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

For Real: New Usher - "OMG"

Usher's sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond, is set for national release this Tuesday. I got a first listen this week, actually just a few hours after I listened to his 2004 album, Confessions, for the first time. The music on this album is noticeably softer than the larger-than-life 2004 set, which sold almost 10,000,000 copies. There is nothing on the CD that comes close to the sharp pounce of "Yeah," or even clever Pop/R&B fusion numbers, like "Caught Up." Most of the tracks are more up the alley of "Burn," that is, moderately slow R&B ballads.

In some way or another, Jive/LaFace has already domestically released four of the tracks from the new album - "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" was the first official single and "Lil Freak" the second. "There Goes My Baby" and "Papers" were also released as promotional singles. Each of these singles are R&B ballads - and to be honest, nothing special.

There is one track on the album however, that has the potential to bring Usher back to the top. Unsurprisingly, it also has the potential to push him further away. "OMG feat. Will.I.Am" was recently released in Europe as the first international single of the album. Between the echoed chants of what sounds like 9 guys clapping in a recording studio & the legit 80's synth that comes and goes, the song is a trip. It's weird & somewhat awkward. The beat doesn't sit still & the resulting mash-up doesn't really match anything you could hear on the radio right now. Also the words are pretty darn stupid. But can you think of another track like that? Jive Records CEO Barry Weiss can.

Do you remember the first time you heard Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack?" Did you like it? How many people were actually positive it was him singing? That single ended up shooting from #33 to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its second week of release. In doing so, it created it's own sound & didn't have to follow the trends of similar sounding songs. That is the idea with "OMG"...after your first listen, do you think it's the next "SexyBack," or should Usher just leave the song in the U.K.?

But Let's Be Real: Jive has yet to announce that the single will be released domestically, but if its success in the U.K. is any indication, it will be next up to the plate. It has already hit #13 there. My guess is that the single will be released, and that its fresh approach will briefly make it an "item." It's fun to listen to, but I don't think the song has the power to hit the top ten.
What It Is: Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100

Listen to "OMG feat. Will.I.Am" here.

at 9:12 AM 0 comments

For Real: New Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson recently hit the airwaves with her 16th career single, and the 4th from her latest album, All I Ever Wanted. The title track was selected, likely because it has been getting more sales than the other rumored choices ("If I Can't Have You" and "Cry") over the past few months. As it is, "All I Ever Wanted" still trails the other two tracks in total sales (40,524 compared to 40,621 and 49,273 respectively), but in recent weeks it has been selling considerably more copies than either of the latter two tracks.

But regardless of the sales it's gotten so far, the track is not a typical radio pick. From the dark-sounding guitar lick at the beginning, through the jagged & forceful chorus, the song is a lot heavier than the types of songs you see topping the charts today.

So there's that. But then you have to excuse yourself from the pop world for a second and recognize the fact that Kelly Clarkson is one of the best vocalists of the 21st century - it's why she is famous. In that light, "All I Ever Wanted" is one of her most impressive vocals. It's one of those numbers that gives you goosebumps just from the sheer power of her high notes - nobody will listen to this tune and say the girl is untalented. It also has a raw emotional element that is lacking in the album's biggest hit, "My Life Would Suck Without You," which hit #1 last year. It has more to say & does it without any of the added frills. The song is long, but it doesn't seem like it. After an intense 4 minutes of Kelly repeatedly telling us "All I ever wanted was a simple way to get over you," the band's casual fade out makes it seem as though they had barely gotten there; meanwhile the drums end the song by themselves, tapping away like a horse who lost its rider without realizing it. It is one of several artistic elements that makes the song good - and it is a good song.

But Let's Be Real: Will people like it? Some of them. Her one-of-a-kind voice & the unique edge of the song will drive it up the charts - but its heavy gloominess will stop it from rising as high as many of her other hits. Oh, and the music video probably won't help, by the way...she sort of gave up on the "visual" aspect of her career...
What It Is: Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, but not higher than #21


Listen to "All I Ever Wanted" and other tracks from Kelly's latest album here.

at 3:14 PM 1 comments

For Real: American Idol Top Eleven

American Idol - Finals Week #2

1984 anyone? A little creepy with the very serious looking contestants standing in line in front of Ryan on the big screen, who is as usual attempting to make the non-dramatic dramatic. Ooh, my favorite unknown Idol announcer! Introduces the judges & Ryan in typical, somewhat out-of-place style. More lights than I remember from seasons past as Ryan starts the show.

"Lacey, if you're watching, we all know you were the worst last week so hopefully everybody is at peace." "Awwww," says the audience.

Top ten make the tour - one person tonight will not. Ellen seems to be very in tune with the show tonight...? She may need to focus a little more if she wants to stay afloat on the panel whilst not knowing diddly about music.

Storytime by Kara DioGuardi. Has anybody not blocked her voice out at this point? 8:04, let's just get on with it.

"[Being eliminated] tonight would rather be like having 6 numbers on a lottery ticket, and only getting 5," says Simon. Basically, whoever does not make it tonight will miss out on a big step that they will have so nearly taken. The stakes are high.

Billboard #1's tonight. This should be good...as a low level music industry employee I've had some good exposure to...wait Miley please...I'm writing. ... No, she's definitely invaded American Idol for the first time. This was inevitable. But wait...has Miley Cyrus ever hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100...no sir, she has not. She hit #2 with "Party in the USA" last year, but that's it.

Anyway, I've had some good exposure to the charts as I have to do a lot of data collection where I work. Will there be any Stevie Wonder or Michael Jackson tonight? My guess is that a good chunk of tunes tonight won't be recognized by the general public - a lot of random songs snuck up to #1 in the 80's and 90's.

Miley. Is. So. Experienced.

Contestant: Lee Dewyze

Sometimes I try to compare myself to these contestants - Lee has an issue with stage presence. True statement. But, can you really picture what Lee would look like with "stage presence." Brighter eyes? Cheesy smile? I don't think it's his style...Lee's got his own style & it's not cheesiness. The sad eyes are part of the package.

The Letter. I used to hate this song as a kid because a guy 7 years older than me did it at my high school & placed it securely on my black list. Lee's version is creative, but it's boring me a little. I like the horns I suppose. He works well with the backgrounds...the John Mayer is coming through tonight as usual.

The audience goes wild...

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "You knocked it out of the park dude"

Ellen: Something about pens, no more ink, but the favorite pen is back. Cheers.

Kara: "You are finally owning the stage. The progress is tremendous. Can you feel the difference?" The audience apparently can.

Simon: "That was you doing something quite corny...it actually was. You sounded good...but that does not define you as a contemporary recording artist."

Interesting that Simon brought up the importance of being a recording artist this early in the competition...yeah, it's Billboard #1's, but it seems to me that these guys are still just trying to put on a good show just to make it to the last few weeks.

But Let's Be Real: If it wasn't clear before tonight, it should be now: Lee Dewyze is a top contender. Does it worry anybody that he's not really an amazing talent? I like him, but it's not because he's something I've never heard before. What It Is: B

Contestant: Paige Myles

Hiiii Paiiigge.

I have to give Paige props for last week...I really think that she was better than at least two of the contestants, which is saying a lot given her past on the live shows.

She's doing Against all Odds. If I remember correctly, this song has never been a success for an Idol.

Aha, well there's the pitchy Paige we all grudgingly endured through the semi-finals! I think I'm hearing a little Jordin Sparks in her voice...it may be the semi-annoying vibrato. I hear it in more than a few artists today - recording & otherwise. The difference is that Jordin somehow makes it work to her advantage. Paige & friends do not.

The problem is that Mariah's version of the song is so massively dramatic...shoving it into two minutes already ravishes it enough - when you put somebody as uncontrolled & incapable as Paige, it makes it that much worse.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "Really, honestly. I don't know if your voice is back or whatever, but that was terrible."

Ellen: "I'm gonna start with the positive - you didn't fall down." Followed by some other muttering nobody heard.

Kara: "Somewhere along the line you stopped competing." WORD. She goes on to call it the worst vocal of the season.

Simon: "It was like there were five of you singing that song, and it got progressively worse each one."

But Let's Be Real: Girl just isn't smart. There was no way she was going to do this song well. Noo wayy would that girl have made it work - it doesn't match anything about her. I don't think it matters how the rest of these contestants do - Paige just got to be done. What It Is: F

Contestant: Tim Urban

Tim is one of the guys that just chills in the middle for me. He's not bad but he doesn't seem to have quite enough to be a top 4 performer. I would like to have his hair though.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love. He looks good tonight. What are we working with here Tim...how many times did you practice that slide across the stage? Reminds me of myself as a freshman in high school. This is not bad at all, but it's a silly choice for somebody who has been accused of being boring. This song is much too straightforward for him to make any real progress.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "Everytime...we should be going like oh my god this is so dope. The best thing you did was the slide."

Ellen: "You have huge fans...but it felt to me like it was an audition for High School Musical. I don't if they're on 6 or 7 though."

Screaming girls, please.

Kara: "You didn't do much with it, you did't change up the melodies. You're not at that place yet. You're not established."

SCREAMING GIRLS I WILL GET HIS HAIR AND THEN YOU CAN SCREAM FOR ME.

Simon: "I think the sliding kind of distracted from the song, so I can understand why you did that. The problem was that it was completely silly...You've got zero chance of winning right now."

But Let's Be Real: See above. Didn't do anything for him tonight. Maybe learn the moonwalk? That automatically cancels the vocals out. What It Is: C

Contestant: Aaron Kelly

Laryngitis & Tonsillitis! Congrats. Aaron looks like he's balding nearly as much as I am. The sylists on this show don't seem to be doing much for him either.

It's I Don't Want to Miss A Thing by Aerosmith. This could actually be very good...depending on how gently he approaches it. If it's too abrasive, it could be pretty lame.

Does anybody think he sounds a little like Savage Garden? I don't really get the Justin Timberlake that one of the judges thought he sounded like a few weeks ago. Getting into the chorus, I think he's just slightly under pitch consistently. Why is he off with the backgrounds? No - bridge is a fail. Again, this is a song that is kind of too big for a 2 minute snippet. It's not bad per se...just a little unprofessional & grody sounding.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "Coupla pitch things...let me tell you something, thank God you came on the stage and started singing because the two before you... I like you."

Ellen: "You're pretty much always pitch perfect." I didn't think so...?

Kara: "Best song choice of the night. Week to week you really know how to pick a song that accentuates the strength in your voice. More stage presence."

GUITAR PLAYER IN THE BACKGROUND WHO ARE YOU?

Simon: "Very brave. I think for your age, you're making yourself old fashioned. But there is zero chance you are going to go home."

Aww comparing Aaron Kelly to David Archuleta. How perfectly ridiculous, Ryan.

But Let's Be Real: It's great that he can do what he can at such a young age, but in the end it's going to make a difference that he's not really technically there. What It Is: B-

Contestant: Crystal Bowersox

She needs a pick me up this week.

Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin. One of my favorite songs ever. And a great girl to do it. I don't like seeing it shortened to American Idol length though. Crystal is looking prettier each week! Hollywoodized. I hope she's not too angry about it.

Crystal tends to slow these songs down so that she can play her acoustic with it. That's OK, but it doesn't do the same thing for me that Janis' version does. Once it picks up, it's real good. She's very comfortable with it & she has the power to pull it off. Try singing this song...it is not an easy thing to do! Overall, a great interpretation of a great song.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "That's what it's about. I'm so happy now. She's what it's about"

Ellen: "I was driving the other day and this came on the radio and I thought you should sing it. The one thing...you need a little more connection...these people love you: take it in and respond."

Kara: "I did feel more...I saw you smiling, moving a little bit more. Would you ever consider putting a guitar down for a performance? I think you would get more into it and free yourself and I want you to let go completely even more than this week."

Simon: "I wouldn't change anything. I've heard Pink sing a version of that song, and that was one of the best versions I've ever heard, and that was as good as that."

But Let's Be Real: Crystal is good. I think that until she can really do something creative though, she's not going to make any legit progress to becoming the clear favorite. She needs to do something that people won't recognize & make it phenomenal. I guess Billboard #1's makes that hard, huh. Still a truly great vocal. What It Is: A-

Contestant: Mike Lynche

He sounds a lot like Ruben (that isn't racist is it?) . The difference is that I never liked Ruben & I love Mike and consider him a favorite to win.

Mmmm sexy piano starting it out. When A Man Loves A Woman. Good choice. Are they all just chilling with different instruments and switching on and off? The kick into full band here is not very powerful - what is it with the old fashioned feel from the band tonight? It's not Big Band Night! A perfect money note from Mike Lynche - compare him to the other guys in the competition & he is miles ahead in terms of natural vocal ability. It's effortless...doesn't make you question the integrity of the notes. A great vocal performance - I didn't care for the arrangement & wasn't particularly moved, but nonetheless - good.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "Don't think it was your best vocal, but you know who you are. I loved it"

Ellen: "I did feel like it was a safe choice. You have an amazing tone. This woman loves that man." K.

Kara: "Technically it was really good...but I felt it was a bit boring and loungey at times. Overdid it. Too many riffs."

Simon: "Kara I kind of know what you're saying. You wanted one scoop of ice cream and got eleven. No disrespect, but I would have taken all this stuff off the stage (referring to every instrument except the piano."

But Let's Be Real: Again, Mike kind of sticks with the status quo this week. Luckily, the status quo for him is definitely in the top three or four. What It Is: B+

Contestant: Andrew Garcia

Are you really still here Andrew? He is legitimately last month's news, and I don't really see it changing. He's going to stick around until there isn't anybody with a worse natural talent & everybody truly forgets "Straight Up."

I Heard It Through The Grapevine. A good song! But for a girl. What else is new here Andrew? He looks incredibly awkward on stage. Are his eyes open? I'm not sure what he's doing with his hands. Wow, he just attempted the moonwalk but the camera missed it. I don't know for sure if that is disadvantageous for him or not.

Is he putting on weight? During the Top 12 Run? No way...

Alright...it's really not that it's a bad vocal. It's just boring & strange & meaningless. He didn't seem remotely involved in what he was doing.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "Dawg, it wasn't good. Wrong song choice, because this is not the type of vocalist you are."

Ellen: "That was not enough to get a hold bunch of people on board who are kind of teetering right now." A negative comment muddled by useless positive babble, as usual.

Kara: "I feel bad for you. You are chasing that moment ("Straight Up" during Hollywood Week), and it's messing wtih your head." She brings up the hand motions.

Simon: "It may be that we just overrated that moment. I think you've had enough time to sort it out. You sucked the life out of one of the best pop songs of all time"

But Let's Be Real: Simon is spot on..."Straight Up" was overrated, and didn't represent who Andrew really is. The producers hyped it up to be this amazingly creative performance that was really just a fluke - Andrew doesn't have anything in store for us. He'll stay until nobody cares about that one moment anymore, and then it's back to the bars. He is simply not meant for this stage. What It Is: C-

Contestant: Katie Stevens

Another girl that just seems out of place here. She's the only legit pop girl left, and she's not a very notable one at that. Remember when the producers tried to make her out as the top girl during the first semi-finals performance?

I think this is a good song choice for her. Big Girls Don't Cry. She is able to use that deeper quality in her voice. Kind of Christina Aguilera-ish. Definitely pitchy...this song is also melodically challenged to begin with. She's making it worse by trying to riff it out. The issue is that the riffs do not match with that deeper quality. As a result, this performance is worthless for her. Sorry, Katie.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "I don't know if it was your best performance, but you actually listened to us and picked a younger song. I'm liking that your listening." Sure

Ellen: "I think it was your best performance so far. You're like the Dakota Fanning of American Idol"

Kara: "This is the lane for you. Pop with R&B leanings."

Simon: "I think you meeting Miley Cyrus was probably the best thing that could have happened to you. Do I however believe that you are believable in this area - I'm not sure. Having said that, it was a good performance."

But Let's Be Real: OK, it's better than anything she has done during the live shows. But it's still not worth anything. I suppose the Screaming Teens will like her. Congrats Screaming Teens. What It Is: C+

Contestant: Casey James

Casey is the contestant that frustrates me the most this season. Almost as much as Bucky Covington in season 5, but not quite. He's got a pretty good voice, but the world doesn't need another Nickelback or Creed. He's their love child.

Power of Love. Whatever. The judges are going to think it was great. I don't have too much to say. I think he looks dumb with his Lord of the Rings Wizard hair. It is definitely a technically perfect performance though...it's hard to knock him on anything. I just don't like it I say!

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "You now I'm a fan of yours. I wasn't a fan of the song choice but oyu definitely did it well."

Ellen: "Same here, but I think it was the best vocal of the night."

Kara: "We're just talking anotehr lvel. You're just ready to make an album. It just gets better and better and better."

Simon: "Casey I promise you, this is not personal. But that song was old fashioned 25 years ago when it came out. It was like watching and listening to an 80's cover band. No effort, no originality. Maybe it's just me." Nah

But Let's Be Real:: Casey is going to stick around for a while - nothing more needs to be said at this point. Whether he makes it to the top four will depend on the two or three weeks before, & that's all. What It Is: B

Contestant: Didi Benami

I like Didi a lot...but you have to admit, you could confuse her voice with more than a few current artists (Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor...) I think that Didi has been in the upper half of the top 12 up to this point - whether people realize it or not.

You're No Good. I love this song - and it isn't long to begin with, so it should be good for an American Idol Shortening. It's starting out acoustic - nice. What is with the band tonight?? It's slow & big band-esque...why?? Did all the contestants really ask to have their songs arranged this way?

This is an OK performance - I wish the arrangement was more emotionally driven - because this song can be really powerful & forceful. Not so here. Her facial expressions are just a little immature...

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "I love the idea of it...but the pitches were all over the place."

Ellen: "I don't get the song choices tonight."

"I loved it!" Random girl in the audience who has contributed so much to our lives.

Kara: "It just left me confused."

Simon: "There was a certain irony to you calling out 'You're no good...you're no good...you're no good... It didn't sound like you." Simon did not remember Lacey's name...told you.

But Let's Be Real: I'm afraid people aren't going to care enough about Didi to vote for her this week. Being forced to perform a pop number AND making it twangy & slow just wasn't a good decision, and it did not allow her to show off her vocal strengths - or individuality. What It Is: C-

Contestant: Siobhan Magnus

Siobhan is my favorite so far this season, and I'm not surprised that the producers chose to put her last this week. My feeling is that she has something special in store tonight.

Here's the Stevie number - Superstition. I did this song when I was a sophomore in high school & I've always wished I had put some more umph into it. I don't think she's about to make the same mistake.

Yes ma'am, Siobhan. Your changing style is matching your development as a contestant. It's like Sanjaya but with a good voice. I feel like this is a true American Idol performance. It's a little pitchy, but it's unique and powerful and fun. It's what you would expect to see from the show if you had never seen it and just turned it on.

The Three Mouths & the Brain:

Randy: "I loved it. You just went for it. You have so much conviction."

Ellen: "OH SIOBHAN TO QUOTE OLIVER MORE PLEASE MORE PLEASE" and such

Kara: "You express yourself everytime you perform, and I love that about you."

Simon: "I think there's gonna be a real split with you on this one. Some people are going to love it and others are going to hate it. The screaming is becoming your thing, but I think you need to switch it up."

To everyone, Simon says: "You've got to start pushing yourselves. Tonight, for me, was not a good night overall."

But Let's Be Real: I think it was good. But not her best, & also probably not as good as what she can do & will do later this season. What It Is: B+

My Eyes & Ears:

Crystal Bowersox A-

Siobhan Magnus B+

Mike Lynche B+

Lee Dewyze B

Casey James B

Aaron Kelly B-

Katie Stephens C+

Tim Urban C

Didi Benami C-

Andrew Garcia C-

Paige Myles F

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