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Sheryl Crow must have a new album coming out.
Yes, last night producer Jimmy Iovine was joined by Sheryl Crow in the coaching circle, and she was there with mic in hand, ready to sing back-up to our Idols (much as she did for Michael Jackson back in the day). Together they thought everyone was awesome and was going to have "a moment" -- which only means that they learned their lessons from Jimmy making a bold prediction that Jacob would go home last week.
The theme was "Now and Then", with each contestant singing a song from today, and a song from some undefined long time ago. And I will say, again, because I like reiterating when I'm right: Three judges means less talking, more time for singing. I think it's AWESOME that we get to start having two songs as early as the Top 5. Way to go, AI producers.
Image courtesy FOX
So, here's how it went down:
1. James: Can this AdLam wanna-be exceed the AdLam himself???
Now: He sang "Closer to the Edge" by 30 Seconds to Mars
This is a great song, and it's also a surprisingly rangy song. It has some significant chunks in the lower register, which is not James's strong point, so he sounded fairly weak to start out. Then he went crowd-mingling, which I believe distracted him and drove him off-key.
Then: Sang "Without You" by Harry Nilsson
With all that tearful build-up, James was going to have a tough time living up to the expectations he set for an emotional deliver. But he did deliver. There was a heartfelt beginning. Again, some wading through his weak lower range, and then a reversion to his typical screaming high range. But, and it's a big but: I really did believe him, and it really touched me, and that is indeed what matters most sometimes.
Bottom line: Oh, he'll be safe. No one's going to boot the boy he cried. But personally, as an AdLam fan, I will actually be pretty annoyed if he wins, given AdLam didn't. Yes, I'm petty like that.
2. Jacob: Did he save or skewer himself last night?
Now: "No Air" by Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks
OK, pet peeve #1: Why was he smiling? Pet peeve #2: Why was he screaming? Pet peeve #3: Why does the guy who wouldn't sing "Let's Get It On" feel OK with down and dirty hip rolls? Only I don't think he really felt OK, he seemed to distract himself with the dance moves and go a little off. Now, the ending, when he brought it back down, that was fine and true. But Randy is right...the rest sounded off key and felt corny.
Then: "Love Hurts"
This has some really good moments, especially during the quiet poignant beginning. I really like when Jacob keeps it sweet. This also had some irredeemable screaming. And Anthony Hopkins in the audience, what the what???!!!
Bottom line: Hmmmm. Y'all know I'm no Jacolyte. But I'm not sure he was the worst he could be. I think he'll be at risk, but may not go home.
3. Lauren: I know you're tryin' to work the Carrie Underwood angle, honey!
Now: "Flat on the Floor" by Carrie Underwood
So, I've been saying for a while that Lauren is all pipes no passion, but hey, I guess she's reading this blog because this week she decided to just go for it and sing some Carrie. This may have been rough, but it may also have been her best effort yet, because it was the first time she blew it out, actually. Of course she still just does not know what to do with herself on stage. Lord help her. She just can't help herself from wiggling and shimmying...awkwardly.
Then: "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers
This had some loveliness (not her 70s "lounging dress" and feathered hair, though), but her low range is really weak. And she totally and completely bailed on the famous, soaring falsetto ending. What a disappointing ending. I just don't think one can perform that song if one is not willing to shoot for the sky on the final "I neeeeeeeeed your love." And I kinda cracked up the way she said "Thank you" at the end, like she was an obedient child reaching the end of a long-dreaded recital.
Bottom line: Lauren's the only one who can save Jacob tonight, I think.
4. Scotty: Isn't it sweet to watch them grow up before our very eyes?
Now:
