Here’s your Top 8 edition of the American Idol studio performance reviews. My favorites this week include DeAndre Brackensick and Joshua Ledet. What are yours?
DeAndre Brackensick – “I Like It” – DeAndre scores again with a recorded vocal that’s both soulful and sweet. DeAndre needs some time to get control of his live vocals, but he’s ready to record now. I would not be surprised to find him popping up in a few years with a record contract, a la Chris Richardson and Leah LaBelle. – Download from iTunes
Elise Testone – “I Want to Know What Love Is” – I still completely disagree with Jimmy. This was the wrong song for Elise. So many good 80s songs for her to choose from, I don’t get her singing this drab power ballad. It doesn’t highlight her superb vocals. Something with a true rock edge, or in the jazz or soul vein would have been more suitable. Nevertheless, she’s still Queen Elise. We’ll forget this week happened. – Download from iTunes
Phil Phillips – “That’s All” – The recorded version has an intimate, bluesy feel absent from Phil’s live performance– which consisted of a lot of off-key yelling. The song pick makes sense sung softer, on pitch and with some soul. Too bad the recorded vibe couldn’t be recreated on stage. – Download from iTunes
Joshua Ledet – “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” – A masterful vocal from Joshua Ledet. He holds back here, and that’s not a bad thing at all. In the second chorus he hits a beautiful high note, while still remaining restrained. So good. – Download from iTunes
Jessica Sanchez – “How Will I Know” – You all know the deal with Jessica. She’s perfect! I wish she had deviated more from the Whitney Houston version, but I’m glad she went upbeat this week. She sounds just as good and radio ready as ever. – Download from iTunes
Hollie Cavanagh – “Flashdance” – Hollie’s potential is evident in her recordings. She’s got a tone that literally glistens. But she needs so much work on her confidence and performance skills. I don’t think she’s going to get there in the course of an Idol season. But her recordings, highlighting her lovely voice and hint to what could be once she’s got all of her ducks in a row. – Download from iTunes
Colton Dixon – “Time After Time” – The studio performance isn’t nearly as dramatic as the live version–with Colton’s wailing vocals and that dramatic drum break. But if you liked the Quiet Drive arrangement of the Cyndi Lauper classic, you’re going to love this. – Download from iTunes
Skylar Laine – “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Like Colton’s track, this recorded version is leaving me a little cold. She’s hitting all the notes, but unlike Skyler’s passionate live version, I’m not feeling the same emotional connection. Download from iTunes
