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I’ve been saying this for a few weeks now. Has American Idol lingered past its expiration date? Last night was another example for me that I think it has since we were treated to the Top 12 singing songs from the Rolling Stones. Really? I can think of a few other really great music catalogs that the AI producers could of chosen from like U2, Green Day or Nickleback. Let us know in the comment box below what music catalog you’d like to see them sing?
Here’s what went down last night. in case you missed it…
Michael Lynche sang “Miss You.” Big Mike started singing and playing music after his mother’s death. We got to see a picture of his new little bundle of joy! I wasn’t crazy about his choice of arrangement on this song. Randy said he reminded him of just how great a performer he is. Ellen said it was a great way for him to start the night. Kara said he had a certain kind of swagger, style and attitude. Simon said he thought the performance was kind of corny.
Didi Benami sang “Play with Fire.” Didi told us that he mom gets too nervous watching her perform on stage and was watching her from inside their apartment in Los Angeles. Didi let her voice do all of the talking and I thought he did a pretty good job with this song. She looked a little upset when the song came to a close. Randy said she was on fire tonight and it was one of her best performances. Ellen said she almost lost it, but got right back on track with the song. Kara said she pushed her vocals, which may have caused her to lose her way. Simon said she was beginning to show us the kind of artist she want to be.
Casey James sang “It’s All Over Now.” Casey told us that he grew up in a single parent home. He was sick a lot as a baby and didn’t talk for a really long time. He had a really nice tone in his voice. He’s more confident when he has his guitar. Randy said he loved it. Ellen thought it was fantastic. Kara said he is a rock star. It’s his best performance since they met. Simon said he needs to push himself. Not be just a guy standing in the middle of the stage.
Lacey Brown sang “Ruby Tuesday.” She told us that her parents are pastors. Her Dad talked about Lacey not have much experience singing outside the church. Lacey stepped out and put a string section of musicians behind her. This was a cool idea, until she started to sing and her voice didn’t really fit with them. Randy also thought the string section was interesting, he was not jumping up and down about her vocals. Ellen thought it was weird on the slowest part of the song and even went on to say it was a bit sleepy for her. Kara said she had some issues with the notes and knows she can do better. Simon told her to stop over-thinking her performance.
Andrew Garcia sang “Gimme Shelter.” We learned that Andrews Dad is a musician too and through his tears talked about how they had little to no money. Andrew left his guitar backstage and I don’t know if that was a smart thing to do. His personality and style are really connected to his guitar. this week. He didn’t look like he was emotionally in the room. Randy said it was pitchy everywhere. Ellen surprised everyone by saying it was his best performance yet and I loved it. Kara reminded him what the song was about and that she wanted him to feel those lyrics a little more. Simon’s gut (if he even has one) said that he was better in rehearsals and hopes he can survive another week.
Katie Stevens sang “Wild Horses.” She was really nervous and barely knew the Rolling Stones or their music. Katie started out sitting on a stool and her nerves got the best of her voice because she sounded really scared. Randy said she sang it really well and thought it was a strong performance. Ellen complemented her on her dress. She thought it started out pitchy, but then liked it more once she got into it. Kara said she’s never been technically perfect, but made a nice song choice. Simon said this was the only week she chose the right song and the first time she connected with the song.
Tim Urban sang “Under My Thumb.” We learned that growing up he wanted to be an athlete. Tim picked a reggae arrangement of the song which didn’t work for me at all because the lyrics were so dark. Randy told him that he didn’t get it and it was really bizarre. Ellen felt like she was at a resort and listening to someone sing. Kara wanted to applaud her for doing something so different with the song and liked how she made it her own. Simon agreed, but he didn’t think it worked.
Siobhan Magnus sang “Paint it Black.” Siobhan grew up singing with her Dad. They often sing to let off a little steam. Siobhan was in all black and looked like a singer instead of a nerd with those big goofy glasses. I wasn’t crazy about her arrangement, but this girl can sing. Randy thought it was hot. Ellen said she loved the way she looked and really stood out. Kara thought it was the best interpretation of a song last night. Kara was having Season 8 flashbacks of Adam Lambert. Simon said it was the standout performance of the night.
Lee Dewyze sang “Beast of Burden.” Lee Dewyze talks about paint colors with Ryan before taking the stage. You see he was working at a paint store 6 months ago living paycheck to paycheck. Now he’s living his dream on American Idol. He was on the acoustic guitar. He just needs to loosen up a little bit, but that will come with live performance experience. Randy thought it was dope. Ellen thought it was great, but was expecting a little bit more from him. Kara said he displayed tremendous growth. Simon doesn’t see him doing his very best by picking this song. He thought it was a very safe song for him to sing.
Paige Miles sang “Honky Tonk Woman.” She talked about the loss of her dad who was paralyzed from the neck down before passing away. Paige hit some big notes, but nothing like Siobhan did early in the evening. Randy thought she did alright with it. Ellen thought she sounded great, considering she’s still struggling with her voice. Kara said she got a little lost, but went on to say the Paige we know is back. Simon said she was still a little generic, like something you’d hear at a local bar.
Aaron Kelly sang “Angie.” Aaron considers his Aunt to be his Mom. She is very proud of him. Aaron trys to sing this classic rock song in a crooner sytle and it just didn’t work. I’m sorry American, can you please recast your vote from last week so we can get Toddrick Hall back? Randy said he was born to sing and thought it was hot. Ellen thought it was a great song choice for him. Kara liked how he connected to the feeling of the song. Simon said he kept within the limits of his vocals. This is exactly why I’m not an American Idol judge becasue I felt like he was terrible.
Crystal Bowersox sang “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Crystal started writing songs when she was 10. Her Dad tears up talking about her music. She had her acoustic guitar with her. Now that Lilly is out (again America I didn’t get that vote…Katie Stevens?) this girl is my new front runner to win it all because she can flat out sing. Randy didn’t think it was her best performance. Ellen told her she sings with such ease and was born to be on stage. Kara thought she was very comfortable on stage. Simon said she chose a song, that didn’t have the drama and thinks she was beaten out last night by Siobhan.
That’s it! We’ll be back tomorrow with the Top 12 Results show recap. Until then let us know in the comment box below who you think will be going home tonight.
