Here’s MTV’s Take on the final round of the semifinals….
‘American Idol’ Recap: Lil Rounds, Felicia Barton, Scott MacIntyre Bring It
Jorge Nuñez also gets noticed, as does Nathaniel Marshall, in a bad way.
The third round of top 36 performances unfolded Tuesday night pretty much like the previous two: Some wannabes just picked the wrongs songs, others blasted up from nowhere and the frontrunners grabbed a few more feathers for their caps.
First the good news: Lil Rounds might be your next American Idol. The night ended with the woman who could be this year’s top contender, the 24-year-old mother of three, biting into Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You” and nailing the midtempo inspirational number with strength and confidence, leaving judge Simon Cowell looking a bit stunned.
“Brilliant,” was all he could say, with Randy Jackson adding that Lil Rounds is among the best they’ve found this year, as he gave mad props for her “swagger.” The unanimous thumbs up went all the way down the line, with Paula Abdul quipping, “I have the sneaking suspicion we’re going to see you for many more Lil Rounds.”
(Look back at our “American Idol” live blog to relive last night’s performances.)
The night’s biggest surprise was Felicia Barton, 26, a stay-at-home mom from Virginia Beach, Virginia, who didn’t originally make it to the top 36, but who was called back when Joanna Pacitti was disqualified. Barton was out to prove to the judges that she belonged in the competition, and she nailed it. Wearing a black leather jacket, black spangly top and black jeans, she came out swinging on Alicia Keys’ “No One,” knocking the vocals out of the park and winning over the crowd in the process.
“Isn’t it funny how the universe works,” Paula said. “Your talent, your gift is unbelievable. … I’m so glad we brought you back.” Simon liked the performance, though he felt it was a bit “copy cat.” Randy loved it, and Kara DioGuardi praised Barton’s attitude, presence and new sexy look. “I noticed you for the first time tonight, I really noticed you,” she said.
The show’s first blind contestant, Scott MacIntyre, went old school with Bruce Hornsby’s “Mandolin Rain,” initially warbling unevenly through the saccharine ballad, dropping a series of bum notes along the way until hitting a couple of soulful runs near the end. Randy said the vocal wasn’t perfect, but that the good parts were really good, and he could really feel the emotion in the performance. “You move mountains when you step on that stage,” Kara said, excusing MacIntyre’s not-so-great notes by saying even when he’s off, he’s off with passion.
Calling him “one of our finest,” Paula said she couldn’t wait to hear MacIntyre get back behind the piano in the next round. Simon blasted the bland song choice while admitting that MacIntyre was growing on him as he appeared to gain confidence, saying he would be “amazed” if MacIntyre didn’t advance.
The other pleasant surprise was Ju’Not Joyner, 26, who transformed Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah” into a meditative John Legend-esque soul serenade. Randy loved that Joyner switched up the tune and held back, while Kara loved his smooth, fluid take and encouraged him to really bust it loose next time. Simon said it was better than he expected, but actually wished Joyner had stripped it back even further and found his “moment.”
I guess I watched another show, b/c I really liked Jorge, was not enthralled with Lil Rounds (pimping to the max), and was not over enthralled with Scott (I thought Felicia was much better than he was). And Ju’Not? Really?! I get pissed off, by the way, when the judges LOVE someone like Scott, b/c of his passion, but don’t feel the same way about a contestant who is one of their favorites. You KNOW they already have picked out their wild card singers.
Clearly Scott and Lil Rounds are safe. I guess I’ll being the Alexis, Danny, and Adam voting in earnest, especially if Ricky doesn’t make it (which would be a travesty).
This Top 12 is boring the heck out of me.
I guess I just can’t get passed the inexplicable pimpage of Scott MacIntyre. I mean, c’mon people, if Scott wasn’t vision impaired (he’s not completely blind, he has tunnel vision), there is NO WAY he would have even made the Final 36 based on talent alone.
Sure he is proficient on the piano but dude has a very average voice at best. It almost feels as if everyone has to praise him just to be “nice to the blind guy” – like some sort of weird political correctness. But to say he “moved mountains” after that mediocre performance? Sorry, but that is 100% because of his handicap.
If he were truly great, I would be all for him, but as such, it seems like he is being setup to be a token in the Final 12. It is clear there are others (Ricky, Felicia, Jorge) who are FAR more talented than he who may get a pass.
Prejudice cuts both ways. Prejudice means that “it is wrong to give special treatment to a person because of their race, religion, sex (preference) or handicap”. That means to be biased AGAINST them, or biased FOR them.
I got mad love for the handicap, but Scott MacIntyre is awful. How long is this show going to patronize him?
I have to agree. I hated Scott’s performance and I was offended by the way the judges were treating him. If they want to be PC this season, couldn’t they find a “blind” guy that can sing. I mean come on…
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so far they say that lil rounds and scott made it
but for the final seat
it is between natahaniel marshalll and junot joyner
it could be natahanel or junot joyner
The think the judges had a pre-set top 12 in mind. Whether someone nailed it (Felicia) or not (Scott), the choices were already made. I mean for real why would you give Tatiana a shot at the top 12 over Felicia. Something is very wrong!!! I’ve watched the show for years and right now I am sick of American Idol and will not ever watch it again. I am done.