So now that I am back in the saddle, let's see how the Idols did.
- Casey was the first of Idols to hit the stage and he selected "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac. The one bit of advice Alicia gave him was to "connect with the song". As he often does, Casey strapped on his electric guitar, was joined by his back up singers on stage, and sang and played his song like a seasoned pro--even taking time out to show off some excellent guitar skills...something I'm sure Simon will note isn't appropriate for a singing competition. Randy was quick to point out that Casey pretty much gave the same performance he always does--agreed, but he's still good. Ellen was a bit harsher and said "no one is going to be talking about that performance"--another good point. Kara expressed frustration and Simon said he showed "zero emotion...and sang it like the original" and topped it all off calling it a "lazy song choice". But the ladies (and I'm sure the men) love Casey, so he's probably safe.
- Following next on stage is former paint salesman, Lee Dewyze, who chose the Simon and Garfunkle classic, "The Boxer". Lee said it was the song that inspired him to learn to play the guitar. Alicia told Lee that he needs to make people believe he is the boxer about which he is singing. With words of encouragement ringing in his ears Lee too his spot on stage with his guitar, the string section on his right, and a piano player on his left. The audience's arms were waving to and fro as Lee poured his emotion into the song. When he finished, Randy had to wait for the cheers to die down before telling Lee that he is an artist with a great career ahead of him. Ellen complemented his song selection and said it was the best performance of the season. Kara said he was connected to the song and had a moment. Simon said the difference between Lee and Casey's performances was "staggering...you made it sound like that song was written last week". High praise and well-deserved.
- Teflon Tim took on the Goo-Goo Dolls "Better Days". Alicia felt it was a good song choice and that he had a good opportunity to make the song his own. Tim pretty much duplicated Lee's stage set up--sans the piano player. Tim is definitely getting better as the weeks go by...and the votes somehow continue to save him, but I was very bored with his performance. I didn't recognize the song and felt it was just a bit....blah. Randy was equally perplexed by the song choice (as me, not Alicia) and thought it was just karaoke. Ellen compared the performance to the "soup of the day...and I didn't like the soup today". Simon thought Tim may have tried to go a step too high this week although he agreed with me about Tim's improvement. He's probably going to be in trouble after the votes are tabulated, but he'll likely be back next week.
- Aaron went with R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly", a song that has been covered about a million times on Idol (including auditions). Alicia cautioned that it is a song that can be over done...and that's just what I anticipate he is going to do. As Aaron took to the stage it was odd to see an Idol without an instrument performing--the first three Idols played guitar, but Aaron just let it fly with a microphone in hand. Randy thought the arrangement was odd, but said he "did a good job with a giant song". Kara felt he struggled in the beginning, but made it work by the end. Simon said if he "heard the song in the real world, I would have turned it off". A. Kelly should join Tim in the worry department--there are just too many better performers left in the contest.
- Our fifth performance was courtesy of Siobhan. The Cape Cod native went with Mariah Carey's "When You Believe". Alicia said she was impressed with Siobhan's voice, but would she do enough to impress the voters? Decorated with colorful butterflies and standing on high, strappy heels, Siobhan gave what appeared to be a very honest performance of a very difficult song. Randy called it "just OK", but Ellen thought it proved why Siobhan is still here. Kara felt it went too "musical" and didn't really work, but said she'd hang out with Siobhan, but struggles to understand the type of artist she is. Simon said he was distracted "by the leaves on the close ups"...and then learned that they were actually butterflies, but that didn't change his opinion--he didn't like the performance.
- With two performances left, Big Mike met with Alicia to work on "Hero" by Nickelback and a song which Mike admitted was out of his comfort zone. Alicia wanted Mike to take the people on a ride during his performance and I think he did as he started slow and built a little drama. The judges didn't feel it was great--Simon going so far as to say "the song was supposed to be about inspiration and it was really about Spiderman". Big Mike said, "no, it's about being a hero". In the end Simon all but assured Mike that he will be back next week...but it's up to the voters, so we'll see what they thought out resident strongman.
- Closing the show for what seems like the millionth time was Crystal Bowersox who took on "People Get Ready" by The Impressions...and just about every great singer of the past 40 years including Rod Stewart. Alicia just knew everyone was going to love it...and why wouldn't they? Crystal is the real deal and delivered an awesome performance--even though it was the first time she did so without an instrument. She struggled to finish the song as her emotions got the best of her. Randy gave her a standing O, Ellen said she never looked more beautiful...and then the DVR recording stopped. I think it is safe to say the rest of the judges no doubt loved the performance.
With all seven inspirational performances in the can, it's time to identify those Idols who are in danger of going home. There were some really great performances (Lee and Crystal) and a bunch of mediocre ones (Casey, Tim, Aaron, Siobhan, and Mike), but the two who I think have a real chance of having their Idols dreams dashed are Tim and Aaron--and I'll predict that Aaron will draw the short straw.
Tune in later tonight to find out which Idols make up the final 6.
Until then, I will continue watching TV so you don't have to.
Charlie
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