VIDEO: American Idol's Lacey Brown Is Eliminated; Judges Won’t Save Her
Posted on Mar 18, 2010 @ 05:22AM - 4 comments
American Idol's Wednesday show failed to surprise, with a teary-eyed Lacey Brown, the contestant everyone pegged to be going home, getting the boot.
PHOTOS: The American Idol Top 12
First up the first awkward moment of the night. Simon calls Ryan out about him "aggressively" confronting him last night. Simon tells him to never do it again. This segues into Ryan asking Simon to explain the judges' save rule, which he goes on to do, saying that basically the judges save has been reprived and that if all 4 judges agree the judges can save someone from elimination all the way to the top 5. However, they can only save someone one time. Needless to say, it doesn't happen this week.
VIDEO: American Idol's Siobhan Magnus gives "Performance Of The Night"
Posted on Mar 17, 2010 @ 10:35AM - 7 comments
Tuesday saw the first performance of the American Idol Top 12 - boys and girls together - and to kick it off in style and give it a bit of a rock edge it was Rolling Stones night!
PHOTOS: The American Idol Top 12
It was inevitable that rock chick Crystal Bowersox, who Simon has already branded "the one to beat" would, well, knock the socks off the competition - and she didn't disappoint, but in a surprise move Siobhan Magnus came out of the gate and raced ahead, garnering rave reviews from all the judges and even getting rare praise from Simon, who called her the "standout performance of the night".
PHOTOS: Simon Cowell's Fiancee Flashes Her Spectacular Engagement Ring
First off for the night, and getting the show off to a good start, was Michael Lynche, singing Miss You. Michael shared a moving home life story, explaining that it was the dbeloved mom's death . Michael received mainly positive reviews from the judges, with the exception of Simon who commented, “I thought the performance at times, particularly your dancing, was kind of corny. It was verging at times a tiny bit desperate.” Randy raved though, “It reminded me how great a performer you've become. You slayed them. Way to start the show!” Ellen chimed in, “What’s not to love about that Mike? At some point I'm going to be disappointed, but not yet. Good, good, good.” And Kara weighed in, “You've got to fill up that stage, you delivered attitude and swagger. You were hot on stage.”
First awkward moment of the night was when Ryan Seacrest faced up to Simon Cowell and demanded he "help Mike out" and tell him what part he thought was corny. Ryan walked right up to the judges' desk, forcing Simon to move back his chair and tell Seacrest, "Back off now, back off." As usual, it all ended in jest with Simon quipping to Ryan, "We can sort this out later in my trailer."
VIDEO: American Idol Early Favorite Haeley Vaughn Gets Eliminated
Next up, Didi Benami showed us her home in Los Angeles, saying she moved there four years ago from her home in Knoxville, TN. Didi shared that she was the middle sister of three girls, and that she was always the "artistic dreamy one". Didi said, "I'm actually the person that pushes myself the most in my family" before going on to perform her version of Play With Fire. Randy raved, “I think for the first time for me in weeks, you are on fire tonight. That was one of your best performances.” Ellen commented, “You have an amazing voice, you lost your way but you got right back in the song.” Kara wasn’t quite sure, saying, “I think sometimes when you push on your vocals you lose your way a bit. But I like your intensity. For me It was 2 steps in the right direction. You are moving towards who you are as an artist." Simon pretty much summed it up with, “You are beginning to show us who you want to be. I have been a fan of yours for the last 2 or 3 weeks and again it was a very solid but not brilliant performance.”
VIDEO: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition In The Top Ten Women
Kara’s cougar favorite, Casey James, grew up in an "itty bitty town" called Cool in Texas. Casey's mom said that when he was a baby he was very sick and the doctor told her he would be brain damaged and never speak. She went on to say that she knew that wasn't the case when she heard him singing in his crib. Obviously close, Casey admitted, "I wouldn't be where I am today without my family." Casey nailed his take on All Over Now. Three of the judges were in agreement with their praise, Randy said, “I'm excited about this. I loved it, you are back to the artist I loved, I loved it. You are back for me.” Ellen agreed, jokingly saying, “Most women, their hearts are racing right now, but then for women like me.....blonds...I thought it was fantastic.” Kara raved, of course, “Tonight you were a rock star. It had a country kinda twang but it had blues and soul and that is what I have missed from you. This was your best performance since we met.” Simon though begged to differ, “I actually don't agree with that. For me that was like an audition performance. You've got to push yourself, it has to be more than that. Just be a star"
VIDEO: Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Lacey Brown told America she's from Amarillo, TX, and that she comes from a very supportive family. Lacey, whose dad is a pastor, said, "The church has had a big impact on me musically." Her dad said she's always been shy so it's amazing to see his daughter "up there on the stage, looking into the cameras and performing." Unfortunately though, Lacey wasn’t so lucky with the praise tonight. She gave a lack luster rendition of Ruby Tuesday that garnered her lukewarm reviews from all of the judges. Randy said, “I wasn't jumping up and down about it vocally, it wasn’t a wow moment but you kind of held it together.” Ellen commented, “You like to sit on the edge of things, don't go to the Grand Canyon. It was a tiny bit sleepy for me. But I'm a fan of yours.” Kara agreed, “It was 50-50 for me. Hearing your voice up there is great. But there were some issues where you didn’t hit the notes right. You can do better. You could of put more into it.” Simon got straight to the point, as usual, “You perform like an actress. Everything is really, really precise. Nothing wrong with the vocals, the song was OK. You need to stop over thinking this, and let yourself go a bit.”
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
Andrew Garcia talked about how he grew up around gangs, and how his parents never had any money when he was young. He went on to say that one day he "just picked up a guitar, I wanted to known for something but I never thought I wanted to be a singer." Andrew kept the mixed reviews coming with his performance of Gimme Shelter. Randy said, “I love the song, I love the Stones and I love you but it was pitchy everywhere, man, it was pitchy everywhere..” Ellen disagreed, raving, “What do I know? I think it was your best performance yet. I loved it.” Kara was undecided, commenting, “There were elements that we heard what we have been missing. I wanted to feel what you were talking about. I felt it at times but most of the time I didn't. The connection bothered me the most out of that performance. I wanted more intensity.” Awkard moment of the night number 2 followed with a fight between Kara and Simon over the intenstity of Andrew's performance and of the Rolling Stones. In the end Simon was also undecided though, saying, “I am in the middle. You gave it 100% but my gut is you were better in rehearsals than tonight. I genuinely hope you survive another week.”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: American Idol Contestant Has No Regrets About TV Meltdown
Katie Stevens took America home to Middlebury in Connecticut, Katie said when she was younger she was "very shy and couldn't perform in public" something her mom disagreed with, even dragging out an old clip of Katie at 4 performing at her uncle's wedding! Katie, who has been accused of not being "young enough" chose Wild Horses, and it turned out to be a wise choice. Randy praised her, "It is a great song if you sing it well it's all good all the time. I actually thought you sang that really well. A couple of pitch issues but you corrected them. It was a really strong performance." Ellen said, "I thought it started a bit pitchy but sounded good once you got into it, great song, good choice, good choice." Kara conceded,"It is never technically perfect with you but it was better than last week, it definitely was." And even Simon gave a, mainly, positive review, "I would say this is the only week you have chosen a very strong song. I didn’t like the second half of the arrangement because I think you lost the emotion. But it's the first time I think you connected with a song, you made a difference and you gave it 100% Well done."
EXCLUSIVE: Casey James' Jailbird Past
Tim Urban murdered his version of Under My Thumb, getting a thumbs down from all the judges. Before performing Tim confessed that he was one of ten kids, and that his sisters used to dress him as a little girl. Tim said growing up in such a large family means he "will always be part of an Urban family, but it would be awesome to be known as Tim Urban, away from that." But after his beyond weird performance it doesn't look likely....Randy commented, "I didn’t get that dude. It was very bizarre. The whole Reggae version of that. It didn’t serve your vocals well. I didn’t like it." While Ellen quipped, "I'm going to boo myself first. I Felt like I was a resort drinking a pina colada and listening to someone sing. There was nothing wrong with it. I just didn’t like it, it didn't wow." Kara was kinder, saying, "I applaud you for doing something so incredibly different with the song. Whether you like it or not you made it your own." Simon scathingly commented, "I applaud you for doing something different, it is quite a boring song anyway, having said that it didn’t work. A lot of people that are Rolling Stones fans were turning off their TV sets at that point."
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With Idol Judges
Siobhan Magnus told America she is from Cape Cod, Mass. Siobhan claimed she comes from "a huge family" and that "they are a support system. They're there for me. I could ask them for anything." Siobhan scored rave reviews for her very dramatic take on Paint It Black. Randy gushed, "Bringing the drama to season 9. That was hot, that was hot!" Ellen heaped on the praise, "I loved the way you look tonight. I love the way you sound. I love the way you did that song. You rise above. You're like Snooki's poof. You stand out." Kara raved, "I'm having flash backs to Adam Lambert. The best interpretation tonight. You did the most with the song, most interesting." And even Simon was glowing in his review, "The standout performance of the night. I see the development, you look interesting.You're going to have to scream at the end of each performance now, and a lot of people will love that but a lot of people genuinely will hate that and that is the place to be, better than being indifferent and boring."
EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Bowersox's S & M Aunt Whipping Up Support
Lee DeWyze admitted that 6-months-ago he was living paycheck to paycheck, working at a paint store. Lee went on to say when he was younger he "used to be really embarrassed to perform in front of people" and that he still suffers from nerves. You'd never know though, Lee delivered a strong rendition of Beast Of Burden. Half the judges raved, half remained lukewarm. Randy said, "You know what I love? You came home with this. You did the whole singer/songwriter thing. It was a cross between John Thomas and Dave Matthews. It was dope." Ellen agreed, although commented, "I thought it was great and you sounded great. I was expecting a tiny bit more from you though. It was a little less than I expected." Kara raved though, "You are growing faster than anybody on this stage. Every week you're getting better. Tremendous growth." Simon held back on his praise, "I really like you as a person. I like the whole story, you worked in a paint shop and really wanted to be a star. Your personality is holding you back, you picked a very safe song and other people have had bigger moments. The frustrating thing is that you have such an incredible voice. I hope you come back next week, and stamp your personality it on it."
EXCLUSIVE: Tasered American Idol Hopeful Has Long Arrest History
Paige Miles, who is born and raised in Naples, Florida, told a sad story about her dad being paralyzed when she was 2 and then dying when she was only 4, leaving her mom to struggle and raise Paige and her brother on her own. Paige said she "grew up with my mom singing in church so I grew up singing in church too." Paige went on to mainly garner positive reviews with her take on Honky Tonk Woman. Randy said, "You did alright with it. You pulled it off. I wishede you had more energy and rocked out more but liked it." Ellen heaped on the praise, "I love that you used the stage, you have great star qualioty and presence. You sounded great. No one would know you were struggling with your voice." Kara said, "At times you may have gotten a little lost but you worked the stage and the young Paige is back." Simon asked hat her voice issues were, and Paige said she had laryngytus! Simon pretty much slammed her performance though, "You hit some big notes. It is something you would hear in a bar and you still haven’t connected. It was an old fashioned performance."
EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Bowersox On The Attack - With Spaghetti!
16-year-old Aaron Kelly shared that he is from Stonestown in New England, and that he was adopted by his mom when he was 5-years-old. Aaron said he was "the only one that sings in my family" and that "to be the next American Idol would be a dream come true." Aaron scored a home run with his mature version of Angie, with all the judges heaping on the praise. Randy said, "Your mom was absolutely right, you were born to sing. I like you. I could almost hear a little Justin Timberlake in there. I thought it was hot." Ellen joked, "Are you trying to do your hair like mine now, are you trying to copy me?" Before going on to comment, "I thought that was a great song choice. Next to Siobhan that was another performance that stands out. Beautiful." Kara raved, "I beat you up last week, but you showed me tonight. It was very powerful. Really great." And even Simon gave up some props, "I did fear for you this week when I knew it was the Stones, but you chose, absolutely, 100% the right song. What you did cleverly, you sang the song within the limits of your vocal this time. You haven't got a big voice but it was in tune and it was believable. It was one of your strongest performances."
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Last but not least was Simon's favorite to date, Crystal Bowersox. Crystal, who is from a "small rural area of Ohio" said that she's always appreciated that her "dad has always been really supportive of my music." Crystal went on to say that she started writing music at the age of ten, before claiming, "As soon as I picked up a guitar I knew this is what I was born to do." The single mom belted out an acoustic version of You Can't Always Get What You Want. Though the reviews were still positive, the judges had some stern warnings for her, with even Simon conceding that she had been beaten that night. Randy said, "I don’t think it was your best performance, there were a couple of problems in it, but I love you. You didn’t disappoint me tonight though, I still love you." Ellen said, "You sing with such ease, it's so effortless for you. You are born to be on the stage. You were playful tonight. I started to see a little more personality and I love that. Show more personality, play more." Kara, "You were so comfortable up there. It wasn’t your greatest vocal but it was great." Simon gave a mixed review, "You came out here tonight 100% the clear favorite and I think you chose a song that didn’t have the drama and tonight I think you were beaten by someone, and that was Siobhan. Just when you think you have the competition in the pocket you need to dig deep and come out here and kill."
EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Star Crystal Bowersox's Baby Daddy Revealed
Posted on Mar 12, 2010 @ 03:52PM - 18 comments
American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox emerged early as one of the favorites to go all the way and win the show, but much about the dreadlocked hippie style singer remains a mystery. Well, RadarOnline.com can answer one burning question, who the father of her baby boy is.
VIDEO: Simon Cowell Dubs Crystal Bowersox The One To Beat On American Idol
“The father of Crystal’s son is a guy named Tony. They had a great relationship and he was a total gentleman with her,” a source close to Crystal told RadarOnline.com. “Unfortunately he had to move back to Bosnia because he had another child with a woman in Romania who couldn’t afford to take care of the kid anymore so he moved back to support his child.”
VIDEO: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition
Mystery solved! (Sure, it would be great to have his last name—but we just gave you more information than anyone else has!) And in an ironic twist of fate, RadarOnline.com has learned that Crystal’s current boyfriend is also named Tony. The source says, “She hooked up with him a couple months before she started on American Idol. He’s a really nice guy.” Crystal must have an affinity for Tonys; her baby daddy is Tony, her sons name is Tony and her boyfriend’s name is Tony!
VIDEO: Crystal Bowersox Blows Away The Competition In The American Idol Top Ten Women
Posted on Mar 04, 2010 @ 06:13AM - 5 comments
After Tuesday night's over all lack luster performances by the American Idol top ten men the pressure was on the girls Wednesday to bring the talent and give us all some hope for what has been, so far, a pretty unimpressive season of the hit TV show.
It was a mixed bag of performances though with just three of the girls really shining at the end of the night - Crystal Bowersox, Lilly Scott and Siobhan Magnus delivered the goods and went someway towards granting some credibility to Simon's earlier prediction that a girl will win Idol this year.
VIDEO: American Idol’s Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Fresh from an emergency trip to the hospital Crystal Bowersox shared that she has a "square" twin brother called Carl that she "loves very much" and she keeps the memory of those she loves near her during her performance to help with her nerves. Bowersox set the standard to beat for the night with her take on Creedance Clearwater's hit Long As I Can See The Light. Randy raved, "You are the truth, you do what you do. I love that girl. That girl is hot!" Ellen agreed, commenting, "That was pure natural talent." Kara joined in the praise, saying, "You completely recovered from lat week. This is who you are. You are centered, you are focused the way that the greats are." Simon rounded out the praise, saying, "I completely underestimated you. I promise you this was like the moment when we realized with Kelly Clarkson that we have a really serious artist here, and I think you are a really serious artist."
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Next up, 16-year-old Haeley Vaughn chose a Miley Cyrus song, The Climb. Before performing Haeley admitted that her performance last week was "pretty rough" going on to say that she finds it difficult to hide her emotions and her smile as she is a "naturally happy person." Haeley's performance left a lot to be desired though, and the judges slammed her. Randy lamented, "It didn't work for me. It was excruciating. It was so pitchy and so not right for you." Ellen told Haeley, "Don't ever stop smiling." But went on to say, "Unfortunately I didn't feel connected to you. There was no feeling there." Kara commented, "You have that Alex Lambert factor. There's a lot of people that like you and that are rooting for you. Unfortunately you need about a year to strengthen your talent." Simon summed it up by saying, "It was a complete and utter mess. There was some irony in you singing about climbing when you completely fell off."
EXCLUSIVE: Simon Cowell Is Engaged
Fiery redhead Lacey Brown performed Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer. Before taking to the stage Lacey shared that she loves antiques shopping and refurbishing old furniture, saying that she finds it "relaxing". She went on to say that when she's on stage she tells herself, "You are made to do this." But despite getting props for the right song choice Lacey scored mixed reviews from the judges for her performance. Randy said, "Interesting choice. Listen, I actually think it was a good song choice and it would of worked but I was waiting for the words to flash across the screen, it was like you were doing karaoke." Ellen was kinder, saying, "It was adorable. I like your personality and I like you." Keeping up the positive vibe, Kara said, "You have a very unique sound but I have to say you have to step it up still. You didn't push it where it could of gone." Simon, said, "I think it was marginally better than last week. But I get the feeling you are taking part in a competition rather than showcasing your talent. We're not going to remember your performance and that's a problem."
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Next up, Katie Stevens confessed that something no-one knows about her is that she can say "give me a kiss" in six different languages, something she is very embarrassed about, apparently. Katie added that she's doing what the judges asked of her by performing a "younger" song choice and that she hopes they like her performance this week. Unfortunately though when it came to her pitchy rendition of the Corinne Bailey Rae classic, Put Your Records On, Stevens didn't deliver. Randy said, "There were some bright moments there for me, when you went into your upper bridge it was good, but the first part was kind of pitchy." Ellen said, "I think you have a great voice but I can't believe you're 17. I want to see you younger. I don't want to hear something I could hear in my dentist's office." Kara agreed, "I'm so frustrated with you. At the end you were kind of going off and doing your own thing but you've got to do that from the start. I'm still waiting for that moment from you." Simon said, "It's very frustrating, you made an attempt to make yourself younger but you're failing to tell us what kind of recording artist you want to be. It wasn't a winning performance."
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
Last week Simon Cowell gave a stinging critique of Didi Benami's performance, comparing it to "a dull first kiss". This week she didn't fare much better in the praise takes. Before taking to the stage Didi shared that she was the school mascot for two years before talking through her pre-performance ritual, confessing that she prays and "meows" to open up her vocal cords. Benami chose Bill Withers' Lean On Me and her flat performance garnered unanimous criticism from the judges. Randy commented that her song choice, "Revealed what you can't do rather than heightening what you do well." Ellen said, "First of all I love your voice. You have a great smile and a great presence, you tried to do stuff with it, but I don't think it was the greatest song choice." Kara bluntly said, "Didi it was not good. What we're missing from you is consistency. It felt like a karaoke bar." Simon heaped it on, saying, "At least you carried the cat theme throughout the song because that's what it sounded like. You get this fantastic opportunity and then you do something very generic - it's just a wasted opportunity." Didi could barely hold back the tears before exiting the stage.
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Michelle Delamor chose Arms Wide Open by Creed. Before her performance Michelle said that she is a children's choir director at church, working with ages 5 up to 12, and that before each performance she prays and meditates as well as visualizing her desired outcome. Delamor scored mixed reviews from the judges. Randy said, "Couple of pitch problems here and there. I sound like a broken record here, it's so frustrating for me, it fell flat for me." Ellen commented, "I think you did do a lot with the song. There were a couple of little pitch problems but I'm glad you tried to do something different. It almost worked." Kara raved though, "My favorite performance of yours ever. It felt believable for once. You listen and you are trying." Simon took Kara's lead, "I thought the first half was much stronger than the second. But you took the point, you didn't choose a safe choice, you made it work 80%."
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With American Idol Judges
Last week Lilly Scott, guitar in hand, delivered one of the most praise worthy performances of the night with her take on the Cheap Trick hit Fixing A Hole. This week she got mainly rave reviews again with her take on A Change Is Gonna Come by legendary soul crooner Sam Cooke. Before performing Scott boasted that she can play a lot of different instruments and that she's trying to be unpredictable. Randy said, "This season is some of the most unique contestants we have ever had, and that's what I love about you. You worked it out, my favorite performance of the night." Ellen raved, "You have got "it" I forgot we were in a singing competition." Kara joined in with the praise,. "You just had your moment. I was riveted, I couldn't wait to see what you did next. You are going to change the game." Simon rounded out by saying, "I thought it was good but I wasn't crazy about it compared to last week. I think Crystal was stronger than you, personally. But it was still great."
Katelyn Epperly took to the piano and performed a version of Coldplay's The Scientists. Katelyn said that before auditioning for Idol she was studying to become a sound engineer, and went on to say that some day she would like to open her own studio. Epperly gave an admirable performance of the Brit band's classic but scored mixed reviews from the judges. Randy said "It was really slow, but I like it. I'm not over the top about it, but I like it." Ellen said it was so slow that she "fell kind of asleep, it was so slow, it was way too slow." Kara said that she understood where Randy and Ellen were coming from but, "I kind of love you, I kind of do. But you keep switching around, you're all over the place, but you're really good. Figure out who you are though, really quick." Simon warned her, "What you've got to be careful of is that you've become really corny.
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 12 Men Make Shaky Debut
Before hitting the stage Paige Miles shared that she loves to color, in coloring books, and that that acts as a pre-show ritual for her. She chose Walk Away by the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, and despite seeming to really have fun with her performance she garnered mixed reviews. Randy commented, "I liked it but wasn't over the top in love with it. I'm not sure it was the best choice. I want to hear your voice." Ellen said, "I totally disagree with Randy. I really liked it. You changed just enough to make it fun. I thought you did great. You have one of the best voices." Kara said, "Here's the thing, the song is kind of a bit angry and I missed that with you." Simon said, "I'm going to agree with Randy. For two weeks in a row you've made bad song choices. It was forgettable. Sorry."
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Last but not least, Siobhan Magnus closed out this week's performances with her rousing take on Think by Aretha Franklin. Before performing Magnus confessed that she used to have a mohawk, and that before performing she does lip vibration exercises. Randy heaped on the praise, saying, "You pickesd the dopest, coolest, biggest singer of all time and you came out and you were fearless, and you were dope! I loved it dude, I loved it." Ellen agreed, "I loved it too. Oh man, that was good." Kara said, "I can't get over that note. I don't know how you do that, how you get that note." Simon said, "Once again, you are such a strange person. I thought there were parts of the song that were terrible but that note was incredible. There's no doubt that you can sing."
VIDEO: American Idol's Michael Lynche Raises The Bar For The Top Ten Men
Posted on Mar 03, 2010 @ 01:17AM - Add a comment
In a last minute switcheroo the top 10 men performed in place of the women Tuesday night, after it was announced that one of the American Idol favorites, Crystal Bowersox, was incapacitated with a medical problem..
RadarOnline.com learned that Bowersox was suffering complications from diabetes.
After a lackluster performance last week the pressure was on for the guys to deliver and a couple were up to the challenge, but most, unfortunately failed to bring it home for yet another week. Michael Lynche the first performer of the night, didn't just bring it, he hit a home run.
Before his performance Lynche shared a little background, confessing that he's very much into theater and went to performing arts school. Before singing, Lynche vowed, "It's my time, here I am," and he didn't disappoint, raising the bar and getting the night off on the right note by belting out his version of the James Brown classic This Is A Man's Man's World. Michael scored rave reviews from all the judges with Randy raving, "Dawg I got to give it to you. You're an R & B star." Ellen agreed, commenting, "That was the one to beat". Simon said, "What a difference, it was like going from a pussycat to a lion in one week."
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Jon Park confessed that he thought he was "trying a little too hard with my voice last week". The Korean-speaking singer hit a few bum notes with John Mayer's Gravity and gave an overall pitchy performance. Randy commented that, "You didn't bring anything new or spicy to it. It was just kind of flat for me and there were some pitch problems." Ellen said, "There could of been a little bit more soul to it." Kara opined "I lack the connection with you. When you're singing it I don't always believe it." Simon scathingly said, "I think Purple Haze may get their lead singer back this week. " Finishing with, "I think in 20 minutes time we will forget that performance."
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Cougar favorite, heart throb rocker Casey James, said that people would be surprised to learn that he hasn't got a TV at home, sharing that he never replaced his TV after it got damaged when hit by lightning. James said he planned to, "Just get up there and rip it up." James failed to deliver though and got mixed reviews for his performance of the Gavin DeGraw hit I Don't Wanna Be. Randy said "I love you channeling Hendrix." Ellen agreed, saying, "I think you sounded great." But went on to say, "There's a stiffness about you. I want to see you perform." Kara, who has been his biggest fan to date, ripped James saying. "You took two steps backward tonight." Simon agreed, saying, "I'm kind of with Kara here. This week you turned into someone you would see performing in any bar across America."
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Alex Lambert, who was compared to an unripe banana last week by Ellen, confessed that he usually throws up before performances. Lambert said that he was "extremely nervous" before last week's performance and that he thought he had "blown my chances". Lambert fared much better this week with his version of Everybody Knows by John Legend. With his guitar in hand Lambert was visibly less nervous, and the judges were considerably more favorable in their reviews. Randy said, "This is such an improvement for me over last week. You kind of found your own niche with it." Ellen said, "It's like someone took the unripe banana and put it in a brown bag." Praising him for gaining some experience and confidence. Kara raved, "There isn't a person out there that isn't rooting for you. Great improvement." Even Simon was positive, saying, "Alex that was a million times better." Before going on to advise, "You have to have a killer instinct. You have to take part, take your opportunity and take the lead."
VIDEO: First Four American Idol Contestants Voted Off
Todrick Hall got heat last week for his version of a Kelly Clarkson song. Hall said he took the judge's advise from last week, and only changed his choice of song slightly this week. Hall said he believes, "Anything is possible if you set your mind to it." Hall vowed to show America, "I really do belong in this competition." But he didn’t deliver when he performed his take on the Tina Turner hit What's Love Got To Do With It? Hall garnered bum reviews from all four judges, Randy said, "I didn't love this at all. Pick a nice song and don't change it." Ellen said, "Don't just sing, dance too. It wasn't the right song to sing, it's a hard song. I hope people can give you another chance." Kara said, "I don't get it. What happened to Todrick? I don't know where he went." Simon shattered any hopes the singer may have had left, by saying, "It was one of those performances I've had the misfortune to see at a theme park."
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Carrying on the judge's negative vibe Jermaine Sellers was next up. Jermaine declared, "I am Jermaine Sellers and I rock my onesie!" Sellers sang What's Going On by Marvin Gaye, Randy said, "It just wasn't a great performance man." Ellen agreed, saying, "It just wasn't right for me." Kara started off positive but ended with, "You're always doing too much. Don't worry about showing your range. It just feels false." Simon summed it up with, "We are frustrated. You water down the song, you make it lose it's importance. Once again, you did a kind of cabaret performance."
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With American Idol Judges
Andrew Garcia talked about his break dancing background, saying he draws on it for his performances. He vowed to, "Show [the judges] this is the kind of music I feel good singing. I'm just going to have fun with it." Unfortunately though Garcia scored mixed reviews with his take on James Morrison's You Give Me Something. Randy said, "Honestly that wasn't the vibe for you tonight. It was pitchy and all over the place." Ellen disagreed though, raving, "You set the bar so high with that Paula Abdul song. But I'm still such a huge fan I'm thinking about having your name tattooed on my neck." Kara said, "I do like you, I see that potential. You're a rhythmic singer, you got to stay on that." Simon moaned, "It's just frustrating. You're lacking something. The fact that you've chosen the wrong song again is becoming a problem."
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: American Idol Contestant Has No Regrets About TV Meltdown
16-year-old Aaron Kelly shared that he "loves photography" and that "It allows me to be myself." He confessed that "I really didn't think I would make it this far" before saying "Tonight I'm going to go out there with my confidence, as I really do deserve to be there." Kelly scored mixed reviews with his rendition of The Temptations classic My Girl, Randy said, "The first half of that song was excellent. Dude you can really sing. That was 200% better for me." Ellen said "I wish there was a different song you chose, but you have a great voice." Kara raved, "I like you. I think you're going to get better and better." Simon advised, "I didn't like the song. It was all over the place. You've got to work out what kind of artist you want to be."
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 12 Men Make Shaky Debut
Tim Urban also met mixed reviews with his version of Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson. Before performing Urban said Idol has "been a trip" sharing that "there's usually a lot of nerves before performing. I just say a little prayer before singing." After Simon's scathing comment last week that Urban shouldn't be on the stage, he vowed, "This week I'm going to be a performer that should be on the show." However most of the judges weren't feeling the vibe, Randy kicked off, commenting, "Listen man, I didn't really get it. It was kind of very karaoke for me." Ellen agreed, saying, "You should act. If you were on Glee and we heard you sing as well as act, the girls would go crazy. But I don't think the singing is the strong point." Kara said, "You didn't make it your own. It's frustrating with you, you look the part but it's not all there yet." Ever the contrary, Simon rounded it off by disagreeing, saying, "I think that was a marked improvement on last week. I think you were more relevant tonight that many of the other singers we've seen. Congratulations"
VIDEO: Idol Contestant Handcuffed After Bad Performance
Last but not least, former paint salesman Lee DeWyze brought it home with his performance of Lips Of An Angel by Hinder. Before taking to the stage DeWyze confessed that school was tough for him and that he "made a few bad choices." DeWyze said going into this week he's going "to stay true to myself but still deliver something a little bit different." All the judges were united in their praise, Randy raved, "I like that you're trying to take chances and come out of your comfort zone. I like you." Ellen said, "There was so much passion and intensity. It came out as a great performance. I thought that was great." Kara agreed, saying, "I think that was a great performance. I can hear you on the radio right now." Simon rounded off, "Vocally, you are head and shoulders above everyone else on your side of the competition. But you looked terrified. If you are a front runner you have to take the stage."
A mixed night for the guys, now it's over to the girls to show what they've got. Tune into American Idol Wednesday on Fox at 8pm ET/PT to judge their performances.
VIDEO: American Idol's Top 12 Men Make Shaky Debut
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 06:00AM - 3 comments
The tough criticism continued Wednesday as the top 12 men took the American Idol stage, hoping to make a bigger impression than the women.
But the men seemed just as nervous making their live debut as the women did on Tuesday and like the women, there were only a couple of standout performances.
VIDEO: Top 12 Women Are Hot And Cold With The Idol Judges
Todrick Hall was first up with his take on the Kelly Clarkson hit Since U been Gone. The Arlington, TX, native got a mixed reaction, ranging from Ellen telling him he's a "great performer" to Simon telling him he "murdered the song" and that his performance was "verging on stupid".
16-year-old Aaron Kelly managed to keep his nerves despite his young age, remembering all the lyrics unlike his first appearance, and performing a passable version of Rascal Flatts' Here Comes Goodbye. Although he didn't win rave reviews Simon conceded that it was "quite a good performance" before adding that he "looks embarrassed to be here". Kara was kinder, telling Kelly that he is her "favorite kind of performer". Randy carried on the praise commenting that Kelly has a "huge voice"...not adding much to justify her multi million dollar salary Ellen said "ditto".
VIDEO: Idol Contestant Handcuffed After Bad Performance
Jermaine Sellers got mixed reviews for his performance of Oleta Adams' Get Here. Elen commented that she's a huge fan of his but felt that he was "all into the performance instead of feeling the song". Randy told him it was a weird choice whereas Simon was less diplomatic quipping that it sounded like "the kind of song someone in their 50s would request in a piano bar." And stingingly added that he believed Sellers had just blown his opportunity.
EXCLUSIVE: American Idol Hopeful Crystal Bowersox On The Attack – With Spaghetti!
Tim Urban got through to the top 24 by the skin of his teeth, securing a place only after Chris Golightly was disqualified. Urban made a bad choice with his pick of OneRepublics' Apologise. Simon told the wanabee congratulations on his comeback but based on his performance they made the right choice first time round. Ouch!
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: American Idol Reject Has No Regrets About TV Meltdown
20-year-old Joe Munoz performed a sweet version of Joe Mraz's You And I Both. Kara and Randy gave rave reviews but Simon, in typical Simon fashion, rolled his eyes as he commented, "In 10 seconds time, we're going to forget this." calling the performance, "Limp and forgettable" ... adding, "Rather like our host."
70s rocker Tyler Grady took on American Woman, starting off strong but finishing on a bum note. Simon slammed him, saying that people will remember this performance, but down side is, not necessarily for the right reasons. Simon said Tyler comes across like someone who went to "trying-to-be-a-rock-star school," and that it doesn't seem natural.
VIDEO: Paula Abdul Gives Ellen DeGeneres Two Thumbs Up
23-year-old Lee DeWyze sang a pretty forgettable yet passable version of Snow Machine's Chasing Cars. Ellen commented that it was a good song choice, "except when you started kind of screaming it a bit." Simon praised DeWyze though, even go so far as to say, "It was the best performance...by a mile".
John Park perforeds an unusual song choice, singing God Save The Child. The judges were left unimpressed with Kara saying there was no connection and that the song was "loungey and sleepy". Ellen disagreed though, saying that she thought he sounded great.
26-year-old Michael Lynch chose to jazz up Maroon 5's This Love for his performance. Randy, Ellen and Kara praised him, but Simon dourly commented that his performance "was like the support act before the main act, you delivered so little."
Texan student Alex Lambert rocked a mullet and performed James Morrison's classic hit Wonderful World. Simon awarded him with the the "most uncomfortable performance of the night" whereas Kara just added that she felt he "needs a hug". Ellen threw in her support of Lambert's hairstyle choice though before cryptically comparing him to a "not quite ripe banana."
EXCLUSIVE: Tasered American Idol “Skiibosky” Has Long Arrest Record
Kara is obviously a huge fan of Casey James and holds nothing back in her praise. James let down his long blond hair and gave a pitchy version of Bryan Adams’ Heaven. Kara DioGuardi didn’t seem to mind the missed notes as she swayed back and forth during the song and told him giddily afterward, “Casey I don’t recognize you with your shirt on.”
James even managed to unnerve Ellen DeGeneres, who stammered out, “I could feel Kara undressing you with her eyes, I couldn’t focus. You’re going to get votes like crazy.”
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Even Simon seemed a little knocked off his block. “Casey one thing I do understand is that we were both cursed with good looks. But somehow you have to manage the talent thing as well. Obviously the cougar here loves you.”
Finally, 24-year-old Andrew Garcia went out on a limb, performing a stripped down and acoustic version of Fall Out Boy's We're Going Down. Kara said it was a "strange rendition" and Simon was just plain blunt, telling Garcia that he found his performance "disappointing and kind of boring".
Stay tuned Thursday for Season 9’s first elimination round and a performance from Season 8’s American Idol, Kris Allen.
