AI Season 10: Top 11
Another great show by the “kids” of American Idol, and another great recap by LTV Mom contributor Dixie. I personally think Stefano should go home, Haley needs a standing microphone, and Scotty looks young enough to be my child. I digress, Dixie’s recap is much better than mine.
DIXIE SAYS:
Motown saves the season, once again!! Now that’s what I call a show!! Randy didn’t need to use the word ‘pitchy’ tonight because frankly, nobody was. Even though the contestants were a zillion times better than last week, my dislike of Jimmy Iovine continues to grow. He gets at least four times longer to spout off clichés than the contestants get to sing. And he completely takes out the element of surprise when he summarizes their performances BEFORE we see them; he really robbed Naima of a mini-moment with her African Dance.
On to my reviews:
Casey “Heard It through the Grapevine”
It’s official. I’m over the Werewolf in a suit. His growls just aren’t melodic enough for me, and for whatever reason, he can’t re-create the magic he possessed during Hollywood week. The song did make me want to grab a handful of raisins, but that’s about all it did for me. I was relieved that he actually knows the girl he vocally assaulted in the crowd.
Thia “Heat Wave”
Unfortunately, there’s nothing less credible than a 12 year old singing about a ‘burning flame inside’, but at least she picked up the pace and broke out of her shell a bit more. Thia’s tone is gorgeous and I truly love her voice, but why didn’t the judges call her out on the butchered lyrics? I was happy that she mentioned it in the after clip, but WOW, that was one of the worst fumbles to date on this show. Definite improvement over last week, but if she doesn’t work out her kinks, Thia will not last much longer.
Jacob “You’re All I Need”
When he said he was singing Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terrell, I was so sure he was going to add, “And I’ll be singing both parts.” Now THIS is the Jacob I fell in love with in Hollywood. Perfect pitch, pleasing tone, unbelievable control, and even his skin looked flawless tonight. Motown is definitely Jacob’s lane and this week, he gets my vote for Best of the Night. The only thing wrong with this performance was his ill-fitting jacket. Bravo Lusky Stank!!
Lauren “You Keep Me Hanging On”
Do I see shades of the great one, Kelly Clarkston? That was awesome! Lauren’s confidence is finally back and she nailed her performance tonight. The little twang in her voice sounded great, and the little sashay behind the judges wasn’t bad either. Not very smart to knock the online community; they are voters too, ya know. With her stick straight hair and flowy dress, she looked like Kristy Alley’s younger sister.
Stefano “Hello”
Note to Stefano: You seem like a nice boy, but please step away from the “Hello.” After David Cook’s rendition, it only sets you and anyone else up for failure. Never heard the song before, huh? I thought he’s been an avid watcher of the show for nine years… something isn’t quite adding up. Regardless, all of Stefano’s performances sound the same and look the same and he just cannot connect. I now realize that he is physically incapable of keeping his eyes open when he sings; so much for promises! And does this song really qualify for Motown? Maybe it follows the letter of the theme, but definitely not the spirit of it.
Haley “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me”
It’s the American Idol stylists who’ve really got a hold on Haley: perfectly straight hair, 8 inch heels, exposed belly, and Haley Svarnato’s old short-shorts. Someone needs to tell her that the AI audience doesn’t go for sexy; it’s a waste of energy. Haley’s vocals were an improvement from last week, but that isn’t saying much. Stomping about the stage while singing seems so unnatural and lame, but she earns points for not breaking an ankle. Bye-Bye Haley…
Scotty “For Once In My Life”
Tough card to be dealt for Mr. Country, you’d think… but naaaawww… Scotty countrified Motown and did it like a true professional. It’s strange, but I really enjoy the physicality of his performances- the way he moves and throws himself into each song. It’s almost like a cartoon, but highly entertaining. Scotty is in this competition for the long haul.
Pia “All In Love Is Fair”
And she power ballads Motown. Pia has an incredible voice and she looks amazing, but YAWN CITY… her performances are musical Ambien. I also feel she’s edging closer and closer to McPhee Territory. Hopefully next week she will stop being passive aggressive with the ballads and go up-tempo, maybe break free from the robot she has become.
Paul “Tracks of My Tears”
Mad props to Paul’s guitar for keeping him in one spot. The flailing around the stage was cute at first, but I’m so happy I didn’t have to watch it again. Loved the song choice, the arrangement, and the performance. But to be perfectly honest, Paul doesn’t actually sing, so it’s hard to judge what he does. To paraphrase Woody from Toy Story, “He’s not singing. He’s whispering in style.” That would be Paul.
Naima “Dancing In the Streets”
Let’s face it; Naima is in some alternate universe competition and it really has nothing to do with this competition. She just gets up there and does whatever the heck she wants to do, and I love that about her. Pia could take a few lessons from her. Naima’s vocals were SO much better tonight; she really did work on the pitchiness! She really wants to bring that African vibe to the stage and in my opinion, she is successful at it. Once again, Naima may be in danger of going, but hopefully, she gets to stick around to surprise us for one more week.
James “Living For The City”
Finally in the coveted Spot de Pimpage, and he was all kinds of awesome!! Loved the prolonged acknowledgement/encouragement from the crowd. James has incredible stage presence, terrific vocals, and the boy can dance! I do that little ‘rear step ball change’ move in my class, so I appreciate the choreography. When I decided that he was my favorite, I didn’t realize he had such a cute personality, but now he’s bordering on over the top/showoff, which I do not dig. Tone it down, James. Regardless, he is a star and I believe this competition is his to lose. Who would have thought??
Overall, no obvious clunkers tonight, except Haley in those heels. Bottom 3? I’m thinking Stefano, Haley, Naima… with Haley going home. Stay tuned.
Top 12 recap can be found HERE.
Dixie is a contributor to Laptop TV Mom. The words and opinions are hers and are unedited by me.
Photo Credit: American Idol Homepage
Just trying to squeeze in some television between mothering, working and crashing.
