The boys are up tonight. This is THE week. They are vying for a spot in the top 12 and they will stop at nothing to advance, including one who takes on Christina Aguilera’s “Genie In A Bottle.” No, I’m serious! He’s not the only one to take a risk. We have some pop, some country, some easy listening too, but it’s Michael Lynch (pictured) who gets mad props from the judges tonight. If you want to know why it’s all after the jump.
Lee DeWyze — “Fireflies” by Owl City — Lee is one of the people in this competition that you just know will be successful. His voice is smooth and he puts his own spin on his songs. You can definitely see his confidence has picked up. He looks like he is having fun now. Randy says, “Strange song choice, but you really kinda of made it your own… You worked it out.” Ellen says, “You’re adorable and I thought it was great.” Kara says, “You looked confident tonight… I think you actually made the song a better song with your interpretation.” Simon says, “There is nothing to rave about…having said that, I’ve seen the progress over the last three weeks… I think you are better than that song.”
Alex Lambert –“Trouble” by Ray Lamontagne — Alex is so darn good for a 17-year-old. He too looks like he’s gotten a boost of confidence. He takes this classic song and nicely puts his vocal spin on it. He does need to cut the mullet though. Randy says, “I think it was a good song choice for you… I’m not sure you wowed me with it.” Ellen says, “Every single week you get better and better. I love your innocence.” Kara says, “The only thing standing in the way of you winning, is you…be you, let go.” Simon says, “I think you have to get yourself mentally somewhere else. We’ve never seen you relaxed or having a good time. You have to think about Randy in a bikini.”
Tim Urban — “Hallelujah” by Tim Buckley — Tim does a decent job on this song. I have to give it to him. I really thought he would be gone by now, but he is proving that he has staying power. Randy says, “One of the greatest songs ever…I think you did a pretty good job.” Ellen runs up and gives and him a hug. “That was fantastic. You sounded so good.” Kara says, “I thought you were going home…but that was an honest interpretation of that song.” Simon says, “I kinda feel responsible for you doing well tonight…this week, very very smart with this song and… by far the strongest performance you have given in the competition.”
Andrew Garcia — “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera — To somewhat quote Mr. T, “I pity the fool who sings Christina Aguilera.” Do not pity Andrew Garcia cause he rocks “Genie.” He has been praised for re-working Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” He did the same with Christina’s hit record. Awesome! He just earned his spot in the top 12. Randy says, “It didn’t quite work for me.” Ellen says, “I thought it was a great song choice, but at the end I think the genie came out of the bottle too late.” Kara says, “You peeked too early. I couldn’t hear the melody and I couldn’t hear the melody until the very end. It just wasn’t great.” Simon says, “It was a little bit desperate… You’ve got a cool voice. You are a good guy.” I so disagree with the judges and I am a huge Christina fan. He rocked it.
Casey James –“You’ll Think of Me” by Keith Urban — Casey kinda looks like Keith Urban. I will say he sounds pretty good singing this Urban diddy. He’s another one who has such a unique voice and sound. He’s the oldest Idol contestant and age has brought him confidence. It’s a solid performance. Randy says, “I think it was a little bit of a safe choice, for me.” Ellen says, “I thought it was great. You are so much more comfortable sitting down.” Kara says, “I’m kinda back on the Casey train… It was honest… I’m missing that spark, but definitely a move in the right direction.” Simon says, “I would say this was your second best [performance]… You sounded great, I have to say.”
Aaron Kelly — “I’m Already There” by Lonestar — Aaron is a country boy at heart and loves singing country music. He had a bit of a rough start with this song. He finds his voice though and you forget that he’s just 16-years-old. He needs to get comfortable with his body, but that will come with time. For now, he has the singing down. I don’t like country, but this little dude can sing!!! Randy says, “I thought this was really good… when you hit your power zone, i was like this dude can sing.” Ellen says, “I really thought that was a tough song for you… I just didn;t think that was terrific.” Kara says, “That song is about a man calling home to talk to his kids. You’re 16-years-old, how can you relate to that song.” Simon cuts her off. “If it’s any help, Kara, what you just said is complete and utter rubbish… It’s a beautiful song. It was the right type of song for you to do… it wasn’t a great vocal, but what it did have was emotion.”
Toddrick Hall — “Somebody To Love” by Queen — This is a big song for Toddrick to take on. He starts it in falsetto. Not sure I like that. I have to say that I am not liking this version. Ugh! It feels disjointed. The rhythm feels off. I think it’s the arrangement. We’ll see what the judges say. Randy says, “Toddrick is back. Dude, you proved you could really sing. That was one of the best vocals I have heard all night.” Ellen says, “You are a brave young man… I commend you for singing that song. You did a good job.” Kara says, “That was really good singing, but there were moments where I didn’t know to love it or laugh at it.” Simon says, “I think what you have done tonight is tell us that you are a Broadway singer… It was a good song choice and it may have saved you.”
Michael Lynch — “This Woman’s Work” by Maxwell — Michael Lynch reminds me of a young Luther. The soulfulness in his voice is amazing. I don’t really know this song, but he sings the H-E double hockey sticks out of it and closes with a BIG note and then shifts to falsetto. Very nice. Randy says, “Really? Really? Really? This is crazy. It was dope and unbelievable.” Ellen says, “One of my favorite songs and oh my God, that was so beautiful.” Kara with tears in her eyes says, “I never cry after hearing something like that. It was amazing. You are amazing.” Simon says, “This was so needed tonight… You come out with an incredibly difficult song to sing, not just the best performance of the night, it’s the best performance we’ve had of all the live shows so far.” Kara gives him a standing ovation.
PREDICTIONS. This is so hard for me because the judges and I were split on a few songs. I am going to go with Andrew Garcia and Toddrick Hall. Both because I don’t think they have the fan support some of the others do. This is a hard one. Tune in tomorrow night for the results. Until then, MENDHEIM OUT!