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