Top Eleven Part Deux: This Is Gonna Be REALLY Difficult

No pictures this week - computer's being cray cray. But here's my recap anyway!

I love the footage from last week. I love Casey. Last week's results episode ruled. Casey almost died. American Idol, I'm loving you right now. Please don't change that tonight. ROCK IT, CASEY AND PAUL! DOOOOO ITTTT!

Heather Morris is in the audience! Man, I wish I were on a Fox show so I could go be in the audience and make Paul date me.

I really wish tonight wasn't Elton John night. Lame.

Dominic Monaghan IS young Elton John.

Idol finally has a segment with EW and it's the year Dalton Ross takes over? Michael Slezak FTW!!

I'm ready for songs now.

Scotty McCreery - Country Comfort
He has a natural elegance. Okay. Sure. We'll go with that. The words "One Trick Pony" are used. I agree. WOAH. Scottie plays guitar. Clever girl. Good choice, country boy. Can't be a real country guy if you can't play guitar. Playing the grandma card, are we? As much as Scotty doesn't do it for me, he's hands down the best Country contestant since Carrie Underwood. Great job. Especially with that last note. He knows what the audience wants.
Steven - Something about boots and grandmas. Did it again.
J-Lo - He has amazing instincts about performing and what's right for him. Encourages him to keep grounded and stay right there. Never doubt himself.
Randy - Thought he was at his concert like he was already there, so comfortable, so in the zone. That song could be on his record. Very nicely done.

Does Scotty have a crush on Scar-Jo? Never gonna happen, kid.


Naima - I'm Still Standing
Reggae spin! Okay, I could be into this. Naimia seems to be one of the only ones coming up with her own arrangements. Which I definitely commend her for. Oh she is MADE for this genre. This sounds like it's always been reggae. Pretty badass if I do say so myself. Sounds better and gets more interesting every week. Kind of into it. I'm allowing people in the room to vote for her tonight.
J-Lo - Loves her and her reggae swag. Wasn't sure the song was suited to it, but loved the way she performed. Respects that she took it where she wanted to take it.
Randy - Came off kind of corny, and she isn't corny, she's cool. Didn't quite work for him.
Steven - Boomshakalaka, good for her for picking a song that fits her.

We TOTALLY disagree with the judges. Thought she nailed it. Whatevs. Having never heard the original, I thought that was right on.

My brother just told me Haley and Casey are dating!!! First time in Idol history, right? EPIC! Love it.


Paul - Rocket Man
PAUL! He's so sexy. His band covered this song years ago. DO I HAVE THE SAME SHIRT PAUL IS WEARING IN THE VIDEO? Loving this. Love love love. Best he has sounded yet. SO adorbz. I love him. No back up vocals. YAY!
Randy - Couple pitchy moments. (DISAGREE!) He's here, he's got this, go further, they believe.
Steven - Loves his voice. Always does a little something. When he starts hitting every note, he won't like him anymore, loves his character.
J-Lo - More to his voice that he knows, he just has to go there. Wants him to push push push, especially in the upper register.

DON'T SAY BAD THINGS ABOUT MY PAUL. I thought that was great. He makes me giggly and happy.

More after the jump



Pia - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Another ballad! Who woulda thunk. Fergie meets Axel Rose? Okay, let's see where this goes. I do look forward to Pia when she isn't singing a shitty song. This should be good. And yes, it is. Except whose son? This song is really inappropriate. I can't stop laughing.
Steven - Did it again. That's what she is, she nailed it. Made him cry inside (which is a good thing).
J-Lo - The notes take us to an other worldly place. Felt her more than she has before, feel her trying to break the barrier. She's on the right track. Goosebumps.
Randy - She's sung a ballad every time and she slays it every time. Just wants her to switch up gears a little bit. Everyone knows she can sing and she was great once again.

Stefano - Tiny Dancer
Oh, he looks goooood. Cutie. Great choice. Great song. If he fucks it up, he's going home. If he nails it...oh man, could it be good. Here we go! Questionable...Who was in charge of his hair during the performance though? Bad choice. The song is bigger than him. Doesn't really suit his voice even though he is singing it well. The whole thing is kind of awkward. As much as I like him and as great as his voice is. J-Lo IS a tiny (ish) dancer, haha, nice one, Stefano.
J-Lo - She could really feel him taking their notes and trying to connect with the audience. Felt like he moved the crowd. Started off eh, but then he got back to Stefano they know and love. Really good.
Randy - Loved that he started connecting with the audience. Could tell it's unusual for him. Liked that he was moving around the stage. When he hit the high, money notes, he was right on.
Steven - Real sweet, crazy thing to his voice. Connected with the audience, nailed it, was really good.

Me and the judges are NOT agreeing tonight, it seems.


Lauren - Candle In The Wind
So adorbz. Good choice. FINALLY a ballad from Lauren. I hope it just stays her and the piano. Oh. There is the rest of the backing music and vocals. Damnit. Would have been so much better just her and the piano. Arrrrgh. Suddenly her gorgeous voice is drowned out yet again. But it's so pretty when we can hear it. Good job, Lauren.
Randy - One of the greatest Lauren Alaina songs on that stage. Nice, sensitive, very pro. Can do anything, just believe, very hot.
Steven - Loved her from the first moment she laid eyes on him. Perfect, beautiful, right song. Keep singing like that and she'll be able to afford the rest of that dress.
J-Lo - Amazing, she was gorgeous, sounded gorgeous, first time everyone in America got to hear what they heard when they first saw her. That was it. Beautiful.


James - Saturday Night's All Right
Good song choice. James can have all the backing vocals and music he wants, I don't care. He doesn't do it for me. Great job, I just don't really care.
Steven - Great rock voice. Beautiful.
J-Lo - She forgets it's a competition when he is up there. Really full performance.
Randy - Loves that he enjoys himself. Great performance.

Thia - Daniel
I don't want Thia to do a good job because then I don't know who is going to home, AUGH. Unfortunately, she sounds kind of awesome. I still think she is one of the weakest of the group overall. Let's just send her over to the Disney channel already. Damn. Really solid.
J-Lo - Really beautiful. Internalized the song, very well suited for her voice. Beautiful moment for her.
Randy - Liked that it was a relaxed side of her so people could hear her beautiful voice. Couple pitch issues. Didn't like that it was so safe. Interesting.
Steven - When you find the right song, the voice appears. Sang a great Elton John song well.

Wait, her brother is named Quia? Quia and Thia Megia?! Update: Ah hah! Kuya is Filipino for older brother. I'm an idiot.


Casey - Your Song
OH GOD DONT FUCK IT UP AHHHHHHH. One of my all time favorite songs. Oh god oh god. We wonder if this means Haley is singing Bennie and the Jets and giggle. USE AN INSTRUMENT, CASEY. Casey is hilarious, I love him. I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THAT I LOVED IT IT WAS AMAZING I AM OBSESSED WITH THAT. CASEY AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! IF THE JUDGES DON'T LIKE IT I AM GONNA BEAT THEM UP WITH MY MIND!
Randy - Saving him was one of the greatest saves ever. That performance was absolutely brilliant. So nice, so tender, nice choice, well done, heard his voice but it was still Casey. Impressed with the major second of the last note.
Steven - One of the finest moments on the show was putting him throw. Beautiful notes, especially the last two. Sings different every time, love that about it, shows a true artist.
J-Lo - One decision she didn't lose one ounce of sleep over was saving him. And he proved them right tonight with the character in his voice and his choices with the song. Very Casey.

I'M DOWNLOADING IT.


Jacob - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Mary J and Jacob meet! Looools. Boy can sing. That's for damn sure. That last note was killer and he connected to it like crazy. One of those contestants that is great, simply not my personal favorite.
Steven - Loved the whole thing.
J-Lo - Shout out to Tricky Stewart for the arrangement. Beautiful. Made it his own. Don't see that last note every day.
Randy - First half was brilliant. Wants one spot where he goes all the way up in every song. Where he goes "yo, this is my Jacob spot."

Haley - Bennie and the Jets
YES! BENNIE! Called it. I hope she and Casey are really dating. Seemed obvious she had a crush on him. Haley just said "hard core bangage." Lols. Ohmygod LOVES IT. Her voice is crazy pants. Ohmygod, Haley rules. I want her and Casey to do a duet. I bet they do duets together while they are daaaaating. HER VOICE RULES. Hands down her best performance.
J-Lo - That was it! That's what they were talking about. It all came together. Amazing.
Randy - Amazing song and for him, best performance of the night! Gave it up, deserves it.
Steven - She sings sexy.

Top Three: Haley, Casey, Pia (I guess. Re: Pia. Muh.)
Bottom Three: Stefano, Thia, Jacob?
Going Home: Thia, Naima. Maybe Stefano. BETTER NOT BE PAUL. Possibly Jacob.
My questionable order:
Casey
Haley
Paul
Naima 
Pia
Lauren
Scotty
James
Stefano
Jacob
Thia

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American Idol Top 11 - Okay, Something To Work With! But Stop Overproducing The Songs Please.

It's Motown night! All right, Seacrest, let's do this thing.

What the hell does "Steven Tyler, you're my mom's hall pass" mean? Is that a reference to the film Hall Pass? Was that a Fox film? Does that mean a freebie? Like a sexin freebie? I feel old.

Is this the same Motown clip package they show every year?

If this evening doesn't rule, I'm gonna be pissed. If someone manages to pick a bad song, I will begin to seriously question the functionality of his or her brain space.

NUMBER of hits, Randy. Not "amount." Number.

Casey - Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
Casey, please return to the you of Awesome yore, if it's not too much trouble. Not loving the arrangement,  but am digging his voice, control, energy and little changes to the song.
Steven - Perfect entertainer
J-Lo - So specific in who he is, such an incredible thing, wondering if there is anyone like him out there right now and doesn't think there is
Randy - Definitely a true original. Takes chances, tells everyone who comes up there to just do them, and Casey can only do him and that him is great. Woah there, Randy, now.

Did Ryan just make some kind of secret bigamy joke?

The guitarist of Aerosmith gets a shout out, but the lead singer of Muse didn't. Still not over it.

More after the jump

Thia - Heat Wave by Martha and the Vandellas
Jimmy was shocked that Thia was could sing. Yikes. Backhanded compliment, much? This is actually probably the best she's sounded yet. Plus she looks adorbz. There's still no way she's the American Idol, but this is a huge step up from last week's epic suckage. Was she forgetting her lyrics? Couldn't tell. She's gonna have a great career on the Disney channel.
J-Lo - Scratching the surface a little bit there, great to see her let loose, didn't know she had it in her. Needs her to dig deeper each week.
Randy - This new thing is a good thing. It's about taking chances, she took a chance, she can still dig deeper, but happy to see her move up a notch tonight with something different
Steven - Agrees, loves that she's taken a step out. Great, he's good with it.

Kristen Dunst is an Idol fan! Who knew.

Jacob - You're All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Turrell
If Jacob doesn't kill it, there's gonna be a problem. Jimmy needs Jacob to try out using control as well. For those wondering, control is the thing Pia and Stefano and to a certain extent Haley have that no one else does. Nice job. This is definitely his genre.  Hands down his best performance since the live shows began. Amazing range, this kid has. Back to the Jacob we know. A little control goes a long way. Steven hug!
Randy - The great Barry Gordy is somewhere "Oh my god". His best performance yet. True professional. Nothing wrong with the performance.
Steven - All over the place before, but with this one he held it back, beautiful
J-Lo - You made us beg for those notes, amazing

Ryan makes a bunch of girls hug Jacob. Oh Ryan.

Lauren - You Keep Me Hanging On by The Supremes
Yes! We can finally hear Lauren's amazing voice. Finally finally. I wish the whole song was like the beginning when we could just hear her voice and had no distractions. The lights and musical arrangement are a little loungey, but she sounds great.
Steven - Ripped that song another beauty mark. Beautiful.
J-Lo - Looks amazing tonight, most beautiful she's seen her. Loved that she threw her neck into it, which the song required, brought it to life, really good job
Randy - She's got her swagger on high, she's ready

She has such a baby face, she will be IDed well past when she's of age. I'd guffaw if that girl tried to order a drink from me. Whereas Thia, even younger than Lauren, for sure looks like she's in her early twenties.

Where's the photo of Stefano, Fox?!

Stefano - Hello by Lionel Ritchie
I loved what David Cook did with this song - Stefano has a lot to live up to. Jimmy tells him to hold it back with the runs and notes that Stefano has chosen a REALLY difficult song. Is this song too high for Stefano? Ooh, maybe not. Need to stop typing now and watch. Mmm, I do love his voice. His control is off the hook. Yup. I just said off the hook. I much prefer David Cook's arrangement, but can't deny Stefano sounded great. Aw. He's so cute. But something was a little forced there. Didn't really buy what he was saying, especially the last " I love you."
J-Lo - He's fine (meaning attractive) and sings great. Needs him to connect more. Doesn't want intensity to come from doing well, wants it to come from his heart breaking. Once he connects like that, he will fly out of this building.
Randy - Only thing he is missing is the connection. Bit off a big chunk today, needed to perfect vocally and emotionally. Sounded beautiful, but there was no real connection. One of the better singers they have there, but no real emotion. Once he feels it from his heart he'll be surprised what happens his phrasing. Look at every lyric, think about who he is singing to, if he doesn't feel anything, throw it away.
Steven - Voice is so beautiful, just pull back a little.

Randy makes a gay joke about Ryan and Stefano and they react pretty adorbzally.

Gordon Ramsey is super mean to Stefano's mom. I guess that's his schtick, but really? Poor form.

Haley - You Really Got A Hold On Me by Smokey Robinson
PLEASE KILL IT, HALEY! I want it to be slowed down and I want to just hear her sing. I don't want any of this fast paced blahhh. She's so sleazy, bwhahaha, why does this happen? But she still sounds amazing, like she does every week, which is why she is still in this competition. Did she mess up the lyrics? That was confusing. She is so hilariously awkward. This song should not have been sped up. Her voice is amazing, AUGH, Haley, PLEASE, do something to back up your amazing vocals one day. Super wish she had just sat on a stool and sang. PLEASE. I'm so confused.
Randy - Started a little bit rough, but by the middle of the song, the Haley they fell in love with, blusey attitude, came roaring back. This is the type of singer they thought she was.
Steven - Feels Randy and feels Haley. Beautiful. Sang her heart out. "Doesn't look a day over fabulous." Loves her Joplin growl.
J-Lo - She has effortless control, can probably do anything with her voice more than anyone else can. May have most soulful voice of all the girls.

Scotty aka Alfred E Neuman - For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder
Scotty is randomly really good at basketball. "The last thing I want to do is come off like a lounge singer." If you don't want to make it loungey, maybe make the arrangement not suck, Jimmy. Scotty's voice cracks me up. He's also kind of taking a risk right now, using his upper register, which it turns out he has! So, woah, okay! Although I don't know what he's doing with his dancing.
Steven - Took a big chance, loved it, really ripped it, when he goes down to those low notes, he tweaks everyone
J-Lo - Great version of the song. Made it his own. Wasn't his strongest vocal performance, but that low note gets her all over again.
Randy - Was smiling the whole time, he took chances, should have gone higher sooner, low note was a young lady killer note

I don't like cocky Scotty, stop telling him he's a ladykiller everyone, please.

Pia - All In Love Is Fair by Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder?! From the 70s?! Not Motown! Fail! Stop having no taste, Pia, auururghh. I say this doesn't count and am upset with her choice, however well she sings it. THIS IS SO NOT MOTOWN. Who allowed this? She has only once sung a decent song and she always dressed like she is 40. Please just sing a good song. Okay but yes she sounded amazing, so, you know, that's great, whatever.
J-Lo - Killed them with one of her killer ballads. Amazing vocals, beauty, feeling, all check, she could have a career like Celine Dion, she has a strong instrument, but Celine walks all over the stage, owns it, needs her to incorporate other dynamic into her performance to take her over the top. (Though the idea of a two hour Pia concert makes some people in the room groan.)
Randy - Hits notes dead on, likes that she incorporated more falsetto. Needs up or mid tempo. Wants her to sing something more uptempo (didn't she last week?)
Steven - Closest star in this American Idol universe. She is all that, will be all that, she's got, if she needs to step out and put on some sneakers and kick some ass, she will. Beautiful.

Ryan shows off Pia's...ass? Seacrest is on fire tonight. Pia needs to sing Bonnie Tyler, Heart, Pat Benatar or hell, even Journey. Or Fleetwood Mac!

Paul - Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
AHHHH PLEASE DONT SCREW IT UP. Adam Lambert sang this and killed it and ahhhh I'm nervous. PLEASE BE AWESOME, MY LOVE. Guitar guitar guitar. Why do they have to have back ground shit, argh, I just want it to be just Paul. I like it when Paul sings with his guitar awwwwww I wanna hug his cute faaaace. He's kind of making up lyrics, but I don't mind he's so cute and I love his voice and we're getting married. Killed it with the last line.
Randy - Liked him not dancing around, liked to see him play guitar, definitely got a distinctive voice, so unique, little worried when it started, but took it took a cool Paul Rod Stewarty sort of place, everyone was jamming, having a good time, notes were there. When he goes tender, like the end, oh my god, dude. So cool.
Steven - Very different, like Dylan, like Willie Nelson, beautiful in that sense, loved what he did
J- Lo - He had a tear in his voice at the end. The most seasoned performer they have, the complete package, just needs a good producer and there we go.

He is so cute, I can't handle it. He's gonna date so many famous peopleees. He's so damn sexy. Ryan points out that Randy hasn't said "pitchy" yet. Guys. Naima is next. So. May have spoken too soon.

Naima - Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas
Our first thought is "uh oh", followed by "ample opportunity to be pitchy!" She's adding African dance?! What?! Okay, well keeping it entertaining, that's what I need. Actually, I'm not hating this. She is mostly hitting her notes and sounding not awful. That was kind of awesome.
Steven - E to the Z e tweedalidee. The whole package, right there, ate the stage.
J- Lo - She is an exciting performer, loves watching her, first little goosebumps of the night, good, she's the mover, the shaker, the dancer up there, of which there aren't a lot in the competition
Randy - Been a little rough on her, but finally tonight, all of Naima showed up, the girl that loves the African dance, the reggae girl, the singing was there, the performance was there, arrangement was brilliant for her, very smart

Ryan says James is coming direct from German? Huh? I'm confused. Oh! Durbin. Not German. Like his last name. Durbin. Like Durbin is next. I'm exhausted. Naima might be my favorite backstage person. Well and Paul, cause I love looking at him.

James Durbin - Living For The City by Stevie Wonder
I really don't think Stevie Wonder is considered Motown. Especially this album he and Pia sang from. NOT MOTOWN. Adam Lambert-lite is being Adam Lambert-lite-like. Dancing! Hah, that's kinda cute. But every time he performs, I miss Adam Lambert. Remember when Adam Lambert was always awesome every week? Let's think about Season 8 of American Idol for a moment, shall we? Such a good season. Wait, what's happening? Oh, James is till singing. Sure, fine, he did fine.
J-Lo - (Does a valley girl impression for some reason). Tells him to soak it up. (The crowd loves him. Wtf?) He is serious business up there. Left her speechless.
Randy - Was a little rough at the start. When he hit his pocket and stride, he was unbelievable. Loved the note he ended on.
Steven - Takes a little bit of being crazy to make a difference in the world and that's what he's about. He's great. Voice was incredible. Song was perfect for his voice. Right in his range. Nailed it.

My Top Three: Casey, Jacob, Lauren, Paul, Naima (okay, so 5)
My Bottom Three: Hrm...Thia? Even though I liked her this week. Pia for song choice. Uh oh. This is tough this week. Didn't hate anyone. James cause I'm not a big fan in general?
Going Home: Your guess is as good as mine. Would have been Naima, but she brought it and got me and probably a lot of other people too. My best guess is Thia. Worried it'll be Stefano cause he didn't connect or Haley cause she's crazy. I'm guessing the bottom three will be Thia, Stefano and Haley. I'll be super pissed if anyone but Thia goes home. Uncomfortable that Fox Flash accidentally posted two photos of Naima and none of Stefano. Hope that doesn't mean he's going home. I have a bad feeling about this.

Can I just say, I'm REALLY sick of these overproduced songs. All of the songs I own from past Idol seasons are the ones that were stripped down and didn't sound like shit, and most of the time when the Idols have had "moments" they've been when it was just them and a piano or guitar or a capella or ANYTHING but what's happening right now. Someone please put a stop to this. K thx.

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American Idol Song Suggestions Of The Day

Because why not? Take a listen and try to tell me I'm wrong. JUST TRY.

Paul, with nothing but his guitar, connecting to the audience with his cute face and cute everything and cute siiiigh love heart, singing Faithful, by Eric Anderson. Classic folk. Classic Awesome.

As for Haley, who needs to be more focused on blues and rock, I think Linda Ronstadt's Long Long Time would be PERFECT for Haley's pitch perfect, unique, huge voice.

For Pia, her voice definitely suits large ballads best, but so help me if she sings Celine Dion or Whitney Huston ever again. Maybe she could take on Randy Newman's Feels Like Home, most recently and most famously covered by Chantal Kreviazuk? I also would LOVE to hear her sing I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt

Would love Casey to use the fact that he has a great jazz/soul voice when he uses it correctly and plays five instruments to tackle Amos Lee's Soul Suckers

Agree? Disagree? Think I should stop wasting my time thinking about this? Yeah. I agree. I should.

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American Idol Top 12 --- I'm A Little Confused Too

The judges are being bizarrely awkward while trying to raise money for the Red Cross. Or at least Steven was. Not a time for Blue Steel, Tyler.

Seacrest reminds us that Ashthon was a contestant. We lament her getting the wild card while people like Tim didn't even get a chance. Oh well. America, here's your top 12!

I didn't know Pocahontas was competing this year...

Naima - What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner
Her family earns her 10 points. Loving them. Not loving the song right away, but I'll give it a chance. As long as she dances. Dancing! I see dancing! Where's the reggae rap? Not great or even very good, but she's interesting enough for me to want her to stick around.
Steven - You got a sorcerer's grasp for melody.
J-Lo - You bring yours to everything you do. Gave her a pass for the pithiness last week, but now sees she is consistently pitchy and it's hurting her. Makes J-Lo worry about how her performances will hold up, needs her to concentrate and work on that. Flavor is crazy so she needs to bring it together.
Randy - Watching her performance last week thought it wasn't great at all. Vocals are kind of a mess. All over the place.

Paul - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues by Elton John
Love his family even more. Oh my god. I love him. NO! HOARSE VOICE! Ohmygod I love him so much. He is making J-Lo sing along! Love it! He sounds great and is absolutely adorbz. I can't stop clapping. I love him.
J-Lo - She feels him. Sounded good, he has so much soul and star quality, he overcame not thinking he was doing his best. He made it happen though.
Randy - Was pitchy sometimes but he really makes it his own and reminds him of Ray LaMontage. Tells him to get the notes right.
Steven - He goes off a little bit. He defines a cool dude in a loose mood. Way cool swagger. He's turning into that guy who you turn on the record and you know who you're listening to.

Paul is the BEST

Thia - Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas
Thia was maybe the cutest toddler. So far at least. Since she was 6 in effing 2001, she could record a studio level track then. Hilarious. OF COURSE she is singing this song. Knew she was dressed as Pocahontas. She can't quite hit the higher notes. Still digging her tone. But...that's it.
Randy - The vocals were okay, but the problem he is having she's been singing ballads every week, felt very boring, like she is at a pageant. Randy tells her to dig a little deeper and I think she should sing that song from The Princess and the Frog
Steven - He thinks she sings beautifully, but asks if she thinks that's who she is. She says she knows ballads aren't her.
J-Lo - Loves her tone and quality, but they need to see her break out and can't tell if the vibratto is nerves or natural. Needs to get out of the box.

More after the jump

James - I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
MATT BELLAMY. IN THE AUDIENCE. UM. THE MUSIC PERSON. WTF. JAMES DOESNT KNOW WHO MUSE IS? DOES NO ONE? OFFENDED. Singing babies are the best. James - "I aint touching nobody." Bwhaha that was awesome. Not loving this yet. Sounds off, but he's in it and rocking and such. Ooh! Okay, like a lot of parts, though he was definitely off at points.
Steven - He's got leftover sandwiches older than him - how does he do that? Asks him not to get too poppy for him, but that was great. If he sings Aerosmith in the finale, Steven will sing with him.
J-Lo - Sang along, loves it, he was great
Randy - Couple pitch spots, but made it his own, similarly to Paul. Very tastefully done.

They talk about shoes and dog collars. I don't know what's going on.

Steven - "That man there has a rich vein of inner crazy. I'll join him"

Haley - I'm Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston
Aw, funny looking baby. Her parents are in a band! Hah! That rules. I'm groaning that she is singing Whitney, but I hope she does a great job. I LOVE her voice. Fingers crossed. Someone needs to help this girl pick songs ASAP. Her voice is still awesome and perfect but otherwise, she has like no sense. It's bizarre. The way she is dressed, the arrangement...oh no, there is lipstick on her chin. There is so much about this that screams hot mess except for the fact that she still sounds amazing with her voicebox. Oh no, lipstick emergency! AHH THIS IS THE MOST AWKWARD THING EVER. STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT.
J-Lo - Makes a point of saying she looks great. She can't see. But she says do what comes naturally
THANK YOU SEACREST. HE is a real pro. Officially love him.
Randy - Confused by song choice. Not sure she is sure who she is, she needs to find out what that is to find the right songs. Vocals were okay but wasn't a great performance. Confused.
Steven - Sweet and tough and heard Janis Joplin and always waits to hear it again. More blues. Dig in to that.

I AGREE WITH STEVEN. Please keep her around so we can hear her sing the right song. PLEASE.

Stefano - If You Don't Know Me By Now covered by Simply Red
Another musical family! Sweet dad. Awe. Makes some legit hilarious jokes about the quality of music in 1989. I like him a lot. Amazing control. Don't even wanna talk during his performance at all because I don't wanna miss a note. He hits everything! This is a cover. Loophole discovered! Okay so if J-Lo likes what you are doing, she will sing along. Thanks for the tell. This guy is fantastic. Knows what he's doing.
Randy - Best performance of the night so far. Took a song that had the highest degree of difficulty and slayed it.
Steven - Beautiful phrasing, wonderful, beautiful
J-Lo - 10 10 10. Perfect song for him, he could take it, stay right there, and sing to her a little bit more, connect to her. Aw he had to hug his mom, that's adorable.

Pia - Where Do Broken Hearts Go by Whitney Houston
Pia is YOUNGER than me? That's weird. She looks older...she needs to tone down the makeup. Home videos rule. Sad grandpa story makes me sad. The first thing I observe is that she looks like Julia Louis Dreyfuss. She still has pretty solid control, I don't like up tempo on her as much. Would also like to hear her sing some more interesting songs. Though her voice is always awesome. No other girls can sing like her.
Steven - She is why it's called American Idol. Nailed it.
J-Lo - Excited that it was up tempo. Perfect for her. Has an angel watching over her.
Randy - Every week she produces amazing vocals, Pia is in it to win it, what does that say to everyone else in the competition. Pia is trying to win this.


We've decided Pia and Haley need to look at Linda Rondstat, Bonnie Raitt, Heart, not this 90s crap

Scottie - Can I Trust You With My Heart by Travis Tritt
IS SO COUNTRY. HE WAS OBSESSED WITH ELVIS. He is so perfectly country, we can't help but giggle. If you listened to this without looking at the screen, you would think he was in his 30s or 40s. This is hilarious. He could be on the radio. The country country radio. A duet with Carrie Underwood is inevitable. A bit hammy. But country is fairly hammy.
J-Lo - She wants him to keep going in the direction of pushing himself like he did at the end. More of that. Keep growing.
Randy - Did Travis proud. Great song. He can sing anything, he knows who he is. Keep taking chances with notes.
Steven - Keep knowing who you are and you will go places. Thanks him.

We realize that Scottie looks like Alfred E. Neuman. Woah.

Karen - Love Will Lead You Back by Taylor Dane
She's going home unless she brings it. We observe that she is dressed like a fembot. Someone observes that Karen was a Benjamin Button baby. Looool. OHMYGOD she is really dressed like a fembot. I can't unsee it. I can't even listen. This would only make sense if she was singing Burt Bacharach. This is forgettable and boring and dumb and you're DRESSED AS A FEMBOT. She is the first one so far that I wasn't looking forward to. Like, they said Karen and I was like, muh. And yes, it was in fact, muh.
Randy - Started rough, found the pitch halfway through. Better than last week, but not jumping up and down.
Steven - Loves it when she breaks into her "ethnic what it is-ness"
J-Lo - Could tell she was scared, but instead of letting it take over, she attacked it. Never expose your weaknesses, play to your strengths, if she can't hit it, don't try.

J-Lo gives legit great advice. It's Carly Smithson! Why are you igonoring her?

Casey - Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
His family didn't have him until their 40s but he thinks that's awesome cause they're wiser than other parents. "They know what's up" - Casey. Casey has the best parents. Casey likes taking risks musically. I love him. Love the bass. He sounds a little evil, bwhaha, but I love him. He definitely chose a direction and went with it. Hilarious.
Steven - He is so good and crazy and talented and that's the perfect match. To be crazy and talented at the same time. He's got it.
J-Lo - Big shoes to fill, was a risk and parts where it got screamy screechy, still has to sound pleasant, just wanted a little bit more of that and loves him so much
Randy - References Muse without acknowledging that MATT BELLAMY IS IN THE AUDIENCE. Wasn't the best vocal, but it was fearless.

Someone please tell Randy that Matt Bellamy is in the audience. Please.

Lauren - I'm The Only One by Melissa Etheridge
Awkward intro. She's hilarious. She calls Jimmy "Sir." Awe. I do really like her voice. I want her to stick around. And sing better songs. This is at least a step in the right direction.
J-Lo - That is an example of staying true to the melody of the song but also making it hers. Very very good job. She's back.
Randy - Very nice. Have a cold every week. Liked it.
Steven - Agree with Randy. Loved her the first time he heard her, she did it again, she's a shining star.

Jacob - Alone by Heart
Jacob reacting to his mom singing is priceless. AHH! Alone. The big number. Oh man, he has got to kill it. PLEASE kill it. It's weird how he looks so young when he speaks, but way older when he sings. Many off notes. He's certainly putting his all into it. I really feel like he is connecting to this song to an INSANE degree. But. Not much control.
Randy - Very nice performance. Stepped out of his comfort zone. Stepped out of tune for a couple bars, but the whole package was so great. In it to win it.
Steven - His mom may not be able to sing but he gave him the moxy to, I don't know Steven
J-Lo - Gives his all to every performance, amazing to watch, everyone feels it. We have a competition.

My Top Two: Stefano, Paul, Pia's vocals
My Bottom Three: Karen, Thia, Naima
Going Home: Karen. Make it stop already.

That was a weird night.

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American Idol: Season 10 - IT BEGINS!

We're baaaaack.

The show opens with the Season 10 opening credits, which once again remind us that Lee Dewyze won last season of American Idol. Yay. And by yay I mean UGH.

Ryan asks the crowd who their favorite choice is. The clear winner is Vrrahaay. I mean, that's what I heard. Is there not a contestant named Vrrahaay? Don't start trying my patience this early in the season, Seacrest.

Our top 13 is re-introduced and I am reintroduced to the fact that this season SHOULD be strong. Which means it probably won't be. Oh boy.

Theme: Personal Idols.

To the performances!

Lauren Alaina - Shania Twain - Any Man Of Mine
Wait, Laura Alaina is a county girl? I mean I know she sang country last week, but...really? How did I miss that in the auditions/semi-finals? Laura looks adorbz and has approximately zero fear. And damn. Girl can sing. Not anything particularly new or exciting, but she's cute, confident, country AND has a shit load of talent - she is already the complete Disney package.
Steven - Wished the song was more kick ass, but loves her voice
J-Lo (Yup. Calling her J-Lo) - Always sounds so amazing, wants her to kick it into high gear. Loves her anyway.
Randy - Sang it well, but she needs to show off that she can sing anything and let herself shine beyond belief. Doesn't think she even knows how talented she is herself.

Moar after the jump!




Lauren Alaina on the verge of tears cause she is a kid and sometimes kids get overwhelmed by things like this. I don't judge her for it.

Casey Abrams - Joe Cocker (The Beatles) - Little Help From My Friends
I'm expecting this to be awesome. Be awesome, Casey. BE TEH AWESOME. He "wants to be felt". Omg. Win. Oh how I love his growl. Oh how I love his inventiveness. Oh I love his humor & confidence. Oh I love his range. He makes me smile.
J-Lo - Amazing notes & pitch. She is watching somebody important. Wow. Blew her away.
Randy - So unbelievable, so exciting, hits all the notes, makes listening to him sing fun. Loved it.
Steven - Casey is a rainbow of talent. A plethora of passion. Never ceases to amaze him.

I think Casey is what everyone *wanted* Lee Dewyze to be. Lee wasn't it. Casey is. Oh god early frontrunners make me nervous.

Ashthon Jones - Diana Ross - When You Tell Me That You Love Me
Girl trying to be something she isn't yet, if she ever gets there. But damned if she isn't trying. She doesn't sound bad. Actually parts of it sound quite good. But overall, it just doesn't come together for me. Meh.
Randy - Was worried about the song choice, but he actually liked it, thought she grew as a singer, going into the vibratto when she was about to go off
Steven - Has confidence in her to show us more
J-Lo - Very elegant, very professional, wants her to sing songs that are more well known. Loves her.

There is a shot of Paul. I squeal. I think this means I'm officially in love.

Paul McDonald - Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up
Ohmygod his idol is Ryan Adams ohmygod I love him so much ohmygod. Ohmygod he is so cute. Ohmygod he is so weird. I want to cuddle with him. Never kick him off. NEVER. He has everything Vote For The Worst would want and everything I would want. Please keep him forever omg lovehearttt.
Steven - Loves the rasp & character in his voice, but was a little pitchy. Needs to nail it next time, but he loves his voice
J-Lo - So unique, something about him, he moved the crowd, hopes America gets it. J-Lo doesn't know Ryan Adams and Paul tells her to check him out.
Randy - Loves the character of how Paul is and loves Ryan Adams. Randy knows a lot about music. It's awesome. Paul is different, Randy hopes America gets it cause Randy sure does.

OHMYGOD THERE IS A PAUL DANCE NOW YES GOOD VOTES YES GOOD ITS A THING GOOD

Pia Toscano - Celine Dion (Eric Carmen) - All By Myself
This is a big ass song to take on. Can she handle it? It's kind of neat to have a contestant that CAN really go for these songs they always say never to do. We think she is a little too glam and serious, but she can certainly sing her face off. FACE. OFF. Face Off levels of singing. Damn, girl. Major love from the audience.
J-Lo - Literally speechless for a moment. She topped last week. Beautiful.
Randy - Always say don't tackle Whitney/Mariah/Celine, but she has that quality, she hits those notes dead on, without even thinking about it, natural gift, in awe of her. Very hot, dope, cool.
Steven - She just polished that apple! Wished her Happy International Women's Day. She slammed it. Beautiful.

James Durbin - Paul McCartney - Baby I'm Amazed
This *could* be cool. I'm intrigued. A little off at the start. But I'm actually kind of enjoying it. The song is a little bigger than he his, but he's certainly going for it. Overall, better than I was expecting from him this week.
Randy - One of Randy's favorites. Loves voices that can sing anything. Judas Priest last week, Paul McCartney this week and slayed it. Showed his sensitive side.
Steven - Kicked it into the middle of next week. Just sang his own review or something incomprehensible.
J-Lo - Advises him to let em clap when they want to clap. Melodic quality to his voice, which the greatest rock singers have.

Haley Reinhart - LeAnn Rimes - Blue
Holy effing shit I LOVE this girl's voice. She has one of the bottom line best voices on this season. Plus she's super cute! This is NOT an easy song to sing. Like. Not. Like. DIFFICULT. Holy shit. I LOVE HER.
Steven - Beautiful. America is roaring. Knew Leann when she recorded it and was a song Patsy Cline never recorded. Did such a good thing, thanks her!
J-Lo - America is getting to know her now. She can do such diverse things with her voice, very special, very unique. Really special, really good job.
Randy - Likes that she can sing anything. Thought it was a little boring. (TO WHICH I SAY WHAT?!) Thinks she is young and could be more energetic. J-Lo interjects and says Haley is always sensual and always brings it. Randy thinks it was a little sleepy.

Um. I thought Haley just KILLED it. Randy. Not the time to criticize for the sake of criticism.

Jacob Lusk - R. Kelly - I Believe I Can Fly
I'd be happy never hearing an R Kelly song again, but am actually kind of excited to hear Jacob inevitably kill it. Hmm. He infuses his own gospel flavor into the song and does an okay job. The notes this kid can hit are still stellar. Does some crazy shit in the middle. A little pitchy here and there, but he's in it. Not great overall though.
Steven - Pure passion, pure music, so good, can't judge it.
J-Lo - Very hard to judge him, make them feel so much when he sings because he feels so much. Amazing.
Randy - Has such a signature sound and that's what singing is about. Kind of fell off in the B Verse but by the end, he was unbelievable. Excited whenever he hits the stage.

Thia Megia - Michael Jackson (Charlie Chaplin) - Smile
She doesn't know who Charlie Chaplin is. Awe. Kids. Ooooh, she has a cool voice, doesn't she? Such a mature tone, I cannot believe this girl is 15. Is she tricking us? She is definitely channeling Michael with her voice on this one. Nuts that she even can. It's okay.
Randy - Loved the intro, heard the Michael in her, even heard a little Adele in there, got a little pitchy when the jazzy arrangement started, all in all good, loved the beginning more than the end. Wished whole song was like the beginning.
Steven - Agrees. Pitchy in the middle, but so new, young, sings so good -[sic] but she gave it up, thanks her
J-Lo - The beginning reminded J-Lo of last week and that's where Thia's strength is, just hearing her voice, it's transcendent. J-Lo liked seeing her movie, wants more of that, but doesn't matter, she sings like an angel.

Thia agrees and felt better in the beginning of the song. Did anyone else get to please their case and I missed it? I've probably just been distracted by thinking about Paul.

Stefano Lagone - Stevie Wonder - Lately
He starts a little off. Hope he fixes it and fast cause I think his voice his awesome. Fix it, fix it, Stefano! Yeah, just keep hitting those high notes. That's what I like. Don't go low. AH! This performance is giving me anxiety. YES, high notes, that's what we like. Studio version on iTunes is much better.
Steven - Pulled it off, built from beginning to end, was like a volcano, great arrangement, beautiful
J-Lo - Had her dancing. Not easy to take a classic ballad and do a dance remix. Sounded great.
Randy - Started off rocky, SO hard to sing Stevie, but Stevie would be proud cause by the middle of the song he was soaring and slayed it

Aw. I like him. He is nice and cute.

Karen Rodriguez - Selina - I Could Fall In Love
Starts off a little weird. Too low at the start. Not really into this as a song choice. Very generic sounding. She doesn't sing poorly, but it just doesn't really stand out. Meh and boring and forgettable.
J-Lo - She looked beautiful, but was obviously a little uncomfortable with the notes. Thinks she is normally spot on, wasn't tonight, but is really strong, so hope she makes it to next week.
Randy - Felt like she was fighting the song. A little sleepy. Not exciting.
Steven - Agrees. Energy was lacking. Knows she can sing so much better than that.

Aw. Yeah she normally sings better than that.But is kind of zzz anyway, so...

Scottie McCreary - Garth Brooks - The River
His voice IS country. He is the country of country. He makes me giggle with his spot on good voiced countryness. He hasn't quite mastered the art of holding the mic to his mouth to maximum capacity, but he'll figure that out. Ohmygod he is so country, I am loltowning over here. Audience LOVES it.
Randy - If it aint broke, don't even think about fixing it. Great song, exactly where Scottie belongs, could put a record out right now, loves it
Steven - Did the Garth justice. He is riding high like Roy Rogers. He may have also quoted Roy Rogers. (Steven. What are you saying ever.)
J-Lo - Saw him open up as a performer. Took the audience on the ride with him, was comfortable and that was great to see from him

Naima Adedapo - Rihanna - Umbrella
I was not expecting Rihanna to be Naima's idol. Hrm. That's kind of awesome that she gets to work on it with the original producer of the song. What! She dances?! A little off in terms of notes at times. My favorite parts were when she infused herself into the song. Those parts were awesome sauce. Very unexpected and interesting, glad she was wild carded into this, will be very cool to see what she does next.
Steven - She is crazy good, he loves her. She was a little pitchy, but she brought flavor tonight that no one else has done, brought another little something and he adores her for that
J-Lo - Doesn't care about the pitchy, she's got fire, dancing, reggae flavor, rapping, doing it like a real recording artist does it. Needs to work on the control. Glad she did what she did.
Randy - DOES care about the pithiness. Gotta make sure you have the breath to have the control if she's gonna dance. Loved the whole reggae thing, wants her to stay in that and go for that.

NAIMA OVERSTANDS. She doesn't understand. She overstands. SHE IS CRAY CRAY. I'm in.

Overall, an ok show. But lots of potential this year. Excited to see what happens next week. Loving having the producers helping them. Not loving the judges being too easy on everyone and picking strange times to be critical.

My top three: Casey, Pia, Haley
My bottom three: Karen, Ashthon, first half of Jacob combined with the second half of Thia
Going home: I'm really worried about Lauren Alaina. I hope she's safe. She has an amazing voice, has just been picking the wrong songs. In all honesty, Karen was hands down the weakest tonight, so I'm predicting her, but it could easily be Ashthon, who, of the two, was the one the audience didn't vote for last week.

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LEARN HOW TO STAND

Oh hey, I'm just a dude. Just a dude hanging around with my hands in my pockets. Ugh. #irrationalanger.

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I Has A Sad!!!!

I apologize for my lack of updates lately. Here's the thing. I'm in mourning. I'm in mourning for two reasons.

1. Lost is over and I wrote 57 posts about Lost, so I'm pretty upset there will be no more Lost for me to write about and love :(

2. American Idol proved America continues to be filled with idiots. I didn't bother recapping the final two performing. I just tweeted about how OBVIOUS IT WAS THAT CRYSTAL WAS BETTER. But then Crystal didn't win. Much like last year, the safe choice won over the better choice. At least last year, the guy who ended up winning also happened to be incredibly talented and my husband. This year, it's just some schlub, who, yes, I like, sure, but HOW DID CRYSTAL NOT WIN?! HONESTLY?! Plus, that finale show was the absolute strangest two hours of television I've ever seen and the whole thing confused & disappointed me. If Lee & Crystal fall in love and become each other's constants, maybe I'll forgive this whole mess. Maybe.

Update: Crystal & her boyfriend broke up. Go Leystal! Go Cree! Is there any way to create a not horribly shitty shipper name here?

Obviously, Lost is having a much bigger impact on me than Idol is, but like, seriously? And to cap it all off, there are people who hated Lost and loved Idol.

I need to go buy an iPad and call it a day. Or better yet, begin Red Dead Redemption?!

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American Idol Top 3 - We Have Ourselves a Race

FUTURE WINNAR?! OMGZ.

Well, it's top three week. Which means, in this case, contestant choice & judge's choice. Here's what we learned: Casey James is a goner, Crystal has to BRING IT next week and Lee Dewyze is effing sexy, people. There. I said it. Here we go!

Casey James - Ok It's All Right With Me

Fine, cute, looking good, sounds good, but you know, just kind of fine, nothing to write home about

Randy - "Kind of all right with me."

Ellen - Summary = eh

Kara - Summary = eh

Simon - Most important night of his life, lucky, cause compares that song to the salad portion of the dinner. Sounded like busking. Daft song choice.

Casey - Daughters

Just guitar and piano is good, but ultimately he doesn't sound as good as John Mayer, so...eh. Much better than his first performance, but he's not winning anything. Nice note hitting and nice guitar playing. But overall? Not better than Crystal or Lee.

Randy - Good direction, really, honestly

Ellen - Beautiful for him, really good

Kara - Good job

Simon - Much much better song choice than the first one. Was a bit of a lazy arrangement. Thinks there should have been more vocals in the arrangement. Kara & Randy disagree. He says he DID sound very good on it though.

Crystal Bowersox - Come Through My Window

Love the harmonica opening. Kinda wish it was just her & the guitar. Not her best. Not sure she should have picked a song by an artist she is too close to. Didn't really hit one of the notes or two. Definitely not her best. 

Randy - Didn't love the arrangement, but did like her vocal on it. Rose above the arrangement, all worked in the end

Ellen - And I totally missed what Ellen said...sigh. I was in a room filled with like 12 people, it was inevitable.

Kara - She is capable of a moment and hopes she has one

Simon - Wasn't the most stunning version of the song, but liked that she was herself, honest performance, made the right choice, congratulations

Crystal - Maybe I'm Amazed

I hate the sparkles. Sounding great. Didn't change the words, WIN! "Baby I'm a man." Hitting the notes. Sounds awesome. She looks nervous. Slightly flat overall, but still awesome.

Randy - Great song, great vocals, in it to win it

Ellen - Did it

Kara - Didn't change it up that much, but showed parts of her voice they hadn't heard before tonight, really pushed, no instrument - huge risk. Risk paid off.

Simon - Was surpsied with songchoice, but noe he gets it. Proved that she has soul, worked outside of her comfort soul. May be thanking Ellen for putting her in the final. 

Lee Dewyze - Simple Man 

Was kind of hoping Ryan was gonna say "Crosby, Stills and Nash" instead of Lynyrd Skynyrd" but we can't always get what we want, can we? Please just be him and the guitar. Damnit. The rest of the band just came in. Oh well. He's still doing a great job. The non-Idol watchers in the room have dubbed him their favorite and some even have crushes. 

Randy - Somebody here is feeling like they could win this. He's ready.

Ellen - That's what we're talking about. Took it seriously. So proud of him.

Kara - He did what the contestants need to do, showed them everything he's got. Round 1 goes to Lee.

Simon - That song was absolutely on the money. Blew the other two out of the water.

Lee - Hallelujah

Really?! Hallelujah? I don't know....here we go. Just him playing the guitar. Like it so far. STRINGS?! OK! Choir. Not sure it needs choir. Doesn't need the band, but he still sounds good. Shit. Lee. Is. Rocking it. Uh oh, Mamasox. My oh my. Methinks Lee won this night, no? Wow.

Randy - Been waiting all season to see who is gonna throw down the real gauntlet to win the whole thing. Biggest moment at the biggest time. Unbelievable.

Ellen - That was stunning

Kara - What the show is all about. Starts in a limp place and ends up here tonight. Heart of the show this season, owned the entire night.

Simon - Very very very proud of him. Proved that he is a fantastic singer, a great person, and Simon hopes he makes it through. 

Damn. And suddenly Lee is the front runner. Hmmm. Funny how much this resembles Katherine McPhee/Taylor Hicks, Blake Lewis/Jordin, Sparks Archie/David Cook, Adam Lambert/Kris Allen around this time, huh? I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Lee pulled it out in the end, though at this point I still really want it to be Crystal for being pretty consistent week to week, for being totally awesome, for being unique, for being unlike any other winner (or contestant for that matter!) and so on and so forth.

I'm nervous, you guys.

Going Home: Casey, or something is wrong with the world

Grades:
Lee (overall) A-
Crystal (overall) B
Casey (overall) C+

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American Idol Top 4 - Duets FTW!

What a strange evening. A bunch of mediocre solo performance and randomly awesome duets. I mean, no one brought the house down Adam/Allison Slow Ride style, but they did a pretty damn good job. 

Lee Dewyze - Kiss From A Rose

From the moment the song starts, I wish it was just him and the guitar and no stupid backing band ugh. No longer in it to win it, Lee? Oooh, but someone got tan this week. Not the best he's ever sounded either. Better in the chorus at least. Stop fucking up your moment, Lee. UGH. I'm annoyed. 

Randy - For him, he did nothing with the song, was just okay, pitchy in spots, was just okay

Ellen - Could have been more done with the song. That being said, Lee is so good and sang the song so well. 

Kara - Had a great week last week, everyone loves him, but one of the most difficult songs to sing, and he got lost by using the backing band, but he is still great

Simon - So many brilliant movies, songs and opportunities to find a song and make it original, that was verging on karaoke

Michael Lynche - Will You Be There

Most people should never touch an MJ song, but actually Mike can totally pull this off. His voice is good enough and I always feel like every song he sings is distinctly Big Mike. Damn, he has a great voice. One of our viewing party says that arrangement wasn't right for the song. I'm not a fan of most of Big Mike's arrangements, but you can't deny the quality of his voice.

Randy - Doesn't quite know what's going on tonight. Didn't love it for him, wanted an R&B song. Just all right.

Ellen - Was a fan of the choir. His goal should be to win, not be in the top three. Consistently good, always sounds good, was just a little bit predictable.

Kara - Wanted something more like Ready for Love or Woman's Work. She wants goosebumps tonight. Didn't feel that from him and knows he has more. Wants him to go back to those moments.

Simon - At least he gave it 100% and kinda felt that he meant it

Lee & Crystal Duet - Falling Slowly

OH THIS BETTER BE AWESOME.

Ok, kind of loving it. Yeah. I'm loving it. Wish they were interacting with each other more or one was at the piano like in the movie, but whatever, I'm into it. YES. Downloading it.

Randy - Great song by two great singers, could be a hit right now, amazing. That's how you do it.

Ellen - The new Captain and Tenille. God that was great!

Kara - One of her favorite moments of the entire season. Loved the interaction, the chemistry, the support, brought out the best in each other

Simon - A fantastic song (but...they didn't write it, Simon)

Casey James - Mrs Robinson

Oh god, please be good and don't use the backing band. MANDOLIN?! Effing awesome. Still has goat bleat, but ITS A FUCKIN MANDOLIN. Loving his take on this. Bleating aside. Good idea, good execution!

Randy - Starts making jokes about how the song is about Kara. Thought he sounded cool, wasn't jumping up and down, cool, laid back version of the song.

Ellen - Liked that he did something different, was hoping he went further, but liked that he changed it up, really smart, liked it

Kara - For her, this is him fighting to stay in the competition, cause he has difficulty being vulnerable and up front. Good choice. 

Simon - Personally, didn't think the song or the performance had the substance required on this important night, a little bit lazy. Could have made more of an impact. Gonna be tough. But have been some strange song choices tonight and that was one of them.

Crystal Bowersox - I'm All Right

This is already awesome. Love her. Oh god, do I need to vote tonight? I just want Crystal to win, that's all I really care about at this point. She gets so into it and is so good and come on, is the only real artist this season, let's be honest. Bongos breakdown! Badass. 

Randy - Definitely an artist. Wasn't his favorite performance, but she switched it up, made it fit her

Ellen - That just got Crystalized! Took the song and made it better.

Kara - Completely agree w/ Ellen. Made the song better, ARTIST.

Simon - Crystal is back in the game. 

Casey & Mike Duet - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman

Casey doing the solo, awesome. Everyone playing a guitar tonight! How do the judges get to watch this? Odd. Mike sounds good. Damn. Yeah, he can out-sing Casey in his sleep. Harmony! Yay! Casey is so good at the guitar! Loves it! I MAY download this, it's possible. Very possible. That was cool!

Randy - Sounded really good, nice one

Ellen - Lesbian joke! Awesome!

Kara - Duets tonight were incredible. Better than all of the solos, was great.

Simon - Duets should have artist t shirts, a million times better than the solos, really well done

Favorite: Crystal

Least Favorite: Lee

Want to go home: Casey

Prediction for going home: Mike (but hope not!)

Grades:

Crystal B+

Casey B-

Mike B-

Lee C

Crystal/Lee A-

Casey/Mike B

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