Topic: Idol-Talk
American Idol Season 9: Top 24 (Female)
Airdate: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | 8-10pm
Theme: Hot 100 Top 10's
We are at the point now in the season when the obsession ramps up tremendously. Why? Because we are now able to vote! The results are now in our hands and we have the power to hopefully eliminate the contestants who gave horrible performances, and be left standing with the cream of the crop. That doesn't always happen, and hopefully last night's performances are not an indication of what's to come. But, alas, I guess that's what sometimes happens in the semifinals.
First, I want to say that I am surprised that they changed up the judge's order by having Ellen on the left instead of next to Simon. I was looking forward to the two of them interacting together. But I guess it didn't really matter since they alternated the order that they talked in with each performance. But I loved the altered footage Ellen showed at the start of the show when Ellen explained why she was sitting there and saying that Simon wants her. The footage they showed of Simon's hand gravitating toward Ellen (not real, by the way) was already shown on her talk show, but I still laughed seeing it for a second time.
Another thing I want to say before I comment on the performances is regarding the judges again. They seemed too harsh on many of the better singers, including Crystal Bowersox who was amazing, and propping up some of the weaker ones, such as Paige Miles (whom Simon said had one of the better voices this year. What was he thinking?). I'm not saying they were like that for everybody, but many times this kept happening, which I was confused over.
And regarding Ellen, I think she did really well for her first live show on Idol. While I didn't always agree with her (just like I am with the other judges as well), I loved how she seemed to be a combination of all the judges: she showed the softer Paula side, the critical Simon side, and the inbetween of Randy/Kara. But she has gotten mixed reaction online. Let's give her some time to settle in.
Tonight, the twelve girls from the Top 24 performed for our votes, two of which will be eliminated on Thursday. So, let's get right down to it:
- Paige Miles ["All Right Now"]: So, they cut Angela Martin and Shelby Dressel, but put Paige through? No wonder they didn't show her during the auditions/Hollywood Week. Right from the first note, she was pitchy, and the chorus was shaky. Were the judges watching the same show as me? But the final power note was great.
- Ashley Rodriguez [Leona Lewis' "Happy"]: It is hard to take on a song by someone like Leona Lewis and pull it off, and unfortunately it didn't work out. The song choice is what ruined it, because it did not complement her vocals. I hope she's here next week, because she deserves another chance.
- Janell Wheeler ["What About Love"]: While I agree a little with the judges about the song being a little too big for her, her main problem was her voice. I loved the control at the start, but it was pitchy once the beat picked up. However, there were still many moments where her voice was great.
- Lilly Scott [The Beatles' "Fixing a Hole"]: While I found it kind of an odd song, I'm not counting her down for it because that style is completely who she is. The vocals weren't completely right on, but she stayed true to who she is. I just wish the vocals were better.
- *Katelyn Epperly [The Beatles' "Oh Darling"]: In terms of the vocals, she's the best so far. There is something about her voice that I really like. It was the perfect song to showcase it. Overall, she had everything going for her with this performance.
- Haeley Vaughn [The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand"]: She is unique on this show as the pop/country singer she auditioned as, but tonight was a mess. The vocals were all over the place, and the screeching high notes were unbearable like fingernails on a chalkboard.
- Lacey Brown ["Landslide"]: There were moments that I liked, and I liked the style that she and the band took on such a great song. However, there were pitchy moments throughout, which unfortunately ruined the performance. Like Ellen said, she's better than that, and I hope to see her next week.
- Michelle Demalor [Alicia Keys' "Fallin'"]: One of the best vocals of the night so far. She has such a great voice (aside from a few pitchy notes). However, it was safe because it didn't stand out and was not unique (in other words, like an Alicia Keys' wannabe). She's great, but we need more from her now.
- *Didi Benami ["The Way I Am"]: Again, there were some pitchy notes, but overall, I disagree with the judges completely. The song was unbelievably perfect for her voice and style; I really enjoyed it. I don't know what the judges were talking about. Simon mentioned that there are quite a few girls this year who have her type of voice, and so according to him, she didn't stand out. Well, Simon was part of the panel who decided to put all those girls through who sound alike. So, it's partly his fault that there are many similar contestants this year.
- *Siobhan Magnus ["Wicked Game"]: Everything about this performance was hauntingly amazing. For many, this would be a difficult song, but she had control and hit the high notes perfectly. Plus, she has great presence on the stage and with the camera.
- *Crystal Bowersox ["Hand in My Pocket"]: The other girls should be taking notice here, because this is how a performance should be done. I love the vibe she gives off, and her unique and low key manner bring me in. And I loved the addition of the harmonica along with the guitar. The use of two instruments during one song is impressive.
- Katie Stevens [Michael Buble's "Feeling Good"]: Adam Lambert sang this last year, and while it is hard to match him (or Buble for that matter), she still did really well for the most part. A few pitch problems, and does not top Crystal, but good overall.
Favorite Performances: Crystal Bowersox / Siobhan Magnus / Didi Benami / Katelyn Epperly
My Vote(s): Crystal Bowersox [15 votes]
Elimination Predictions: Paige Miles / Ashley Rodriguez
My initial gut feeling was to predict Paige and Haeley Vaughn to leave. However, after gauging the reaction from the blogosphere, pretty much everyone seems to think Haeley will be safe. (BTW - Haeley is the Vote for the Worst pick to vote for). And after thinking it through some more, I'm starting to think she'll be safe as well. And the reason why I changed my mind is because when you compare her against Ashley Rodriguez, Haeley (even though her performance was disasterous) was more memorable than Ashley, who went second, was forgettable, and was unfortunately not very good last night. Then there is Paige "We've never seen her before" Miles. It's funny, because we can tell who the producers were trying to prop up on a pedestal by giving the final two spots to Katie Stevens and Crystal Bowersox, and who they dont' care about, Paige (since we've never seen her before and they gave her the first spot).
If you want to buy any of the audio performances from last night, then head on over to americanidol.com/itunes.
Tonight it's the guys turn on the semifinals stage. Let's see if they can improve over the girls. See ya then...
