First of all, let me just say… wow. Even the worst performer tonight was still better than at least 3 of the guys, not to mention I’d put my top 3 above the best guy last night. So much happened tonight, and I feel like the show really started. I feel bad, because I don’t know who really is going to go home… and one of my favorites didn’t do so hot. On the flip side, I was opened up to several contestants I didn’t quite get or like previously. So… let the controversy begin.
1) Lilly Scott- A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke)
What I Liked: Are you kidding? Hands down the best performance of the season. Better than all auditions and Andrew Garcia doing Straight Up. I, like the judges, am so grateful that she’s decided to use Idol as a platform for her voice. I ranked her at #1 last week too, and I think I may need to reconsider Andrew as my favorite contestant. This girl has some serious chops, and rewrites a song just enough to suit her as a performer. Lilly is in it to win it.
What I Didn’t Like: This whole idea that she’s too indie is something that Lilly seems to believe too. She should never act like Idol is a joke, because the mainstream Idol fans won’t like her for that. Grin and bear it girl, if you play along, you could win this whole thing at the rate you’re going.
2) Katelyn Epperly- The Scientist (Coldplay)
What I Liked: Anyone who has been following my articles knows that I used to say “who?” when referring to Katelyn. Not anymore. I thought she was fantastic, and interesting, and talented, and a really strong vocalist. I’m finally taking her seriously as an artist, and I think a lot of people are too. This silly idea that everyone needs to sing happy uptempo tunes is ridiculous. Let her have her moment and don’t rain on her parade.
What I Didn’t Like: I think that there was a mention that she hasn’t defined herself yet as an artist, and she bounces around. She should stick to more of this line instead of her other stuff. I think she could go far doing this area of music.
3) Crystal Bowersox- As Long As I See The Light (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
What I Liked: When she sang first, I was like “There it is. There’s the best performance of the night.” It was good right off the bat, but the other two just edged her slightly. Not to take away from Crystal’s vocals, cause they were amazing. And I thought Lilly, Katelyn, and Crystal were all better than Michael, who was my top choice last night.
What I Didn’t Like: The reason the other two edged her out is because I felt more current relevance from them and not so much this old school rock vibe that Crystal put out. It was still a brilliant performance, but that’s why she’s below them.
4) Paige Miles- Walk Away (Kelly Clarkson)
What I Liked: Paige had the esteemed honor of being at the bottom of my list last week and my “surefire” prediction to leave the competition. I’m so glad I got it wrong because that was a killer performance. I’m glad we’ve got a black female who isn’t singing predictable songs (fuck Randy) and she’s a strong performer. I thought it was fantastic, and I hope America gives her another week.
What I Didn’t Like: There were a few pitch problems, and her upper register could use more support. But… overall it was awesome.
5) Siobhan Magnus- Think (Aretha Franklin)
What I Liked: Alright, haters, Siobhan is getting a bit of a break this week. That note… was awesome. The first part of the song, though was a bit rough. She picked it up and killed it in the end, but her vocals aren’t quite like Fantasia or Lakisha or any of the other girls who have tackled that song in the past. I think it was a massive improvement over last week.
What I Didn’t Like: When Siobhan talks, it’s almost like no one’s home. I think Simon’s playing into that when he asks her questions. She’s not great at being interviewed, I don’t think. She needs some work on that to be more endearing to the mass public.
6) Didi Benami- Lean On Me (Bill Withers)
What I Liked: Didi… what are you thinking? I mean…. it was OK. I didn’t think it was as bad as the judges made it out to be, but you should have done so much better. Now, I’m afraid people are going to forget you. You started out with so much promise…
What I Didn’t Like: She sort of rearranged it, but not really. It felt like a campfire performance, and not really an American Idol performance. Wrong song, and I really love this girl.
7) Lacey Brown- Kiss Me (Sixpence None The Richer)
What I Liked: It was a nice song and it fit her voice. It was a good song choice.
What I Didn’t Like: While Siobhan was getting critiqued by the judges, I was making a mental list and there was one girl I just couldn’t remember. I was like “who am I forgetting?” And it was Lacey. That’s not good… I had forgotten she sang just an hour before. She may have problems tonight…
Katie Stevens- Put Your Records On (Corinne Bailey Rae)
What I Liked: Honestly, I really enjoyed Katie’s package. For the first time, I started to like her as a person… and I was rooting for her to make a comeback. It was very strange…
What I Didn’t Like: That song was totally wrong for her and her voice. She had like 5 seconds of “shine time” and the rest was crap. I don’t think she understands what “sing songs your age” means. SING COLBIE CALLIAT!
9) Michelle Delamor- With Arms Wide Open (Creed)
What I Liked: She took a risk. I was actually super hyped until…
What I Didn’t Like: …I realized how terrible that was. It wasn’t right for her at all. Her voice came off squeaky and a bit annoying. I’m afraid she’s at risk tonight… If she comes back next week, she needs to do something that’s more her Alicia Keys style vibe.
10) Haeley Vaughn- The Climb (Miley Cyrus)
What I Liked: She chose an appropriate song.
What I Didn’t Like: Her vocals were all over the place, very screechy and off pitch. There were parts in the song that I was hoping someone would just throw a random object at her and knock her unconscious so we wouldn’t have to put up with it anymore. It was about on the same level as Todrick from last night, and marginally better than Tim and Jermaine.
Tomorrow night, I’ll update my overall rankings once people have gone home.
Who Should Go Home: Haeley and Michelle.
Who Will Go Home: Michelle and Lacey
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Didn’t catch the early performances tonight — watched most of the others, but surfed after the performances cause the judges’ comments are SO annoying and that session drags on forever.
Anyway….agree with most of your top ladies’ vocals…I can’t get excited about Katie at all — don’t feel the judges get behind Michelle’s talent at all,and, unfortunately her fan base may not save her.
Thanks for your reviews — always enjoyable.
R U kidding me? Didi, Lacey & Haeley were all train wrecks!!
What are you on? Put down the mushroom tea at least 2 hours before each show if you plan on commenting them – friendly advice…
I disagree, the guys were better than the girls this week. My order for the girls is a lot different
Crystal
Lilly
Siobhan
Katelyn
Katie
Didi
Paige
Michelle
Lacy
Haeley
my top performances last night
1. crystal
2. katelyn
3. Siobhan
hailey has got to go. by far the worst vocals for the girls
I think they were REALLY rough on Didi..I think she has a GREAT tone and tells a GREAT story when she sings…there is just something that I really really like about her….i am not feeling Katie…I think the 2 that are going tonight are Lacey and Hayley….possibly Didi-because of the harsh judge comments….I hope she gets another shot.
regarding the guys…..BYE BYE John Parks and Todrick….I just don’t get him AT ALL!
Shiobhan was amazing, freak! I would rank her #1.
#2- Crystal
#3 Lilly
I really feel that Paige has a great niche in this competition. There hasn’t been anyone like her on this show in years, and that was one gal about 110 years ago, and I don’t remember her name (help!) I think she fits in really well juxtaposed against the indie-types like Crystal and Lilly, and to a lesser degree Katelyn and Siobhan. I guess what I’m really grateful for is that there isn’t anyone in the diva role this year.
i really love Lacey. Seriously.
Me too, Swawal!!
I love Crystal Bowersox and I think she will be one of the last 2 standing along with Siobhan Mangus…Lacey gives me a headache and I bet she will be going very soon.