Whispers were growing louder throughout the week that Idol standout Crystal Bowersox would be disqualified due to medical reasons. Thank God that wasn’t the case because this season would be forever tainted if she had to leave. As this episode opened up, Ryan wasted no time in explaining Crystal’s situation. Let’s hope she can make a speedy recovery!
This felt like the beginning of the competition to me… this episode marked a high point for the season where I saw three or four people capable of standing in the Kodak Theatre and attempting to make the Hasselhoff break down in tears. To be fair, not that hard to do, I recite poetry to the man every week and he goes through at least two boxes of Kleenex every time I break out some Robert Frost in a rich, baritone, British accent.
How about these judges? They’re harsh this season, but they’re actually doing their damn jobs. Kara is dead on lately! Almost everything she said to the top 10 ladies I completely agreed with. It’s nice to know that after nine years of competition the judges are finally being useful.
I’d like to say another thing before we begin this report. My top three ratings from this episode were practically tied, and I had such a hard time deciding who fell where so just be aware that 1-3 are playing on the same field. Oh, and also-
These ladies are hot. I would like to date, marry, and awkwardly stalk at least half of them. So, Camera-Guy-Who-Always-Tries-For-The-Up-The-Skirt-Angle, watch your back. You’ve got some competition for “Creeper Of The Year.”
Let’s do this!
10. Haeley Vaughn – So, I’m going to try and say this in a really simple way. Ahem, here it goes…*clears throat* THIS WAS #$%@ING AWFUL!! Phew, well, I hope that was clear. This song is dreck to begin with… did we really need to add inconsistent pitch and “Barnum and Bailey’s Vocal Freak Show?” Haeley simply failed tonight. “The Climb,” which looked like a good choice on paper, just murdered the poor girl. I’m not sure I can see her living through this performance, and if she does she should probably stop going on stage and committing vocal seppuku. She is simply not ready for prime time. NOT SAFE.
9. Lacey Brown – What did we not know about Lacey? She collects antiques! I mean, that makes sense. She’s from Amarillo, what else is there to do? “Kiss Me” was an average performance, which would have been great if Lacey had knocked it out of the park last week. But, let’s remember, she didn’t. So, this fell really flat for me and I’m about ready to count her out of the competition. In fact, I’d say it’s almost a certainty that she leaves this week. The only highlight of this performance was when someone booed Simon because he always has this great reaction to the crowd that reads “Wait, there are other people in this room?” NOT SAFE.
8. Katie Stevens – Katie sang “Put Your Records On” in the completely wrong key. The verses were so low for her that she had to sing in a section of her register that had absolutely no power. So, what happened? The entire first half of the song sounded bland. Katie, we already have like ten indie girl singers in this competition. What the hell are you doing singing Corinne Bailey Rae?! Stop it! I’m not that worried for Ms. Stevens. She has a strong following and should be safe this week. Who else thought it was hilarious that Ryan asked, yet again, if she enjoyed Justin Bieber? We get it, Ryan. You’re a big fan… don’t get upset that no one wants to join you in your tree house for the weekly fan meetings. Awkward. NEVER GOING HOME.
7. Michelle Delamor – Huh, Creed? In the collective “huh” moment of the season, Michelle Delamor sang a pop version of “With Arms Wide Open.” The scary thing? If Michelle had a bigger voice this could have been a hit. Now, don’t get me wrong, I hate Creed as much as the next guy who isn’t a douchebag, but this was a very bold song choice. The vocals were weak, but effective, and when she began the performance I couldn’t help but think . o 0(This is already better than Creed, and I’ve only heard one note.) NOT SAFE.
6. Didi Benami – Didi was a middle school mascot! What does that have to do with music? Nothing at all. “Lean On Me” was a nice choice of song (I clearly completely disagreed with the judges) and I loved the subdued take on this soul classic. She still has a great vibe! Was it the best of the night? No, not even close. Was it funny to watch Simon practically make her cry on national television? Nope, not even a little. Will people be voting for her because they feel bad? Yeah, I think that’s likely. NOT SAFE.
5. Paige Miles – Paige likes coloring books. Yeah, the woman-child with the big owl eyes enjoys children’s coloring books. It’s like somebody quickly aged Rudy Huxtable. “Walk Away” was a very respectable vocal performance, but it’s always a dangerous idea to compare yourself to Kelly Clarkson. She is one of Idol’s golden girls, and not that mannish Rue McClanahan either. She is one of the talented golden girls. Still, Paige fell apart for me in the bridge. There was no anger or grit and it all felt so contrived that I was left feeling extremely disappointed. NOT SAFE.
4. Katelyn Epperly – First of all, what the hell were the judges talking about? This was absolutely stellar. “The Scientist” was a beautiful, haunting ballad that just turned Katelyn Epperly into a force on this program. Plus, the girl is flat out drop dead gorgeous. Like, stupid pretty. Like, I-would-hide-her-in-my-attic-so-the-German-S.S.-wouldn’t-find-her pretty. This was a great moment of the season and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the stage next week. Effortless. NEVER GOING HOME.
3. Crystal Bowersox – What did we not know about Crystal? She has a twin brother and a picture of her family that looked like it was taken at a funeral. “As Long As I Can See The Light” was a flawless vocal, but she was so medicated that I had a hard time connecting with the performance. The poor girl looked absolutely excited. Still, Crystal is a powerful contestant this season and will be here for many weeks to come. She reminds me a little of Bo Bice. He was such a savvy contestant and knew exactly what to sing and when to sing it. Crystal seems to have a great grasp on what she needs to accomplish and sets her goals accordingly. Simon sounded like an idiot praising her when he told Crystal that he “misunderestimated” her. Well, do I even need to make a joke? My computer’s spell checker is so freaked out. NEVER GOING HOME.
2. Siobhan Magnus – This young girl has the biggest voice in the competition. She’s like a female Adam Lambert (is that redundant?) and might be, vocally, one of the most talented women to ever be on this program. She just needs a little polish. “Think” was a huge risk because if you don’t have the pipes to sing that number than the judges will fillet you like you were the secret ingredient on Iron Chef. Siobhan has the type of range that will allow her to sing absolutely anything. Plus, I want to date her. Do any of my readers know her personally? I would like to be set up with Siobhan Magnus. Get on it! NEVER GOING HOME.
1. Lilly Scott – “You are a mismatch for this competition.” Amen, Kara. Testify! Lilly Scott, strapped to a guitar (a 12-string guitar!!) crooned a funky rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come” and was solidly awesome yet again. There is something that happens when I watch Lilly perform. It’s mind-altering. She is so ethereal and unreal that it’s weird to think she is even on this program. Anyway, I know some people can’t really dig it, but I was floored by it. Still, I am a little unsure how America will view it. NOT SAFE.
Who should go home?
Haeley Vaughn and Lacey Brown
Who will go home?
Lacey Brown and Michelle Delamor
See you next time!
NGH
I hope Lacey doesn’t go anywhere… but I know her so I’m biased. And you are right, there is nothing else to do in Amarillo.
I think Paige, Lacey, Todrick and John are going home(based on popularity)
I sincerly hope that people don’t vote didi off. She and crystal are my fav girls this season. as for whose going home i think that it will be lacey (I neverreally liked her voice but she has a nice personality) , haley (she was already riding through on thin ice and now the ice is cracking) , jermaine (I will be furious if he stays another week) and John (he also hasn’t had any good performances and lets face it is a little forgettable).
I’m in shock, the first recap of the season between 15 entertainment bloggers/recappers that I agree with 100%. Thank you.
You are spot on about Katie Stevens here. I mean, the judges have come out in public with their hopes to find a Taylor Swift / Miley Cyrus clone this season, and who in this cast fits that description better than Katie? (Lilly? Crystal? Siobhan?!) Instead of playing her natural role of pop princess, Katie instead tried to out-indie the indie girls, and she looked stupid doing it. For the love of God, it’s not too hard to read between the lines as to what the judges are trying to tell you, Katie. THEY WANT YOU TO SING A TAYLOR SWIFT OR MILEY CYRUS SONG! The judges are practically foaming at the mouth with anticipation to label this girl as “America’s Sweetheart,” and she just doesn’t seem to get it. If only she had traded songs with Haeley Vaughn last night (which actually would have helped out both girls- well, as much as Haeley can be helped), the judges would have slobbered all over her. Oh, well; if she gets booted early, it at least will spare us the saccharine spectacle of watching the “Idol” producers pimp her to death.
I know Siobhan, however she has a boyfriend. She’s a great girl and she was quiet the shy one unless on stage in high school
Crystal Bowersox will be in the top 3 (at least). Lee Dewyze is also a contender.