This season of American Idol has been fairly forgettable due to the contestants often picking dated, boring songs, so the “inspirational” theme (in honor of Idol Gives Back on Wednesday) didn’t do much to pique my interest. Inspirational songs are by nature mellow, right? Even with someone as hip as Alicia Keys mentoring the Idols, I didn’t go into this week with much hope of being inspired by their performances. A few contestants stepped up, but for the most part I was unimpressed, per usual this season.
More than ever I’m convinced that I’m watching a different show than the judges. I hate what they love and vice versa. Either the acoustics in the Idol studio are magical (having been there, I will admit that performances sound different on stage vs. on tv) or someone needs their hearing checked. Most weeks I feel like I’m watching Bizarro Idol until Crystal takes the stage. Once again she’s shown why she’s the true standout of the season. However, considering her lackluster competition, that isn’t difficult to do. Is Crystal really that good or are the other contestants just inferior? I’m beginning to think it’s the latter.
- Crystal – “People Get Ready” – I loved the a cappella beginning. It wasn’t perfect, a little strained in the middle, but it was better than the rest.
- Mike – “Hero” – Nothing compares with the Cook/Archuletta version from the season 7 finale, but this was good. It was emotional without being boring.
- Siobhan – “When You Believe” – I like her better when I’m not watching her; something about her facial expressions bother me. I loved the soft “belieee-eee-eeeve” note at the end. She needs to STOP talking. Fashion police moment: like the dress, hate the shoes.
- Casey – “Don’t Stop” – I’m glad someone tried an up-tempo song. He’s consistent but predictable. I think I like his guitar playing and his ponytail better than his singing. It’s too bad he went first because then I didn’t have something to look forward to.
- Lee – “The Boxer” – He started nasally; I prefer raspy Lee. I don’t know the original so I have nothing to compare it to. He showed more emotion, which is good, but he definitely wasn’t “brilliant.”
- Tim – “Better Days” – This is a good song choice for him in theory, but parts were flat. He improved in the 2nd half
- Aaron – “I Believe I Can Fly” – I hated this before it even started. He totally overestimates his ability. America, put Aaron and the viewers out of our misery already!
I’ve wanted Aaron gone for a month and I’ll be annoyed if anyone other than him is eliminated this week. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if Aaron were safe. Tim’s days are numbered too. Or perhaps Casey will fall victim to the hot-long-haired-guy-finishing-
Note to Idol producers and contestants: watch the truly brilliant Madonna-themed episode of Glee and take notes on how to be entertaining and relevant even while singing songs that are 25 years old.
- Angela Pasquinelli
