'American Idol': Shania Twain songs great for the men, not so much for the women
The Top 6 "American Idol" finalists took the stage for country week but this time were limited to only Shania Twain songs? How did they fare?Really well, surprisingly. Not to knock Shania Twain because we really like her as an artist, but we weren't sure how the largely-male Top 6 would be able to adapt her pieces. Color us foolish for assuming the men would struggle. They actually did better than either of the women. We apologize to Ms. Twain.
Here is our list from best to worst:
No. 1 Casey James, "Don't"
Best Casey performance of the entire competition. This was the perfect song choice for him because, unlike "Jealous Guy," it sounds completely current. Not knocking that performance, mind you, but it was his other really good one, so we are comparing the two. The only quibble is that his vibrato gets just a tad goat-y at times, he needs to watch out for that. But that's a minor problem on an otherwise excellent performance.
No. 2 Lee Dewyze, "You're Still the One"
We were initially surprised he chose this one because it's kind of a schmaltzy girlie song, but after he was done we wrote, "Totally unrecognizable as a Shania number" and we mean that 100% as a compliment. The only problem is he couldn't quiiiiite reach some of those high notes on "love" and "of." Maybe they should've dropped it down a key or two? But it sounded like a Lee hit, not a cover of a Shania song and that's about all you can ask from a contestant on a show that consists of performing covers every week.
No. 3 Michael Lynche, "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing"
If you like what Big Mike does, you loved this. If you don't, it was another boring R&B ballad that put you to sleep. But we can't fault Michael for knowing exactly what type of artist he is and is going to be when he records an album. He took a Shania song and made it sound like a current R&B ballad and it was pitch-perfect, except for that one weird falsetto "ahhhhh" moment. That was a little cat-like, but other than that, very typical Michael.
No. 4 Aaron Kelly, "You Got a Way"
This wasn't as good as the above three because it's a boring song and the performance matched. However, pitch-wise (which we always get on Aaron for because he's off pitch a lot), this was good for Aaron and the ending was nice. But he loses points for changing the lyric to "show love" from "make love." More on that later.
No. 5 Siobhan Magnus, "Any Man of Mine"
We don't agree with anyone choosing one of Shania's pop-country women power songs. They're too iconic and also a bit cheesy. Siobhan starts off really weak on this, breathy and weird. Then the song kicks up the tempo and it improves, but it's also like the song gets a away from her a little, like if you closed your eyes you would actually see her chasing the song. The ending with her patented shriek and big notes is fabulous, but we don't know if we'd agree with Kara that Siobhan is suddenly "back."
No. 6 Crystal Bowersox, "No One Needs to Know"
Worst Crystal performance so far. Simon's critique that it sounds like a coffeehouse performance was spot-on. This is one of Shania's songs that demands a big diva voice like Shania has, not a crunchy acoustic voice like Crystal's. The higher register stuff where Shania just floats, Crystal totally flubbed. Don't get us wrong -- love Crystal. Yay Crystal. But this week was not very good, simple as that. The judges said it too, while still trying to say "Vote for Crystal. Please."
Who goes home?
We have no idea. Crystal is safe because she's Crystal, but the men were all really strong. Does Siobhan slip through the cracks? Probably not with the judges being so complimentary. So really ... could be anybody. We'll throw our money on Big Mike being forgettable on his standard R&B ballad and performing right in the middle.
Thoughts & Tidbits
- In re: Aaron's lyric change. It's fine that he was singing it to his mom, but it's amateur hour to change lyrics like that. We also hate it when men and women change pronouns in songs so they don't sound "gay." Oh no, "make love" or lyrics that sound like you love your own gender! Horror! Can't we all just be adults and sing the song the way it was written?
- Shania's mentor outfit -- sparkly top, suit coat, cargo pants and fierce stilettos. We are totally coveting it.
- Guess what we aren't coveting? Siobhan looking like she's "Desperately Seeking Susan" by way of Maria Von Trapp's drapes.
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Okay, first of all, as much as I loved Shania back in the day, Her songs are average. No big power notes or anything just cute song lyrics. I thought that Lee rocked with his version. Really tired of Mike sounding the same week in and out. Comparing him to Luther--Please??? I still think that it will come down to a Crystal vs. Lee finale.
My three favorite contestants, Crystal, Siobhan, & Lee gave the three worst performances last night. I'm so disappointed.
Ive been on a different page for most of these recaps but never like today - i just dont get Caseys appeal. Sure hes a nice guy but i never remember what he sang the next day - leaves me cold and i would put him 5th or 6th overall. My rankings would be -
Siobhan
Aaron
Lee
Crystal
Michael and Casey
I was in the other room when Lee performed and from that distance I was like"who is that awful voice". He really was way off key and totally thrashed the song. And I am a fan of his.
Siobhan, another one, who has a niche, but I think she is definitely not "Idol" worthy. Aaron too is "okay", but he has some growing to do. He was in his genre, so I expected a descent performance from him. Mike was good, but he hasn't "mixed it up" and I don't think he's "Idol" worthy really either. Crystal and Casey have been pretty strong throughout the competition.After Casey's performance last night, I think he'll go on to big things. He definitely showed he has the talent.
I thought Lee was off a bit, too, and his mouth was doing a weird side thing I don't recall seeing before.
I wasn't really wowed by any of the performances. I think it's Aaron's time to go, but after that it's really anybody's game.
Rankings from best to worst:
1. Casey
2. Aaron
3. Mike
4. Lee
5. Crystal
6. Siobhan
Both girls were absolutely brutal and were miles behind the guys. As for power notes Mr. G, Shania does have some power songs (From This Moment, You're Still the One, Forever and For Always, The Woman in Me, etc.), however the contestants didn't pick them (which was smart) and if they did, they sang much lower notes (Lee). And did anyone else notice Shania's thick Canadian accent during the interviews? This is the first time ever that I've noticed it.
I really don't get the fascination with Siobhan. She's very uneven in her singing and her performances are always pageanty. She has to go. Mike was only ok, as he always is. He should be next. Aaron was just ok too. He's just not ready yet, even though he has talent. Crystal is always awesome, but she just didn't do it this week. One dud is allowed though. The big winners were Lee and especially Casey. Great contemporary interpretations of Shania's already great songs! I'm bummed she won't be performing on the results show.
I don't think Aaron changed those lyrics so as not to sound gay. I think he changed them because he's only 16-17 years old.
Count me as one who doesn't get what's wrong with changing lyrics. It's not about being "adult", it's about connecting with the song and making it fit you. That being said, I didn't like the way Aaron changed You've got a Way. It's not a boring song, it's just a simple, honest love song that doesn't really work on a show like AI. But he at least tried to make it fit him.
Totally disagree about the lyric change. I was actually glad that Aaron switched it up. Part of performing a song and connecting with the audience is being able to relate to it and make it sound believable, and I don't think he would have been able to pull off the "make love" part. Same thing for changing gender pronouns. If Big Mike sang a song about loving a dude, it just wouldn't be believable. (I wouldn't mind if Lee sang it that way though...it would give me some hope!) As for the night's performances, I thought Casey and Lee were tops as well. Aaron was surprisingly good (I was shocked he didn't choose "From This Moment On" though) and Crystal didn't measure to previous performances, but I still enjoyed her. I thought Siobahn was a mess (she doesn't have the stage presence to pull off a performance like that) and Big Mike turned a simple, heartbreaking song into a over-melismatic mess. He's my pick to go home tonight.