American Idol Season 9 Review #10 Top 9

Back with another AI review!!

Lennon McCartney Songbook once again!

Starting with the Good:

Katie Stevens (Let It Be)- I don't know...I just really loved this performance! She really performed it tonight. I really hope she stays!

Casey James (Hey Jealousy)- I really like Casey when he performs more intimately and showcases his softer side. One of the stronger performances of the night!

Crystal Bowersox (Come Together)- I think this is my favorite cover of this song ever!! heheh.. Crystal, once again, you were just effortless!

The OK:

Siobhan Magnus (Across the Universe)- It was nice to see Siobhan restrain from the high notes and show the softer side of her vocals. Her voice is indeed beautiful. She, however, is at her ultimate best when she does those unbelievable high notes! ;D

Lee Dewyze (Hey Jude)- Sooo glad someone sang this song finally! However, i do think Didi did a much better version... I loved the beginning, but it got a bit over the place towards the end.. Lee's still a personal favorite though! Hope he stays safe and steps it up next week!

Mike Lynche (Eleanor Rigby)- He seems to be doing the same thing every week...I honestly don't hear him on contemporary radio..maybe he should go broadway...Just a side, check out David Cook's performance of this, it was great!

Tim Urban (All My Loving)- I liked Tim in this performance! I don't think he'll be going anywhere after this performance! hahah...

The Bland and Bad

Andrew Garcia (Can't Buy Me Love) This performance was dull for me. Yup, he showcased his range, but It was incredibly pitchy.

Aaron Kelly (The Long and Winding Road) Whenever I hear this song, I think David Archuleta. This performance absolutely paled in comparison to the Archie performances unfortunately. It was so shaky (probably nervous).

Prediction:

We may see Katie or Tim again in the BOTTOM 3, but neither of them will be leaving yet.

Andrew, Aaron, and Mike Lynche may be in the Bottom 3 for their first time tonight, and end up leaving. :D

American Idol Season 9 Review #9 Top 10

I'll just keep this short...I'll name the good, the just ok, and the bad & bland. Here we go:

Good:

Lee Dewyze (Favorite moment!!!)
Crystal Bowersox (Apparently really like her even without the guitar!)
Katie Stevens (Her voice is gorgeous here!!! lol..absolutely in her element)
Mike Lynche (Don't like him..but this is another solid performance from him)

OK:

Casey James (Was ok, but nothing special...he's starting to sound the same; want him to go back to "Heaven" mode)
Andrew Garcia (He stepped it up this week big time..not sure if this secures a long term position for him in the competition though...he's made a fair share of clumsy decisions resulting in a lot of bad weeks for him)
Didi Benami (She's sooo emotional!! This performance was old-fashioned and boring..but i do love the tone of her voice. She has to go back to the singer-songwriter vibe that she had in the past)
Aaron Kelly (This song has been sung magnificently by past idols...Aaron's unfortunately paled in comparison. is it just me or does it seem he did WAAAAY better with in the pre-performance footage with Usher??

Bad and Bland

Siobhan Magnus (I really hate to put Siobhan here...but this performance was over the place!! I think it would've been better if the key was lower or something...no doubt she could hit the notes, but sometimes she has the tendency to sound screechy and fall off key ...she however is entitled to a bad week as Kara had mentioned..she's been quite consistent) SAVE SIOBHAN!!!!

Time Urban (Nothing more to say.the song choice was just plain weird....he seemed a bit likable though with his positive attitude and everything...think that he's leaving this week..at least he got to make it to the tour)

BOTTOM 3 prediction: Tim Urban, Andrew Garcia, Didi Benami (Siobhan and Aaron may be in danger as well though :( )

American Idol Season 9 Review #8 Top 11

So here goes another short review on what I think is one of the worst AI seasons ever..Most of the actual talent has gone down the drain already..:( [sorry for the typos..this season's getting on my nerves hahah..an underwhelming week]

Lee DeWyze (The Letter) Nice seeing Lee moving around the stage more. However, I do have to say, he was not in his element at all. He seemed awkward. Personally, his performances in the smaller stage seemed much more Top 12-worthy than the performances he's been giving 2 weeks into the Top 12. He may be in danger.. 6.5/10

Paige Miles (Against All Odds) Paige Paige Paige...Oh no you just didn't?!?!? What was that? I mean, I absolutely thought that Paige had a great voice..with Simon giving all the hints that she did great in Hollywood..and that she had one of the greater voices among the girls...BUT THIS WAS JUST TERRIBLE...it sounded like a bad audition. It was shaky..it was pitchy...it was off key..She can't do ballads...BAD BAD BAD.. i don't know if this has something to do with her voice recovering or something..but she's had two TERRIBLE ballads in a row... 1/10

Tim Urban (Crazy Little Thing Called Love) Two of the performers I don't like at all after one another..what is Idol doing to me!! Tim should've been gone AGGGEEESS ago..even before the Top 24..and he didn't..the producers just called him back..how I wish they never gave him the Top 24..Please Go Tim..you're time is UP..but i think you'll be safe once again because of the annoying teeny bopper vote..and because you at least were on key unlike Paige.. :(( 4.5/10

Aaron Kelly (I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing) Vocally this performance was OK.. but listening to this after two bland and bad performances, made it seem like a breath of fresh air.. I think Aaron has claimed his spot in the Top 10 next week.. He's been consistent, so he deserves it..Good but not Great. 7.5/10

Crystal Bowersox (Me and Bobby McGee) Effortless..another SOLID performance from Crystal.. What can I say?? Maybe she needs to drop the guitar once in a while..but this was just great.. Can't wait for what she has in store for next week! She's definitely sailing through. 9/10

Mike Lynce (When a Man Loves a Woman) He has a really good voice.. But there's something about him that I just don't like at all.. He just seems so full of himself lately...Hey, wake up.. you're not the best singer.. and I don't think you have that many fans. lol. sorry, just don't like him. This was a good performance, but a bit corny. 7/10

Andrew Garcia (I Heard It Through the Grapevine) I honestly thought that this would fit Andrew..but I don't know, it was so stiff, off and just plain awkward..I absolutely hate his hand movements..he seems to be making fighting moves or somethin'...I honestly don't think he's ever going to get the "Straight Up" moment back.. I do agree with Simon..maybe on hindsight, that moment was overrated. He's had a lot of weeks to prove that he has it in him still, but he just hasn't.. In danger 5/10

Katie Stevens (Big Girls Don't Cry) I loooved this song for Katie. Sure, there were some pitch problems..but i do have to commend her for listening to the judges...she's finally in her element (Pop RnB)..A great song choice!! Absolutely love the tone of her voice! Hope she makes it!! Save Katie! 7/10

Casey James (Power of Love) This performance seemed quite fast. I mean, it was solid, but i just didn't have the IT-factor. It was like an ok bland performance. Not much to say. 8/10

Didi Benami (You're No Good) She started off the song actually quite well. She then started becoming pitchy and all over the place.. I do hope that Didi stays because she has a lovely tone, which will do wonders with the right song.. Song choice is KEY for Didi's survival.. Please be safe! 6.5

Siobhan Magnus (Superstition) My absolute favorite of the night!!! I disagree with Simon..I don't think that Crystal was the only one exceptional tonight!! Siobhan was amazing!! I personally like this performance better than Paint It Black!!! Siobhan for the win!!! Please!!! 9.2/10 (a bit higher than Crystal ahahah)

Ranking:

1) Siobhan Magnus
2) Crystal Bowersox
3) Casey James
4) Aaron Kelly
5) Katie Stevens
6) Mike Lynche
7) Lee Dewyze
8) Didi Benami
9) Andrew Garcia
10) Tim Urban
11) Paige Miles

Bottom 3 with Andrew, Tim and Paige..with Paige out...and Tim, you're lucky someone was worse than you tonight..but if it was up to me, I would eliminate you over Paige, because I just don't like you..lol (Lee,Didi and Katie (PLEASE SAVE KATIE!! haha) may also be in danger)

American Idol Season 9 Review #6: Top 8 Boys

This was quite a bland night. Ok performances, but not one really great performance in my opinion.

Individual Critiques and Ratings:

Lee Dewyze (Fireflies - Owl City) This was Ok for Lee. Now, I thought that Lee actually brought a nice new rockish spin on the song. There were definitely some pitch problems, but they didn't matter much to me. I hope he sails through. :) Rating: 7.5/10

Alex Lambert (Trouble - Ray LaMontagne) Another OK performance. However, vocally, I don't think this performance was at par with "Everybody Knows" and even "Wonderful World." It seemed simple and short. Once again, I love his tone, but I hope he learns to take more risks if he makes it. He also seemed awkward once again on this performance. Loosen up kid! Be more legit! Lol :) Rating: 8/10


Tim Urban (Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley) Tim is actually stepping it up every week. I really really hated him before, but now he's starting to grow on me. I liked his song choice last week, and thought he did a good job this week with Hallelujah. I do have to say, however, that I prefer Jason Castro's and Alexandra Burke's versions better. Whether or not he deserves to make it, I think he stands a chance, but I honestly think that he may be in danger. Rating: 8/10

Andrew Garcia (Genie In A Bottle - Christina Aguilera) This did not work. I agree with Simon, he did seem desperate doing this. He just could not live up to the "Straight Up" moment back in Hollywood. I'm not really sure if he'll be able to reach that point anymore. :( He had such a high, and literally had a free fall...I think there's a big chance that he's getting the boot tomorrow. :/ Disappointed. Rating: 6/10

Casey James (You'll Think of Me- Keith Urban) I honestly liked Casey doing country. I loved the whole vibe of the performance. I thought he sounded good in this song. This was definitely a large jump from a generic and karaoke performance last week. A good performance from Casey! I think he's sailing through. Rating: 8.5/10

Aaron Kelly (I'm Already There - Lonestar) I love this song. I thought Aaron did OK with it. He still sounded quite shaky. However, like Casey, this was an improvement from last week. It was a bit of a corny song choice though...heheh.. but I have to admit, I like these kinds of corny and cheesy songs. hehe Rating: 7.5/10

Todrick Hall (Somebody to Love - Queen) Todrick really improved with this performance! He didn't do the annoying rearranging, and I thought he sounded good. However, I do have to agree with Simon...he seems so Broadway-ish..eheheh..He also seems Diva-ish..haha.. It was good, but I don't think it was enough for him to get into the Top 12. Rating: 7/10

Michael Lynche (This Woman's Work- Maxwell) I looooved this performance! It was really nice watching Michael commanding the stage once again. I don't like him that much...but I have to admit that he did really well here. I liked the long note..heheh . Excellent song choice. Without question, he had the best performance of the night. Lol at Kara crying. Rating: 9/10

Ranking based on ratings:

1. Michael Lynche
2. Casey James
3. Alex Lambert (eliminated)
4. Tim Urban
5. Lee Dewyze
6. Aaron Kelly
7. Todrick Hall (eliminated)
8. Andrew Garcia

:((( Todrick and Andrew are getting the boot if it was all based on my ratings. I think that Aaron and Tim may be in danger as well.

My Official AI Favorites

Two weeks into the Top 24, i've finally gotten to pick favorites that I will be rooting for, hopefully until the end of the season! :D

Most favorite favorites (lol)

Katelyn Epperly (eliminated huhuhuhuh)
Alex Lambert (eliminated NOOOO)
Siobhan Magnus


Ok favorites

Crystal Bowersox
Lee DeWyze
Katie Stevens
Andrew Garcia

Favorites that i'm not rooting for to win

Didi
Casey
Lilly (eliminated)

American Idol Season 9 Review #4: Top 10 Girls

I guess the girls generally stepped it up this week. Better song choices. Was OK to watch. :D

Below are my individual performance critiques.

Crystal Bowersox (Long As I Can See The Light by Creedence Clearwater Revival) I was really surprised by Crystal this week. It seemed as if nothing was wrong with her (she just came from the hospital). She sounded almost pitch perfect! Just effortless! This Americana genre is really working out for her. Amazing! Rating: 9.5/10

Haely Vaughn (The Climb by Miley Cyrus) I really wanted this performance to work out for her. Unfortunately, it was quite disastrous and all over the place. She could have had her moment with this song, but it seems as if she doesn’t quite know yet how to use her voice. I don’t know if this can be attributed to her youth and her lack of experience…I do see a lot of potential in her though. A part of me wants her to stay, because she does these unique twists to songs......and her happy and quirky personality is just so infectious. Another part of me, however, is saying bye bye to her this week. Anyway, this was definitely an improvement from last week’s performance. Rough Rating: 6.5/10

Lacey Brown (Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer) This was an ok performance for me. She did sound like the original at many parts of the song. I could tell that this is the type of music she could totally do. My problem with this performance was that she didn’t really add anything new to it. I do love the tone of her voice, but I think she may easily be overshadowed by the stronger performers, which puts her in danger this week. Not great, not bad. Rating: 7/10

Katie Stevens (Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae) Love this song, but I thought that Katie was bigger than it. She couldn’t do much with it. The song choice was youthful, but I just thought it didn’t showcase her voice. Although I do have to say that I love how she made use of her lower range. She sounds really good singing with her lower voice. I do think she’ll be safe this week anyway. Nevertheless, she has to step it up next week. This was a so-so performance. Rating: 8/10

Didi Benami (Lean On Me by Bill Withers) Wrong song! Her voice is so distinct and unique that it didn’t work out at all with this song. Her vocal styling made the performance a bit messy and screechy. The song showed the weaknesses of her voice. However, I don’t think that the performance was as bad as the judges made it seem to be. Love her voice, but did not love it with this song. Hope she stays. :/ Rating: 7.3/10

Michelle Delamor (With Arms Wide Open by Creed) Now, that was a weird song choice… She started off really well and controlled, however when she went up to her higher register, her voice somehow fell flat. I like Michelle and I really want her to stay! I just did not feel this performance at all. I give her props though for taking a risk. 7.5/10

Lilly Scott (A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke) I really loved the little twists she made to this song. This is a song that’s usually belted, but Lilly kept it simple and cool to listen to. I liked her performance. I just hope that if ever she stays, she learns to develop her stage presence. Rating: 8.5/10

Katelyn Epperly (The Scientist by Coldplay) I loved this performance!! I personally had no problem with the pace she sang the song with. I believe it showcased her voice really well! She connected well with the audience and the song. I also think that Katelyn looked stunning with her look this week! I love how she kept everything simple, with just the piano. My favorite performance of the night, and currently my favorite contestant among the girls! :D Rating: 9/10

Paige Miles (Walk Away by Kelly Clarkson) I sorta did enjoy Paige’s performance. She really has a great voice. But, I just wish that she could’ve just come out with a simple song, showcasing her voice. I find her personality a bit weird though?!?! Rating: 8/10

Siobhan Magnus (Think by Aretha Franklin) I really enjoy watching Siobhan! She’s unpredictable! I loved how tonight she just sang a song which showcased her BIG range!!! She ended the night with a blast! Loved it! She’s a contestant to watch for along the competition! Dark Horse to win it all, I believe! :D Rating: 9/10

Here’s my ranking of the Top 10 girls based on my individual ratings:

1. Crystal Bowersox

2. Katelyn Epperly

3. Siobhan Magnus

4. Lilly Scott

5. Paige Miles

6. Katie Stevens

7. Michelle Delamor (eliminated)

8. Didi Benami

9. Lacey Brown

10. Haeley Vaughn (eliminated)

Lacey and Haeley are in danger this week! For some reason, I feel like there’s a possibility that Haeley could be safe (I don’t know…) I think Michelle is in danger as well.