Oh well, better than last week

[AbsentElement]

While I was helping my wife cook dinner tonight, she had me pour a cup of rice into a boiling hot pot of water, lower the heat, and cover. I thought to myself, "This is exactly what's happened to my favorite show." It's as if someone adjusted the heat to simmer and put a lid on the show. What happened to the days of Katharine's 'Think', Chris' 'Walk the Line', Taylor's 'Takin it to the Streets'? This week's show was improved over last week, but then again, it seems like the only way left to go was up.

Taylor may have finally seen his demise after his rendition of 'Country Roads'. He seems to have lost some of his luster. It's great that someone wanted to include John Denver (I don't think it's been done before), and no doubt it was a hit back in the day, but this type of song won't stand up to today's country favorites in this particular competition.

Song selection: D
Performance: B-

Mandisa was completely out of her element tonight and it showed. In another thread I mentioned that (in agreement with Stevie Wonder) I thought she could sing anything. 'Any man of Mine' was definitely the wrong song choice for her. Out of all the country music available to her, I wonder why she didn't go with something that would really showcase her vocals, like Wynonna or Martina McBride. I know Simon said he thought her performance the week before last was 'sexy,' but really, she's not Shania.

Song selection: D-
Performance: C

Elliott continues to impress me more each week. I wouldn't have picked Garth Brooks for him, but 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' actually worked out quite nicely for him, and he was able to inject some of his own soulful flavor into it quite tastefully. I'm going to have to really re-think my bottom three fantasy picks this week. Elliott's hard work is beginning to show, and he's demonstrating that he really can sing just about anything. His hard work will be rewarded whether or not he wins AI5.

Song selection: A-
Performance: A

Paris was a whole new Paris tonight. She looked more mature and down to earth and it worked fabulously for her. I noticed the 'helium' voice that some people refer to was absent this time too. I absolutely would have picked LeAnn Rimes (I prefer LeAnn's version of "How do I Live" to Trisha Yearwood's) for her (in fact, I think I did), and I was impressed by how well she performed it. I thought the key was maybe a step or half-step too low for her, but she still pulled it off.

Song selection: A+
Performance: A

Ace finally found a way to subdue the nerves. To me, he appeared more confident. But for me, Keith Urban was probably a little out of his league. Ace had some big problems with his pitch in a few places, which can really do a lot of damage when you're covering Country Music's Entertainer of the Year. And he can't seem to get unstuck from this 'I'm going to seduce you with a ballad and piercing gaze' type of mentality. As I said before, you have to get the girl's attention before you can seduce her. 'Tonight I want to cry' just didn't work for me.

Song selection: C+
Performance: B-

Kellie looked HOT tonight. Thank God she's going easier on the makeup now. And that red satin camisole, whew, man! I haven't been a big fan of hers so far, but I might have to jump on the "Pick Pickler" bandwagon tonight. I didn't even think of her singing something like Reba's 'Fancy', but it sure worked great for her. They both have that same strong accent, and the same style of voice (did I just compare Kellie Pickler to Reba?). And her vocals were actually pretty good tonight. Absolutely her best performance, vocally, thus far. There were just a couple of bugs that still bit me. The dancing eyebrows are a little distracting, and her stage movements seem a little awkward and forced. Other than that...

Song selection: A+
Performance: A

Chris actually sat down on a stool tonight and showed the world that he can do more than belt out hard rock. Again, though, when you take on someone with talent like Keith Urban, you have the potential to really set yourself up for failure. Chris, like Ace, had some pitch issues, but I think overall, he did a better job with 'Making Memories of Us.' And Keith Urban is part rocker too (and if you didn't know, he's a phenominal guitar player), so he's a little more up Chris' alley than Ace's. It was a nice change for Chris and still a relatively solid performance.

Song selection: C+
Performance: B+

Katharine sang a song I'd never heard before. Someone help me out here... 'You bring out the Elvis in Me' by.... But it didn't matter. She was hot, she was sexy in song and movement, and she made all of the other girls look just plain ordinary, with her amazing vocals. Personally, I love it when she really gets into it and adds that 'sassy' flavor to her vocals.

Song selection: A
Performance: A+

Bucky, like Elliott, still continues to improve. Not that I'm comparing the two. Vocally, Elliott is far superior. I don't think I would have necessarily picked Gary Allen for him, especially 'Not So Bad.' I think most people have it right, Travis Tritt's 'T-R-O-U-B-L-E' would have been a better choice. But to my surprise, and delight, Bucky actually churned out an impressive vocal performance.

Song selection: B-
Performance: B+

If every viewer gave every contestant a clean slate every week before voting, I'd say that Taylor, Mandisa, and Ace would be in the bottom three and Taylor or Mandisa would be going home. But considering all other performances, I think it's still going to be Ace that watches next week's episode from home.

[Idoleyes]

While I was helping my wife cook dinner tonight, she had me pour a cup of rice into a boiling hot pot of water, lower the heat, and cover. I thought to myself, "This is exactly what's happened to my favorite show." It's as if someone adjusted the heat to simmer and put a lid on the show. What happened to the days of Katharine's 'Think', Chris' 'Walk the Line', Taylor's 'Takin it to the Streets'? This week's show was improved over last week, but then again, it seems like the only way left to go was up.

Taylor may have finally seen his demise after his rendition of 'Country Roads'. He seems to have lost some of his luster. It's great that someone wanted to include John Denver (I don't think it's been done before), and no doubt it was a hit back in the day, but this type of song won't stand up to today's country favorites in this particular competition.

Song selection: D
Performance: B-

Mandisa was completely out of her element tonight and it showed. In another thread I mentioned that (in agreement with Stevie Wonder) I thought she could sing anything. 'Any man of Mine' was definitely the wrong song choice for her. Out of all the country music available to her, I wonder why she didn't go with something that would really showcase her vocals, like Wynonna or Martina McBride. I know Simon said he thought her performance the week before last was 'sexy,' but really, she's not Shania.

Song selection: D-
Performance: C

Elliott continues to impress me more each week. I wouldn't have picked Garth Brooks for him, but 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' actually worked out quite nicely for him, and he was able to inject some of his own soulful flavor into it quite tastefully. I'm going to have to really re-think my bottom three fantasy picks this week. Elliott's hard work is beginning to show, and he's demonstrating that he really can sing just about anything. His hard work will be rewarded whether or not he wins AI5.

Song selection: A-
Performance: A

Paris was a whole new Paris tonight. She looked more mature and down to earth and it worked fabulously for her. I noticed the 'helium' voice that some people refer to was absent this time too. I absolutely would have picked LeAnn Rimes (I prefer LeAnn's version of "How do I Live" to Trisha Yearwood's) for her (in fact, I think I did), and I was impressed by how well she performed it. I thought the key was maybe a step or half-step too low for her, but she still pulled it off.

Song selection: A+
Performance: A

Ace finally found a way to subdue the nerves. To me, he appeared more confident. But for me, Keith Urban was probably a little out of his league. Ace had some big problems with his pitch in a few places, which can really do a lot of damage when you're covering Country Music's Entertainer of the Year. And he can't seem to get unstuck from this 'I'm going to seduce you with a ballad and piercing gaze' type of mentality. As I said before, you have to get the girl's attention before you can seduce her. 'Tonight I want to cry' just didn't work for me.

Song selection: C+
Performance: B-

Kellie looked HOT tonight. Thank God she's going easier on the makeup now. And that red satin camisole, whew, man! I haven't been a big fan of hers so far, but I might have to jump on the "Pick Pickler" bandwagon tonight. I didn't even think of her singing something like Reba's 'Fancy', but it sure worked great for her. They both have that same strong accent, and the same style of voice (did I just compare Kellie Pickler to Reba?). And her vocals were actually pretty good tonight. Absolutely her best performance, vocally, thus far. There were just a couple of bugs that still bit me. The dancing eyebrows are a little distracting, and her stage movements seem a little awkward and forced. Other than that...

Song selection: A+
Performance: A

Chris actually sat down on a stool tonight and showed the world that he can do more than belt out hard rock. Again, though, when you take on someone with talent like Keith Urban, you have the potential to really set yourself up for failure. Chris, like Ace, had some pitch issues, but I think overall, he did a better job with 'Making Memories of Us.' And Keith Urban is part rocker too (and if you didn't know, he's a phenominal guitar player), so he's a little more up Chris' alley than Ace's. It was a nice change for Chris and still a relatively solid performance.

Song selection: C+
Performance: B+

Katharine sang a song I'd never heard before. Someone help me out here... 'You bring out the Elvis in Me' by.... But it didn't matter. She was hot, she was sexy in song and movement, and she made all of the other girls look just plain ordinary, with her amazing vocals. Personally, I love it when she really gets into it and adds that 'sassy' flavor to her vocals.

Song selection: A
Performance: A+

Bucky, like Elliott, still continues to improve. Not that I'm comparing the two. Vocally, Elliott is far superior. I don't think I would have necessarily picked Gary Allen for him, especially 'Not So Bad.' I think most people have it right, Travis Tritt's 'T-R-O-U-B-L-E' would have been a better choice. But to my surprise, and delight, Bucky actually churned out an impressive vocal performance.

Song selection: B-
Performance: B+

If every viewer gave every contestant a clean slate every week before voting, I'd say that Taylor, Mandisa, and Ace would be in the bottom three and Taylor or Mandisa would be going home. But considering all other performances, I think it's still going to be Ace that watches next week's episode from home.

Great review of the show.

Kellie - was definitely HOT and I think her mini-interview with Seacrest may help her dispel some doubt as to how authentic her naivety is (I personally think it is more real than contrived). Her performance showed a slightly more powerful vocal delivery than some of her past performances.

Katharine – she gets a lot a flack from people who regard her as arrogant or aloof…but I think she’s amazing in looks, vocal ability, and delivery.

Elliot - I always knew he had a good voice, but in previous shows somehow his timing of vocals to the music seemed to be a little ‘off’, and although I always liked his quiet, unassuming nature, his ‘look’ (ears, teeth, hair, clothes) was a detraction/distraction for me – I know it’s a singing competition, but physical appearance does conscientiously or subconscientiously impact my impression of a performance. Anyway, this week he actually looked much better (to me) and he did a good vocal, although I don’t know how deep his fan support is, and I fear, despite his ability, he might be gone before some of the others with much less raw talent.

Ace – I agree he did a little better vocally and I'm glad he didn’t hit us with that ‘Zoolander’ gaze of his…If he wanted to do Keith Urban, I think he would have done a better job with a more upbeat song like Somebody Like You…

Chris – was smart to demonstrate a more subdued and softer side – now he can go back to his hard edge style having proved he has more versatility.

Bucky – did an O.K. job…I agree Tritt’s TROUBLE would have been a better choice, I think he should survive based on that performance though.

Mandisa – really took a ‘hit’ in terms of the aura that surrounded her up to this point…. really looked out of her element…on the brink of going home in my opinion.

Paris – a credible vocal job…her ‘talking voice’, general appearance and performance delivery always seemed ‘over the top’ to me…but she toned-down her appearance and performance, and magically lost the annoying ‘squeeky’ voice…obviously getting strategic coaching…still don’t think she’ll survive to the top three…

Taylor - What a major disappointment – what was he thinking…that was his worst, most uninspired and ‘watery’ performance yet…I always regarded him as a top 3 contestant, but he really should go back to the style that he started the show with…less concerned about how he looks/moves and more focus on delivering a solid vocal…if he gets an opportunity to continue (and I think he will) he’s got to remind the viewers how talented a singer he is. I think he’s been saving ‘Georgia’ for a more opportune time in the show…but that time might be now.

Bottom 3 – if based solely on show’s performance – Taylor, Mandisa, and maybe Ace

Bottom 3 – if based on fan base support – Ace, Paris, and Mandisa

Bottom 3 – if based on producers ‘tinkering’ with vote results – Mandisa, Paris and either Taylor or Elliot (to add shock value and do something to invigorate ratings/interest from an otherwise forgettable show).

If I had to guess who goes home – probably Mandisa or Ace.

Final thought – what’s up with Kenny Rogers – where did he buy that face…his eyes are 12 inches further back than they use to be…also, I get a feeling that his direction and mentoring in preparing the contestants was not as strong as that provided by Stevie Wonder and Barry Manilow…of course I wasn’t there…it’s just an impression…

[LAUMALJOR3]

I agree that Mandissa will be in the bottom three, but Taylor was equally as awful.
I would love to see Elliott, Kellie and Paris in the final three

[idolsmidol]

You are right this week's show was better than last week. I really think that the contestants perform better when they have a celebrity coach, but Kenny Rogers didn't give the in-depth feedback that other coaches have (or it was edited from cuts we saw).

Taylor--Never moved from behind the mic. Where is the guy who moved so wonderfully spastic, filled with energy and passion for music? The spirit of Joe Cocker has died. This "cleaned up" version of Taylor has sucked everything interesting out of him and turned him into plain ordinary. Nothing special. His singing this week was weak. I never would've dreamed from early looks at Taylor that I would ever say this, but last night he was almost boring. Although he has an incredible fan base and this is just one lackluster performance, he could be in the bottom three this week..
Song Selection--C
Performance--C

Mandisa--I was most disappointed by her performance. To have seen what she is capable of doing vocally, and to watch her last night was painful. She is a strong candidate for the bottom three this week.
Song Selection--D
Performance--D

Elliott--Brought it last night!! He was singing outside of his comfort zone, he took a chance performing a song everyone that listens to country music would recognize and he made it his by adding some soulful licks. He is one contestant that continues to improve each week. He is definitely safe this week.
Song selection: A
Performance: A+

Paris--also brought it last night. Again this was someone that I thought would struggle with the country theme, but she dressed, sang, and performed it all. I also thought it the key was low, but she may be trying to combat the helium jokes on the web. and she is definitely safe this week.
Song selection: A
Performance: A

Ace--really improved his performance this week. He chose a song that he could make his own and he didn't look terrified singing it. He had a much more confident stage presence. I thought it was a great song choice for him and he sang it well. Also, his early Idol charisma was back last night. The female fan base will keep him safe this week.
Song selection: A
Performance: B+

Kellie--I expected more. She should have rocked the house because this was her genre--I agree that she looked really good, but Fancy was a safe selection to make. Nothing outstanding is required to sing the song although I thought midway through that edginess she added was good. I also thought the eyebrow jumping throughout the song was weird and distracting. She performed well, but still looked a bit mechanical.
Song selection: B
Performance: B

Chris-- I was very impressed with Chris last night. He was simply great. When he sang he showcased his vocal range and his ability to tell a story. I thought it was as impressive as when BoBice sanf acapella last year. He took the challenge of country and he sang it like a someone who gets country music. Excellent rendition--definitely safe. I think he and Katherine were the overall best last night and are the final 2 contestants for American Idol.
Song selection: A
Performance: A+

Katharine looked absolutely fantastic last night. I am glad that Kellie performed before her, because when Katharine stepped out on the stage you forgot about Kellie. She was HOT! She showed her chops again by infusing some bluesy notes into her song choice and she gave the best stage performance. There were no nerves as she performed, she owned the stage. She becomes more and more every week an American Idol. I enjoyed her performance the most (a tie with Chris for best this week). Definitely safe this week.
Song selection: A
Performance: A+

Bucky--I'm beginning to wonder if Bucky considers himself a country singer. I think he would like to be considered Southern Rock. His song choice is currently being played on alternative rock stations (can't remember artist that is covering it) but I thought Bucky's performance was one step above Mandisa's performance. I will expect to see him in the bottom three.
Song selection: C
Performance: C

[froggiegurl]

i really think that katharine wont be in the bottom three tonight. i voted for her thirty five times last night just so that she wont be in the bottom 3 again. i think that ace did really well this week. that song was a good choice for him. kellie really did good this week (cant believe im sayin this). i think she covered fancy really well. chris did suprisingly well last night too.

[cloie4me]

I know the song that kellie sang and even thought it was a good pick for her voice, she cut out the best singing parts of the song. She cut that song so bad I saw blood running out of my tv.

Katharine reminded me of why I dislike her so much, and she needs to be carefull, others are seeing it as well.

[Boombatty]

Elliott was horrible.....he sings everything the same,,,,,no feeling or connection with the song....he's just a guy with a good tone to his voice too bad he doesn't really know how to use it
His days are numbered. bottom 3 tonight Mandesa Elliott and Taylor (even though I like Taylor).....Ace should have already been gone weeks ago...

[K Johns]

[QUOTE=idolsmidol]You are right this week's show was better than last week. I really think that the contestants perform better when they have a celebrity coach, but Kenny Rogers didn't give the in-depth feedback that other coaches have (or it was edited from cuts we saw).

Taylor--Never moved from behind the mic. Where is the guy who moved so wonderfully spastic, filled with energy and passion for music? The spirit of Joe Cocker has died. This "cleaned up" version of Taylor has sucked everything interesting out of him and turned him into plain ordinary. Nothing special. His singing this week was weak. I never would've dreamed from early looks at Taylor that I would ever say this, but last night he was almost boring. Although he has an incredible fan base and this is just one lackluster performance, he could be in the bottom three this week..
Song Selection--C
Performance--C

Mandisa--I was most disappointed by her performance. To have seen what she is capable of doing vocally, and to watch her last night was painful. She is a strong candidate for the bottom three this week.
Song Selection--D
Performance--D

Elliott--Brought it last night!! He was singing outside of his comfort zone, he took a chance performing a song everyone that listens to country music would recognize and he made it his by adding some soulful licks. He is one contestant that continues to improve each week. He is definitely safe this week.
Song selection: A
Performance: A+

Paris--also brought it last night. Again this was someone that I thought would struggle with the country theme, but she dressed, sang, and performed it all. I also thought it the key was low, but she may be trying to combat the helium jokes on the web. and she is definitely safe this week.
Song selection: A

[K Johns]

The last two Idol shows were extremely boring, they seem to rush through the entire show. The country theme show has got to go, it was painful to watch although Elliott was fantastic, that guy has always been good, but he was fantastic last night. Ace was great too, you could actually hear him sing. Catherine was beautiful and sounded great.

[Kristi_M]

Taylor was lazy!!! How long did he rehearse Country Roads, 15 minutes?? I felt that was a pretty arrogant thing to do. All he has to do is "show up" not forget any of words, and he gets mega-votes?
Normally, I am a Taylor fan, but his attitude and performance last nite did not impress!

[AIdolfan]

You know, Paris is not my favorite, but last night I actually enjoyed her. Her look and her persona were much more palitable. Someone must have had a talk with her.

Absent, I agree with your review except for Elliott. As great as his voice may be, he just doesn't connect with me.

.... my husband has never ever had the desire to vote. Last night I couldn't get the phone away from him. He's voting for Chris. Chris really is magical. I'm always kinda sad to see someone with such talent waste it on hard rock. I really hope he does more cross-over stuff. He's headed for stardom, no doubt here.

Poor Taylor... man, he was totally out of his element. I sure hope his fan base voted for him!

[ms_suzyq_2u]

Taylor was lazy!!! How long did he rehearse Country Roads, 15 minutes?? I felt that was a pretty arrogant thing to do. All he has to do is "show up" not forget any of words, and he gets mega-votes?
Normally, I am a Taylor fan, but his attitude and performance last nite did not impress!

I completely agree, Kristi!

As soon as it got to be Simon's turn he said EXACTLY what I was thinking! It did sound like he just got that song 15 minutes ago and didn't rehearse. I really hope Taylor pulls his head out his (another name for donkey) and shows us the Taylor we love!

This is very reminiscent of the last moments of Constantine.

[idolsmidol]

:p Cloie you do have a way with owrds. LOL

[idolsmidol]

words, words. Why won't my fingers work right?

[rayrobb]

What a disappointing week for Idol....Let me be clear here I LOVE AMERICAN IDOL, but I have been sorely let dowm by the last two weeks of performances. This year started with me saying that this was the best group of finalist ever......Now they are showing serious signs of mediocrity......Taylor picked the worse song possible for his vocal style....it muted his voice and personality.....Mandisa also picked the wrong song....I love her voice but I am uncomfortable with her trying to be sexy when she is wearing a pair of Blue Jeans that would clothe a third world country...I have nothing against a big woman....But the stylist would be doing her a favor if they used some camaflouge tips...Elliott has been high on my list from the beginning but I don't think he did justice to Garth.....It seemed like Elliott was very nervous with the country theme and it showed in his voice........I didn't like the arrangement of the song either...all in all I was disappointed. Paris has redeemed herself nicely the past week or so...I thought that her start of the song was very rough but she steadied herself and brought it home....She has still never reached the heights of her original audition...Why didn't she sing the Dixie Chicks "Cowboy take me away"...I think she would have blown everyone else away. ACE is somebody that has never been on my list of good performers but last night I was impressed....It was the best I have seen from him....Kellie Pickler looked gorgeous last night....that RED TOPwould bring outrage to the RED STATES that Kellie hails from but she looked and sounded great....Reba has a number of songs that would have suited her better but she did well with what she chose...Chris is another one that surprised me.....He showed that he could do a ballad with out screaming to the rafters....Really enjoyed him....Kathreen I love you as a performer and singer but what on Earth possessed you to sing "You bring out the Elvis"...the song seemed too gimicky....you are better than that...Bucky rocked the country house with his performance.....He still moves around on stage as if it is the Jerry Lewis telethon but he showed he has the pipes and the country cred to have a good career.....I really enjoyed his performance......It pains me to say this but the bottom 3 will be......Taylor, Paris and Mandisa........Its time to say goodbye to Paris...