IdolPhenomena

Jacob Lusk

Song Choice: Oh No Not my Baby

My Thoughts: This song definitely had a catchy beat. I was just not impressed I apparently expect more out of Jacob.

Rating: 2.5/3- Stars

Lauren Alaina

Song Choice: Where you Lead

My Thoughts: Lauren’s performance was just okay tonight.

Rating: 2/3- Stars

Duet #1

Haley & Casey

Song Choice: I Feel the Earth Move

My Thoughts: This was absolutely ear-wrenching. The solos were good but the harmonies were truly something to be desired.

Scotty McCreery

Song Choice: You’ve got a Friend

My Thoughts: This performance was incredibly good. You just get on stage and do your thing; you make it look so

effort

less. He definitely made the song his own. I just don’t know if a country singer should win.

Rating: 2.5/3- Stars

James Durbin

Song Choice: Will you Still Love me Tomorrow

My Thoughts: This performance was phenomenal. In my mind it was flawless… great job. Definitely American Idol material.

Rating: 3/3- Stars

Duet #2

Soctty & Lauren

Song Choice: Up on the Roof

My Thoughts: Their solos were okay and the harmony was just ehhhh.

Casey Abrams

Song Choice: Hi-De-Ho

My Thoughts: This performance was absolutely amazing like the judges said Casey is such an amazing musician and he truly puts himself into each of his performances. His vocal style is so you unique however I’m not entirely sure it’s American Idol material.

Rating: 3/3- Stars

Haley Reinhart

Song Choice: Beautiful

My Thoughts: At the half way point in this entire competition Haley has finally started becoming an artist. It’s definitely the type of performance I’ve been waiting to see from her I especially liked how it exuded personality. However, wtf kind of head band thingy was in her hair… really?

Rating: 3/3- Stars

Duet #3

Jacob & James

Song Choice: I’m into Something Good

My Thoughts: This has got to be the most awkward pairing but these two definitely aced the duets tonight.

Results….

They opened the show with another god awful medley. Crystal Bowersox performed … what I don’t even remember and Bruno Mars sang The Lazy song. This was all followed by Casey Abrams elimination it’s about time this happened. But he definitely closed the show with a high energy performance of I Put A Spell on You. Great Job.

Top 5: Songs From Then & Now

James Durbin

1^st Song Choice: Closer to the Edge by 30 Seconds to Mars

James owned this performance. He is such a natural performer.

Rating: 3/3- Stars

2^nd Song Choice: Without You by Badfinger

My Thoughts: I loved the real emotion in your performance. I totally felt every word you sang, amazing.

Rating: 3/3- Stars

Jacob Lusk

1^st Song Choice: No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown

My Thoughts: This is such an awkward choice do something like this. Plus you’re not anywhere near Chris Brown vocally and you make an awful Jordin Sparks. You butchered this song… this was a little too different.

Rating: Epic Fail!!!

2^nd Song Choice: Love Hurts by The Everly Brothers

My Thoughts: Better than the first performance.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

Lauren Alaina

1^st Song Choice: Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood
My Thoughts: You’re definitely no Carrie but you make a great Lauren. Like the increased level of confidence, Lauren has great potential as a performer.

Rating: 2.5/3- Stars

2^nd Song Choice: Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers

My Thoughts: This was a great vocal I’m not sure I liked the arrangement.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

Scotty McCreery

1^st Song Choice: Gone by Montgomery Gentry

My Thoughts: Great job. Great personality. Scotty just keeps growing as an artist each week. Loved the energy.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

2^nd Song Choice: Always on My Mind by Elvis

My Thoughts: Good vocal lacking a level of emotion that I felt in the other performances throughout but found near end.

Rating: 2.5/3- Stars

Haley Reinhart

1^st Song Choice: You and I by Lady Gaga

My Thoughts: I loved how you harnessed your inner artist tonight. You did phenomenal.
Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

2^nd Song Choice: House of the Rising Sun by the Animals

My Thoughts: Absolutely amazing way to close the show, you truly slayed it. I loved the ominous feel of the vocal.

Rating 3/3- Stars

Results….

All I have to say is that thank you America for eliminating Sister Mary Jacob.

Top 4: Inspirational & Leiber and Stoller Song Book

James Durbin

Inspirational Song Choice: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

My Thoughts: Wasn’t my favorite James performance but he’s going to be a star. He puts on a great show each time he’s on stage. However, he needs to shave that goat beard chin thing.- LOL

Rating: 2/3- Stars

L/S Song Book Choice: Love Potion No. 9

My Thoughts: This was an amazing way to close the show. James you’re such a pro at putting on a show.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

Haley Reinhart

Inspirational Song Choice: The Earth Song by Michael Jackson

My Thoughts: I thought that this performance was a lot of dramatic screaming. On the verge of screaming with style-LOL. But great song choice.

Rating: WTF??? No Stars for You!!!

L/S Song Book Choice: I Who Have Nothing

My Thoughts: I can’t help but agree with judges that Haley had a moment tonight. She definitely deserves to move into the Top 3.

Rating: 3/3- Stars

Scotty McCreery

Inspirational Song Choice: Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning?) by Alan Jackson

My Thoughts: Very relevant with the news of the past few weeks. Great choice I could tell that it meant something to you.

Rating: 2.75/3

L/S Song Book Choice: Young Blood

My Thoughts: Great show good vocal.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

Lauren Alaina

Inspirational Song Choice: Anyway by Martina McBride

My Thoughts: This performance was just so honest and real. I agree with Steven that Lauren truly has the whole package.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

L/S Song Book Choice: Trouble by Elvis

My Thoughts: Lauren great job tonight. You had confidence in yourself and performed with such drive and determination. Keep it up.

Rating: 2.75/3- Stars

Before the results I find it necessary for someone to find Steven Tyler a Thesaurus because if I hear him say beautiful one more time I just might throw something at the television. Plus my dad thinks its cool to use Tylerisms, what is this world coming too????

Results….

Apparently everyone is shocked, but I’m not. But first that was an absolutely amazing performance by Jordin Sparks, wow. So obviously we said good bye to James Durbin at this elimination…. Dare I say it right now we could possibly be looking at an all female finale. What do you all think? Leave some comments if you like :-)

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.

So here it is the first Idol Sing-Off. What the Sing-Off is where I will present collection of Idol Contestants both domestic and abroad singing the same song. Then you the ever so faithful IdolPhenomena followers will pick your favorite and in a weeks time I will pick the winning version based on your votes and post the new Idol Sing-Off song. If there are songs you've heard on different seasons and want to compare be sure to leave some comments :-) So the first Sing-Off song is God Bless the Child.

LaKisha Jones - American Idol Season 6 Top 24 Semi-Finalist


John Park - American Idol Season 9 Top 24 Semi-Finalist


Jacob Lusk - American Idol Season 10 Hollywood Round 3


Katharine McPhee - American Idol Season 5 Audition


Haley Reinhart - American Idol Season 10 Hollywood Round 3


Devyn Rush - American Idol Season 10 Audition


Theresa Sokyrka - Canadian Idol Season 2 Audition


Jenny Gear - Canadian Idol Season 1 Audition


Kyla Sandulak - Canadian Idol Season 1 Top 30 Contestants


Eva Avila - Canadian Idol Season 4 Top 3 Jazz Standards Night

This week the 9 remaining Idol finalists took on songs of Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame inductees. This week was definitely challenging. So let’s see how your favorites faired against the rest of the competition. Up first this week was Jacob Lusk with Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror. This has got to be one of my favorite Jacob moments on the Idol stage. First he picked that was more himself than the original choice of Let’s Get it On. In this competition I agree with the Judges that it is important to do YOU and nobody else. I was very impressed at the control in this performance and thank you for not over singing this week. I give you 2.75/3- Stars. Following Jacob was Haley Reinhart with her interpretation of Janis Joplin’s Piece of My Heart. I would like to start off by saying that Haley has incredible presence and energy on stage. However, the screaming that apparently the Judges have loved from the beginning took too much away from the songs original melody. I disagree with Steven Tyler when he said she nailed it. It was far from perfect tonight. For your average performance I give you 2/3- Stars this week. I know you’ve got the whole package in there; you just need to find it.

I was excited to see that Casey Abrams had once again brought out the upright bass. This time with CCR’s Have you Ever Seen the Rain Casey brought his own flavor to a great song. I agree with Randy that he definitely did this song justice. However, I don’t think the upright bass will ever be “cool.” I also don’t think Casey is revolutionary. He’s just being himself and that’s far from revolutionary. I personally like Steven Tyler enjoy that he’s a true musician. So I give you 2.75/3- Stars for a great performance. Next is Lauren Alaina tackling Aretha Franklin’s hit Natural Woman. Tonight Lauren definitely had some big shoes to fill on that stage considering other performances of the song on the Idol stage have been absolutely amazing. Specifically that of Kelly Clarkson but others have sung it in various stages of the competition like Ramiele Malubay at her audition, Crystal Bowersox in Hollywood, Leslie Hunt when she was in the Top 24 and even Melinda Doolittle sang it on the Idols Summer Tour. Some were definitely better than others but tonight Lauren’s was just okay. It was nothing amazing compared to its predecessors however, it was good for a Lauren Alaina performance. She has truly come along way. I liked the ending more than the beginning because I felt like at the end she had more emotion and conviction for some reason. I do agree with Jennifer Lopez that Lauren is amazing so I gave her 2.5/3- Stars this week.
With tonight’s episode almost reaching its midpoint James Durbin takes the Idol stage with a ballad introducing another side of himself to the Idol audience. Having chosen Geroge Harrison’s My Guitar Gently Weeps James delivered an incredibly emotional performance tonight. It was filled with such honesty and sincerity that I could feel whatever emotion he was feeling at that time. It truly came from a beautiful place. This performance definitely proves that James is more than just an entertainer but has the potential to be a versatile artist. For his amazing performance I give him 3/3- Stars because thus far he is the best of the night.

Up next is Scotty McCreery with Elvis’ Alright Mamma. I just have to interject at this point from my strand of thought and say that the way Scotty hold’s the mic is starting to annoy me. Who taught him that? I wonder if it’s because he’s more used to holding a guitar with the mic planted on a stand next to him. It’s just awkward to watch. I understand that you’re a big Elvis fan but it was just alright for me. I give it 2.5/3- Stars. Now it’s time for a performer who is consistently amazing, Pia Toscano. Performing Ike &Tina Turner’s River Deep Mountain High Pia definitely stepped up her game. However her performance definitely evoked more Celine Dion than Tina Turner- Just Sayin. Yet, it was amazing none the less. I give it 3/3- Stars. This makes Pia and James so far my Top performances of the night.
With tonights almost coming to a close Stefano Langone would now take the stage with Percy Sledge’s When a Man Loves a Woman. Jennifer made a comment tonight about his vocal being filled with so much emotion… I’m still trying to find it. There’s no doubt that Stefano is passionate about he does I just think some of his performances lack a certain depth. Still it was a job well done I give it 2.5/3- Stars.

Closing out the show is Paul McDonald with his version of Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues. Jimmy Iovine told him to go crazy with this performance and that’s just what he did. Tonight Paul’s performance was definitely one oozing with his personality. I just don’t think it is going to be enough to prevent him from being in this Weeks Bottom 3. This was definitely not Paul’s best but it was still good. I give it 2.5/3- Stars. I’m still waiting for something as amazing as his performance of Blackbird he did with Kendra Chantelle during the Vegas Round.

Now with all the finalists having performed I am foreseeing a Bottom 3 consisting of the following contestants: Paul McDonald, Stefano Langone and possibly Jacob Lusk or Haley Reinhart. Who do you think is in the Bottom 3 this week IdolPhenomena readers??? Be sure to support your favorites by calling or voting at AmericanIdol.com.

Song Choice: Fallin' by Alicia Keys
Theme: Contestant Choice

Song Choice: Blue by LeAnn Rimes
Theme: Your Personal Idol

Check out the Track Listing below....

1. With a Little Help From My Friends Casey Abrams 4:09
2. Umbrella Naima Adedapo 4:35
3. Any Man of Mine Lauren Alaina 3:40
4. Maybe I’m Amazed James Durbin 3:37
5. When You Tell Me That You Love Me Ashthon Jones 3:35
6. Lately Stefano Langone 4:34
7. I Believe I Can Fly Jacob Lusk 5:14
8. The River Scotty McCreery 3:58
9. Come Pick Me Up Paul McDonald 4:00
10. Smile Thia Megia 2:39
11. Blue Haley Reinhart 2:45
12. I Could Fall In Love Karen Rodriguez 3:49
13. All By Myself Pia Toscano 3:30

Download the album on iTunes [here].