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'American Idol' Top 10 Women Show Heart
Welcome back to American Idol, where saying you want to decapitate a 16-year-old boy and leave his bloody skull dangling from your rearview mirror is a compliment and a sign of thoughtfully conceived judging. Which of the Top 10 Idol Women will prove deserving of becoming disembodied automotive ornamentation on Wednesday night?
Singer: CARLY SMITHSON
Song: "Crazy on You"
My Take: Already the women are making smarter song choices than the men did in Tuesday's lackluster show. Dipping into the Heart catalogue was a good move for Carly, though she gets a little shrill on some of the higher parts. After failing as a torch singer last week, Carly's closer to her comfort zone as a rocker. You know what Carly does more than anything, though? She reminds me how spectacular the Sisters Wilson are. This isn't the sort of cover that makes you forget that somebody'll always have done it better.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: It started off rough for Randy, a little pitchy, but she found herself by the middle for an aight performance. Paula can tell Carly loves Heart. Paula loves heart too. In jars. On her desk. Simon, unsure why Carly's panting, doesn't think she's connected with the right song, that none of the girls can touch her vocally. He's just waiting for her to have her moment. Carly was bad last week and she's fine this week, but I'd feel better about her if the judges weren't required to over-plug her at every opportunity.
Singer: SYESHA MERCADO
Song: "Me and Mr[s] Jones"
My Take: This is a fabulous song that's designed for a male with a deep, soulful voice and it's been rearranged blandly for Syesha, pushing the verse to a high place where her voice is at its least interesting. When it gets to the chorus, she finds herself, but there isn't enough of that. She comes across as sweet, not sassy.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy didn't like the song choice, advising her to give it what she's got. Paula would like to cut Syesha into bits, wrap her in colorful paper and give her to children at Halloween as the ultimate treat, but only on the louder notes. Simon found it a bit indulgent and says that the gender-bending choice was a silly thing for her to have attempted.
Singer: BROOKE WHITE
Song: "You're So Vain"
My Take: Yes, I compared Brooke to Carly Simon in my recap last week. It wasn't exactly a stretch as comparisons go and now it seems downright obvious. Brooke's cover is straight-forward, familiar and well-interpreted, though it opens up the door for a discussion of how we feel about people doing carbon copy remakes of songs first performed by singer-songwriters. But that's another issue. Her voice sounds strong and well-matched. As for the guitar, Brooke starts playing, but it ends up on her lap for the middle. She picks it up again at the end, but at no point is it musically necessary for the performance, since the melody is being driven by the guitarist in the band. It's just something superfluous she's doing that makes her appear to have a reason to be sitting on a stool.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy thought it was a great song choice, but he asks if the song was intended for Simon. Paula would like to put Brooke's head on a pike and put that pike in the middle of town square, so that her song choices can inspire everybody forever. Simon absolutely loved it. He is, indeed, so vain and he suspects that the song is about him, doesn't he? Doesn't he?
Singer: RAMIELE MALUBAY
Song: "Don't Leave Me This Way"
My Take: After emphasizing one of her favorite aspects of Filipino culture -- Polynesian dancing -- Ramiele digs into another Filipino stand-by this week: Karaoke. When you hear the judges criticize karaoke performances, this is what they mean. She's just up there mouthing the words, staying in tune, bopping around looking like she's trying to make her good time appear infectious. There's nothing of her personality or tone to the performance, which there was last week.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: It was only OK for Randy, who wonders why she didn't pick a doper record. Paula would like to cook Ramiele in a red wine reduction with seasonal vegetables and serve her at a dinner party, so that all of her friends can appreciate her fine flavors, but this week she doesn't feel like Ramiele got to perform her magic. Simon compares it to a ghastly wedding performance. He says Ramiele's still one of the top two or three female vocalists.
Singer: KRISTY LEE COOK
Song: "You're No Good"
My Take: After looking wan and tired last week and sounding that way too, Kristy looks great this week. But why do I feel nothing coming from her performance? The song is supposed to be scolding and scalding and Kristy just smiles and shakes. I may be wrong, but I recall a stern power to the Linda Ronstadt arrangement of the song that Kristy seems to be doing. Did I mention Kristy looks super? Because she does, in her tight, shimmery silver top.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy says it was a 100 percent improvement, but he's still waiting for her breakout moment. Paula, also relieved at Kristy's return to form, would like to stretch her out on a medieval rack, so that in addition to singing, she can also compete in the WNBA. Simon doesn't know how to label Kristy, but that she has real potential. He advises her to go more clearly in a country direction.
Singer: AMANDA OVERMYER
Song: "Carry on my Wayward Son"
My Take: Oh Amanda, Amanda, Amanda. You know I'm fan. A big fan. I've totally gotten you when other people have been confused by your appeal. But, um, Kansas might have been more difficult than you expected. The verses were too big for you and the chorus wasn't big enough. Only at the end did Amanda sound like she was putting her own stamp on the song. And while the swept-back Bride of Frankenstein hair exposes that Amanda's a very pretty girl -- far prettier than her slathering of make-up and poor styling have indicated previously -- on its own, it's a bit freakish. How could nothing from the Grace Slick catalogue have been available for Amanda to let loose on? On the other hand, Amanda's love of books would go great with David Cook's love of words. I can imagine things ending with Syesha's creepy baby impression.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy thinks there was too much melody and there were too many instrumental break. Paula can't even bring herself to wish ill on Amanda, which is a bad thing. Paula only wants good things for Amanda. Shudder. Kiss of death. "If you want the popular vote, you're not going to get it doing that," Simon warns.
Singer: ALAINA WHITAKER
Song: "Hopelessly Devoted"
My Take: Let's see, I guess a song from a '70s musical about the '50s counts for tonight's theme. If you're an obsessive compulsive cheater. Alaina would have done pretty well on the NBC reality show that cast Grease! last year, even though she doesn't really have a Broadway caliber voice, which becomes clear at the end (and several places in the middle). Alaina definitely conveys the Sandy vibe, but when I'm watching Grease (which doesn't happen often), I usually hate Sandy when she gets to "Hopelessly Devoted" and I just wait patiently til she becomes the "You're the One That I Want" bad-girl. Maybe Alaina will go that direction next week?
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy doesn't know and thought it was a bit too pitchy. Paula thinks Alaina did a very good job. Paula would like to cover Alaina with honey and let loose a swarm of ants, so that they too can appreciate her sweetness. Simon suggests that his grandmother must have prepared her for the audition. He thought it was too pageantry, but he calls her a dark horse, saying her likes her more now that a couple weeks ago.
Singer: ALEXANDREA LUSHINGTON
Song: "If You Leave Me Now"
My Take: Will Alexandrea become the first American Idol contestant ever done in by cargo shorts? Coupled with a song choice that leaves Alexandrea unable to show off her irrepressible personality, the cargo shorts are damning. Couldn't they have at least arranged the song so that it could have a rhythm that would have made her more comfortable? She sings every verse like she's waiting for it to pick up. She comes in early sometimes and late on other verses and the notes are just off as well.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: She knows she blew it, which is very sad to see. Randy thinks this was too safe for her. Paula thinks she made it her own. She'd like to lock Alexandrea up in Guantanamo Bay to teach the terrorists about the wonders of being an American. Simon was a fan earlier, but he thinks she's stumbling now.
Singer: KADY MALLOY
Song: "Magic Man"
My Take: Kady can do many impressions, but she can't really do Heart. The song starts low and absolutely has to be enunciated up to the first chorus. With Kady, it's a breathy mumble and not the sort of breathy mumble that Britney or Shakira might have done. Kady's a pop tart -- she does pouty, sultry and substance-free at this point -- not a rocker chick and her difficulties with Heart make me think back fondly on Carly's show-opener. I would also like to take back my original comments about how the women have done better with song choices tonight. I was wrong.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy isn't feeling tonight's song choices. Randy thinks she never found the notes. For Paula, Kady only found the power notes. Paula would like to forcibly remove Kady's foot, so keep it with her forever as a sign of luck. Simon is frustrated because he loves Kady in the filmed bits, but no so much on stage. Simon really should know more about music history. "Magic Man" is a good song. He might like it.
Singer: ASIA'H EPPERSON
Song: "All By Myself"
My Take: A little Eric Carmen on American Idol? Nice. Eric Carmen's another underrated vocalist. I may need to go back and rewatch Asia'H's performance, which is characterized by a lot of shouting. Every once in a while I feel like Asia'H is right on the verge of knocking out a power note, only to think that she ended up yelling it and trying to smooth it out with vibrato. This isn't one of those unrealized performances that caused me pain, only disappointment. Asia'H looks amazing, though.
Jack, Chrissy and Simon Say: Randy says it was the night's highest degree of difficulty. It was like "Tada!" for Paula, but she'd like to wall Asia'H up in her wine cellar so that the sound of her voice can fill every brick of her house. Simon says that she almost got away with it, but the song got away from her. Simon says that you have to know your limitations, like Seacrest does.
TONIGHT'S BEST: This was not a very good night for the Idol women. I thought Carly was just OK at first, but by the end of the night, she'd floated to the top with Brooke. The night lacked a true breakout performance.
IN DANGER: If it were my choice, Amanda would be safe for a few weeks to come, but I think she could really be in trouble after a dud of a performance. I'd be hard-pressed to guess which of several not-so-worthy candidates might join her. Alexandrea, who I liked last week, was really bad this week, as were Ramiele and Kady. I think the latter two singers might have a bigger built-in fanbase. I'm not sure if I would be surprised to see any of the women in a bottom group.
Agree? Disagree? Sound off!
And check out all of our Idol coverage over at Zap2it's Guide to American Idol.
I thought that Ramiele did pretty well, but she could have chosen a much better song.. By the end, I too was thinking how nice Carly was in comparison. And, like you, I also noted that Alaina might have done well on the Grease show. Even linked to it's website from my blog...
Astrid | Feb 27, 2008 7:06:40 PM | #Heart rules, and I thought Carly did a good cover of Crazy On You. Brooke also did a pretty good job, as did Kristy.
Amanda's Kansas cover was brutal. I was cringing through the entire performance.
Kady's voice kept disappearing on the low notes.
Dan | Feb 27, 2008 7:26:46 PM | #Great recap! All those bits about Paula cracked me up!
But I really don't have any favourites from tonight. In fact, nothing spectacular really came of tonight. Or last night even.
Is it bad that I don't want Carly to win, despite the fact that she's very talented?
I don't know.. too much hype about her is irritating and gets on my nerves.
I suppose that makes me spiteful..
yes, that is bad...
Nicki | Feb 27, 2008 8:23:30 PM | #KLC is a pretty girl, but her outfit was horrendous! The velour pants? I mean, know it's 70s night, but...and the shirt screamed deep discount rack at Penny's or something. And weren't those chunky heel black boots? It's a disaster. Linda Ronstadt sang it sweet, too. Not as "stern" or "scalding" as you're, for some reason, remembering it.
| Feb 27, 2008 8:43:38 PM | #I think Kady and Alexandrea would be the 2 I would send out and I think they are definitely in danger along with Amanda. I think she made a mistake in thinking that the voting public listens to hair bands still. In fact I'd go so far as to say that most of the voting public has never even listened to hair bands at all in their lives. You can kindof tell that by the pop she got at the end of her song (i.e. there was basically just polite applause).
I also wanted to mention that when Brooke finished her song you could hear Simon mention to Paula (and Randy) that she kept looking over to him while she was singing the song. So surprise, surprise Randy and Paula then talked about that. I guess what I'm saying is that Simon basically told them to mention it during their comments and I suspect that happens quite frequently, but he usually won't be caught on his mike doing so.
Lastly, I want to talk about the profiles that they are showing. I know Nigel Lythgoe (one of the producers) talked about featuring the personalities of the contestants on the show more this year. He did so when talking about the changes b/w this year and last - i.e. going away from featuring the guest judges/mentors and featuring the performers. He talked about how they did such a good job of getting over the contestants personalities on So You Think You Can Dance (through the video packages)and would try to do so with Idol this year also. A HUGE difference though is that on SYTYCD, they showed video packages of the performers practicing and working out their routines; whereas, here on Idol they are contrived packs. They are trying to create personalities for the singers for the audience to get attached to rather than just showing them while they are practicing and working out their routines. That way they can just let their personalities come across naturally.
Rishi | Feb 27, 2008 8:56:33 PM | #Argh, what a long and pretty tedious show. Why are they forcing these awful theme nights on us already? And does anyone find it horrifying that Randy has mentioned twice how the '70s is his favorite decade for music? Yipes. I was a kid in the '70's, and I don't remember much of that awful tripe. I also found it pretty pathetic, again, that Simon has such a limited, limited, limited knowledge of American music. I've never listened to these rock groups (Heart, etc.), but even I certainly know "Magic Man".
I was most mortified by Amanda's performance. I find her interesting and, as Paula said, a really pretty girl despite the nightmare of her hair. I can't say I love her voice, but it is interesting and distinctive, and tonight she wasn't merely screaming. Still that awful hair (not just skunklike, but middle-aged skunk at that), dreadful outfit, and awful "dancing" made it painful to watch. I was happy when Simon he said that it all seemed rather phony and calculated - exactly what I'd just said aloud to myself.
Finally why are so many of these girls choosing songs with notes much lower than they can handle? It's not as if the song is changed at the last minute. They have a week to choose a song and rehearse it; you'd think if they couldn't achieve those low notes, they'd have the good sense not to try. Yipes.
Isembard | Feb 27, 2008 9:29:14 PM | #I'm pretty much a fan of Amanda no matter what she does, so I hope she pulls through this round. She actually has a personality!
It was a pretty rough week for the women. David A. is a tough act to follow, though. He ended Tuesday's show with a decidedly amazing performance. This is the first season in a while that I can remember the men actually being stronger than the women. It will be interesting to see what happens when they combine the genders in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, I hope Amanda lives to sing another day!
Cat | Feb 27, 2008 10:04:35 PM | #To me the Stand Out performance of the week was definitely Brooke White.
It sort of established her as cool which she missed in the song last week. I would buy that cover. The guitar was Cool. And I think the guitar was what distinguished her from Carly Simon. Even the judges commented the guitar was the right choice and they hate instruments. I would even argue that if she did it without the guitar it may have came out badly.
She stole the week and I think is a possible contender.
Right now I'd say Castro and Brooke have best chance at successful career post Idol and Dave A has best chance to win Idol.
ANd I completely agree that Magic Man is a great song. SImon should be ashamed to not know it.
Carly was really good too.
I think Alexaundrea will go home.
And I tend to agree that Amanda is in deep trouble after that appearance. A missed oppurtunity to do Grace Slick. White Rabbit anyone? And that hair? Wow. I like her and hope she makes at least one more week but if she was in the bottom three last week ( I'm not sure if she was ) then that couldn't have helped.
Jason | Feb 27, 2008 11:02:31 PM | #So Paula = Jigsaw. Got it.
Anyway, I agree there wasn't really a standout performance tonight. I wish Amanda could stay, cause she's edgy, but this show typically rewards the pop tarts so I won't be surprised when she gets voted off.
I think the best performance tonight was Asia'h, even though she kinda forced it too much.
Sean | Feb 27, 2008 11:51:22 PM | #Another fab review Daniel; I was chuckling throughout... although I was cringing through tonight's performances. Only Brooke and the horse girl stood out, and they were just alright. So many awful, awful song choices and performances. And sorry, I just don't get Carly's appeal. She doesn't do anything for me, and I can't stand to watch her sing... she gives off such a negative vibe to me. It's weird... watching them get down to the top 24, I was really excited, thinking everyone was really good...now I just can't believe how bad some of them are. Sorry Daniel, but Amanda was terrible, that hair alone will get her booted. I was hoping she would try something different for a change. I felt like she really just gave up tonight. Is it too late for them to exchange some of the bootees with some of the ones that didn't make the top 24? Wildcards! Bring back the wildcards!
Walt | Feb 27, 2008 11:51:25 PM | #The Paula comments were brilliant. I was laughing so hard at them that i started o cry. Well done!
JT | Feb 27, 2008 11:55:50 PM | #Daniel, I agree with you on Amanda, there are a number of 70's singers that her voice would be suited to as you mentioned Grace Slick. Also what about Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks and even Susie Quatro (although little known a very similar voice).
I did enjoy Brook this week although something about her bothers me.
Kady is a great impressionist but not that great a singer on her own.
darrpub | Feb 28, 2008 12:42:25 AM | #I SERIOUSLY loved those Paula Abdul comments. That is some funny stuff. Keep it up!
Marc | Feb 28, 2008 12:44:25 AM | #Amanda could have been sent home and should have been sent home in week 1. Her whole shtick is really getting old.
Alaina can go home, she's basically just a filler person with not a whole lot of talent there.
I also can't stand Brooke. She's strange and her voice isn't all that much to like. I say send her home. Her performance was lame, as if she was just singing along to that song as it played over the radio or something.
Koko | Feb 28, 2008 4:17:42 AM | #I keep switching songs in my head - what if Ramiele had sung "If You Leave Me Now"? What if Amanda had sung "You're So Vain"? What if Asia'h had sung "You're No Good"? Might have been a better night. The one that sticks in my head is Alaina, just because I don't like the song, I don't like Grease and I was never a fan of Olivia Newton-John, but I liked hearing it last night. Who will go home? I think Amanda may have pushed the curiosity contingent too far last night. And I also don't get the Carly thing - her voice is thin and whiny - she's got no power or resonance to fill out those big notes. And Brooke's not my thing, tho the judges seem to love her.
Barb L | Feb 28, 2008 4:30:22 AM | #Nice shout out to Heart. Having seen them several times live, it really is amazing how good Ann Wilson's voice is. She's truly one of the best singers in the buisness.
sac | Feb 28, 2008 5:14:21 AM | #The final 6 still standing will be all guys. Stay tuned!
Texasgirl | Feb 28, 2008 5:48:34 AM | #Loved the fact that two Heart songs were chosen!! Also love the fact that no one can touch Ann Wilson in the vocals department. Crazy On You was good but Magic Man was really, really bad.
Kevin L | Feb 28, 2008 6:20:41 AM | #You know I was thinking. Simon should really be required to listen to the original versions of songs before judging the performances.
I mean if he's going to compare some to the originals he should know all the originals. He gets paid enough how about an hour's research before every show.
Already he has not know Baby Please Don't Go and Magic Man this year. And that's only the ones he's mentioned not knowing.
Jason | Feb 28, 2008 6:47:11 AM | #Oh Dan, I just want to wrap you up in pink celophane, bring you home with me and nibble on you slowly each night while we watch American Idol together!
Sue | Feb 28, 2008 7:34:40 AM | #Love all the Paula comments Daniel!! Best yet!!
Ray | Feb 28, 2008 7:41:44 AM | #I agree...very lackluster night. There was no one I'd get off the couch to vote for. The guys really outshine these gals.
Kate 2 | Feb 28, 2008 7:56:51 AM | #And what was the deal of the scarves during the filmed bits? Did they fly the girls to Minnesota to film those?
Debby | Feb 28, 2008 8:21:21 AM | #Brooke White shone last night. I like her the best because it proves that you don't have to belt out High C notes in order to be a good singer. She is great with the guitar, and piano, like a true Carly Simonesque artist. Damn, i wish i voted last night.
Kady is horrible! Can't hear any verses, and yes, better doing her Rich Little-like impressions, than being a true artist.
Why is Alexandrea considered one of Randy's favorite contestants of all time? Am i missing something with the flat notes?
Remember when Latoya London sang "All By Myself" on Season 3, now that is a diva!!
I really like Brooke. Yes, she has a softer voice but the song worked for her. I like Amanda, but I have to agree I think she's done. I'd much rather see Kady go home. There's just something about her that bothers me. Last week when she didn't realize the camera was on her she was making the most horrible faces and as soon as she realized she was being tape she turned on that fake smile. Both of her performances have been pretty dull.
Nel | Feb 28, 2008 9:45:45 AM | #
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