American Idol is back - and here I go again with yet another season of commenting on performances and enjoying the performance rounds of the show. Say what you want about X Factor and The Voice, but American Idol remains the most influential singing competition that actually turns nobodies into superstars who make a pop culture impact, and that is even after two seasons of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez judging! Now it's Mariah, Nicki, and Keith, along with the big dog Randy. Tonight, it's the top ten girls, and the voting will knock that in half for next week's top ten. Here are my thoughts, as always written before I hear any other judges comments... and away we go!
Zoanette: "What's Love Got Do With It" - She is what I would call a "legitimate freak" - there are others that they might have been scared to let go through, but this girl is completely freaky but is clearly very talented. Perfect artist pick with Tina Turner, but I'm not sure about this particular song - she might have been better served with "life beyond thunderdome" or "private dancer." I think she's in trouble.
Breanna: "Flaws and All" - Strong performance - she reminds me of Rihanna in that she has a strong presence and everything feels great but I don't see a whole lot going on behind the eyes - she's great, but she lacks sparkle ultimately. But she'll go on.
Aubrey: "Big Girls Don't Cry" - This feels rushed. I like her more than I liked this performance - just didn't have enough time to breathe. But I hope she goes through because I think she has real potential.
Janelle: "If I Can Dream" - She is very good, but probably should have gone home last week. She capped her ability, and it was enjoyable, but not memorable. Country strong is gonna need to show up in the voting to keep her in the top five.
Tenna: "Lost" - Struggled with some of these notes, and she needs diction exercises. It's not that she's bad, but after the last several, man, they're all starting to blend in together.
Angela: "Never Gone" - hmmmm... pulling out the Colton Dixon tune... could be Christianish! It was smart to pick a relatively unknown song that was similar to the kind of vibe she achieved when she wrote and performed her own song two weeks ago during Hollywood week. She nailed it. Smart, smart.
Amber: "I Believe In You and Me" - She has everything that was lacking in Breanna - sparkle in her smile and an attack to the song that seems effortless. I hope she doesn't get overshadowed. She is the best of the brand of the female african-american strong vocalists this season.
Kree: "Stronger" - Very similar to the last performer, her country chops blow Janelle away. She has soul, spirit, grounding that is unmatched. The only thing she needs is a catchier song. But I really loved it and loved her.
Adriana: "Stand Up For Love" - She's going for the "we are the world" moment right out of the gate. And with that last note, she might have done it. Her only saving grace is that she went last and that she isn't one of the african-american girls.
Candice: "Ordinary People" - I love hearing a girl belt this song. She is the black soul version of white country Kree - just effortless. I would love to see Candice and Kree in the finals.
So Thursday night we find out which five go on, and tomorrow we get the boys. They have been really pumping up these girls to get one of them through to win since it has been so long since a girl has won. So... is there a winner here? A couple?
Zoanette: "What's Love Got Do With It" - She is what I would call a "legitimate freak" - there are others that they might have been scared to let go through, but this girl is completely freaky but is clearly very talented. Perfect artist pick with Tina Turner, but I'm not sure about this particular song - she might have been better served with "life beyond thunderdome" or "private dancer." I think she's in trouble.
Breanna: "Flaws and All" - Strong performance - she reminds me of Rihanna in that she has a strong presence and everything feels great but I don't see a whole lot going on behind the eyes - she's great, but she lacks sparkle ultimately. But she'll go on.
Aubrey: "Big Girls Don't Cry" - This feels rushed. I like her more than I liked this performance - just didn't have enough time to breathe. But I hope she goes through because I think she has real potential.
Janelle: "If I Can Dream" - She is very good, but probably should have gone home last week. She capped her ability, and it was enjoyable, but not memorable. Country strong is gonna need to show up in the voting to keep her in the top five.
Tenna: "Lost" - Struggled with some of these notes, and she needs diction exercises. It's not that she's bad, but after the last several, man, they're all starting to blend in together.
Angela: "Never Gone" - hmmmm... pulling out the Colton Dixon tune... could be Christianish! It was smart to pick a relatively unknown song that was similar to the kind of vibe she achieved when she wrote and performed her own song two weeks ago during Hollywood week. She nailed it. Smart, smart.
Amber: "I Believe In You and Me" - She has everything that was lacking in Breanna - sparkle in her smile and an attack to the song that seems effortless. I hope she doesn't get overshadowed. She is the best of the brand of the female african-american strong vocalists this season.
Kree: "Stronger" - Very similar to the last performer, her country chops blow Janelle away. She has soul, spirit, grounding that is unmatched. The only thing she needs is a catchier song. But I really loved it and loved her.
Adriana: "Stand Up For Love" - She's going for the "we are the world" moment right out of the gate. And with that last note, she might have done it. Her only saving grace is that she went last and that she isn't one of the african-american girls.
Candice: "Ordinary People" - I love hearing a girl belt this song. She is the black soul version of white country Kree - just effortless. I would love to see Candice and Kree in the finals.
So Thursday night we find out which five go on, and tomorrow we get the boys. They have been really pumping up these girls to get one of them through to win since it has been so long since a girl has won. So... is there a winner here? A couple?
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