So this week, the kid’s got to sing whatever they wanted. With all that freedom, there were still some dubious picks among the kids. As always, it’s fun to note the differences between the live and recorded performances. Also, I’m real happy Rickey and the band are back!
My faves: Matt Giraud (oh Matt! You record so well!) and Adam Lambert (even better than the performance). Must to avoid: Lil Rounds (God-awful song sung like a dirge).
- Anoop Desai – “Caught Up” by Usher – I love the smooth quality of Anoop’s voice, especially his middle register. That nice, rich quality comes through in this recording, moreso than on the Idol stage. I might have been a little distracted by his dancing… – iTunes
- Megan Joy – “Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Lauren Hill/Bob Marley – Just like on the Idol stage, her weird phrasing and enunciation leave me cold. Megan has no clue how to interpret a song. She could be singing gibbersh–it would have the same effect. Blah. iTunes
- Danny Gokey – “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts – I’ll give Danny props for infusing this song with some real emotion. And with his uber-raspy vocals smoothed out, he’s got a perfectly respectable country recording. I wonder if he’s considered a country music career? It could be a good fit. – iTunes
- Allison Iraheta – “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt – Allison’s raw vocals are what make her appealing. I don’t like the way they’ve smoothed out her sound here. But, she’s still pretty awesome, and will never get why the producers aren’t promoting her. – iTune
- Scott MacIntyre– “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel – Am I sitting in my dentists office? Oh right. I’m sitting at my computer listing to Scott sing Billy Joel. So. Freaking. Boring. – iTunes
- Matt Giraud – “You Found Me” by The Fray – Matt, Matt. Why is it your recorded vocals sound so fantastic, but you suck so flipping hard on the Idol stage? Sigh. Matt needs to lose his his nerves–but he’s also got to find his voice. Like his Mavin Gaye, he sounds too close to the original here. So much potential. He may not be ready, just yet. iTunes –
- Lil Rounds – “Surrender” by Celine Dion – Just. Ugh. What was Lil thinking picking this song? Awful. Without nuance or feeling, Lil turns the song into a dull dirge. Plus, loud does not equal good – iTunes
- Adam Lambert – “Play That Funky Music White Boy” by Wild Cherry – I’m back in Erie, PA, in a tiny dorm room, dancing my face off. Seriously, I am loving this recorded version of “Play That Funky Music” even more than the live version. He still doesn’t sound current to me, but I’m thinking Adam could score some club hits. – iTunes
- Kris Allen – “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” by Bill Withers – The recorded version doesn’t have the emotional impact of the live performance, but I’m still loving the arrangement and Kris’s fine, soulful vocal. – iTune
