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Which guys have proven they deserve to stay in “Idol” race?
Who deserves one of six guy spots in the Top 12?
After the Top 8 guys took to the stage tonight, one stood head and shoulders above the rest — literally and figuratively — and that’s Mike Lynche. His performance of “A Woman’s Work” by Maxwell was recording quality and Mike is certainly comfortable on stage.
I’d hate to go out on a limb, but he and Crystal Bowersox, the “leading lady” so far this season, could very well be the Final Two.
Who’s in jeopardy after tonight? As much as it pains me to admit, I think one of my early favorites could be in danger of going home. Andrew Garcia, who really stood out as a unique artist during the auditions and who wowed the judges with his rendition of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” during Hollywood Week, has struggled to find his footing the last three weeks.
I hope America gives him another chance and that Andrew can find the right songs to show what a unique artist he could be.
Who could also be going home? I think Alex Lambert (despite many high marks from judges and a unique voice) just lacks star quality. I think Tim Urban, despite a decent showing tonight, has had some really poor performances that are hard to look past — and they weren’t weak just because they were the wrong song choices … they were weak vocally.
Todrick Hall, who I thought was in serious trouble going into tonight’s competition, may have saved himself with the second-best performance of the night.
Here’s a recap of tonight’s performances:
Lee Dewyse
Song choice: “Fireflies” by Owl City while playing guitar
Vocals: Mediocre
Judges’ comments: Randy said it was an odd song choice, and despite a few pitch problems, it worked. Kara said Lee’s interpretation of the song was better than the original and while it wasn’t his best, it was solid. Simon said there was nothing to rave about, and that Lee is better than that song.
Overall impression: It wasn’t as memorable as some of Lee’s previous performances, but it should be enough to land Lee in the Top 12. I still think Lee will go far in this competition, but hopefully he’ll deliver some more impactful performances like he did in previous weeks. He’s the real rocker on the show this season.
Grade: B
Alex Lambert
Song choice: “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne with guitar
Vocals: Strong
Judges’ comments: Randy said it was a good song choice, but there was no wow factor. Ellen said he gets better every week, but needs to gain confidence. Kara said the only thing standing in the way is himself because he’s stiff and not in the moment. Simon said he is mentally in the wrong place to the point he’s not relaxed or having a good time. Simon suggested imagining Randy in a bikini. I’m not so sure about that one.
Overall impression: Anyone have any scissors? I don’t think I’ll ever get past that mullet. But seriously, I’m not wowed by Alex. Maybe it’s the mullet, or maybe it’s just the lack of star power.
Grade: B
Tim Urban
Song choice: “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
Vocals: Good
Judges’ comments: Randy said Tim walked in some pretty big shoes with that song choice (Jason Castro) and did pretty well. Ellen was so impressed she ran and gave him a hug. Kara said she thought he’d be going home but now he’s in it. Simon said that was a smart song choice, and his strongest performance so far.
Overall impression: I hate to admit it, but that performance was pretty good. I haven’t been a big Tim Urban fan. I thought he should have been sent home two weeks ago, but I can be persuaded otherwise. He’s certainly a contender for “most improved.”
Grade: B+
Andrew Garcia
Song choice: “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
Vocals: Mediocre
Judges’ comments: Randy said it was an interesting song choice but that it didn’t quite work because it didn’t have range. Ellen thought it was a great song choice though she wished he would have done more with it. Kara said Andrew has struggled since peaking so early, and that the performance just wasn’t great. Simon said it came across a little desperate and uncomfortable.
Overall impression: Poor Andrew will never live up to his Hollywood Week “Straight Up” performance. I still really like him and want to see him succeed, but he set the bar pretty high. I thought tonight’s performance was fun and at least showcased the fact that Andrew could be such a fun recording artist. I was excited that he was singing a little Xtina, but it just didn’t live up to Paula. Sigh …
Grade: B-
Casey James
Song choice: “You’ll Think of Me” by Keith Urban with guitar
Vocals: Strong
Judges’ comments: Randy said it was a safe choice and that he should go for more intensity. Ellen disagreed and thought it was great and that it felt comfortable. Kara said this was better than last week and much more honest but that a spark is still missing. Simon said it was his second best and that it made him sincere, but not something anyone will be raving about in 24 hours.
Overall impression: Casey will be around for weeks to come. This wasn’t his best effort, but he’s done more than enough to attract a loyal following — heck, probably based on looks alone. Well, it’s true.
Grade: B
Aaron Kelly
Song choice: “I’m Already There” by Lonestar
Vocals: Strong
Judges’ comments: Randy said the performance was really good, despite a slow start. Ellen said that Aaron has confidence beyond his years, but thought the song choice wasn’t terrific. Kara said Aaron’s a contender, but that the song choice wasn’t relevant to his life. Simon said that was “rubbish” and that it was the right type of song for Aaron, and it had emotion despite not being his strongest vocal performance.
Overall impression: Aaron is very likable and has a sound that meshes well with country music. He has a lot of talent for such a young age, and I think that alone will carry him pretty far in this competition. I thought it was a really strong vocal performance.
Grade: A-
Todrick Hall
Song choice: “Somebody to Love” by Queen
Vocals: Really strong
Judges’ comments: Randy said Todrick proved he could sing and why he deserves to be here. Ellen said it really worked like a gospel song. Kara said it was very dramatic at moments, but the singing was really good. Simon said it was good in parts and what he did tonight is prove he is a Broadway singer, not a recording artist. “It was a good song choice, and it may have saved you,” he said.
Overall impression: Todrick is a performer. He has really struggled with song choice and overdoing it the last two weeks, but I think this week he did make an impression. And yes, it was sort of like Broadway and “Glee,” and that’s why I really liked it. It’s the first time of the night the audience was up on their feet having a good time. The earlier performances of the evening were, well, sort of bland. Isn’t energizing the crowd part of what recording should be all about?
Grade: A-
Michael Lynche
Song choice: “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell
Vocals: Amazing
Judges’ comments: Randy said it was “dope” and “hot.” Ellen said Big Mike is the one to beat now. Kara was moved to tears by the relevance of the song to his life. Simon said a performance like that was so needed tonight, and that Mike came out with a hard song and “100 percent nailed it.” It was the best performance of the season, Simon added.
Overall impression: While it was a little overly dramatic, it was an incredible performance.
Grade: A
On Thursday, we’ll learn who makes the Top 12.
Which four do you think will go home?
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Comments
By null
March 11, 2010 4:23 PM | Link to this
Look up Andrew Garcia on the internet and see some of his singing videos, and tell me he deserves to go home. He is trying to be him, but the judges want the same as hollywood week. Just let the guy be him and kick him off if that is too much.
By Steve
March 11, 2010 8:29 AM | Link to this
Just wish they’d give credit where it’s due. This Woman’s Work was written and originally recorded by Kate Bush, and she did a phenomenal job of it.
By agent
March 11, 2010 6:53 AM | Link to this
Once again, most of the men were boring.When is someone going to sing a song with some drive? Tim and Alex are so bad, I don’t know why people like Alex at all. Big Mike was excellent - my top 2 = Mike & Crystal.