The top seven were decided on Sunday night on American Idol, and I was a little discouraged with the results. Two ladies and five guys ended up being chosen. I just think there were some people that moved forward that maybe should not have-- Dillon James had not been great for several weeks. Jonny West--- I know the judges are sold but I'm not.
Last night's performances came in two rounds. Round one was Disney songs and round two was songs inspired by mom in honor of Mother's Day. The Disney round was king of lame to be honest. I love Disney songs, but I am kind of tired of the shameless Disney plugs every two seconds on ABC. The second round for me is what sold me on several of these artists. The song choices were thoughtful and heartfelt.
Arthur Gunn-- sang Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid and Hey Ma by Bon Iver-- First performance was sound, not great, but safe. Second performance bled authenticity. I do think he is going to make the top five, he just sounds unlike anyone else. Forget the Phillip Phillips comparisons. Arthur sounds like no one else.
Just Sam-- sang A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes by Cinderella and I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera-- I was not into either performance. Every week I hear her she sounds good, but she does not seem to connect with the songs or emote in any way. I think she is in danger of going home next week.
Jonny West-- sang Almost There from The Princess and the Frog and Amazing Grace-- I full expected him to go home this week, but I am glad he didn't. This week I saw so much from him. His performances felt inspired, he connected to the songs, and was true to himself as an artist. I believe he will stick around.
Louis Knight-- sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King and You've Got a Friend by James Taylor and Carole King-- This was probably his weakest couple of performances in a while. I felt like he lost focus and was off pitch, especially in the first performance. He improved on the second performance and it should be enough for him to go through because a couple of people were a little bit weaker than he was.
Julia Gargano-- sang Beauty and the Beast and Sweetest Devotion by Adele-- Julia has not missed a beat in this competition. She has been one of the strongest performers and vocalists from day one. Her first performance this week was a miss for me. Her vocals were too low, it needed to be in a different key. The second performance was her ticket into the finale. It was one of the best performances of the night.
Francisco Martin-- sang You're in My Heart from Tarzan and River by Leon Bridges-- Francisco has by far been my favorite contestant this season and this was his best performances to date. He has not taken one wrong turn. Both of his performances were equally amazing. He has a sincerity that comes through every time he sings. He also shines as a storyteller because he believes fully in what he is singing about.
Dillon James-- sang Our Town from Cars and Hang On Hang On by Amos Lee-- This is so hard because a couple weeks ago, I felt like he should have gone home for losing his authenticity. Now I feel like he's grown, but is it enough? Is it fair for him to stay around when others have been more consistent throughout the competition than he has? He regrouped without question and got his authenticity back.
My top 5:
Francisco (potential winner)
Julia (potential winner)
Jonny
Arthur (potential winner)
last spot is between Louis and Dillon
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/americanidol
**My top three performances of the night are posted.
Showing posts with label Dillon James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dillon James. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Sunday, May 3, 2020
American Idol-- The Top 20 Become 10 or 11 and Sing Songs That Remind Them of Home
The Top 10 sing songs that remind them of Home
Louis Knight sang In My Place by Coldplay-- Katy thought it was commendable for him to lean into his roots, he made he escape to a better time. Luke loved his star quality, and wasn't necessarily blown away by the performance. I actually disagree with Luke, I loved this performance for exactly the reason Katy said, he taps into his roots. Any time you as a performer directly relate with a song, you're good to go. He connected and we as an audience felt that.
Julia Gargano sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Lionel said she took Billy Joel's song and made it her own, it was memorable. Luke and Katy said it was one of the performance's of the season. Again, she clearly connected with the song and that's why it was amazing. Her approach was genuine and sincere.
Jovin Webb sang Voodoo by Allen Stone-- Katy said I was in a bar in Nola having an extra dirty martini. Luke said you haven't always been on pitch but there is such a believe-ability. However, Luke said tonight he was not off key once! Jovin just has such a vibe. His style is original, he's not trying to be like anyone else and it is so authentic and original.
Grace Leer sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland-- Katy calls is big and bolg. Lionel reminds her if she is country to stay in her lane. Obviously she sang a memorable BIG song. It always touches me. However, I wasn't blown away by this if I am being honest.
Jonny West sang Faithfully by Journey-- Luke said you stay within your style and can sing anything. Lionel said you've gone from a shy guy to a sexy guy. You made it your own. Katy said it's beautiful to see the life you're building. I wanna go see your show. That was so effortless.
Sophia James sang In My Room by The Beach Boys-- Lionel said I love your delivery from top to bottom. Katy said it was so upper echelon, you really brought it with your interpretation of that song. Luke said I find myself immersed in emotion. Oh my gosh, that was so moving, it was dreamlike. Sophia has this ability to tell a story and make you follow and be completely pulled in.
Arthur Gunn sang Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver-- Katy said he connected with her and the audience. Luke said that was a classic song to take on and put his spin on it. Lionel said you took John Denver's song and put a reggae twist on it, and it was good. Arthur has a way of making something his own, but the song doesn't lose it's meaning. It seemed like a far jump from country to reggae but he made it seamless.
Just Sam sang Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers-- Luke said the richness and how your voice holds at all levels is really what makes you, you. Katy said the performance reminded her of being in church. The song was appropriate for her. I don't know if it will be enough to get her into the top seven. The performances tonight have been amazing.
Dillon James sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- Katy told him that he needed to give more breath to his performance. Luke said relax the lyrics and let them flow. Dillon is certainly an original artist but for some reason, he made that too quick tempo wise. When I think about covers of "Yesterday", I think of Boyz II Men and how they really gave that song a modern spin with a different life without losing the meaning.
Francisco Martin sang Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur-- Katy is pretending to cry. Katy said she believed it and felt it. Luke said you're a diamond in the rough. Lionel said you are a true talent. Francisco is one of my favorite contestants this season. He really touches my heart with every single song, and he always seems to pick things that fit him just so beautifully.
The judges elected to use the only save of the season tonight and they used it on Makayla Phillips. And why wouldn't they, she is amazing.
Makayla Phillips sang The House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert-- Luke said we fought for you because of the voice we have heard throughout the audition process. Lionel said you're a star. Katy said I felt like you were singing directly to me, you showed growth from last week. I am shocked the judges had to use a save on her. She is phenomenal! This was a stunning vocal performance.
My top seven (these are just predictions!)---
Louis
Julia
Jovin
Sophia
Arthur
Francisco
Makayla
Louis Knight sang In My Place by Coldplay-- Katy thought it was commendable for him to lean into his roots, he made he escape to a better time. Luke loved his star quality, and wasn't necessarily blown away by the performance. I actually disagree with Luke, I loved this performance for exactly the reason Katy said, he taps into his roots. Any time you as a performer directly relate with a song, you're good to go. He connected and we as an audience felt that.
Julia Gargano sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Lionel said she took Billy Joel's song and made it her own, it was memorable. Luke and Katy said it was one of the performance's of the season. Again, she clearly connected with the song and that's why it was amazing. Her approach was genuine and sincere.
Jovin Webb sang Voodoo by Allen Stone-- Katy said I was in a bar in Nola having an extra dirty martini. Luke said you haven't always been on pitch but there is such a believe-ability. However, Luke said tonight he was not off key once! Jovin just has such a vibe. His style is original, he's not trying to be like anyone else and it is so authentic and original.
Grace Leer sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland-- Katy calls is big and bolg. Lionel reminds her if she is country to stay in her lane. Obviously she sang a memorable BIG song. It always touches me. However, I wasn't blown away by this if I am being honest.
Jonny West sang Faithfully by Journey-- Luke said you stay within your style and can sing anything. Lionel said you've gone from a shy guy to a sexy guy. You made it your own. Katy said it's beautiful to see the life you're building. I wanna go see your show. That was so effortless.
Sophia James sang In My Room by The Beach Boys-- Lionel said I love your delivery from top to bottom. Katy said it was so upper echelon, you really brought it with your interpretation of that song. Luke said I find myself immersed in emotion. Oh my gosh, that was so moving, it was dreamlike. Sophia has this ability to tell a story and make you follow and be completely pulled in.
Arthur Gunn sang Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver-- Katy said he connected with her and the audience. Luke said that was a classic song to take on and put his spin on it. Lionel said you took John Denver's song and put a reggae twist on it, and it was good. Arthur has a way of making something his own, but the song doesn't lose it's meaning. It seemed like a far jump from country to reggae but he made it seamless.
Just Sam sang Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers-- Luke said the richness and how your voice holds at all levels is really what makes you, you. Katy said the performance reminded her of being in church. The song was appropriate for her. I don't know if it will be enough to get her into the top seven. The performances tonight have been amazing.
Dillon James sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- Katy told him that he needed to give more breath to his performance. Luke said relax the lyrics and let them flow. Dillon is certainly an original artist but for some reason, he made that too quick tempo wise. When I think about covers of "Yesterday", I think of Boyz II Men and how they really gave that song a modern spin with a different life without losing the meaning.
Francisco Martin sang Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur-- Katy is pretending to cry. Katy said she believed it and felt it. Luke said you're a diamond in the rough. Lionel said you are a true talent. Francisco is one of my favorite contestants this season. He really touches my heart with every single song, and he always seems to pick things that fit him just so beautifully.
The judges elected to use the only save of the season tonight and they used it on Makayla Phillips. And why wouldn't they, she is amazing.
Makayla Phillips sang The House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert-- Luke said we fought for you because of the voice we have heard throughout the audition process. Lionel said you're a star. Katy said I felt like you were singing directly to me, you showed growth from last week. I am shocked the judges had to use a save on her. She is phenomenal! This was a stunning vocal performance.
My top seven (these are just predictions!)---
Louis
Julia
Jovin
Sophia
Arthur
Francisco
Makayla
Monday, April 27, 2020
American Idol 2020: The Top 20 are LIVE from Home
Kimmy Gabriella sang Leave me Lonely by Ariana Grande feat. Macy Gray-- I had never heard this song before. I actually think she sounded great. I did hear some nerves but she seemed to improve as the performance went on. The judges comments weren't really anything specific.
Jovin Webb sang With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker-- He sounds great. I can hear him performing a-capella and being amazing. This was a great song choice for him, and I see him as one of the strongest, most identifiable voices in the competition this year. Lionel said his voice is "instant identity" and Katy said he has tons of texture in his voice.
Franklin Boone sang Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears-- This is a fave song of mine, a guilty pleasure of sorts. I did not like the arrangement of this. His voice didn't seem to soar the way I think it should have, probably not the best song choice either. Lionel said he was true to himself. Katy said she was tearing up... okay. Kinda weird.
Olivia Ximines sang Bad Guy by Billie Eilish-- I actually loved this performance. I did not think it was the best song choice for her but her personality and her sass really came out. She has a strong voice. Luke said she always "brings the show". Lionel called her a superstar.
Louis Knight sang If the World is Ending by JP Saxes feat. Julia Michaels-- I like his voice but I was distracted by his pronunciation and diction of the lyrics. He has a great falsetto. The song choice was good for him. Luke said it showed clear artistic direction. Lionel said incredible falsetto, and the cry in his voice is believable. Katy said great song choice, the message couldn't be more on point. He was a little bit nasally was her constructive feedback.
Makayla Phillips sang Greedy by Ariana Grande-- Loved this. This was one of my favorite so far. Song choice was perfection. To me, she could be the next Ariana Grande; she has the voice, she has the star power. Lionel said this was as professional as it could be. Katy didn't seem to be crazy about the song choice; she's bugging. That was an awesome song. Luke said you make hard stuff look really easy, you hit hard notes effortlessly.
Aliana Jester sang Run to You by Whitney Houston-- This was too old fashioned for me. Great background, very creative, but her voice was off. She needed to act a little younger. Of course the judges praised the performances.
Faith Bencel sang River by Bishop Briggs-- I liked this, but didn't love it. Lionel remarked on how she closed her eyes. Luke liked her rendition of the song. Katy noticed her improved vibrato. I was distracted by her closing her eyes and all the hand movements above her head, it was a little much. The song is a fave of mine but I think I prefer Bishop Brigg's version.
Nick Merico sang Hey There Delilah by The Plain White T's-- Hmmm, this did not do it for me. I didn't like this. I feel like the judges don't know how to give constructive feedback if it isn't rainbows and sunshine.
Lauren Spencer Smith sang Mama Knows Best by Jessie J.-- She had one of the stronger vocals of the night. This song is becoming a little overdone. I think I would have preferred to hear her singing something else. Katy said she continues growing, even during a quarantine. She looks and sounds great. Luke loved all the nuances in her voice.
Cyniah Elise sang Warrior by Demi Lovato-- Oh I take it back, the judges have criticism but for the wrong people. LOL. Luke and Katy both made comments about her not connecting. I thought the vocal was great, the song was appropriate, made she could have felt the song more. Overall though, great job!
Francisco Martin sang Teenage Dream by Katy Perry-- Wow! This was so good, what a risk singing a Katy Perry song live for Katy Perry. I think I liked this better than the Glee version. There is something sincere, genuine, and honest about Francisco when he performs. I really believed this performance on him. I don't see a Top Ten without him.
Sophia James sang Burning by Maggie Rogers-- She has a little bit of a different sound than her female counterparts in the competition. She has a warm voice. Katy called it pleasing to the ear. Luke said she is sneaky good. He thought that perhaps playing the keyboard distracted her.
Dewayne Crocker sang I Feel Bad by James Brown-- He picked a song that definitely worked with who he is as an artist; however, my only criticism would be that this is a song that needed more growl. It's almost like it needed to be dirtied up a little more. Luke thought it was a little too clicky, but the end note showed so much talent. Lionel echoed Luke's feedback as did Katy.
Dillon James sang Let it Be Me by Ray Lamontagne-- The song is so special, love it. I would have liked for him to connect with it a little bit more. His background was one of the more cool and authentic ones. Lionel loved his look and sound. Luke said cut a record, and go make the music you wanna make, you have the steering wheel. Katy talked about Gaby Barrett having a number one country song and that this could be his future.
Arthur Gunn sang Lovin Machine by Wynonie Harris-- Arthur has the most recognizable voice and vibe in this top 20. He is so so unique. I adore that he gives every song and performance 110%. I would say he needs to remember to look in the camera. The song was a surprise for him. Luke said you are going to be a ginormous star.
Julia Gargano sang Human by Christina Perri-- Julia is enormously talented. I was a little bored with this performance. I hope people listening realize how talented she is and that they do vote for her. Luke says his brain is scrambled, and Lionel says she is a stylist.
Grace Leer sang Cry by Faith Hill-- This song really showcased her voice beautifully. She actually sounded quite a bit like Faith Hill. She got better as the performance went on. Katy said she played with those dynamics. She has a lot of the boxes checked to be a country star.
Just Sam sang I Believe by Fantasia-- Fantasia and this song is magic. Someone else singing it is a little cheesy. I also think that this song really undersold her voice. She is better than the best she could do this song. The judges compliment her growth. I agree she is inspiring, but I don't know that that is enough to get her to the top ten.
Jonny West sang What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong-- I think the judges liked him more than me. I thought he was okay, but clearly they think he is a star. Luke believes he can take his career wherever he wants. Lionel says he has it all.
Okay friends-- here's my top ten in no particular order--
Jovin Webb
Olivia Ximines
Makayla Phillips
Francisco Martin
Julia Gargano
Grace Leer
Louis Knight
Sophia James
Arthur Gunn
Dillon James
Honorable Mentions to-- Jonny, Lauren, and Cyniah
You can watch the Top 20 Performances HERE!
Jovin Webb sang With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker-- He sounds great. I can hear him performing a-capella and being amazing. This was a great song choice for him, and I see him as one of the strongest, most identifiable voices in the competition this year. Lionel said his voice is "instant identity" and Katy said he has tons of texture in his voice.
Franklin Boone sang Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears-- This is a fave song of mine, a guilty pleasure of sorts. I did not like the arrangement of this. His voice didn't seem to soar the way I think it should have, probably not the best song choice either. Lionel said he was true to himself. Katy said she was tearing up... okay. Kinda weird.
Olivia Ximines sang Bad Guy by Billie Eilish-- I actually loved this performance. I did not think it was the best song choice for her but her personality and her sass really came out. She has a strong voice. Luke said she always "brings the show". Lionel called her a superstar.
Louis Knight sang If the World is Ending by JP Saxes feat. Julia Michaels-- I like his voice but I was distracted by his pronunciation and diction of the lyrics. He has a great falsetto. The song choice was good for him. Luke said it showed clear artistic direction. Lionel said incredible falsetto, and the cry in his voice is believable. Katy said great song choice, the message couldn't be more on point. He was a little bit nasally was her constructive feedback.
Makayla Phillips sang Greedy by Ariana Grande-- Loved this. This was one of my favorite so far. Song choice was perfection. To me, she could be the next Ariana Grande; she has the voice, she has the star power. Lionel said this was as professional as it could be. Katy didn't seem to be crazy about the song choice; she's bugging. That was an awesome song. Luke said you make hard stuff look really easy, you hit hard notes effortlessly.
Aliana Jester sang Run to You by Whitney Houston-- This was too old fashioned for me. Great background, very creative, but her voice was off. She needed to act a little younger. Of course the judges praised the performances.
Faith Bencel sang River by Bishop Briggs-- I liked this, but didn't love it. Lionel remarked on how she closed her eyes. Luke liked her rendition of the song. Katy noticed her improved vibrato. I was distracted by her closing her eyes and all the hand movements above her head, it was a little much. The song is a fave of mine but I think I prefer Bishop Brigg's version.
Nick Merico sang Hey There Delilah by The Plain White T's-- Hmmm, this did not do it for me. I didn't like this. I feel like the judges don't know how to give constructive feedback if it isn't rainbows and sunshine.
Lauren Spencer Smith sang Mama Knows Best by Jessie J.-- She had one of the stronger vocals of the night. This song is becoming a little overdone. I think I would have preferred to hear her singing something else. Katy said she continues growing, even during a quarantine. She looks and sounds great. Luke loved all the nuances in her voice.
Cyniah Elise sang Warrior by Demi Lovato-- Oh I take it back, the judges have criticism but for the wrong people. LOL. Luke and Katy both made comments about her not connecting. I thought the vocal was great, the song was appropriate, made she could have felt the song more. Overall though, great job!
Francisco Martin sang Teenage Dream by Katy Perry-- Wow! This was so good, what a risk singing a Katy Perry song live for Katy Perry. I think I liked this better than the Glee version. There is something sincere, genuine, and honest about Francisco when he performs. I really believed this performance on him. I don't see a Top Ten without him.
Sophia James sang Burning by Maggie Rogers-- She has a little bit of a different sound than her female counterparts in the competition. She has a warm voice. Katy called it pleasing to the ear. Luke said she is sneaky good. He thought that perhaps playing the keyboard distracted her.
Dewayne Crocker sang I Feel Bad by James Brown-- He picked a song that definitely worked with who he is as an artist; however, my only criticism would be that this is a song that needed more growl. It's almost like it needed to be dirtied up a little more. Luke thought it was a little too clicky, but the end note showed so much talent. Lionel echoed Luke's feedback as did Katy.
Dillon James sang Let it Be Me by Ray Lamontagne-- The song is so special, love it. I would have liked for him to connect with it a little bit more. His background was one of the more cool and authentic ones. Lionel loved his look and sound. Luke said cut a record, and go make the music you wanna make, you have the steering wheel. Katy talked about Gaby Barrett having a number one country song and that this could be his future.
Arthur Gunn sang Lovin Machine by Wynonie Harris-- Arthur has the most recognizable voice and vibe in this top 20. He is so so unique. I adore that he gives every song and performance 110%. I would say he needs to remember to look in the camera. The song was a surprise for him. Luke said you are going to be a ginormous star.
Julia Gargano sang Human by Christina Perri-- Julia is enormously talented. I was a little bored with this performance. I hope people listening realize how talented she is and that they do vote for her. Luke says his brain is scrambled, and Lionel says she is a stylist.
Grace Leer sang Cry by Faith Hill-- This song really showcased her voice beautifully. She actually sounded quite a bit like Faith Hill. She got better as the performance went on. Katy said she played with those dynamics. She has a lot of the boxes checked to be a country star.
Just Sam sang I Believe by Fantasia-- Fantasia and this song is magic. Someone else singing it is a little cheesy. I also think that this song really undersold her voice. She is better than the best she could do this song. The judges compliment her growth. I agree she is inspiring, but I don't know that that is enough to get her to the top ten.
Jonny West sang What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong-- I think the judges liked him more than me. I thought he was okay, but clearly they think he is a star. Luke believes he can take his career wherever he wants. Lionel says he has it all.
Okay friends-- here's my top ten in no particular order--
Jovin Webb
Olivia Ximines
Makayla Phillips
Francisco Martin
Julia Gargano
Grace Leer
Louis Knight
Sophia James
Arthur Gunn
Dillon James
Honorable Mentions to-- Jonny, Lauren, and Cyniah
You can watch the Top 20 Performances HERE!
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