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
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
Individual performance critiques and ratings:
(eliminated NOOOO)
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.
Michael Lynche (It’s A Man’s World)- He actually did really well tonight. He was in his element. The song was quite bland, but was a great song choice for him, I believe. He displayed showmanship. Contrary to being an “opening” performer last week (according to Simon), tonight he seemed to be more like the lead. Good way start off the show. Rating: 8/10
John Park (Gravity by John Mayer)- This was a better song choice for John Park. He was ok, but he didn’t bring much. He didn’t add anything new to the song. He wanted to be genuine and authentic. Unfortunately, I could not believe it. Quite bland, sad to say, but miles better than last week’s performance. Rating: 6.5/10
Casey James (I Don’t Want to Be by Gavin DeGraw)- It was a good song choice. I could totally see him doing music like this on a future album. However, like John Park, I feel that he didn’t add anything new. Well, he did all the cool guitar tricks and stuff, however I think this is a big step back from his last performance. He created such a high for himself with “Heaven” that he failed going up from there. It was just ok. Rating: 7.5/10
Alex Lambert (Everybody Knows by John Legend)- Way better now. He seemed more confident and relaxed (probably because he had his guitar). Nevertheless, he really performed it tonight. Once again, he has a great and unique tone to his voice that I really like. He clearly stepped it up tonight! It was legit! My favorite performance of the night. :D Rating: 9/10
Todrick Hall (What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner)- STOP making song unrecognizable!!! Just sing!! Todrick clearly has a great voice, he just does not showcase it. I suggest, if he gets through to next week, that he just sing a simple song, not doing anything to the arrangement. I think he’s in danger though. :/ 5/10
Jermaine Sellers (What’s Going On by Marvine Gaye)- Jermaine has really really gone downhill from his audition. He tends to be screechy and boring now. I think he’s in danger as well. Pick the right song and don’t over sing. Rating: 5/10
Andrew Garcia (You Give Me Something by James Morrison)- Sorry to say, Andrew just couldn’t live up to the hype that the show built for him. I think he’s going to be like Ramiele Malubay in season 7, who started off really great, and went downhill starting top 24. This song showed the limits and weaknesses of Andrew’s voice. I guess his frontrunner status is fading. Love the song though! Rating: 7.5/10
Aaron Kelly (My Girl by the Temptations)-I honestly did not like this song choice for him. Although he brought something new to it and made it his own, I thought that the performance was a bit off and all over the place. He is good, and I personally see him going far in the competition, but he has to know what kind of music he wants to do and this song won’t help him. The song seemed old for him as well. I think he should’ve just done something more current in the Pop Country genre (something by Carrie Underwood or Lady Antebellum??). Rating: 7/5/10
Tim Urban (C’mon Get Higher by Matt Nathanson)- I liked the song choice, but I just didn’t feel the performance in general. He added nothing new to the song, but it was not a bad performance. I personally think he should’ve left last week. I fear that he will be staying for a while courtesy of the teen fan girl vote. Rating: 6/10
Lee DeWyze (Lips of an Angel by Hinder)- I thought Lee was overrated last week. However, tonight I do see the potential in Lee. This song by Hinder was a great choice for him. He even tried going out of his comfort zone by stepping out without a guitar …props to him for doing that! This performance felt real. I think he’s a dark horse, personally. Rating: 8/5/10
Here’s my ranking of the Top 10 boys based on the individual ratings:
1. Alex Lambert
2. Lee DeWyze
3. Michael Lynche
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Casey James
6. Andrew Garcia
7. John Park (eliminated)
8. Tim Urban
9. Jermaine Sellers (eliminated)
10. Todrick Hall
Based on my ratings, Jermaine and Todrick are goners. I personally think that John Park is in danger as well. I absolutely want Tim Urban to just go, but I think he’ll be saved by the “cute” vote or something.
Todrick Hall (Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone) What was that?!?! I mean, I love this song by Kelly, but did not recognize the song during this performance. He’s got a great voice, and I was expecting a lot from him, but he just ruined that song for me. :( For me, it was waste of talent. Bad. Rating: 4.5/10
Aaron Kelly (Rascal Flatts – Here Comes Goodbye) I’m a country music geek and I do love Rascal Flatts. I think that Aaron did quite a good rendition of the song. However, there were some shaky parts in the performance, probably driven by nerves. He needs to be more confident and work on his stage presence. He’s got a crazy voice for a 16 year old. A lot of potential. Rating: 8/10
Jermaine Sellers (Oleta Adams – Get Here) I was an early fan when he sang “What If God was One of Us” during his audition. Personally, I think he went downhill from then. He has the tendency to over sing and screech over simple, yet beautiful melodies. Less is more… I really thought that he was going to be one of the main contenders for the Idol crown. Disappointed. What a way to start off the show. :( Rating: 5/10
Tim Urban (OneRepublic – Apologize) It’s really getting depressing. You have mediocre performance after another, and then an ultra mediocre like this happens…. :( The song did not fit his voice. The song overpowered his voice. There were a lot of better singers during the Hollywood rounds. I somehow agree with Simon. Maybe he really isn’t right for the top 24. I fear, however, that he’s going to be staying merely because of the fan girl vote. Rating 3.5/10
Joe Munoz (Jason Mraz – You and I Both) Finally, a performance that’s bearable! He’s been under the radar during the earlier rounds. We didn’t really get to hear him that much before this performance. (Another victim of the lack of TV exposure)…I gotta say, he’s got a really nice voice and I think the song was an ok choice. I do disagree with Simon on the star quality comment. I think Joe performed well. He had stage presence. He’s another one with a lot of potential. He may be in danger though. I’m not sure if he’ll be able to get enough votes. He wasn’t a well-established contestant on the show because of the lack of airtime. A breath of fresh air after loads of mediocrity. Rating: 8.5/10
Tyler Grady (American Woman) I used to like Tyler, but now not so much. He doesn’t do anything to me. Contrary to what Simon said, I don’t think I’ll remember this performance at all. Most of the song was just “American woman….American woman…..American woman.” I think he should just leave and stay in his 70s world. Rating: 4/10
Lee Dewyze (Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars) Now, I love this song! He was ok, not great. I don’t get the Simon praise at all. Considering the poorness of the performances in general, he was relatively good. I think he’s a second rate David Cook or somethin’ like that… Rating: 6.7/10
John Park (God Bless the Child) This song is special to me. Katharine McPhee sang this during her audition back in season 5, and nailed it. Unfortunately, John Park’s rendition does not compare. He does his runs well though. He has a good voice, but picked the wrong song. A meh performance.. Rating: 6/10
Michael Lynche (Maroon 5 – This Love) I personally don’t like him that much. I think he was overexposed, with his back-story and everything. Nevertheless, he wasn’t bad. He had one of the more tolerable performances in general. Not great, not bad, just a so so performance. Rating: 7.3/10
Alex Lambert (James Morrison-Wonderful World) One word: NERVES!... This kid has got to loosen up. He has a unique tone to his voice and does sound quite like James Morrison himself! Personally, I hope he stays. He’s likeable and humble. He’s got the chops to make it, but needs to work on his stage presence. He was like a scared cat on the stage. lol. I think he’ll learn to grow on the stage though. Rating: 6.5/10
Casey James (Bryan Adams – Heaven) Clearly the BEST of the night for me! He knows who he is as an artist. He knows what to do with his voice. I think he’s Top 12 material, unless he messes up in the next 2 weeks! Rating: 9.5/10
Andrew Garcia (Fall Out Boy – Sugar We’re Going Down) I was expecting a lot from him. He got the pimp spot, and had the chance to wow us all. The performance was quite bland to be honest, but great if compared with the others of the night. Anyhow, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. He’s got a solid fan base that will keep him in for a while. Rating: 9/10
Here’s my ranking of the top 12 boys based on the individual ratings:
1. Casey James
2. Andrew Garcia
3. Joe Munoz (eliminated)
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Michael Lynche
6. Lee Dewyze
7. Alex Lambert
8. John Park
9. Jermaine Sellers
10. Todrick Hall
11. Tyler Grady (eliminated)
12. Tim Urban
Based on my ratings, Tyler and Tim are out. However, in reality I think those in danger are: John Park, Joe Munoz, Jermaine and Todrick (Not based on the performance, but basing on my perception of their fan bases).
