a good thing. I love how this shy, unassuming woman becomes such a powerhouse the moment she hits the stage.
Melinda Doolittle (My Funny Valentine)-Melinda is the Oprah, and her two best girlfriends are her Gayles. I love how Melinda begins this song. She sounds so sultry and smoky. I just adore this girl’s voice. It comforts me like my favorite cashmere sweater. I wasn’t too crazy about the belting at towards the end, but that could be because I’m used to this song being song in a softer way. However, glory notes get the votes, and I’m sure Melinda will get plenty. She deserves them.
Antonella Barba (Because You Loved Me)-Antonella dedicates this song to her brother. She has one of the weakest voices in the competition, very pitchy and not very much in control. She can’t do the Celine-like melisma. Plus her stage presence is just not there. It’s like she wants to be famous without all the work. And I did not like the snotty look on her face when the judges were critiquing her. And what was up with the Jennifer Hudson remark? Antonella is not worthy to polish Ms. Hudson’s Oscar.
Jordin Sparks (Reflection)-Jordin also dedicates her song to her brother. I like her, but I can feel her youth. She does have a wonderful voice, but her performance is so high school talent show. Sometimes I wish this show would raise the age limit. However, Jordin will survive and may surprise us during theme nights.
Stephanie Edwards (Dangerously in Love)-Looking elegant in a champagne colored evening gown, Stephanie dedicates this to her parents. I wasn’t too crazy about this performance. It was like Stephanie was channeling Beyonce instead of putting her own stamp on it. But Stephanie does have a wonderfully sophisticated way about her and I look forward to her singing different songs in different genres.
Leslie Hunt (Feelin’ Good)-Grandpa gets a dedication from Leslie. Anyone who sings the Nina Simone version of this song is all right by me. I love that Leslie sings songs away from the Celine, Whitney, Mariah, Beyonce universe. And her voice is so warm and comforting, yet she can still belt. However, I’m afraid she may get lost in the shuffle. I hope she doesn’t. She’s different and quirky.
Haley Scarnato (Queen of the Night)-Haley dedicates her performance to her fiancé. Haley may claim she’s the Queen of the Night, but she’s more Queen of the Prom. I like Haley and she’s a good singer, but she’s so theme park, Disney character, cruise ship entertainment. It’s as if she has no discernable soul. I can’t see her surviving, but I’ve been surprised before.
Sabrina Sloan (All the Man That I Need)-Sabrina’s grandmother gets a dedication, and once again, we get a Whitney song. Could we please retire the Whitney song? Sabrina has a great voice and she did a wonderful job, but I wish she would have sung something different. I’m starting to get bored.
Judging the guys from Tuesday and the girls from Wednesday, I’d say they are running neck and neck. Both nights had clunkers, stand outs, and “whatevers.” Results should be interesting. And Kellie Pickler will be joining us. I can’t believe I’m say this, but I actually miss her a bit.