For Real: American Idol Final Two

CRYSTAL vs. LEE

American Idol Season Finale 2010

The two finalists had their last shots tonight, performing three songs each.

ROUND ONE: CONTESTANT'S FAVORITE

Lee’s first song was “The Boxer,” a song he sang during inspirational week. It was a decent vocal, but it was too reserved for the finale. There wasn’t enough spunk to it & it seemed more like he was singing a song around a campfire, than in front of 7,000 people at the finale of the #1 show on television. Lee would have benefited more from a number with intense production & strong emotional pull. In order to compensate for his common voice. What It Is: B

Crystal sang “Me and Bobby McGee,” one of her best performances from earlier this season. Crystal looked a lot more comfortable up on the massive stage – she was really selling it to her audience at the Nokia Theatre. The vocal was solid, and she chose to hold out the note at the end, which showed off her technical strength. This was a classic Crystal performance that was a great start to her three-song run. What It Is: A

ROUND TWO: SIMON FULLER'S CHOICE (Executive Producer)

Simon Fuller chose “Everybody Hurts” for Lee’s second song. The song matched Lee’s voice really well…I hadn’t even thought of R.E.M. on him. He sang it well enough, but like I’ve said countless times, I couldn’t call Lee anything more than your average good singer. He doesn’t come close to Kris Allen, who himself isn’t amongst the most talented ‘Idols.’ Lee is lucky to be in this finale, and if he wins it will be because he’s likable, not because he’s the best singer in America. I really don’t like the way he looks like he’s about to cry after every song…he is not embracing his role in this finale, so why should he win? I understand that his story is that he “came from nothing,” and all, but enough is enough. He needed to be smiling, fearless and energetic in order to nail this. Instead, he was biting his lip and grimacing at the camera the whole time. Not entertaining for me. What It Is: B+

Crystal did “Black Velvet,” with a fantastic display of dedication and desire that surpassed anything she has shown this season. She did try to hit some notes that she didn’t quite have in her register, and she lost control of her voice at one point in the song. The fire in her voice, however, was in itself enough to show just how much Crystal wants to, and SHOULD win this competition. At this point, she is willing to push herself beyond anything she would have done on her own a few months ago. What It Is: A-

ROUND THREE: FINALE SONG (to be released as first single)

Lee’s final performance was U2’s “Beautiful Day.” He sounded a little like he had a frog stuck in his throat. Or rather, like he had a larger frog in his throat than he usually does. There was serious fear behind Lee’s eyes on this song. His attempts at smiles weren’t enough to hide it. It was definitely a good song on his voice, but he didn’t offer anything special to it. He hasn’t really offered anything special to any of the songs he’s done. It’s pretty much always the same, static vocal, on the same type of song. Sometimes, he sings a bit higher than his regular range – at least that shakes it up a little bit. But overall, Lee has proven that he is not the most talented singer in America, and for that reason, I sincerely hope that he does not win this title. What It Is: B

Crystal’s last song was “Up to the Mountain,” originally recorded by Patty Griffin. I can’t fully describe just how perfect this performance - this artistic outpour of emotion - was for me. If you’ve never heard the song, you should listen to the live version Kelly Clarkson did on Idol Gives Back a few years ago. Not to compare Crystal to her – rather, to get a second look at how beautiful & moving the song is. It’s Gospel-based, but it doesn’t opt for the big production we’ve come to expect from the “grand American Idol finale song” we get each year. It’s for exactly that reason that this was the best song of the season. Crystal has never been about big production, and she shouldn’t be. But what she is about, and what hasn’t always come through strong enough, is deeply rooted emotion. She is a passionate soul with a wholly unique tone, and it all came together on this song. She held absolutely nothing back, and she mastered the dynamics of the song. She volleyed back and forth between projecting the loudest she could muster and the softest she could make audible. It was flawlessly conveyed, and this will be the performance I remember when I look back on this season. What It Is: A+

But Let’s Be Real: Last year, I was straight up mad when Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert for the season eight title. Twelve months later, I would still argue that Adam should have won. But, I would also grant that Kris Allen has turned out to be a great acoustic artist with a decent appeal. I can also pick up on the passion in his voice in a way that I couldn’t before. But the reason I couldn’t before remains the same – he was facing one of the most talented singers of the decade. I think that we are in the same situation again, just on a much smaller scale. Crystal Bowersox is by no means the most talented singer you’re going to find. But, as Ellen DeGeneres said, you won’t find another artist like her. And you will be hard-pressed to find a musician with as much as passion as she has, all technicalities forgotten. Lee may have the story, but Crystal has the talent and artistry. The competition needs to be left at that, and I hope it pans out right tomorrow evening.

Final Breakdown:

Crystal Bowersox A

Lee DeWyze B

at 6:56 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Three

It was down to three on American Idol tonight. Going into the evening, I thought that we were dealing with the most disappointing top three since season three (Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo, Jasmine Trias). Everybody seems to be a less talented version of somebody else who has been on the show before.

Contestant: Casey James

Casey sang "Okay, It's Alright With Me" for his contestant's choice. Although there were a few (okay, two) performances of Casey's I liked this season, my biggest issue with him at this point is that his voice is just not pleasant to listen to. From the moment he started singing, I was cringing in my seat. It's not something I want to hear on the radio at any point...it's even worse than Nickelback. I also agree with the judges that the song was completely worthless to his campaign & that it almost seemed like he wasn't recognizing it as one of the most important performances of his life.

"Daughters" was the brilliant selection Kara & Randy chose for Casey's second song. It was a brilliant choice because it's a beautiful, unique & likable ballad by John Mayer. Unfortunately, Casey attached a flat, melodically awkward vocal to a quiet, boring, minimalist arrangement that featured two acoustic guitars playing softly.

But Let's Be Real: I really do believe that Casey was supposed to make it this far, when compared to his competition over the course of the top twelve. But he needs to go home now...his voice is too similar to a horse nay & his artistic expression is so minor that his performances only leave America with a positively moldy feeling.

What It Is: D

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox

Crystal's contestant's choice was "Come To My Window," a great number for her voice. I think that Crystal was nervous going into the song...something looked a little off with her & she even cracked in two spots. I almost sense that Crystal has finally been "sucked in" to the competition - she is now taking it so seriously that it's consuming her. This, coming from the girl who almost quit in the earlier stages of the top 12. Overall, the song was pretty good...nothing special for Crystal (been happening a lot recently), but definitely adequate when surrounded by the other two contestants.

Ellen chose "Maybe I'm Amazed" for Crystal's second song. It's a really expressive song with a great melody. But I could tell that she approached the song as though it were not hers...kind of like she was just renting it out. I suppose that the act of choosing the song herself is what gives Crystal a lot of her power. Still, she certainly poured herself into it & pushed out all she had. I didn't hear an out-of-this-world vocal from her, but she performed the song very well.

But Let's Be Real: Crystal has done more than enough to get her into the finale. What she needs to do next week is hit the audience with something very tender & raw...back off the volume & make up for it with the pure power of her tone.

What It Is: B

Contestant: Lee DeWyze

Lee did "Simple Man" first. I believe that it was a pretty good song choice for him, and it probably beat the other two's first performances. Still, I can't sit here and assess these performances based on the other nonsense we've seen this season...I have to compare him to the individuals who are successful in the industry right now - Pat Monahan from Train ("Hey, Soul Sister"), Michael Bublé ("Haven't Met You Yet"), even Adam Lambert & Kris Allen. The bottom line is that Lee is absolutely & unequivocally not as talented as the artists he's going to be competing against this time next year.

Simon chose "Hallelujah" for Lee's second song. I apologize that I don't have much to say about his performance...I probably should have been paying more attention than I was, but I failed to see what was so incredible about the song. The 8 background singers standing in an inverted V behind him, coupled with the over-produced arrangement - featuring pre-recorded timpanis - didn't sit right with me. I don't, however, believe that all the judges were incorrect in their praise of the performance, so I will just say "I don't know about that" until I watch the performance again.

But Let's Be Real: Lee is loved. By the judges & by the millions of viewers. I think he will probably get the most votes tonight, probably for the first time this season. Regardless of how good his performances actually were, or how good he actually is, Crystal & Lee will go into the final pretty even split.

What It Is: B

Breakdown:

Crystal Bowersox B

Lee DeWyze B

Casey James D

at 5:01 PM 0 comments

For Real: New Katy Perry

Katy Perry is BACK, kicking off her sophomore campaign. After the incredible year 2008 was for her - during which she secured two of the highest-selling singles of all time in "I Kissed A Girl" (#1 in every country with 3.1 million copies sold domestically) & "Hot 'n Cold" (#3 in the U.S., but with3.8 million copies sold domestically) - there are very high expectations for her this year... and it might prove to be to difficult a challenge. But, her latest single, "California Girls," has had a great start after only a week. The track was released earlier than Capitol Records had intended (the result of internet leaks), but it immediately topped the iTunes Chart & stayed there for the majority of its first week. This Thursday, the track will debut in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, if not at #1.

"Excitement Sales," which is my term for singles that debut very high on the charts because there is great anticipation for whatever song the popular artist happens to be releasing, are great for the first week or two. But ultimately, it's radio play that will make the song a true hit. Case in point - Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again" debuted at #8 in 2007 due to a big first week sales number, but quickly descended & never recovered. Ultimately, it wasn't a hit.

But as for Katy Perry's new track, it has everything it needs to be a huge hit. Although the title isn't as controversial as "I Kissed a Girl" or as universal as "Hot 'n Cold," the sick beat makes up for it & gives it a brand of it's own. The tempo is faster than usual - for any pop song - but this is part of what will make it a smash summer anthem. It will be on pump-up playlists around the country. This song is like a mix between Ke$ha's "TiK ToK" and Fergie's "Glamorous." The chorus doesn't have as much sing-along potential as tracks like those, but it's still catchy and fun to listen to.

But Let's Be Real: Katy Perry is a leader amongst female pop stars today. She loves to "go there" with her music, but at the same time she pushes the actual sound to wherever the pop vibe really rests at the moment. I don't see her turning bland anytime soon, but she's gonna need something very different on this album if she wants to make it as influential on the pop scene as the last one was.

What It Is: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

at 10:13 AM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Four

It was movie night on American Idol. As I looked at the four contestants standing side by side at the start of the show, I realized that it's almost worse now that we have narrowed it down to the best four, than earlier when the other crap was making them look good. Now it's obvious just how much these four pale in comparison to top contestants from previous seasons.

Contestant: Lee DeWyze

Lee's solo tonight was "Kiss From A Rose," a number one single by Seal back in 1994. It's a very, very difficult song to sing...the melody is all over the place & it ranges from very soft to very loud. With that in mind, I think Lee put forth a great effort. The fact that he wasn't off-key all that much is a tribute to his precision as an artist. Still, there were quite a few bum notes, especially towards the beginning. Lee still held on to his new found stage presence (which is really just him being relaxed and looking like he's enjoying what he's doing), but overall it was a boring, somewhat sub-par imitation of Seal's amazing original vocal.

But Let's Be Real: Tonight proved that Lee should never do a well-known, vocally difficult song if he's not going to completely change it. His artistry lies in his vocal quality - he has a very specific tone that is going to sound great on the radio. But it's also very static...it doesn't change much. He runs into trouble when he uses that voice to try and imitate a very dynamic vocalist like Seal.

What It Is: B-

Contestant: Mike Lynche

Mike's solo was "Will You Be There," by Michael Jackson, which premiered in the first Free Willy in 1993. This is a song very deeply rooted in emotion. It's a very specific type of gospel - more upbeat & bubbling than traditional. A masterful work, written & recorded by one of the greatest entertainers of all time. At the start, I really thought Mike was going to nail it...sort of capture the soul-wrenching feeling the recording exudes for himself. But by the time he got to the pre-chorus, I realized that there just wasn't anything there. He brought out that hokey theatrical thing he had a few weeks ago. Instead of getting down and dirty in the meaning of the words & the huge upward push of the melody at that part ("Everyone's taking control of me // Seems that the world's got a role for me"), he seemed so uneffected, putting on this lame mask of faux emotion. The arrangement wasn't the best, either...the key changes were not in the right places & the wrong parts of the song were selected (it is normally over 5 minutes long). Little things like that prevent the audience from caring one way or another by the finish.

But Let's Be Real: I saw tonight what everybody else has been seeing the whole time - Mike is arrogant, & he either doesn't want to or just can't make himself mean something to the audience. It is a shame, truly...as I have mentioned before, he absolutely is the most technically talented contestant.

What It Is: C+

Contestants: Lee DeWyze & Crystal Bowersox

"Falling Slowly" was the duet Lee & Crystal chose. They sang the song facing each other, each with their own guitar. This truly was a terrific performance...it brought out the legit marketability of each contestant (which, I'm sure, the record labels were relieved to see). The entire song was sung in harmony, with Lee on the bottom line. It was similar to songs like "Two is Better Than One" by Taylor Swift/Boys Like Girls, and "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum. It had a totally genuine feel to it...there was no room for question. Overall, a great boost for the both of their campaigns - I think it more than covered for Lee's bland solo performance.

Contestant: Casey James

Casey sang..."Mrs. Robinson" ? Right. So yeah, this has got to be the worst season of American Idol yet. What kind of contestant chooses a song like this at this stage? Whoooooo caaarrreees about Casey singing the same 4 notes over and over and over again? There was absolutely nothing worth anything in this performance. Maybe, MAYBE, if this were the top twelve or eleven, it would have been ok for Casey to just come out and show off the few redeeming features of his Nickelback-esque tone. But this is the top four, and he did nothing to prove that he should have even made it this far.

But Let's Be Real: It's probably still going to be Mike who goes home tomorrow night, but for me (and I'm assuming for more and more viewers), this was pointless and Casey doesn't look like he's improved at all this season.

What It Is: C-

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox

Crystal sang "I'm Alright" from Caddyshack. Kind of from Caddyshack. It was classic Crystal, complete with the twangy rock vibe that has kept her atop the competition every week thus far. I noticed that Crystal has developed an edge to her voice - an appropriate edge for a unique artist like her who is trying to find her place in the mainstream industry.

But Let's Be Real: I suppose it was typical Crystal - as in nothing groundbreaking - but fortunately, typical Crystal is not too shabby.

What It Is: A-

Contestants: Mike Lynche & Casey James

The two soloist failures of the night sang "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman." A classic, universal ballad like this is a great choice for any American Idol contestant. It's an even better choice for a duo of guys to sing, mostly because of the sharp harmonies throughout. Although there were a few pitch issues, I think the song brought out the best in each contestant's voice - particularly Casey. Casey had some great soaring harmonies that made his rendition of "Mrs. Robinson" seem even more foolish than it already had seemed. Mike's smooth & sultry tone came through in a way that it couldn't earlier in evening.

My Breakdown:

Crystal Bowersox A-

Lee DeWyze B-

Mike Lynche C+

Casey James C-

So What?

Unless we are in for the "Top 4 Shocker" that we've faced on multiple occasions in the past (Tamyra Gray, season one; Latoya London, season three; Chris Daughtry, season five), Mike or Casey will go home. More likely than not, Mike.

at 5:02 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Six

American Idol started down the homestretch Tuesday night, as America has now weeded out the majority of the "also competed" folks this season. Going into the show, it seemed that with the exception of Aaron Kelly, we were left with the five legit contestants that have stood out as the favorites all season. It was Shania Twain night, which made for some very interesting performances - these very well written songs that were originally performed in the narrow genre of pop-country allowed for the artistic contestants to put their own take on the classics.

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee performed "You're Still the One." It was great to hear him do a song originally done by a woman, because it forced him to shake things up. Still, he was pitchy & breathy throughout - his sustained notes were flat & unpleasant to listen to. Overall, the layering of his rough style on Shania's classic vocal arrangement worked to his advantage, but I can't help but compare him to contestants like David Cook (who won in 2008), and concede that Lee just isn't as good either technically or artistically. It's kind of like America is having to settle this season.
But Let's Be Real: It was good enough for the competition this year. But in any other season, Lee might not have even made it this far. Regardless, tonight's performance will speak to America in the way it has for many weeks now, and he will be safe tonight.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Michael Lynche
Mike did "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing," and for the first time I heard the theatrical quality Simon spoke about a few weeks ago. It only came out in a few notes, but it was there & it is a little uncharacteristic of soul - maybe part of the reason America held out on him during the top nine when he received the least amount of votes. I thought that technically, Michael's performance was as great as it always is. The song might have been a little boring & I don't think it connected to the audience quite as well as it did in the past. But still, good.
But Let's Be Real: It's really hard to say what America thinks about Big Mike...I still think he's the best contestant technically, but I don't think America loves him as a person quite as much. I think he absolutely deserves to make the top five, but I wouldn't put money on it happening.
What It Is: A-

Contestant: Casey James
Casey sang "Don't," his second attempt at a slower, soul-bearing, heart-wrenching ballad this season. Last time he did this, everybody loved it & I hated it. This time, I think we all loved it. It was a real performance, with great care to the need for "equal loud and soft parts" in a ballad. It felt very legit & was not only pleasant to listen to, but moving & emotional too. I think Casey is growing on me, and his usual annoying vocal techniques (machine gun vibrato, for instance) were absent tonight.
But Let's Be Real: He probably put himself back into the top three with this performance. The contrast between this week & last week is astronomical.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
For some reason, Crystal took the "country" theme literally, coming out with a twangy performance of Shania's "No One Needs to Know Right Now." It was very surprising to see Crystal take less of an artistic approach than the other contestants. She sang it well, but there was no push behind the rendition. No excitement.
But Let's Be Real: Crystal is being pushed in many different directions by the producers, who obviously want her to win the show, judging by how much they have put into transforming her so far this season (I'm talking mostly appearance). It was probably good for her to have a week to "back away from the front" a bit, so that she can have a really good push up into the final over these next few weeks.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "You've Got A Way," and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Whereas I straight up loved his performance last week, this week I didn't feel strongly one way or another. He gave a heartfelt performance, he was very relaxed & he has improved technically, but he is still so nasally & seems to me like a combined version of a much less talented David Archuleta and a much less talented Justin Timberlake.
But Let's Be Real: The judge's input has such a huge effect on America's overall opinion, which in turn heavily affects the votes. Because the judges loved him so much tonight, the results could change accordingly.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Siobhan sang "Any Man of Mine," & it went like Siobhan's performances used to go earlier this season - the first half shaky & boring, and the latter brightened with some really big notes. The song was good, but she was pitchy - again, it felt like she was just barely holding on to the notes. For example, when Kelly Clarkson wails on a big high note, you never feel like she just barely has the power to sustain the note. It just sounds natural. With Siobhan, it doesn't sound so natural and it's a little uncomfortable.
But Let's Be Real: Although Siobhan did pull it off in the end, I get the feeling that America might be wearing a little thin in the Siobhan department. She isn't making any progress towards becoming her own artist, and there just isn't any stability with her. She reminds me of Diana DeGarmo from Season three (though I will grant that Siobhan is definitely better than her).
What It Is: B

My Breakdown:
Casey James A
Michael Lynche A-
Lee DeWyze B
Crystal Bowersox B
Aaron Kelly B
Siobhan Magnus B

So What?
It's a very tough week...I have said all along that I believe Aaron isn't good enough to be in the top 5. I still think that, but I have a feeling that America (I don't really know why there are so many voters that do this) will vote based on what the judges thought. It seems to happen that way a lot. They thought Aaron was a completely revived artist tonight, and it might show in tomorrow's results. I believe that the only contestants definitely safe are Crystal, Lee & Casey. I still think Mike & Siobhan should fill out the top five, but I have a bad feeling that Aaron could pull ahead of one or both of them...

at 5:03 PM 1 comments

For Real: New Ciara - "Ride"

For an artist who is unbelievably obsessed with herself, Ciara's latest music video is just as artificial & ineffectual as ever. The new single, "Ride," is heading off the 24-year old's latest attempt at rejuvenating her career. Her last set, which was released last year, sold a mere 200,000 copies - a fraction of the sales from her previous albums. "Ride" is like a slower, smoother, but just as stupid version of Rihanna's "Rude Boy." You might need to watch the music video to fully understand that there's only one meaning to the song, and it follows the current trend of urban pop music - becoming increasingly disgusting. The chorus is moderately catchy ("They love the way I riiiiiiiiiide it" repeated), but it's too bland & too low-pitched to get stuck in anybody's head. It's not the type of song you'll be hearing people humming. The song rapidly deteriorates during the second half of the track. Instead of inserting a bridge after Ludacris' breakdown, she just starts singing some melody-less phrases over top of the same chords. It's boring.

The problem with Ciara is that she has fallen into the worn out formula of female urban pop today. Think about "Shake It Off" by Mariah Carey. That was an awesome song for 2005, but do you think it would fit in as well today? No. The industry has moved past that. Maybe part of the issue is that there's nothing special about Ciara's voice, but as it is, this genre & style seems so 2000's to me. It should have been left there, because a track like this doesn't seem even remotely modern.

But Let's Be Real: Already, I've noticed that fans of Ciara are completely taken with the song & video, and think it's as great as anything she has ever done. She has a specific audience - probably mostly male at this point, but it's not nearly substantial enough to get people to care like they did in 2004 & 2005, when she gave us songs like "1, 2 Step" & "Goodies."
What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100

Check out Ciara's "Ride" here.

at 6:37 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Seven

With the all the correct people off the show so far (in the finals), everything points to Aaron Kelly & Tim Urban each getting the cut during the next two weeks, & tonight was their opportunity to shake it off. The theme was inspirational songs - AKA, if the contestant wanted to, and they did it right, they could create a "finale moment" for themselves six weeks before the actual finale occurs.

Contestant: Casey James
Is anybody else sensing a little Taylor Hicks in Casey James? It had never crossed my mind before now, but I hear some of it...as in, an unmarketable voice with some annoying qualities, fronting a personality & image that everybody and their mother loves. Taylor sang "Don't Stop," & I'd rank in middle of the road for what I've heard from him. With a song like that, you can't really do much...it's pretty straightforward and boring. He still has that annoying vibrato, but it wasn't as bad on an upbeat song as this was. His guitar solos were good enough & did add a little.
But Let's Be Real: It's hard for me to give a legitimate critique on Casey, because I don't think he's good. I understand that he is likable & that many people love his voice - I respect that. I think, however, that this song might have been just average enough to land him in the bottom three tomorrow.
What It Is: C

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee looked very nervous before he sang his song tonight. He knew there was a lot at stake in terms of keeping himself in the upper tier in America's eyes. He sang "The Boxer," which was a pretty good song choice for him. He took it seriously and tried his best to convey the meaning of the song. It was mostly good, but unfortunately he sounded much too whiny on the chorus ("liee la liee") to allow the song to leave a comfy feeling in America's heart. Once again, Lee fails to embrace the power of dynamics. Everything is too loud and growly.
But Let's Be Real: With these types of performances, Lee isn't really "amazing" us with his voice...much like Crystal. Still, he is definitely a true artist, and he does have the voice in him.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Tim Urban
Tim sang "Better Days" by Goo Goo Dolls - at the surface it seemed that an inspirational alternative rock song would have been a great match for Tim. I think that the song did match his tone, but his voice was uneven throughout. He may have been nervous, or just not properly supporting himself. But instead of soothing the audience, he just kind of left them on edge from the impurities in his voice.
But Let's Be Real: On inspirational night, you have to be make a difference in the audience's hearts. I don't think he really did that.
What It Is: C-

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "I Believe I Can Fly," and it was my favorite performance from him so far. If he could just get rid of the choppy, irregular vibrato, I think we would really have something with him. As it was though, he had a good build & pulled it off with surprising strength. Aaron is starting to be like what would you would have expected the American Idol from season 1 to be (skinny & young with all pop & no soul). Do not try to twist this statement to describe Kelly Clarkson in any way, shape, or form.
But Let's Be Real: Aaron has an appeal to some part of this country that's been pretty strong so far this season - stronger than Tim's anyway. I think that combined with the fact that he actually laid down a decent performance this week will keep him safe.
What It Is: B+

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Siobhan sang "When You Believe," which is an enormous risk for any contestant to take (not just because it was originally done by Mariah & Whitney). I thought it was just OK - I like her soft voice, but I don't love it as much when there isn't the big voice there to counter it. I think the "shriek" is her trademark, and I think it's alright for her to throw it in as long as she has the soft too (as she did last week). I do believe that the song probably affected a lot of Americans though - it was a true performance that created a connection.
But Let's Be Real: Siobhan is talented, but I think she showed tonight that she is still missing major chunks in her journey to become a real artist. She seems to be a little bit shaky & it still seems like she is just arbitrarily picking songs each week, instead of being a stylized talent that chooses songs that will fit into the collective repertoire. I hope that she is safe tonight so that she can continue to figure that out.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Michael Lynche
I think Michael chose a mostly awful song for his voice, "Hero" by Nickelback. This is the song that Casey should have chosen. Mike sounds good singing anything, but I think this was just too random to really mean anything for him or for the audience. He is still the best vocalist here though.
But Let's Be Real: When Mike picks the right songs, he is the best. I don't think he should try to perform a song that lacks soul again, however. It doesn't do anything for anyone.
What It Is: B

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
I am starting to seriously wonder why the producers put her at the end so much. I didn't think they were in the business of promoting a contestant so heavily.

Crystal sang "People Get Ready," with no instrument. That in itself was a really good choice. The guitar was starting to seem like a crutch - literally, because it gave her an excuse not to move her hands or body. Tonight, she connected in a serious way, laying down what I would call her greatest vocal ever. It was tender and delicate, with just the right amount of power. The a cappella in the beginning & the freedom she had with her body throughout really allowed her to express the entire story through her voice (instead of losing some of it in the guitar).
But Let's Be Real: The "step up" I've been saying Crystal needs to take in order to stay fresh happened tonight. She may have been the only contestant tonight that really took advantage of inspirational night.
What It Is: A+

My Breakdown:
Crystal Bowersox A+
Aaron Kelly B+
Michael Lynche B
Lee DeWyze B
Siobhan Magnus B
Casey James C
Tim Urban C-

So What? I'm not sure what will happen with the bottom 3 tomorrow - either way one of the "big five" (Crystal, Michael, Lee, Siobhan & Casey) will be in it. I do think Tim will be the one going home.

at 5:03 PM 0 comments

For Real: New Adam Lambert - "If I Had You"

Although the lyrics rival some of the most meaningless babble to hit the radio in 2010, Adam Lambert achieved surprising success with "Whataya Want From Me," the second single from his debut album, For Your Entertainment. Lambert - who is indisputably one of the most talented male singers on the scene today - released a very flamboyant, mostly electronic, made-for-the-dance-floor album in November of last year. Although the album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, it might have been a flop had it not been for the above-mentioned single. Although it really is foolish, the combination of Lambert's trademark power vocals & a tragically catchy chorus slowly pushed the track higher and higher up the charts, right through this week, where the song will almost certainly appear in the top fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 (granted, from an American Idol results show boost).

Now, RCA is faced with the formidable task of how to adequately follow up with a new single. The biggest hurdle when it comes to marketing Lambert's current project is that he's not interested in "meeting the industry halfway"... he doesn't want to tone down & look mainstream so that all the girls will swoon over him. He would rather wear purple hair and sing about guys. Yeah, it's kind of awkward...and it's probably stealing potential sales away from him because he's no magnet for either gender, but ultimately this will prove to be a great thing for Adam. It will separate him from artists like Nick Lachey - a talented guy who can sell when he has a good song ("What's Left of Me" from 2006), but otherwise won't be remembered as much. By sticking to himself, Adam might not be as marketable as he could be at any point in his career, but he will become his own, unique person that reaches success by "doing it different." Like Prince.

The single RCA has selected (or settled for, maybe), is "If I Had You." It could benefit from a little less synth, but the song gets you moving & absolutely grows on you the more you listen to it. You need to hear it a few times to really pick up on all that is going on in the song...I think the single will take it's time working up the chart because of this, but ultimately it will become a summer anthem for more than a few people. I would describe Adam on the song as Katy Perry meets Queen meets Cascada. It's got an edgy push to its message & melody (like a weaker version of "I Kissed a Girl" or a darker cut of "Hot 'n Cold"), Adam's signature shriek, & a heavy dance beat that's accompanied by a catchy chorus (like Cascada's "Everytime We Touch").

But Let's Be Real: The issue of Adam's fit in the music industry is very interesting...if a girl had recorded this song, it would make perfect sense & would be right at home on your summer playlist. But how does the fact that Adam did it change things? It will be interesting to find out...but if nothing else, I think Adam is doing his part to help the industry grow.

What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100

Other hot tracks from Lambert's first album include "Sleepwalker," "Sure Fire Winners," & "Fever." (but not "For Your Entertainment" ... why that song was ever released is a mystery to me)

Listen to "If I Had You" and others here.

at 4:27 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Nine...Part Two

After Mike Lynche's dramatic save last week, this week the producers of American Idol had to crush 9 performances into a mere 63 minutes of air time. It was Elvis night on American Idol, & it was also the first time an American Idol contestant was asked to come back to mentor - let alone one from the directly preceding season. Adam Lambert is my second favorite contestant to come out of this show - behind Kelly of COURSE.

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox
Crystal went first, for the first time this season. Thus far, the producers have made a point of putting her towards the end. She sang "Saved," with an electric guitar, per Adam's advice. It was fun & upbeat - more so than usual for her. It was entertaining & mostly original, but to me it wasn't anything special. The visuals were boring as usual - just her in the center with the background vocalists standing much too close to center stage.

But Let's Be Real: Crystal continued her streak tonight with a great performance - but again, I don't think it really made her any better than she already was. It's getting harder for me to really appreciate her when she doesn't actually have the most amazing actual vocal talent in the world.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Andrew Garcia
Andrew...still here...still wasting time.

He sang "Hound Dog," & he tried to change the arrangement up by slowing it down & putting a 70's ballad feel to it (per Adam's advice - he said it was boring). I think it was better than it looked like it would've been based on the intro video, but it still wasn't anything monumental. He ended it well & he took a step up from last week, but there wasn't anything worth listening or watching there.

But Let's Be Real: Unless somebody else fails horribly tonight, it should be Andrew's time to go tonight. He is dragging the show down at this point because he is just incredibly average.
What It Is: C-

Contestant: Tim Urban
Tim sang "Can't Help Falling In Love," probably Elvis' most beautiful ballad. Tim's arrangement, played almost exclusively on his acoustic guitar, was very appropriate & moving. I think Tim's voice is actually unique. It doesn't quite sound like anybody in particular, but I might label it as a mix between Snow Patrol & Michael Buble.

But Let's Be Real: I think it has been there all along for Tim - just muddled behind his immaturity during the first half of the competition. He has a great tone that found its sweet spot on the flowing ballad he performed tonight.
What It Is: A

Contestant: Lee DeWyze
Lee sang "A Little Less Conversation," with an arrangement heavily based off his acoustic guitar. It was dirty & clean at the same time - real down and gritty, with his usual growl, but without a bum note anywhere in the performance - everything was very sharp & precise. The band really played to his advantage on this song. I think he may need to back off the growl a tiny little bit in the future, but it worked well for him tonight.

But Let's Be Real: Lee is looking & sounding better each week - people love him & he loves what he's doing...even if he doesn't smile as much as he should.
What It Is: A-

Contestant: Aaron Kelly
Aaron sang "Blue Suede Shoes." He tried out a new style - kind of like a cool cat swagger going on. I think it was really cool that he tried something new, but you could tell that it wasn't who he really is. There was a really awkward & corny cut to half-time towards the end...a bit too theatrical without the force behind it to carry it through.

But Let's Be Real: I think his voice was smoother tonight. The song brought out more of his natural talent because he wasn't pushing out the nasal tone he's had every week so far. The actual performance was not exactly an artistic success, though.
What It Is: B-

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus
Did everybody know that Siobhan's name is supposed to be pronounced with a 'V'? I thought I was just mishearing it up until tonight.

She sang "Suspicious Minds," which is actually one of Simon's favorite pop songs of all time (or at least it was in 2003). Siobhan appealed to the prettier side of her voice again this week, and it actually helped bring out the diva in her a little more. She reminded me of Celine Dion when she was able to bring out the big notes towards the end, without losing control.

But Let's Be Real: I think this was a really strong performance from Siobhan that had just the right amount of both the soft & loud parts of her voice. I was surprised to see that none of the judges really loved the performance. To me, she is really beginning to iron out the kinks in her personal artistry.
What It Is: A-

Brief Interjection: Ryan's joke that Brian Dunkleman would be hosting part of Idol Gives Back next week didn't even get any laughs...I mean, it's Brian Dunkleman.

Contestant: Michael Lynche
Michael is back after...a really great performance last week.

His performance of "In the Ghetto" was just another solid materialization of his big, soulful, technically sound vocal ability. The song, performed only with his acoustic guitar, was tastefully performed, even with the somewhat indulgent riffing he mixed in.

But Let's Be Real: To me, it was just as good as last week's performance. The difference between mine & Simon's opinion is that I thought last week's was amazing as well. Mike won't be going home tonight - if for no other reason, because everybody who liked him even a little now knows that they have to actually vote for him.
What It Is: A+

Contestant: Katie Stevens
She sang "Baby, What You Want Me To Do," and it was as good as you can get without making anybody care one way or another. There was too much repetition of the same set of high notes - nothing really stood out and the audience wasn't left feeling much of anything at all.

But Let's Be Real: Not as good as last week. There wasn't too much technically wrong with it, but compared to the unique, artistic efforts from most of the other contestants, it doesn't hold itself well.
What It Is: B-

Contestant: Casey James
Casey sang "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," and it was more like "Power of Love" from two weeks ago, and less like whatever slow ballad he did last week. I think at times he has a good tone that will sound good on the radio, but sometimes he just sounds like he has a giant animal stuck in his throat. Also he has this annoying machine-gun vibrato that comes out every now and then, and it kind of hurts to listen to. He really pushes too hard sometimes, but the judges & screaming girls don't seem to mind.

But Let's Be Real: Not the greatest performance in the world, but Casey is in no danger tonight. He's just that one contestant that everybody loves & I hate...
What It Is: B-

My Breakdown:
Michael Lynche A+
Crystal Bowersox A
Siobhan Magnus A
Tim Urban A
Lee DeWyze A-
Aaron Kelly B-
Casey James B-
Katie Stevens B-
Andrew Garcia C-

So What? Aaron should fill out the bottom three, leaving Andrew & Katie to pack their bags.

at 4:59 PM 1 comments

For Real: Matisse

Here is a brand new artist for you...Matisse, who was signed to Jive Records a couple months ago, has begun the long process of "trying to get heard." Although her single, "Better Than Her," is officially available on iTunes, it hasn't impacted radio yet & it won't do so until later this month.

After listening to the single dozens of times over the past two months, I think that Matisse really breaks down to being a less talented version of Lady GaGa, with a touch of Cascada & Enrique Iglesias (if he was completely female) mixed in. It's definitely a dance song, that might or might not have enough pop in it to make mainstream. It's catchy (as in, she repeats the words "better than her" exactly 43 times) but it's also very electronic & has a major Eurodance vibe to it. The strange men and women yelling "hey! hey! hey!" in the refrain make the song a little out of place in 2010 America.

But Let's Be Real: I think that Matisse will find success in the U.S. market (granted, probably not as much as she will internationally), but only if she can dish out a more appropriate sound. Another way of saying this is, get rid of the synthesizer & and the weird backups. She needs a song with a darker push to it, something more gritty & memorable. "Better Than Her" is a little too bright and floaty for Top 40.
What It Is: The first effort from Matisse will probably stay below the top 40 positions on the Billboard Hot 100, but it will chart. Don't expect it to peak until late this year.

Listen to "Better Than Her" here and sound off below!

at 1:46 PM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Nine

It was Lennon-McCartney night on American Idol – this night has historically given a great boost to certain contestants’ development as personable artists. The Beatles' music is so able to be shaped into whatever style the contestant wants to portray it with. Many of the songs are so well known that you can really benefit by making an old, familiar tune something completely different. I’m actually not a huge fan of The Beatles (go ahead, shoot me), because I don’t like John Lennon or Paul McCartney’s voices. BUT, some of their songs truly are great.

Contestant: Aaron Kelly

After the producers reminded America of how young he is via an extended clip of the other contestants talking about him, Aaron sang “The Long and Winding Road.” I liked this song better than his usual selections, but the problem with Aaron’s version of this song was his uneven vibrato (not that it's new). I was actually thinking about what it might sound like if Justin Timberlake were to sing the tune…can you hear it? Well, if you can’t, I’ll tell you that if he were to sing it, it would be mostly in falsetto, with great appeal to the “pretty” part of his voice. The song doesn’t really move much in any direction, but it can rise and fall if the singer chooses to facilitate it. Aaron didn’t really.

But Let’s Be Real: Aaron’s age is continuing to work to his advantage. They always like the young folks on the show, and no matter what he’s never going to be judged on an exactly even playing field as somebody older, like Lee DeWyze. But to someone like me, nothing special is nothing special.

What It Is: C+

Contestant: Katie Stevens

I think it was good to see Katie’s “insight video” before she sang. In general, I feel like she comes off as ingenuine and annoying when she’s on the show, but she seemed like a cool chick on her vid. Sweet.

“Let It Be” seemed like a typical stupid choice from Katie – I almost felt like she was stealing it from somebody who really should be singing it, like Crystal or Lee. But as it turns out, she actually did a great job with it. Her very controlled & heart-felt interpretation of the song was my favorite performance from her. There were no frills, there were no attempts at notes or runs she can't pull off, and nothing about it was corny.

But Let’s Be Real: I actually think Katie has done a little better so far than I thought she would – I didn’t really think she should have made the top 12. But American likes her better than I do, and if I liked it, Katie is definitely safe tonight & took a huge step towards establishing herself as a true artist.

What It Is: B+

Contestant: Andrew Garcia

I do not like his voice. And I guess it took him doing a song that was actually performed by a man for me to realize this. The arrangement of "Can't Buy Me Love" was actually really cool, but his voice is so annoying. He's no fun to watch (because of course he won't move or put the guitar down), and in general it leaves you feeling just about nothing, besides a tad bit displeased.

But Let's Be Real: I don't know what people think about Andrew. They obviously like him more than I do, since he was not in the bottom three last week, but he definitely didn't offer anything new this week. It's funny that the contestant who loves to do the odd stuff (like "Genie in a Bottle") comes off as boring & static.

What It Is: C+

Contestant: Michael Lynche

Mike laid down a SWEET rendition of "Eleanor Rigby." The song is already an amazing work that won't anything else you put on your iPod. But the soulful groove Mike put on it was so smooth & powerful. The strings perfectly complimented the arrangement, instead of making it corny like the strings and brass do with a lot of these contestants. And like I always say, Mike has a technically flawless voice that allows him to do anything without making you feel at edge & wondering if he is perfectly on pitch or not. I thought it was amazing & I think we could see him do it in the finale if he makes it there.

But Let's Be Real: I know that people love Mike...and that mixed with the fact that he is by far the most naturally talented singer in the competition puts him right at the top...the fact that Mike continues to be an underdog (under Crystal, Lee and maybe even Siobhan) will only work to his advantage these next few weeks.

What It Is: A+

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox

Crystal did "Come Together," one of my favorite Beatles songs. Crystal was the contestant that I thought would benefit from Lennon-McCartney night the most - just because the songs are designed to be acoustic, which is Crystal's thing. It was not drastically different from the original (maybe because the original is so funky as it is), but she changed it up as much as she could without changing the actual structure. Her vocals at the end of the song were pretty darn good - higher than she usually sings for sure. She used it to enhance her style, instead of just throwing notes out for the sake of range.

But Let's Be Real: She has probably done better, but it was a good performance that came off well. My only issue with Crystal is the fact that she always plays guitar & she's not necessarily the greatest singer in the group...there are 6 weeks between now and the finale, and she's going to have to come up with some real surprising stuff in order to hold off the two other powerhouses (Mike & Lee)

What It Is: A

Contestant: Tim Urban

Tim's voice was perfect for "All My Loving." It sounded so effortless & very smooth. The crooning has always been there, but this week it wasn't accompanied by the creepy faces or the annoying vocal flaws. He looked great, too.

But Let's Be Real: People aren't voting for Tim as much as you think they would for somebody as cute as he is. (He's cute, ok?) Maybe it was that he looked so weird & unappealing with the creeper faces the past few weeks. I think this performance did great things for him & will pull him out of the bottom two this week.

What It Is: B

Contestant: Casey James

Casey's nasty nasal waver was back this week - it wasn't there the past few weeks. He sounded like Shinedown, Buckcherry, Nickelback, and all other the usual annoying groups, combined into one on his version of "Jealous Guy." Yeah, it was sentimental and precious, and I loved the guitar and I really loved the song itself, but his voice just hurt my ears. I don't want to hear that on the radio. He needs to go back to the powerful, unwavering, pleasant but fierce-sounding tone he had the past two weeks.

But Let's Be Real: People liked him before he sounded good, including the judges. And the judges really loved him tonight...Simon even called it the "best performance of the evening," so I guess everyone is going to vote for him. But I strongly disagree. I did not like it and I still don't think he's attractive. So there.

What It Is: B-

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus

Siobhan sang "Across The Universe" and started out a bit too breathy for comfort. But as the song progressed, Siobhan's tender presentation reminded me of Adam Lambert's "Mad World" last year. No, it wasn't nearly as amazing. And yes, there were technical issues as there always are with Siobhan. But it was a brand new side of her voice that produced a beautiful, lullaby-like caress. The lighting & her outfit were perfect...created a very classy environment. Her words to Simon at the end were very heartfelt & genuine too - "nothing's gonna change my world" really means something to Siobhan.

But Let's Be Real: Siobhan took a risk by not sticking to her guns (or what we thought her guns were - shrieking), and I thought it really paid off. I think people will connect with Siobhan after this performance. More than the judges think anyhow.

What It Is: A-

Contestant: Lee DeWyze

Sidenote: Crystal Bowersox describing Lee DeWyze & Andrew Garcia's potential children as "little Danny Gokey's" probably earned her a few thousand extra votes tonight.

"Hey Jude." I mean, definitely the obvious choice for Lee. It matches him well, but I think he was a bit too growly with the song...the live audience didn't really seem to get it either...it didn't do much for anybody. He wasn't off-key or anything, and I was able to ignore the bag-pipe dude that just showed came on at the end, but the only special part of the song for me was the few crisp high notes he jumped to.

But Let's Be Real: Kara reminded us of a good point - Lee has a very commercial voice that will be on the radio. He's good...this song just didn't move him much in either direction.

What It Is: B

The Breakdown:

Michael Lynche A+

Crystal Bowersox A

Siobhan Magnus A-

Katie Stevens B+

Tim Urban B

Lee DeWyze B

Casey James B-

Aaron Kelly C+

Andrew Garcia C+

So what?

This will be a difficult week...the two contestants left over from the bottom two last week both had much better performances this week - Tim & Katie. All things considered, my guess is that Tim, Aaron & Andrew will be in the bottom three, with Andrew getting the boot.

at 5:31 PM 0 comments

For Real: New Christina Aguilera - "Not Myself Tonight"

Christina Aguilera is back...and just as she has with all four of her major musical projects, she's gone in a brand new direction. Her career kicked off in 1999 when RCA picked her up & made her into the same type of pop star we saw in Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson. In 2002, she broke out of the mold as best as she could with Stripped, whose dirty flavor & sharp-edge pop sound brought her major success. Four years later, she came back with a "fresh attitude" (which, of course, America didn't love as much) in Back to Basics. That album, which was a retro depiction of music from the 1920's - 1950's, was by far her least successful album. Another 4 years later, Bionic will be another sharp turn for Christina, who is stepping into the electronic/dance genre for the first time.

Her first single, which is "in the middle" of being released, is a tasteful cross between the electronic & pop genres. "Not Myself Tonight" is basically Christina's version of Britney's "Gimme More," except it's more masterfully put together - something that won't be limited to one group of fans. It includes all the little techno tricks that you hear in dance music, but they blend together in such a way that it can still be labeled a legit pop song. This is what will make it successful.

The chorus could be a little more memorable, but it makes you want to dance, and it's tight beats make you want to listen to it over and over again. I already used SexyBack for Usher, but if you pay attention to the beats, especially at the beginning, the production is similar.

But Let's Be Real: Christina's "Ain't No Other Man" from 2006 hit #6 on the charts. I would probably call that song better chart material than "Not Myself Tonight," but Christina's vocals are just as hot, the track matches the current scene, and it is unique enough to draw some major popularity in its own right.

What It Is: Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Listen to "Not Myself Tonight" here.

at 11:59 AM 0 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Ten

“OK guys, here we go.” The contestants are crammed in between some wood set pieces & the judges are huddling a few feet away. In a typically awkward moment, Simon kisses Ellen. What is this? Seriously, nine seasons in & what artistic development does this program have to show for itself. Not much I say.

I think we’re still chilling at this stage in the competition – top ten is still sorting the weeds out. And unfortunately there are a lot of weeds to sort out. Like 7 weeds. Maybe 3 non-weeds. Anyways, only one is going home tonight, so all tonight was was an opportunity for any contestant to separate themselves with a knockout performance – nothing else will carry through in the long run.

The theme for the night was “Soul and R&B” – who better to mentor the contestants than Usher? I don’t even care…I’ve hated Usher ever since his MJ “tribute” at the memorial service, where he said “Michael, you meant so much to us…especially me.” Good for you Ush.

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus

Siobhan sang “Through the Fire” by Chaka Khan. Siobhan pointed out in her video that she sometimes finds herself under scrutiny for what she wears…but honestly, anything a contestant can do to distinguish themselves is good at this point.

Unfortunately, Siobhan’s performance was awful in almost every way. It was surprisingly pitchy & weak, even though her voice always seems to be teetering on the brink as it is. Lying underneath the mess was a song that is plain boring & ineffectual. You could tell from the look on her face that she blew it.

But Let’s Be Real: Siobhan is still one of the frontrunners in this competition…she will not go home tonight. This song was just a waste of time. However, the bad performance mixed with the fact that she had to go first could put her in danger of landing in the bottom 3 tonight.

What It Is: D

Contestant: Casey James

Casey sang “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam & Dave. I love this song, and I actually heard the vocal talent I hadn’t been recognizing up to this point. Casey showed a whole lotta range on this song, and broke out of the acoustic country genre I had shoved him into.

Overall, the performance only helped Casey, who was probably already getting plenty of votes as it was.

But Let’s Be Real: Casey takes a step up this week, and he’s beginning to show his artistic worth to the non-screaming girls that watch the show. Like me. I’m still not in love with him though…we’ll see what happens next week…

What It Is: B+

Contestant: Mike Lynche

I’m sorry, but I just don’t think Mike Lynche looks good with a guitar. I mean, he’s big Mike….get him a big guitar if he really has to play it.

His performance of “I Am Ready For Love” just served as another reminder that he is perhaps the only contestant that is truly excellent technically. I really enjoyed his song, but I didn’t really feel much emotionally from it. A heart-wrenching ballad like that requires a real emotional pull – it wasn’t quite there.

But Let’s Be Real: Mike’s technical excellence doesn’t mean he’s set to win…there is more to American Idol than the technical element. It does mean that he will have a lot more time to show us what he’s really about…he’s well on his way.

What It Is: B

Contestant: Didi Benami

Didi sang “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.” Usher advised to Didi to wear her heart on her sleeve during her performance – since it obviously means something to her (she cried after song in her intro video).

Didi almost got there with the song – she told a story & she was genuine. She was a little pitchy throughout, and she could have moved more dynamically (she was mostly at the same volume & intensity until the end). It wasn’t bad though

But Let’s Be Real: I think it was better than the judges made it out to be – which was crap. Even Ellen didn’t like it. Didi is not going to be in the top five this year, but I think she deserves at least one more shot. When the judges say she has lost her way, they aren’t being quite fair. I think the restraints of themed weeks are working against her, because they just don’t match her style

What It Is: C-

Contestant: Tim Urban

I don’t know where this came from, but Tim just had a creepy look on his face the whole performance – really weird. Tim just isn’t good enough for this. I mean he’s not bad, but he’s so amateurish. Awkward movements, technical and stylistic mistakes with every phrase he sings. Albeit, they are small mistakes, but overall it just doesn’t do anything.

But Let’s Be Real: Tim will stick around as long as the screaming girls think he is cute. After the rest of the country overcomes their numbers, he will peace out. Overall, Tim is just an average contestant, with a lot of appeal.

What It Is: C

Contestant: Andrew Garcia

HAHA Andrew is still here! It never fails to surprise! Anyway, I hope people cut it out with the voting for him, because he’s not a part of this competition anymore.

The judges seem to think he’s “back,” but to me, his performance of Chris Brown’s “Forever” was as lackluster and boring as he has been for the past 928 weeks. There was nothing special about it – just a slow & crappy acoustic version of song that never should be performed on American Idol at all – acoustic or otherwise.

But Let’s Be Real: The judges could affect the votes, but I think Andrew has no worth in this competition anymore. It probably would have been half decent to hear live, but on my little TV, it wasn’t.

What It Is: C-

Contestant: Katie Stevens

You know, I had thought that the magazines were kind of overreacting with the whole “American Idol is dying” stuff. But seriously, compare Katie Stevens to Kelly Clarkson (the Idol she’d obviously like to be). Katie is like 1/34^th as good. And she is the only one left in the competition who is strictly pop. For real folks, Fantasia’s version was miles better than this. FANTASIA.

Her performance of “Chain of Fools” wasn’t bad, but she continues to come off as that annoying little girl who can sing pretty well. Nobody wants to see Katie Stevens in the final. It would be devastating to everybody in the world, also Mars.

But Let’s Be Real: I think Katie should go back to Pretentious High and be the title role in their spring production of Annie.

What It Is: C

Contestant: Lee DeWyze

Lee is already making him out to be this season’s David Cook. And if you think that Americadoesn’t really need another David Cook, you’re mistaken. Lee will probably make it to the top four this season.

Lee sang “Treat Her Like a Lady” with complete ease & smooth style. He was completely on his game, and he is really starting to separate from the pack. He even had personality tonight! The stylists are making progress on the “American Idol Makeover” that transformed the likes of Clay Aiken & Jordin Sparks in previous seasons. He looks good, sounds good, and doesn’t leave any trace of doubt that he is a legit artist.

But Let’s Be Real: I don’t know if it was more the producers or just Lee himself who transformer him into the top contender he is now. Either way, Lee did a terrific job this week.

What It Is: A-

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox

CRYSTAL PICKS THE BEST SONGS. Unlike Andrew Garcia, she picks songs that are just asking to be covered in a slightly different style.

“Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Night has such power behind it. Crystal’s unique arrangement, which featured her starting on the piano & ending facing the audience bare – for the first time with no instrument – had a terrific rise & fall. I think that the song would have benefited from being a little longer, since there is such a big story to be told through the words and the music, but she still really nailed it. If Crystal does make it to the final, she will win…her creativity and persistence at being original works in her favor every week – and we consider these weeks to just be her practice for the big showdown she certainly has in store.

But Let’s Be Real: Crystal retains her status as the “awesomely different” girl of the season. She continues to be the only contestant who is helping to somehow distinguish Season Nine from the other eight.

What It Is: A-

Contestant: Aaron Kelly

I had to question why they chose Aaron to go last this week…more and more the producers have been choosing the most promising contestants to go last. (No more pretending that it’s done randomly).

Aaron’s rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine” sucked. Listen to Kris Allen’s version. I didn’t even think his was all that special, but it sure beats Aaron’s. His vibrato was all over the place, his breathing was off (like always), and there was hardly any artistic interpretation. There are redeeming qualities in his voice – his pronunciation of consonants in the middle of each phrase makes him out to be more of a pro

But Let’s Be Real: So he’s 16…big deal. It shouldn’t matter anymore. I don’t think he’s enjoyable to listen to & I don’t think he’s really going to get much better than he is right now. Not until he gets some major voice lesson action.

What It Is: C-

So yeah…the majority of contestants tonight were just silly. Silly contestants.

My Breakdown:

Lee DeWyze A-

Crystal Bowersox A-

Casey James B+

Mike Lynche B

Tim Urban C

Katie Stevens C

Aaron Kelly C-

Didi Benami C-

Andrew Garcia C-

Sibhan Magnus D

Bottom Line: My best guess is that Didi & Andrew will be the bottom two – with Didi getting the axe.

My Top Five Predictions @ the Top Ten (alphabetically):

Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James, Mike Lynche & Siobhan Magnus

In conclusion, bring Alex Lambert back.

at 7:24 AM 0 comments

For Real: New Kris Allen - "The Truth"

"The Truth" is the second single from American Idol winner Kris Allen's debut album. The track will attempt to repeat the success of the first single, "Live Like We're Dying," which peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling more than 1,000,000 digital copies. That single continues to be a presence on the top 30, even in its 21st week on the 100.

The first time I heard Kris' album, "The Truth" and "Bring It Back" stood out as my favorites. The former separates itself because it doesn't get its spark from an exhaustingly repeated chorus, like the latter does. This track is refreshingly telling & honest (although he sings "Honesty is honestly the hardest thing for me right now"). The song moves you in the way a song from The Fray might. Just like that band does, Kris Allen sings about the situations his listeners will all relate to (lyrics like: "Stop pretending that it's not ending // And let the end begin" and "I still stand here holding up the roof // Because it's easier than telling the truth")

It's a great song, and it's going to connect to a lot of people. But it might not get the attention & recognition Jive execs are hoping it will. "The Truth" is almost too pure & honest - it's an impressive vocal from Kris Allen, and the chorus really rolls along, but overall it lacks edge. Whereas songs like "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum have catchy choruses that beg to be put on repeat over and over, and songs like "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train are fun to sing & easy to listen to, "The Truth" may be a little too deep for as little radio appeal as it has.


But Let's Be Real: People like Kris Allen. Obviously so, since he beat one of the most talented male vocalists of the decade for the American Idol crown last year. People of all ages welcome his music into their cars & living rooms & iPods & cell phones. But if a typical radio jam like "Live Like We're Dying" only hit #18 on the charts, "The Truth" will be a success if it even approaches that.
What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.



Listen to "The Truth" and other tracks from Kris' album here.

at 1:27 PM 0 comments