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This week the *real* American Idol kicked off...the American Idol that's about singing. Although I did find this season's audition period less painful than usual...with more focus on the good than the bad...I still am most happy when we settle in and can talk song choice, "whole packages" and pitchiness.
I confess to being a little confused, because I thought they had said they wouldn't be doing a Boys vs. Girls thing where an equal number of each would get into the Finals, and I'm disappointed if that's not the case.
It's also interesting that they're going to a Top 10 Finals, not a Top 12 (where the contestants who come in 11th and 12th don't get to go on tour.
Finally: I also noted that they're already on the big stage, instead of on some weird "intimate" stage space for these next few weeks.
So, what exactly is going to feel different about the Finals, once they're actually here?
Don't ask me, I don't know.
With all of that wondering and questioning out of the way, let's get right down to it!!
On Tuesday night, we heard the Boys:
[Please note: The first 8 boys are not in proper order, because I had to watch afterwards online, and I don't know what order they were actually in. but thank you, interwebs and WetPaint.com for posting video!!]
1. Brett sang "Light My Fire" by The Doors
Oh Brett. I totally get that you'd dig the Doors. But honey, you are not there yet. This was too low in the verse, and you sounded weak. When you left the mic stand and started moving around, you were aimless and dancy-prancy -- not smokin' hot, like we are all conditioned to imagine Jim Morrison was. (I say imagine, since I have more of an image in my head about how Morrison performed than actual memories of seeing him on TV or anything, how about you?) Vocally, this got better when it was higher, but you are just a young, thin, light version of the song we all know so well.
Bottom line: I think he's intriguing (and people want another Jason Castro type) so he'll be safe...for now.
2. Clint Jun Gamboa sang "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is to the boys as Whitney or Mariah is to the girls. IOW: Don't try this at home, at least before you've established yourself with a big fan base that will forgive you for not being as good as the original. Clint has a great voice, and he moves with more natural musicality than most of the other boys. But he didn't bring anything new/unique to this...I could almost hear a more modern rhythm creeping in, but it never materialized.
Bottom line: No matter, he has a terrific voice, and he did show it off. He's safe for sure.
3. James sang "You Got Another Thing Coming" by Judas Priest
I have an issue with James. He always seems to be trying too hard to be Adam Lambert the Second. He has a great voice and great range and great abilities. But he has to find what's uniquely him, uniquely his. From the look to the approach to the vocals. And will he ever do anything where he isn't screaming? Because don't forget, Adam made his biggest impact with a stripped-down "Mad World."
Bottom line: Oh he's safe, no doubt. But he needs to convince me.
4. Jordan sang "OMG" by Usher
Image courtesy FOX
Another song that starts so low it takes 30 seconds for the singer to even sound good. You've only got 90 seconds, people!! And Jordan, sweetie, you're actually not a dancer...either sing it as a song, or pick a song that isn't so associated with dancing and then make only half-ass dance moves. And the falsetto? Was not good.
Bottom line: I think Jordan is quite at risk. It was a weak performance that didn't play up his strengths, but pointed out his weaknesses.
5. Jovany sang "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain
This is one of those fine morose love songs, one of my favorites of the morose love song genre, in fact. Jovany (is that how he always spelled it?) didn't do anything special with it. And actually kind of ruined it with a cheesy key change. All that being said: He has a lovely voice and very nice vibrato.
Bottom line: He's good, but boring. Nothing makes him stand out
