Badin graduation
Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2010 > March > 23 > Entry
Who wasn’t good enough to make “Idols Live” tour?
The stakes were high tonight on “American Idol.”
As judge Simon Cowell mentioned at the start of the show, this is actually the worst week to perform poorly because whomever doesn’t do well enough tonight to get America’s vote will miss out on the opportunity to go on the Idol tour featuring the top 10 finalists, which could lead to big money and open other doors.
Who should go home based on tonight’s performances? Tim Urban. I know I sound like a broken record every week, but he’s awful and the judges’ comparisons to “High School Musical” were so fitting. Watching him sing tonight was like watching someone trying to be a little bit Jonas Brothers and a little bit Zac Efron, from the look to the dance moves. But even “High School Musical” was more enjoyable. I should know. I have a daughter and I get the pleasure of watching “HSM” over and over again.
But, my guess is Tim will get enough fan votes to make it on the tour, which means that Paige Miles should be going home after tonight’s performance unless there is a surprise twist this week. If Paige gets some votes regardless (doubt it considering she was in the bottom two last week), then Andrew Garcia and Didi Benami could be in trouble.
Tonight’s theme was No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, but more contestants struggled with song choice tonight than got it right. Those who did get it right really stood out from the rest of the mediocre and the plain terrible performances.
No surprise, Ohioan Crystal Bowersox was the standout by a mile. Here’s a look at how everyone else fared.
Lee Dewyse
Song: “The Letter” by The Box Tops
Judges comments: Randy said that this was a surprising song choice, but Lee knocked it out of the park. Ellen said it was a fantastic performance (and had some favorite pen metaphor that was weird). Kara said Lee raised the bar for himself and that he finally owned the stage and showed control over his vocals. Simon said he was surprised that of all Hot 100 songs that Lee chose this one and that it wasn’t a recording performance but rather it was corny. He said that performance didn’t define Lee as a contemporary recording artist.
Overall impression: This isn’t really Lee’s style, but I think he showcased he can be diverse. Most importantly, he needed to do something a little different to build his confidence on stage, and I think he did that. But next week, he should return to his genre, but choose songs that will show a little more vocal range.
Score: B
Paige Miles
Song: “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins
Judges comments: Randy said “that was honestly terrible.” It was so bad, Ellen couldn’t comment. Kara said that it was her worst vocal and possibly the worst of the season. She also said she thought Paige had given up. Simon said it was like five different people were singing the song and that it got progressively worse. Simon said it’s a shame because she was so good.
Overall impression: Yikes. “Against All Odds” is a beautiful song, but not this version. Paige has been so inconsistent all season. She’s struggled with song choice and identity and despite showing some vocal power last week, this could very well be the end of the road for Paige.
Score: D
Tim Urban
Song: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen
Judges comments: Randy said the whole point of this competition is to show off vocals and that this was bad karaoke. Ellen said Tim obviously has a lot of fans, but that it felt like an audition for “High School Musical” and that it was corny. Kara said that performance was Zac Efron in “Hairspray” and little girls will love it, but Tim acted like he already made it but has a lot of work to do. Simon said the sliding wasn’t a problem and that it distracted from the song and that’s why he did it. The problem was it was utterly pointless and silly and that he has zero chance of winning. Two weeks of silly song choices.
Overall impression: Please send this guy home. He is nowhere in the league of his peers in this competition. He was acting like he was a Jonas brother or something and he’s just not. The slide across the stage was really tacky, by the way.
Score: D-
Aaron Kelly
Song: “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
Judges comments: Randy said it wasn’t a perfect performance but gave a “thank God” after sitting through the two previous performances. Ellen thought it was a great song choice, and despite being sick, Aaron had strong vocals. Kara said that was the best song choice of the night so far and week to week Aaron knows how to pick songs that show off his vocal range. Simon said the only criticism is that he sounds old-fashioned for his age but that there is zero chance he’s going home.
Overall impression: This song has a special place in my heart (my wedding first dance), and Aaron did it justice despite having laryngitis.
Score: B
Crystal Bowersox
Song: “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin
Judges comments: Randy said that is what’s called being a star. “This is what it’s about.” Ellen said Crystal has an amazing voice and is consistently great and that she just wants to see a little more connection with the audience. Kara said she felt a little more connection from Crystal this week. Simon said up until now it’s been karaoke and that Crystal’s version of that song is as good as Pink’s. “You’re doing your own thing. You took a song and nailed it.”
Overall impression: Crystal is in a league of her own and seems like a true star to me already. Right now, there are so few who even come close.
Score: A
Michael Lynche
Song: “When A Man Loves A Woman”
Judges comments: Randy said it wasn’t his best vocal, but he knows he’s an R&B soul artist and he delivers consistently. Ellen said it was a safe choice and that “this woman loves that man.” Kara said technically it was great but a bit boring and loungy at times and a little overindulgent. Simon said it was almost too much, especially with all the instruments on stage, and that it wasn’t very relevant to today.
Overall impression: Crystal was going to be a tough act for anyone to follow, but Big Mike held his own. He had a great voice and he is very captivating on stage. Not his best performance in this competition, but certainly one of the best tonight.
Score: B+
Andrew Garcia
Song: “Heard it through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
Judges comments: Randy said it wasn’t good and the wrong song choice. Ellen said that wasn’t enough to get people on board and not a good song choice. Kara said Andrew’s chasing the “moment” in reference to his standout Hollywood week performance and is now really confused. Simon said that maybe the judges overrated the “Straight Up” song and that he’s had enough time to get it right. He said Andrew sucked the soul out of that song and ruined one of the great pop songs of all time and at the same time made himself really corny. Simon said the real problem is he doesn’t know who he is as an artist.
Overall impression: I think guest mentor Miley Cyrus gave Andrew some bad advice on putting down the guitar because the dancing was so bad and corny. But bad dance moves aside, the bigger problem is that Andrew is having an identity crisis in this competition. He always tries to have fun and bring energy, but he is week after week picking songs that just don’t work with his vocal style. He wasn’t the worst tonight, but he wasn’t good either. He could be in trouble.
Score: C-
Katie Stevens
Song: “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie
Judges comments: Randy said it wasn’t her best and despite some pitchy moments, he was happy that she picked a younger song and outfit. Ellen thought it was Katie’s performance so far and that she’s the “Dakota Fanning of American Idol,” whatever that means. Kara said pop/RB is the place for Katie. Simon said you meeting Miley Cyrus was the best thing to happen to you and the way you look tonight compared to the “pageant horror” was a big improvement. But he said Katie still is competing in a hard field and that she could have more success in the country genre with a more loyal fan base.
Overall impression: Katie has come a long way and has taken a big step in the right direction tonight. Great song choice and solid delivery (she did miss some notes and had some pitch problems in a few verses). She definitely gets points for most improved this week.
Score: B-
Casey James
Song: “Power of Love” by Casey James
Judges comments: Randy said he wasn’t a fan of the song choice, but that Casey did it well. Ellen said it was the best vocal of the night. Kara said with the right songs he’s ready to make an album and that he’s in a zone. Simon said that song was old-fashioned 25 years ago, much less now, and it was like watching and listening to an 80s cover band.
Overall impression: I thought the song choice was a bit odd. It was an OK performance, but certainly not very memorable and it lacked any “moments.” I’m leaning more toward Simon on this one. It was an odd choice, but Casey made it fun, especially with the guitar.
Score: C+
Didi Benami
Song: “You’re No Good” by Linda Rondstadt
Judges comments: Randy said he loved the idea of it but that she never hit the pitch quite right. Ellen said it wasn’t the right song choice for her. Kara said she felt like Didi was playing a character and it didn’t feel like Didi at all, and the performance left her confused. Simon said there was an irony with her screeching out “You’re no good.” “It was like a bad part of a musical and that she was trying to play a part,” he said.
Overall impression: The risk didn’t pay off, but she certainly wasn’t the worst tonight. Didi has enough strong performances from week’s past to keep her in the competition a little while longer.
Score: C
Siobhan Magnus
Song: “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
Judges comments: Randy said Siobhan is so fearless and that the performance was great. Kara said it wasn’t her best performance but still amazing. Simon said there will be a split — some people will love it and others won’t.
Overall impression: Siobhan is so strange, from her style to her interviews. But I kind of like her for it. I love that Siobhan hits the screamy note at the end, but it was a little off key this week. Still, one of the most memorable of the evening.
Score: B+
What did you think of tonight’s performances? Who doesn’t deserve to be on the “American Idol” tour based on tonight’s performances and overall?
Tweet
Comments
By wholesale Cell phone battery
March 28, 2010 1:13 AM | Link to this
This have to be the best site ever.
By Fan
March 24, 2010 4:59 PM | Link to this
Crystal is way out front, Big Mike is tops for the guys but will not take over Crystal,and or Siobhan. Didi’s voice is sexy and sultry and I would love to see her stay around awhile, The two Kids Aaron and Katie are not great and it pi$$@S me off that the judges keep pimping these two. Yea yea I know they talk about being pitchy, You know why Katie is pitchy, Because she was in the wrong key. I can only assume they shows Producers are the ones in the back room forcing the judges to pimp this two for tennie bopper ratings. Its Kevin Skinner (Chicken Catcher) all over again, The way he was pimped by the Americas Got Talent judges, You gonna tell me thats the greatest talent in America?
By Nancy
March 24, 2010 4:19 PM | Link to this
Tim has No Talent and should not have even been brought back. He wasn’t good enough for the original group and Alex going home before him was a disgrace to the voting system. It must be lilltle teeny bobbers keeping him in but it can’t last forever which is something I’m looking forward to. Oaige did really bad last night but on talent she should stay and Tim please be sent packing!
By Squirrellygirl
March 24, 2010 3:23 PM | Link to this
Steve, I’m with you on your comments about Casey. His voice is really good. I loved his performance, and the way he excitedly played his guitar in between singing. Loved it. I agree with you. The judges aren’t really giving him the kudos he deserves. They play favorites, and Chrystal is their favorite.
By Mandy
March 24, 2010 2:16 PM | Link to this
I won’t shed a tear if Paige, Tim or Andrew (who was my favorite coming into the competition but has since let me down consistently) go home. In fact, send them all home because it’s inevitable! I love Siobhan and her daring performances although I don’t think the shriek at the end is necessary, her voice is amazing. And Crystal is super talented but needs to step out of her comfort zone more often. Lee and Casey are worth sticking around… We’ll see how everyone progresses throughout the competition!
By Mr. Magoo
March 24, 2010 11:44 AM | Link to this
I think the show was one of the worst episodes because, really, four of them were just awful. Paige or Tim were the worst, but Andrew wasn’t far behind. And when the judges hear Katie played back to them, they will realize her vocals were worse than they thought.
By Steve
March 24, 2010 8:51 AM | Link to this
Tim shoudl have never been called back, what a waste of air time every single week. Paige will go this week though, so all the kids are stuck with Tim for the concert tour. As for last night, Crystal rocked, Siobhan is always a treat, but Casey.. did I hear it differently than everyone else? I though Casey’s version of Power of Love was better than the Huey Lewis version. Not the best performance of the night, but still I was impressed and really surprised at the judges’ reactions.
By Squirrellygirl
March 24, 2010 8:10 AM | Link to this
Mike was good last night. I’m sure he’ll be around next week. Crystal for the win, with Casey, Siobhan, and Aaron close behind. Maybe Mike, too. Bottom is Paige. Hands down she needs to go home, with Katie not far behind. Couldn’t they get anybody to stay on key? Don’t understand how they made it to the final 12. Blending is Didi, Tim, and Lee. Blending is always dangerous, so these 3 need to do something special to stick out.
By Squirrellygirl
March 24, 2010 8:02 AM | Link to this
Aaron was great even with his weak voice. This is the dark horse. He could win the entire competition. He has the talent imo. The problem is he is young and lacks experience. But he makes up for it with his talent. Even with being sick he did well enough to stick around. He’ll be in the top 5.
By Squirrellygirl
March 24, 2010 7:57 AM | Link to this
Tim has talent, and several people should go before he does. Paige has been awful every week and should have gone home weeks ago. She’s can’t stay on key, and personally I think she should give up singing. I liked Didi. For the FIRST time I actually thought she did a good job, but I haven’t liked her performances in the past, and she is probably going to be in the bottom 3 if Katie isn’t. Katie just doesn’t have the “it” factor. She has a decent voice, but is no where near good enough, and I wonder how she made the finals. There were people that were better than her that didn’t make it. Paige, Katie, Andrew’s been weak, and I’m starting to dislike him now. He should go. I loved Casey. Again, I can’t help but notice how sweet it is to look at him, but I love his performances, too. There’s no denying his voice is lovely, and he’s a fantastic performer. He got me excited when he’d stop playing his guitar and was just singing, and then started playing his guitar like he was a rock star. I loved it! Crystal of course killed it with, what else, Janis Joplin, and she’ll probably win. I liked Siobhan but last night was not my favorite performance of hers. She will be in the finals. Lee is just blending and may surprise us one week when he goes home early if he doesn’t pull something new and different out for us. He has talent, but he needs to be creative and not just blend in. Crystal for the win, and Paige goes home, and all is right with the world.
By Nancy
March 24, 2010 6:13 AM | Link to this
Tim needs to go but so does Paige, Andrew, and Katie. I do think that Katie has a good voice but I just don’t think she has enough expierence yet, but Tim needs to be gone!