Live blogging American Idol 12 Top 7 Classic Rock/No Ballads right here! Join us.
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Each of the Top 7 singers seemed at least slightly out of their element as they attempted to navigate the rock genre tonight. Some managed, others were totally uncomfortable. And despite the “No Ballads” edict. We got them anyway! Amber’s song, “What About Love” is a power ballad. “Bring Me To Life,” Angie’s song, is balladish at the very least. And it’s arguable whether Queen’s “We Are the Champions” is a true ballad, but Lazaro’s dirge-like rendition sealed the deal. I should have known that a night of upbeat tunes would be too much to ask for this crew.
ETA: I forgot to mention last night that I really loved the video packages before each of the contestants performances. Idol has done the “contestants snark on each other lovingly” deal in the past, and it’s always an A+ segment. It’s an opportunity to see the finalists’ personalities outside of the Idol pressure cooker.
Janelle successfully countrified the Billy Joel song she covered. But she’s not the first. Apparently , both Garth Brooks AND KEITH URBAN have covered it! It wasn’t a perfect rendition, but there’s something about Janelle that always holds my interest, even when she misses the mark. She’s got spunk and personality, which sets her apart from a rather subdued group of finalists. I would not be surprised if she made it to the Top 3. She could even knock off Kree at some point.
I don’t understand why Burnell didn’t go with a song closer to his R&B roots. But who knows. When he’s answering reporter’s questions, we may find out that he had NO choice in the matter. Or that he had another song prepared, but had to change it. I can’t imagine the producers cutting him ANY slack, since, you know, a girl WILL win this season. The real trouble with Burnell, is that he’s a raw vocal talent, lacking a mature musicality or a sense of music history. He’s definitely underbaked at this point.
Once again, I was hoping for a little more from Kree. She’s a fantastic singer with incredible instincts and an innate artistry. She does know how to pick great songs that showcase her warm tone and beautiful phrasing. But something has been something missing the last couple of weeks. I’m waiting for her to catch fire when she sings. Maybe the pinched nerve situation has been ongoing? Keith was astute to point out her uncomfortable looking boots. The girls should really just say NO to stupid shoes. Clothes matter, but not if they crimp a singer’s style. Nevertheless–I’m still on the Kree train. And there I shall remain.
Even my girl Candice seemed off tonight. I agree that “Satisfaction” wasn’t the greatest song choice for her. The structure of the song, a pre-punk anthem from the Stones, doesn’t contain enough melody for a soulful singer like Candice to sink her teeth into.
Amber basically Whitneyfied a Heart song tonight. She really is a gifted singer, but I’d love to see her mix it up just a little. But if she can’t manage to change it up during a rock/no ballads week–I don’t expect she ever will. Despite her talent, she’s going to have a hard time going the distance.
The producers made damn sure that Angela would succeed this week, allowing her to sing a ballady, non-classic rock song and giving her the pimp spot. Her last few performances have been misfires and she’s definitely conceded ground to the other girls. I don’t think she’ll ever reach the heights she did when she sang her original song in Hollywood. She’s definitely Top 5, at least, though.
Lazaro, Lazaro, Lazaro. He’s drowning. He can’t cope with the competition. It’s time for him to go home. Period. He ended up in the bottom 3 last week, I actually think this could be his week. Or not. Burnell, who turned in a non-descript performance this week, could get the boot. The judges have two weeks to utilize the save (That is, unless the rules suddenly change). And I could see them using it rescue Burnell–regardless of what Nicki said about not saving a boy. As if it’s really her decision, anyway.
But we can’t rule out a shock boot. It’s about that time, folks. It could be Amber, who has appeared in the bottom 3 before. Or maybe even Kree. She didn’t have a moment, and performed early in the line up. To be honest, I think the producers would LOVE IT. It would allow them to OH SO DRAMATICALLY use their save.
And hey, what’s up with the judges sudden obsession with what the contestants are wearing? Did Nicki start this trend? Not going to lie, Nicki cracked me up more than once tonight. Dubbing the Kree/Amber/Candice trio “Jem and the Holograms” and calling Amber’s outfit “Naomi Campbell realness” was pretty awesome. I also totally agreed with her that “It’s Still Rock n Roll to Me” was corny. #sorry #notsorry.
The duets and trios seem hastily put together, which Candice confirmed tonight when she admitted that the girls only had about 24 hours to rehearse. Lazaro once again ruined his group performance. But Angie handled it like a pro. She deserves a gold star for that.
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The episode kicks off with a Rock video package featuring RUSH! Ah ha ha! JOSHUA LEDET AND HOLLY CAVANAGH IN DA HOUSE. Besties. Ryan says the theme is “Rock” he leaves off the Classic part of that. NO BALLADS NO SLOW DANCIN’ he says. Hmph.
Guitar wizard, Orianthi will be the special musical guest!
Burnell Taylor – “You Give Love A Bad Name” by Bon Jovi – No Jimmy tonight! The pre-song video packages feature the Idols ribbing on each other. Each Idol will get the “treatment,” I assume. Oh dear. Burnell is trying so hard to be a bad ass. It’s face palm time. He’s just not pulling this off, he’s so tentative. He’s on pitch, but his timing is off. Yikes. Keith is LAUGHING. “OK!” He says. “I’m going to assume rock n roll is not your thing.” Keith says he should have flipped the song to make it his own. But Burnell was probably not allowed to turn it into a soul jam. Nicki compares him to a Teddy Bear. “You were still lovable to me. Rock isn’t your thing, but I still wanted to hug you.” Randy says he’s got to ride the beat harder. People are booing Randy, but he’s absolutely right. Mariah was proud of him, because he tackled a song that was out of his wheelhouse. It was the ONLY song he knew on the list – 1-866-436-5701
Burnell Taylor – You Give Love A Bad Name… by IdolxMuzic
Angela Miller & Lazaro Arbos – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen – Holy moly Lazaro! This is really TERRIBLE. He’s slurring his words, wandering around the stage like he has no idea what he’s doing. He looks terrified. And he forgets the words again. Angela, the champ, is a pro. She supports him the best she can, and still manages to carry her own parts. Nicki says, “Hello Ken and Barbie.” Calls it a nice twist for Lazaro–up until the point he forgot the lyrics again. Of course, Lazaro has never heard the song before. Randy praises Angela, and damns Lazaro with faint praise. Mariah gives Angela props for supporting Lazaro. She didn’t like the song pick. The song was too kitschy for Keith. The judges are VERY CAREFUL NOT to slam Lazaro, despite the fact that he was awful. Trying to avoid pity votes, I suppose.
Angie & Lazaro – Crazy Little Thing Called Love… by IdolxMuzic
Kree Harrison – “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin – Kree is the group den mother! And she’s really nice to the crew! Kree’s vocal performance is effortless as usual. She manages to add some grit to her usual warm tone, but I would have liked even more. Again, her performance is a bit too much on the languid side for me. I’m looking for more FIRE from Kree. But it turns out she powered through the performance with a pinched nerve, so I’ll shut up now. Randy says, “I feel like the show has finally started…I like the bluesy side of you…SHE’S IN IT TO WIN IT.” Mariah says, “You have an innate ability to choose your songs…I see you becoming this person who really knows where you’re going….tonight’s performance was my favorite.” Keith jokes that he can’t critique someone who irons everybody’s shirt. He thinks her shoes look uncomfortable. But it turns out, she has a pinched nerve, and it kept her from moving around. Nicki says, “That was magnificent Miss Lady. You would get all 50 of my votes right now. You seem like you are already established. I’m just obsessed with you!” Kree and Janis were born in the same hospital! Her grandmother went to school with her. Wow. – 1-866-436-5702
Kree Harrison – Piece Of My Heart – American… by IdolxMuzic
Burnell Taylor & Candice Glover – “The Letter” by The Box Tops – Candice is basically blowing Burnell right off the stage. She is TOTALLY dominating this number. I’ll give Burnell credit: This is miles better than his solo performance, but I can barely take him in. THAT’s how much focus Candice pulls in this performance. Not that she’s doing it on purpose. She’s just this incredible force of nature. It can’t be helped. Amazing. Mariah loved them both. “You did justice to the song A+.” Keith thought it was a great song pick, giving them both compliments. Nicki says, “Your voice is clearly superior, Candice….it pierces through everything on this planet.” She has kind words for Burnell, noting that he made THIS rock song his own. “You have to keep your self at all times, like Candice and Kree,” she says. Randy felt Burnell in the song, but he was completely blown away by Candice.
Candice & Burnell – The Letter – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic
Janelle Arthur – “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel – Janelle is VERY DRAMATIC. At ALL TIMES. About ALL THINGS, according to her Idol buddies. Two notes in, and I’m convinced this was a genius song pick for Janelle. She turns it into a country stomper. It’s tons of fun. Her vocal is a little wobbly on the verses. But she’s solid on the chorus. When she kicks it up a notch in the last verse, it’s thrilling. Keith LOVES her boots. They are rainbow colored and sparkly. He also compliments the way she worked the stage. He didn’t love the song choice, but she “barreled out on stage” and made it work. She gets better and better and better, he says. Nicki wants to borrow her boots. The performance was “exceptional,” says Nicki, but tells Janelle that she’s also really relatable. Nicki is sure middle America is voting for her. I’m sure, too. Nicki likes that she continues to own it. Randy calls her “authentic.” Randy likes her fringy vest. He thought the song fit her like a top and dubs her “The great contender.” Mariah loved the key she chose, it really enhanced her vibrato. Blah blah blah blah Mariah. Pithy she is not. The judges steal her clothes after her critique! – 1-866-436-5703
Janelle Arthur – You May Be Right – American… by IdolxMuzic
After the break, Nicki shows off her new boots, courtesy of Janelle. Randy has her gold fringe vest around his shoulders. Pretty awesome.
Lazaro Arbos – “We Are The Champions” by Queen – Lazaro loves bright colors and a dramatic pose. He’s already sweating buckets and the song has barely begun. This performance is really off-key, and Lazaro looks stiff and scared as he attempts to work the crowd. But he remembers his words, but he slurs them, so who knows. Honestly, it’s not a trainwreck. It’s just kinda boring and not good, which is worse in a way. Nicki wanted to take the stage and dance with him. “Crack juice,” she calls the performance. “I think you did it justice.” Hm. Randy was fearing the worst, but felt he did a good job. Mariah was also concerned about the song choice, but thinks he did a good job on an anthem. Keith felt the song fit Lazaro’s dramatic performance style. Nicki and Keith loved the little “matador” move he used to finish the song. The judges were REALLY careful not to criticize him. Definitely grading on a curve, here. – 1-866-436-5704
Lazaro Arbos – We Are The Champions – American… by IdolxMuzic
Amber Holcomb, Janelle Arthur, & Kree Harrison – It’s Still Rock n Roll to Me by Billy Joel – Eh. This is not high on my list of Billy Joel songs. The girls have moments–especially on the solos–but they sound messy when they sing together. This trio was JUST OK for me. Randy calls the performance “UNBELIEVABLE” and “You guys sound really good together.” He wants to know if they had fun. “YES,” they answer. “True professionalism,” says Mariah. Keith loves the Billy Joel song. “You girls were great together. You should do more.” Nicki calls them “Jem and the Holograms,” which cracks me up. But, she admits that the song choice put her to sleep. Ohh. She calls the song choice “cheesy” and thinks nobody stood out. But she LOVED Amber’s look “Naomi Campbell realness” she called it. The girls were worried in rehearsal. The learned the song very quickly. OK. This is when I really appreciate Nicki. Because? She is right about the song being cheesy.
Amber, Janelle & Kree – Still Rock & Roll To Me… by IdolxMuzic
Candice Glover – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones – Candice broke her toe during an attempt to play an April Fools joke on Lazaro! Sometimes she wants to punch her bestie, Burnell, in the face. I have to say, this is not one of my favorite performances from Candice. The melody of the song doesn’t give her enough to play with. Her injury prevents her from moving around the stage. But she puts as much heft and power into the performance as she can manage. Mariah says, “It’s mesmerizing just watching you.” She’s still bugging her about singing gospel (annoying). Keith loves her high register–it’s effortless and powerful, he says. Nicki says, “That’s what you get for playing that trick on Lazaro. He’s got special powers!” Nicki is running out of superlatives for Candice’s vocal prowess, but girds herself for boos as she reveals that she hated the song choice. No one boos. Probably because they have no idea what she’s talking about. Randy loved that she brought rock attitude to the song, reminiscent of Tina Turner. He didn’t love the song choice either. – 1-866-436-5705
Candice Glover – I Can’t Get No Satisfaction… by IdolxMuzic
Randy chats with Orianthi, who had to learn 10 songs in one day. Her album is out now.
Amber Holcomb – “What About Love” by Heart – Amber talks to herself, and she LOVES selfies. Burnell may have a little crush on her. That was a beautiful vocal performance. There’s no doubt Amber can kill a song–she navigated the key change flawlessly. Her vocal inflections are effortless. But, if I’m being perfectly honest, I was a little bored? She sang the tune as if it were a Whitney Houston song. I wish she could have brought more muscle to the performance. “Great great song choice. Great shoes!” says Keith. “The key change was killer.” Nicki doesn’t even know where to begin. She did a freestyle to that song years ago. The song pulled her in emotionally, unlike some of the other performances. “You believed what you were singing,” says Nicki. It’s her favorite of the night. Randy also thinks it’s a great song choice. “You really found your self in there…very well done.” Mariah says, “Amazing.” She has loved watching her grow as an artist. She knew the song from a commercial! – 1-866-436-5706
Amber Holcomb – What About Love – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic
Ryan chats with Joshua and Hollie in the audience. She advises the contestants to relax. Joshua is performing at the White House on Tuesday. He’s recording. Holly has just moved to Los Angeles. Ryan takes Hollie over to meet her hero, Mariah Carey!
Angela Miller (with piano) – ”Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence – Angie gets excited about EVERYTHING, according to the finalists. Angie doesn’t stay at the piano long. By the middle of the verse she’s up with her mic, heading for center stage. This is the perfect song choice for her, allowing Angie to revel in the the theatrics of the performance. Vocally, she doesn’t match the richness or depth of the original singer, Amy Lee. But, at least she appears committed, rather than contrived–as she has in her past few performances. Also: Points for keeping her cool as she battled the wind machine! Nicki thinks it was the perfect song choice, given the circumstances. (That Angie is not a rock singer.) “Kudos,” she says. She prefers her original song and Colton Dixon cover. But isn’t Evanesence in the same vein? I think so. Angela admits that she loves the “edgy” side of things. Not sure I would call Angie “edgy,” but OK. Maybe she means “intense” or “dramatic.” Randy thought she did an amazing job. Great dynamics. Perfect song choice for her. Mariah felt that she handled the dramatics well, while remaining herself–negating Jimmy’s advice to steer clear of theatrics. Keith wants to make sure that she feels the songs she chooses. She needs to get out of her own head in order to fall into the song. – 1-866-436-5707
Angie Miller – Bring Me To Life – American Idol… by IdolxMuzic
