Tuesday, April 6, 2010

American Idol Season 9: The Top 9 Impress on Lennon & McCartney Night (for the most part)

Hey, hey, hey, I loved it! Lennon & McCartney night was an overall success. There were very few performances that were not up to a high standard. For me, best performances of the night went to Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, and Lee Dewyze with Siobhan Magnus and surprisingly, Tim Urban, not far behind. Unfortunately, the low man again for me was Andrew Garcia who failed to impress with a rather ordinary performance of "Can't Buy Me Love" which definitely could have been better than it was.

01 Aaron Kelly started the night with "The Long and Winding Road"; I heard that people thought this was going to be a bland performance but I disagree. Randy said he didn't like the arrangement, and thought he should have made it more of a Rascal Flatts' vibe. Kara said it feels like the same performance from him week to week. Simon said it was boring and old fashioned and he needs to be become young and relevant. Score: 4.5 (out of 5)

02 Katie Stevens gave a vocally strong performance of "Let it Be". Randy said her vocals were hot. Ellen said she changed it just enough, and Kara echoed a similar response saying she made the song her own and came out with unexpected confidence. Simon said Katie got it right this time, and I agree I admire how she bounced back from last week's comments. Her vocals were the best I have heard them. Score: 4.75

03 Andrew Garcia's performance of "Can't Buy Me Love" was just ok. Randy also called it just ok, but Ellen loved it and said it was the perfect song choice for him. Kara felt he could have done more with it, but liked the breakdown of the song. Simon said the band overpowered the arrangement and him. Score: 4

04 I liked Michael Lynche's interpretation of "Eleanor Rigby", but something about it lacked for me; it was not as good as some of the other contestants tonight. Randy and Ellen agreed that Mike did a great job and liked how he sang the song. Kara said it was fire and liked how the song built; she said he made it commercial and relevant. Simon said it sounded like something you hear in a musical. He said it was way too over the top. Score: 4.5

05 Crystal Bowersox immediately made an impression on me with her stirring performance of "Come Together". She chose the perfect song, and sang it in her own style. Randy called it another solid performance, but didn't think it was her best. Ellen said that she was great again and she can hear this song on her album. Kara called it one of her fave performances ever, and liked how she gave a Bonnie Raitt feel. Simon said that is a performance I could hear on the radio right now, and it was much better than last week. Score: 5

06 Tim Urban was surprisingly good singing "All My Lovin'". Randy said it was one of his best performances in a few weeks. Ellen said it was his second best performance overall, and the perfect song for him. Kara commended him, not only for a good performance, but for taking their criticism. Simon said that song was the right thing for him to do. It suited his voice, he took the criticism like a man and didn't complain. He said he didn't over sing the song and he is proud of the way Tim has handled himself. Score: 4.9

07 Casey James sang "Jealous Guy"; I felt his performance was honest and I loved his guitar playing. Randy said he was impressed with his performance and it was heartfelt. Ellen called it soulful and his best to date, and he poured himself into the song. Kara said he showed vulnerability and depth. Simon said best performance of the night, it was emotional, he put his stamp on it, and it was very impressive. Score: 5

08 Siobhan Magnus gave a sincere and controlled performance of "Across the Universe". Siobhan was touching and she took a risk by not singing a big note. Randy said no one says artist to me more than you. Ellen said she is so special and so talented, and she liked it. Kara said she showed great control but didn't sing a high note (this comment made no sense to me). Simon said she came back stronger than ever, much better than last week. Score: 4.9

09 Lee Dewyze gave a stirring rendition of "Hey Jude"; I absolutely loved Lee's vocals in this. Randy said you don't have to be nervous because this was another hot one. Ellen liked how he was smiling and was more confident. Kara said I am still a fan (why still?); I didn't get this comment. Simon said he liked it til the piper came on; I think that is immaterial because everything else Lee did was so great. Score: 5

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