American Idol-The Top Nine Perform
Before I start my recap I have some sad news. Claudette Yamin, the mother of season 5 contestant, Elliott Yamin, has passed away. If you saw season five you probably remember her. If any word defined Claudette Yamin, it was the word “character.” The feisty and funny Claudette was never at a loss for words and was always ready with a witty quip. But what really made her special was her undying support and love for her son Elliott. She was the ideal Idol parent. And seeing her in the audience always put a smile on my face. It must have been so wonderful for Claudette to see Elliott go from an inexperienced singer to a confident professional. I’m glad she was able to relish his success. I’m sure Elliott’s heart is heavy with sorrow, and my thoughts are with the Yamin family. May you rest in peace Claudette Yamin. You were one of a kind.
What’s this? We’re not going to have an episode of American Idol? Instead, we’re going to see a celebrity-episode of The Moment of Truth featuring Simon Cowell? Ha, ha, Ryan laughs. It’s an April Fools Day joke. I thought every day was April Fools Day on AI.
This week’s musical mentor is the incomparable Dolly Parton. The contestants are in for a treat. Not only is Dolly sweet as sugar, she’s also written countless songs that have charted on both the country and pop charts. Many of her songs have been covered by other artists, the most notable is Whitney Houston’s ear-blasting version of “I Will Always Love You.” I much prefer Dolly’s plaintive version.
Brooke sings “Jolene.” Her voice is well-suited to country, but something was missing. I felt like she wasn’t really connecting with the lyrics. What was up with her smiling at some points during the song? Brookie, some nasty skank is trying to take your man. You should be pleading and begging, not smiling as if to say, “Oh, that’s okay. I don’t really like him that much anyway.”
David C shows off his new haircut (I guess he doesn’t have the mother of all comb-overs) and talks about using different people’s arrangements for his past performances. David uses his own arrangement for “Little Sparrow.” He plays his acoustic guitar and gives this song the alternative/emo treatment. I really liked this performance. I felt as if I was at an actual David concert instead of watching Idol, and I had no idea he could do falsetto.
Ramiele sings “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” And in the past few weeks, Ramiele hasn’t crossed my mind. She sings and then is utterly forgettable. But she improves this week and seems more comfortable on stage. However, at times it seemed like she was being over-shadowed by the band. I couldn’t always hear her. Plus, she followed David C’s vastly superior performance.
Jason “Postcards from the Ganja” C sings “Travelin’ Thru.” Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, this song is a good choice for Jason’s laidback, hippie persona. His voice sounded good and he gave this song a patchouli-scented vibe. I can imagine him playing this song in the back of a VW bus while all his friends follow Phish around the country.
Carly sings “Here You Come Again,” which could be her theme song. She had a chance at stardom, completely failed, yet, “here you come again, Carly.” Her voice sounds fabulous, but something about her performance leaves me cold. It doesn’t bode well for Carly when I’m thinking, “I wonder how Kelly Clarkson would sound singing this song?”
David A sings “Smokey Mountain Memories.” Despite all the tongue baths this kid gets, like Carly, he leaves me cold. I wish he would have auditioned for AI when he was a bit older and had some more livin’ under his belt. I also think it would have been fun if he sang a more upbeat song. He can be so serious. Dude, you’re 17. Lighten up!! However, I’m sure all the grandmas want to pinch his cheeks and make him some banana bread.
Kristy Lee sings “Coat of Many Colors” wearing a dress of many colors. However, I’m sure her dress could feed an Appalachian family of 10 for a month. I guess you could say Kristy Lee is in her element, and this performance wasn’t too embarrassing. Plus, she’s barefoot ‘cuz she’s country y’all. Of course, that metrosexual tool, Ryan, recognizes her French pedicure.
Of course, Syesha sings “I Will Always Love You.” I actually liked the beginning when Syesha was more simplistic, but naturally she brings in the Whitney at the end, complete with the Whitney glory-note. This could work for her (people vote for glory notes) or could work against her (you don’t mess with Whitney).
Michael is last and he sings “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right.” Michael gives this song a bluesy-rock feel, and I think it was one of his best performances. I can imagine him doing this song in concert. And I can aslo imagine all the ladies swooning and throw their unmentionables on-stage if he does. But I do have one quibble-the Ascot. Since when is he Thurston Howell the III?
I actually thought it was a pretty entertaining night. No one gave a completely ghastly performance, but I had my favorites-David C, Jason and Michael. I don’t know who is leaving. But I do know one thing. Paula was clearly channeling Carrie Bradshaw with that silk flower on her dress. Are we going to get some product placement with the upcoming “Sex and the City” movie?