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.

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.

Song Choice: Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney
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].