American Idol 14 Recap – Semifinals – Top 12 Boys (VIDEOS)

How Do You Vote on American Idol 14? Click to Find Out!
American Idol 14 Spoilers – Top 24 Songs

Of course, they had to film tonight’s show ahead of time. There was no way to get through 12 live performances in an hour, with all the different setups in an unfamiliar environment.  There were a ton of edits, which made the show even more frenetic than it already was. But that wasn’t all–even Ryan was talking faster than usual. The judges were very conscious of keeping it pithy as well. They kept the comments simple–mostly softballs, with a few pointed critiques here and there. At one point, Harry just as much said there wasn’t time to really dig into any sort of meaningful critique.

Tonight’s performances weren’t terrible, but I’d say every one of the guys have had better performances. I’ll chalk it up to first night jitters and move on.

The bar has moved for a few. Early in the competition, I assumed Trevor Douglas was a lock for the finals. Now, after two poor vocal performances in a row, I’m not so sure.  Qaasim is coming on stronger than I ever expected. Along with Trevor, I think Michael Simeon is in trouble. Mark Andrew and Adam Ezagalian might be heading out the door too. Also not the 100% lock I pegged him for is Savion Wright, although I’m rooting for him! Performing third, plus less than enthusiastic judges comments could be an issue.

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Ryan enters the Fillmore through a side door. The crowd roars!!! Hey, what happened to that bus trip the kids were supposed to take?

Ryan needs a shave What’s with the sloppy scruff? Just so you know…you can begin voting as soon as the performances begin! The girls are in the audience watching! The contestants chose any song they wanted. Ohhh. The performance order has been changed via the magic of editing. Take a look at the song spoilers linked above if you’re curious about the actual order.

Adam Ezegelian – “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister – Oh man. We aren’t even getting full performances. This is happening VERY fast. Well. He’s totally the second coming of Caleb Johnson. All that was missing were the RAWK HANDS.  Jlo calls him “everyman.” Harry says he can “really sing.” – 1-866-436-5701 – Text 1 to 21523

http://youtu.be/clQReqqK9Jk

Michael Simeon – “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton – Michael’s performance is so…breathy. I appreciate his sweet tone and pretty falsetto, but he’s limited. He’s clutching his stomach like he’s about to hurl and finishes on one knee. He’s trying too hard to appeal to the wimmins. It’s SO CORNY. Michael calls it a “really emotional performance for me.” Harry cautions him to sing in tune. Good job though, he says. Jlo felt it was a perfect antidote (in a good way) to Adam’s performance. Keith appreciated that he stayed in the moment. – 1-866-436-5702 – Text 2 to 21523

http://youtu.be/G8L6pCb9QSk

Savion Wright – “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train – Savion performed FIRST at the actual taping. I hate this song SO MUCH. But Savion’s reggaefied version has me hating it less. It’s an easy breezy arrangement. Savion is so comfortable in his own skin this season. I’m appreciating his vibe. Harry thought it began unfocused, but tightened up at the end. Jlo suggested he keep his eye on the camera. Pay attention to it, she says. That’s a good point. Keith didn’t think it was the best song choice, but good job. – 1-866-436-5703 – Text 3 to 21523

http://youtu.be/9mlOVONKvFM

Mark Andrew – “The Weight” by The Band – I like Mark’s rich, soulful phrasing. He’s not as charismatic as some of the other singers, though. Good song choice for him, but the kids at home are probably scratching their heads. Harry complimented his song choice. Jlo calls his vibe “so right now.” Really? He’s pretty retro, actually. Keith would have loved it without the band. His voice needs to be front and center. – 1-866-436-5704 – Text 4 to 21523

http://youtu.be/7FHKqjiaGlY

Trevor Douglas – “Best I Ever Had” by Gavin DeGraw – Oh no Trevor. VOCALS. This is so rough. His pitch is all over the place. Too bad, because the arrangement is good. But what does it matter if he’s screaming half of it? He needs to take a breath and calm down. The judges liked the visual performance, but felt it wasn’t his best vocal performance. He was completely FRANTIC out there, like he drank a case of red bulls beforehand. – 1-866-436-5705 – Text 5 to 21523

http://youtu.be/u5E90Zwxu34

Clark Beckham – “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge – This is the best performance so far, easily, but even Clark seems a little hyper. Still, he’s proving to be a real contender. His tone, range and ability to convey emotion are impressive. Keith gives him a standing ovation. “Goosies all day” says Jlo. Harry calls him talented and can’t wait to get into the nitty gritty with him. Nashville representing, says Keith. – 1-866-436-5706 – Text 6 to 21523

http://youtu.be/WExAx409d1M

Rayvon Owen – “Jealous” by Nick Jonas – I appreciate Rayvon’s soulful spin on straight up pop songs. And that falsetto! His runs are sublime. What a groove. Harry compares him to some of the classic motown singers. Yes, he does embody the class and elegance of folks like Marvin Gaye and David Ruffin. I get that.  Jlo wanted a little more “thug” and “edge.” There was too much smiling while singing about rage. I agree. Rayvon is so smooth and sexy–he needed to dirty it up just a bit for this particular song. – 1-866-436-5707 – Text 7 to 21523

http://youtu.be/iJQKpHEPcss

Daniel Seavey – “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz – He’s playing a mandolin, which is impressive. This kid has some chops. But that voice is not consistent. He’s really a work in progress at this point. Cute as a button though. That could pull him through, at least for awhile. Keith thought it was a good song choice for him. loved the vox mandolin. Jlo cautions him to remain consistent through the song. Harry compliments his talent. I don’t think he can help the inconsistencies in his voice at this point in his development, which is why he should have waited a few years to audition. – 1-866-436-5708 – Text 8 to 21523

http://youtu.be/R7CFoC8ChfE

Riley Bria – “Homeboy” by Eric Church – Keith is digging it, but I’m not sure the voters will. Eric Church is a little obscure for a competition audience. He’s lucky to have his own lane. Jlo hopes the performance connected with America. He belongs here. Harry wants to start calling him “Keith Suburban,” cause he’s so much like Keith. Speaking of which– Keith is glad he did a Eric Church song. – 1-866-436-5709 – Text 9 to 21523

http://youtu.be/CFq11K9Hwc0

Quentin Alexander – “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – Quentin’s outfit. He’s wearing parachute pants with a feather jacket. He needs to advance just for that. Oh my gosh. The drama, the emotion, the OTT presentation. I am so entertained. Quentin is  kind of the bomb. If VFTW, were still around, he’d be their candidate. I don’t mean that as a diss, either. Harry really hopes America stays with him. Jlo loved the drama, the dynamics. “It was perfect,” she says. Keith calls it a Grammy performance. – 1-866-436-5710 – Text 10 to 21523

http://youtu.be/xb65SAJVYUg

Nick Fradiani – “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran – Man, Nick is so consistent–another pro performance. He’s got so much confidence. He’s like a comfortable pair of shoes. Nothing flashy, a performance I could sink right into. Solid. Jlo called it one of the night’s best. Harry is a little confused by the lyrics. Ha. I am too. – 1-866-436-5711 – Text 11 to 21523

http://youtu.be/aPOaFeEayaw

Qaasim Middleton – “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars – GO QAASIM. There were several vocal issues in that performance, but nevertheless, it was SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH! What a great performer! His dancing is suave. Harry liked that he left it all on the stage. “You killed it,” says Keith. – 1-866-436-5712 – Text 12 to 21523

http://youtu.be/c2opq9qZhAM