American Idol-The Top 11 Perform
Once again AI visits the Lennon/McCartney songbook. In other words, Idol forked over a lot of money and the producers want to get their money’s worth even if it means Kristy Lee craps all over another Beatles’ song.
Unlike last week, the Idol hopefuls are introduced individually. I’m totally jonesing for Brooke and Syesha’s frocks. But Ramiele looks like she was styled by Idol cast-off Danny Noriega. I’m not enthused, but I’m sure Danny thinks Ramiele looks fierce!
After some Idol (and idle) chit chat, Amanda is up first. I guess “Back in the USSR” is the right song choice for Amanda but I’m not impressed. She performs as if she’s taking an “Intro to Rock Star Moves” at the Learning Annex. She stomps to stage left, stomps to stage right and then jumps up and down. Rinse and repeat. Amanda has zero charisma, and seems to have no passion when she performs. Charisma and passion can make up for a less than stellar voice. I would not shell out the money to see Amanda perform.
Kristy Lee butchered “Eight Days a Week” last Tuesday yet managed to survive elimination. I think she’s the Teflon contestant. Kristy Lee sings “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away. “ Um, Kristy Lee? You’ve got to hide your voice away! She can’t find the melody and dropped notes all over the stage. Plus, her performing skills are so sub-par. Does she even get the lyrics? And I hope Kristy Lee realizes when Paula says you look great that means she thinks you suck. Speaking of sucking, Kristy Lee tells Simon that she will blow his socks off. I’m sure Simon believes the first part of that sentence.
Dang it, David A vows not to mess up the lyrics this week. He sings “The Long and Winding Road.” David’s voice is so pure and beautiful, but he brings nothing to the song itself. I wish he was older (no, not in that way your pervs) because he needs some maturity and wisdom to get the song. Unfortunately, David made this song so high school graduation. In a few years he might grab me but I don’t have a few years. However, I’m sure the grandmas are eating him up and the tweens can’t wait to decorate their lockers with his “Teen Beat” pictures.
Michael sings “A Day in the Life.” I think he’s going to the same Learning Annex class as Amanda. Michael must have perused his rock star handbook before he got on stage-clutch mike with both hands, close eyes to convey intensity. Yep, I’ve seen it all before. Plus, this was not a good song choice. Having a 6 minute song like “A Day in the Life” stripped down to a minute and a half makes it lose its impact. I was initially impressed by Michael but now I find him dreadfully dull. Yes, it’s touching that he dedicated the song to his deceased friend. But I won’t vote for him.
As a fan of Brooke’s I was really looking forward to her performance. Sadly, “Here Comes the Sun” totally disappointed me. Sure, Brooke’s voice was lovely, but her actual performance was so awkward and corny. And I think Brooke knew it. I wish she would have accompanied herself on guitar and eschewed the cheesy dance moves. Plus her non-stop chatter during the judges’ critique was quite cringe-worthy. Well, at least she was wearing a cute dress.
David C sings the Whitesnake version of “Day Tripper.” Will Tawny Kitaen be in the background gyrating on the hood of a car? I’ll give David C some credit. At least he tells us the version of the song he’s doing unlike some people (DAUGHTRY!, I’m looking in your direction). David accompanies himself on electric guitar and something called a vicoder or talk box. Though the vicoder/talkbox element was a bit cheesy ‘70s arena rock, I thought this was a pretty decentl performance. David continues to surprise and impress me. Plus, he seems likable. I just think he really gets off on performing. And though I’m sure there is a joke about Ryan putting his mouth on the vicode/talkboxr, I’m going to keep quiet.
Despite the hate Carly gets from some Idol watchers, I like her. She sings “Blackbird” or as Simon calls it “Sparrow.” This was a good song choice for Carly. She was able to show her range; her voice sounded exquisite throughout. I love her tone, and she has good control of her voice. Every note was spot-on. Plus she connects with the song and understands the lyrics. However, I found the “Preakness Winner” rosettes around her neck a bit disturbing.
Jason sings “Michelle” and has no idea that ma belle French. I guess he didn’t go to Borders to pick up “The Stoners’ Guide to French.” Though the judges found him charming, I found him smarmy. I think Jason is resting on his laurels, and I expected more from him. His voice sounded fine, but his actual performance seemed like a joke to him. He didn’t seem to really get into it. I want to shake Jason and ask him, “Qu’est-ce que tu fais?” Will this be the week where Jason bids us “Au revoir?” Well, he’s got a good fan base going so I think the answer will be “non.”
Syesha’s ‘rents are in the audience and they must have been her good luck charm. I haven’t been too thrilled with Syesha’s past performances, but when she sang “Yesterday” she really had something. I liked the soul vibe she brought to the Beatles’ classic and she also brought a lot of touching vulnerability to her performance. I can forgive her for a few screeching glory notes. I want to see more performances like this from Syesha.
Chickezie wowed me last week. This week, not so much. Chickeze sings “I’ve Just Seen a Face.” I think I might have just seen Chickezie’s last performance. He started out good, but then turns this ballad into a horrific hoe-down. And what was up with bringing in the harmonica? It was a hot mess! Chickezie came across as desperate. But at least he’s not dressing like Carlton Banks anymore.
Lastly, we have Ramiele who sings “I Should Have Known Better.” I should have known better than to be in Ramiele’s corner from the start. She’s been losing me for the past few weeks, which is a shame because she has one of the best voices. Whereas, Ramiele seems to be a bit more confident this time out (and I’m glad she’s not singing a ballad), her performance is more Sorority House Talent show than Idol showstopper. However, being the last performer may save her from being voted off this week.
I can definitely say last week’s Beatles’ extravaganza was vastly superior to this week’s. We had the good like David C, Carly and Syesha. And we had the bad like Amanda, Kristy Lee and Chickezie. But mostly we had the tepid, David A, Michael, Brooke, Jason and Ramiele. Tuesday night was probably more painful to Paul McCartney than paying Heather Mills another 50 million bucks.