IdolPhenomena

So I’ve been a little disgruntled with Idol since the public voted Pia Toscano off however, she clearly will be successful even if she is not this year’s winner. I also feel that Paul’s departure was the right decision I just hate the fact that he was one of a couple unique performers in the competition and now he’s gone. I do recognize that everyone’s talented but have a new take on the music scene. Since just recently going to X-Factor auditions in Newark I have developed an affinity for singers who aren’t your run of the mill cookie-cutter pop stars for example Adele and Lykke LI. I really don’t know where that came from and it’s definitely not because my audition song was Someone Like You by Adele. But X-Factor is for another entry on the Blog…

This week’s episode of Idol started off with a fairly decent group number done by the members of the Top 13 who have been voted off already. However there were some things about it that definitely did not fit and that was Paul McDonald singing So What along with the rest of the ladies… wrong song choice for mixed voices…. Idol FAIL. Oh yeah and Naima you didn’t need to throw your jacket at the camera or jump around the stage we already know who you are. In terms of groups numbers this was just blah…

Before each contestants performance this evening their fellow contestants took some time to say a few words about each other. For Scotty they all showed us how to hold a microphone the Scotty McCreery way. I know it’s almost like a signature for him I guess but it’s still awkward to look at. I do agree with Lauren Alaina he holds it like a flute. This week out of all the choices within the last decade Scotty chose Swingin by LeAnn Rimes. What would poses anyone to sing this is beyond me and yet Scotty definitely delivers an adequate performance. However, I do agree with Randy that was definitely a safe choice. This is definitely a time to take bigger risks like the judges will continuously express through the rest of the evening. For a great performance this week Scotty you get 2.75- Stars from me.

Following Scotty is James Durbin performing Uprising by Muse. His fellow remaining contestants discuss the scarves and the high notes. I agree with Casey who said it best, what’s up with the scarves James Durbin Stop it.-LOL. James’ performance was definitely theatrically like Jennifer praised for being however I did like it all that much. It was all show and very little substance but it definitely was a great song choice for him. So James that’s 3- Stars for your performance even though it wasn’t quite my favorite. Another contestant who picked a great song this week is Haley Reinhart who chose to take on Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. Obviously her fellow contestants discuss her attitude, her growl and low and behold that weird hand thing she does to accentuate what she’s singing. The song started off great and like Jennifer said there were moments where she brought Haley to the song however they were few and far between. I personally did not like her phrasing and the deviations from the melody she did to insert her signature growl. Rand Jackson is definitely right in saying that this is the perfect direction for Haley to go as an artist. For almost making me a Haley fan you get 2.5- Stars from me this week.
Next up was the DIVA Jacob Lusk performing Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father. I feel bad for him for the technical glitch at the beginning of his song someone definitely lost their job for that-LOL. But Jacob I know this song hits you in a very emotional place but I felt like there was almost no real melody. You were always above or below the actual notes and I know you’re better than that. I agree with Randy do not hold back anymore, just go for it. Make a statement and prove you’re in it to win because right now for me you’re just a great voice. For being amazingly talented I give you 2- Stars this week.
Since Pia’s departure my remaining favorite is none other than Casey Abrams. Casey came out on to the Idol stage and made a statement. He made Steven swear and he even kissed Jennifer on the cheek. He was a true performer tonight. We got to see genuine artist/musician Casey on that stage. I want to see more performances like this. Maroon 5’s Harder to Breathe was definitely a great song for him to choose. 3- Stars for your performance this week Casey. I do also like how it almost looked like Casey was hitting the audience each time they reached out their hands.- PRICELESS. And I know Case had a beard joke about Ryan but was it appropriate we may never know-LOL.

The sixth performer of the night was Stefano Langone the self acclaimed ladies man as he is known by his fellow contestants. It was too funny how Casey said he had a hot quality. And I can’t believe Jacob said he would flirt with a piece of paper if it may have estrogen in it… AWKWARD. This was an awful song choice this week, Closer by Ne-Yo. However, Stefano definitely did the best he could and he definitely did not disappoint the females this week. I also like how his facial expressions have improved however this performance was all fluff and sexy faces with no real substance. Stefano will definitely need to have more depth if he wants to remain in the competition. I give him 2.5- Stars for fluff and no essence. Last but not least is Lauren Alaina who I agree with Jimmy when he said she has the potential to win it all if she just had the confidence to back her amazing talent. Performing Born to Fly by Sara Evans Laruen delivered a phenomenal performance compared to some of her earlier ones in the competition. Still not a big wow moment for me but she is definitely a contender for the Idol crown. For the potential wow moment I give her 2.75- Stars this week.

So with seven contestants remaining someone obviously has to go home so my bottom three based on this week’s performances would be…

Haley Reinhart……

Stefano Langone…….

Jacob Lusk………

So with that said I so want to say goodbye to Sister Mary Jacob a nick name coined by the amazing Michael Buckley however, I see elimination in either Haley or Stefano’s future….. My thoughts on this week’s results show, X-Factor auditions and CMT’s Next Superstar will all be up like I promised so keep a look out for them.

Tonight the 11 remaining Idol Finalists gave it their all as they took on the classics of Elton John but one question remains was their all good enough. Each took risks and each brought their A-Game tonight I can only hope America votes for their favorites. We wouldn’t want to see people like Casey or Stefano back in the bottom three again. There is also quite a possibility to see a bottom three of all ladies once again this time with Haley, Naima, and Thia. Make sure you’ve voted to see your favorites move into the Top 9.

Scotty McCreery started off the evening with Country Comfort. He was truly able to find his comfort zone tonight within this week’s Theme. I wonder if he will be able to in the following weeks. I feel that this was a great song choice for him. I personally never heard this song before so I looked it up. Country Comfort was released on Elton’s Tumbleweed Connection album which was released in 1970. Tumbleweed Connection was Sir Elton John’s third album to be released. I do have to agree with Randy in regards to Scotty’s performance this track could really be on his album. This wasn’t the absolute best performance of the night but overall it gets 2.75/3- Stars from me.

Following Scotty was Naima Adedapo and her interpretation of I’m Still Standing. I’m Still Standing can be found on John’s seventh album entitled To Low for Zero. It was released in 1983 and was the first album where Bernie Taupin wrote all of the lyrics. Tonight Naima chose to take a risk by performing this track with a reggae style feel. It definitely brought the song some new character, however I think this risk was taken too late. I know that reggae style music is Naima’s comfort zone and I’m sure she excels within it I just wish she had brought that to the table earlier to set her apart from the rest of the competition. Right now I feel it looks like Naima doesn’t know who she is as an artist when I believe she does. Like Jennifer Lopez said some songs are not meant to be flipped. But for your valiant attempt at being original you get a 1.75/3- Stars from me tonight.

Paul McDonald was up next with Rocket Man. Featured on his fifth album Honky Château, Rocket Man peaked in the UK Music Charts at No. 2 in 1972. It’s always refreshing to hear Paul play his guitar and sing. I love how his unique tone and phrasing is not necessarily on pitch at all times he’s just Paul. I do agree with Jennifer when she says I feel your holding back. I feel the same way like Paul has something he hasn’t brought to the table yet. Paul’s refreshing performance gets him 2/3- Stars this week. Pia Toscano followed Paul tonight with what you guessed it, another ballad.-LOL. Tonight she chose Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me which just happens to be one of my favorite Elton John songs. This song can be found on the album Caribou which was released in 1974. There’s no doubt that Pia delivers a flawless vocal each week, however tonight I felt like there was something missing. It was almost as if she was detached from the song. I didn’t feel her performance the way I have in previous weeks. For me it was just okay and therefore I’ve given it 2/3- Stars. Pia better bring it next week I am waiting to be wowed again.

Tonight Stefano Langone had chosen Tiny Dancer off of the Madman Across the Water album which was released in 1971. I was hoping to hear him sing the song Pia chose however Tiny Dancer suited him well. However, his attempt to connect with the audience was something to be desired. He did open his eyes this week but each time it looked forced and he definitely gave some strange looks at the camera. I’d personally rather see him perform with his eyes closed. Stefano’s performance was followed by Lauren Alaina. Tonight Lauren had chosen Candle in the Wind which was originally written in honor of Marilyn Monroe. The music was written by Elton John and the lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was first released in 1974 on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. Then in 1997 Sir Elton John did a remake to this track as a tribute to Princess Diana. His remake met much more success than the original. I would definitely have to agree with Randy when he said that this was the greatest Lauren Alaina performance. It was filled with so much emotion that in my opinion she hasn’t brought to any of her other performances. For an absolutely amazing performance I give it 2.75/3- Stars.
Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting is another track of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. It was also James Durbin’s pick this week. As usual James gave a great show. He is such a natural on stage he definitely will be an entertainer after his Idol experience is over. His incredible performance gets 2.5/3- Stars from me. Tonight Thia Megia chose Daniel. Daniel was released in 1973 on Elton John’s Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player album. This has to be one of Thia’s best performances she sang the song from a different place this week and you could tell. She conveyed more emotion than she has ever before. This definitely shows that she has the confidence and potential to be a real contender in this competition, I just hope it wasn’t done too late. For this amazing performance I give her 2.75/3- Stars.

I was so relieved tonight when Casey Abrams took the stage and actually just sang. He was less crazy and more an artist this evening. This performance displayed another side of him as a performer and he truly cleans up well.-Just Sayin. Definitely my favorite Casey performance thus far I give him 2.75/3- Stars for his version of Your Song. Your Song was released in 1970 on Elton John’s self-titled album.

Tonight, thou I hate to admit it Jacob Lusk was for me the best performance of the night. He didn’t over sing which made the song so beautiful. It’s my favorite Jacob performance since God Bless the Child. The song was just enough Jacob and for the first time in a long time I agree with the Judges about one of Jacob’s performances. Like Steven Tyler said you slayed me there for I give you 3/3- Stars this week. Great job Jacob, keep it up!!!

Last performance of the night was done by Haley Reinhart. Having chosen Bennie & the Jets this was also a song featured on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album like so many of tonight’s song choices were.-LOL. Haley without a doubt gave an outstanding performance tonight. Still not too fond of the growl but it was the right way to close the show, overall I give Haley 2.5/3- Stars. So based on popularity based on how I feel that the contestants have been received by the public I would say this week’s Bottom 3 or should I say Bottom 4 based solely on popularity would have to be Thia Megia, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo and James Durbin. However, taking in consideration all of the performance of last night I am leaning towards a possible elimination consisting of Naima and Thia. Personally I would hate to see Thia go because I feel she has more to offer I just feel like it is her time to leave the same can be said about Naima. The only way your favorites will move onto next week is by voiting so followers if your favorites don’t make it to the Top 9 ask yourself the following, Did I Vote???

So I know it’s almost a day later but here are my thoughts about Thursday night’s results on Idol. After 30 Million votes tonight would truly be a shocker. So as usual the show opened with a group song but god was the first portion of it ghastly as Simon Cowell would have called it. It wasn’t until Stevie Wonder came out on stage with the Idols that it got much better. However prior to performing Signed, Sealed, Delivered the Idol’s butchered Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The melody was someplace else and none of them stood out in that performance. I attribute the amazingness of the second part of the opening number to the phenomenal Stevie Wonder considering the Idol’s just sang back-up to him. So after Stevie graced the stage it was time to wish Steven Tyler a Happy Birthday. The Idol’s presented him with a multi-colored cake that totally looked like plastic to me and a tie-dye image of him on canvas. This is followed by one of those Ford commercials we all love-LOL. Was it about recycling or a car… beats me.-LOL So now for some results first three center stage are Lauren, Pia and Scotty all of whom are safe. Then Sugarland performs their single Stuck like Glue. I love Sugarland but my gosh what was Jennifer Nettles wearing. I wanted to cry for her it looked like she got dressed in the dark. That outfit was totally clash city. Next we see a spot on how wrestling has become a welcomed past-time in the Idol mansion (btw. The Idols no longer live in the mansion apparently its haunted) And now it’s time for Paul and James who are the biggest wrestling fans in the house to hear their fate. While Ryan is making up some fluff about how their not safe out comes Hulk Hogan. Paul and James are flabbergasted. I thought James was gonna crap his pants- he was so surprised.-LOL. In the meantime Hulk lets the boys know their safe but not without throwing Ryan off stage into the “audience.” Then Hulk rips his shirt off … that’s no surprise. Ryan hands over Huk’s shirt to James who had a kid in a candy store look on his face. Awkward. Next center stage are Jacob, Thia and Stefano. Jacob is safe an apparently receives a kiss from Steven Tyler I thought it was just a hug. That would be awkward moment #2. Jennifer loved that Thia took a chance this week and she wants Stefano to connect more with the song and the audience. Both are great singers but both are in the Bottom 3 this week. The next three contestants up are Naima, Haley and Casey. The first sent back to the couch is Naima. Apparently all that originality on stage did well with both the Judges and America. That left Casey and Haley. Randy loved Haley’s bluesy growl and Steven thought Casey was a whole lot of perfect. However, America did not and Casey would round up this week’s Bottom 3 Finalists. Haley was apparently shocked it looked like she was already mentally prepared to go home. Up next Jennifer Hudson returned to the Idol stage with her new single Where You At? Hudson like always does an incredible performance, however the lyrics in the song are not the best. But I feel she could even make the phonebook sound amazing. Oh and George Huff returned to the Idol stage singing back-up for her. This week’s Bottom 3 are Thia, Casey and Stefano. Definitely a shocker I was anticipating three ladies with either Naima or Haley going home. I am curious to find out what America truly thinks about the Top 11 Finalists. Thia is the first to return to the couch because she is safe. Now it’s down to Casey and Stefano. Ryan announces that Stefano is safe which means Casey must to sing for his life to remain in the competition one more week. Sing I Don’t Need No Doctor, Casey takes the Idol stage with his usual swagger. Before he can finish the Judges use the one save of the season to keep in the contest. I personally was shocked. Casey is a crazy talented singer but every time he sing I feel like he’s yelling at me through the TV. Casey was so shocked that they chose him that he said, "Oh My F*cking God." This was definitely an overly dramatic ending for this weeks show. Which means it will only continue next week as we say goodbye to 2 finalists instead of 1. Next Wednesday the Top 11 Finalists bring us songs by Elton John. My song choices for them will be up within the next couple days. This will also be the first year that the Top 11 Finalists will be going on Idol’s Summer Tour- bet you weren’t expecting that! Don’t forget after the Idol results be sure to tune in to Flash Mob ;-)

Tonight the Top 11 Finalists took the stage with some Motown Classics. I have to say it was by far the best show yet. Everyone has progressed so much and they all picked a song befitting of their vocal talents. I was very happy with the song choices for tonight’s performances. There were so many outstanding performances the show just seemed progressively better as it continued.

Casey Abrams opened up the show with Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It through the Grapevine. This was a great choice for Casey. It allowed enough room to be controlled and edgy all at the same time. It wasn’t my favorite Casey performance but it was definitely one of his better ones. I’m just not a big fan of his growl/yelling style but he puts on a great overall performance. Like Steven Tyler said I believe that Casey is the perfect entertainer and if he doesn’t win Idol he truly has a bright future as an entertainer following the Idol Summer Tour. For your not so outstanding performance tonight Casey you get a 2.5/3- Stars from me. I just want you to come down on that stage a little and not scream/growl so much.

Following Casey was Thia Megia performing Heatwave by Martha & The Vandellas. I think it was great for Thia to go outside of her comfort zone and perform something that wasn’t a ballad. It was nice to see her working the stage and seeing her having fun doing what she likes to do. She did forget the words a little in the middle but you wouldn’t have noticed if you were just enjoying her performance. However, she does admit to the backstage cam that she did mess up a little. Maybe being honest will save you from elimination this week. Compared to the rest of the finalists I would say Thia’s performance was just average tonight so that earns you a 2/3- Stars for Heatwave.

After Thia, Jacob Lusk took the stage with Your All I Need by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. Tonight Jimmy Iovine said something that I can’t help but agree with about Jacob and that is that he needs to hold back some. It was nice that he didn’t over sing and go into his vocal gymnastics right away tonight. However, I can’t help but compare his performance to Kelly Clarkson’s in Season 1 and his just was Blah. I feel like I was the only one that heard him mess up a little in the beginning he was always above or below the actual notes. Yet for all the emotion you bring to your performances you get 2.75/3- Stars tonight. This was definitely one of Jacob’s better performances since God Bless the Child.

Lauren Alaina made a comeback last week with I’m The Only One by Melissa Etheridge and tonight she continues to push forward as she performs You Keep Me Hanging On by Diana Ross &The Supremes. This Motown song has been a grave digger for many of the Idol Finalists who have sung it in the past. Vanessa Olivarez first sang it on Season 2 during Motown Week earning her elimination. Leah Labelle then sang it in Season 3 during the Top 12 Soul Theme and was eliminated. It wasn’t until Season 6 when Blake Lewis made the song more current did it not lead to elimination. What could this mean for Lauren Alaina. Will she for some unseen reason be in this week’s Bottom 3 and force the Judge’s to use their ever coveted Judge’s Save. We will find out tomorrow. Overall I would have to agree with Randy and how he feels that Lauren is now ready to compete in this competition. So Lauren’s above average performance earns her 2.25/3- Stars.

Stefano Langone would be third guy to take the stage tonight singing Hello by Lionel Richie. Stefano gave a phenomenal vocal performance this evening however; he lacked that emotional connection with the audience. Yet in my mind those flawless vocals earn him a 2.5/3- Stars this week. This was definitely the best we’ve seen from him thus far. Haley Reinhart would follow Stefano with Smokey Robinson’s You Really Got A Hold On Me. I still don’t see the value in Haley’s vocal talents. I will acknowledge that she is a good singer but the growl and all the over singing she doesn’t really do anything for me. She tends to shy away from the melody when she invokes that raspy growl of hers that so many people love. However, what I do like about her is how all of her performances show off her personality. Thankfully Randy and I were on the same page in regards to the performance. I can’t help but agree with when he expressed the she started out a little rough tonight. That growl just came out of nowhere-LOL. So for not impressing me and growling at me in my living room Haley gets 1.75/3- Stars.

Up next is the Scotty McCreery performing Stevie Wonder’s For Once in My Life. I do like how the arrangement was both a little bit country and a little bit Motown. It truly helped Scotty make the performance his own tonight. Now because people have been mentioning it on twitter I can’t help but see the Mad Magazine cover guy on stage every time Scotty performs. – LOL. For not being my favorite Scotty performance I give it a 2.25/3- Stars. It was good but not great and far from omg let me stand up and clap. We’re up to the last four performances of the night and waiting to take the Idol stage is Pia Toscano. She kept the Stevie Wonder theme moving forward with her choice of All in Love Is Fair. Pia as always delivers and amazing ballad but now I have a desire to hear and see her perform something more upbeat. I want to to see her have fun on that stage I can’t help but see the Pia robot up there performing doing everything right except working the stage. Like Randy said, “We can’t live on ballads alone.” However, for Pia’s outstanding performance I give her 3/3- Stars.
I have been waiting all night to hear Smokey Robinson’s Tracks of my Tears and when I heard that Paul McDonald would be singing it I was pleasantly surprised. I truly enjoyed his performance tonight. It was nice to see him onstage guitar in hand. That just meant there was no crazy dancing. Paul’s next lesson will be to tame the hair on his head. I couldn’t help but giggle when Randy said, “When you dang tender at the end, Oh My God.” I also agree with Jennifer Lopez’s comment stating that Paul is by far the most seasoned performer. So for your good performance I reward thee with 2.25/3- Stars tonight. Following Paul tonight was Naima Adedapo with Dancing in the Streets by Martha & The Vandellas. I do have to say that Naima’s performance was definitely her best tonight she really brought it tonight. I just can’t stop thinking that it is too late for. I see elimination in her near future. Tonight she really made the performance her own by incorporating the African dance. Good job 1.75/3- Stars for you. I still can’t believe that Jennifer got goose bumps from it, it was not that amazing.

Closing tonight’s show is none other than James Durbin with his version of Stevie Wonder’s Living for the City. This was truly a great way to end the show. James truly gave a knock out performance. For his amazing stage presence, working the stage and engaging the audience I give him 3/3- Stars. Great job tonight James. I can’t wait to see how he progresses through the rest of the competition. Each week he proves more and more that he is a contender in earning the title of American Idol. So with all the 11 Finalists having had a chance to perform I foresee this week’s bottom three being Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Megia. However, you never know when you might find someone like Lauren Alaina in the Bottom 3. The public never fails at surprising me when it comes to voting on Idol.