It’s another night of American Idol and we are down to the TOP 5. This week’s mentor is my fellow New Orleanian, Harry Connick, Jr. and the theme is “Songs from Frank Sinatra.” It will be interesting to see how our Top 5 interprets “Old Blue Eyes.” However, Connick, Jr. is going a step above as a mentor this week. No only will he advise them on singing, but he will also be arranging the songs and performing as part of the band! A nice touch from the gifted musician.
I sincerely hope our IDOLS start bringing a little spark to the competition b/c with Siobhan gone, the show is desperately lacking sizzle. {Sigh} In any case, on with the show, shall we?
Aaron Kelly — “Fly Me To The Moon” — Harry gives Aaron some constructive advice on his tone and melody as he attempts one of Frank’s greatest hits. Aaron definitely looks great tonight in his vest and tie. For me, the start of the song is rough. I have heard him sound stronger, but as the song advances, he gets stronger vocally and you can hear a little county twang in there. Randy says, “Dude, you did a really good job. Nicely done.” Ellen says, “I felt like you really pulled that off. Beautiful.” Kara says, “I thought it was good, but compared to last week, it wasn’t as strong.” Simon says, “Frank was the king of cool…if he was a lion, you were just a mouse…you do try hard and I’m gonna give you that.”
Casey James — “Blue Skies — Harry likes Casey’s take on this Sinatra song with a big band backing him. Casey is taking his Frank song down a bluesy road. I think Casey is just okay. I like the arrangement more than I like Casey. He seems so uncomfortable singing this. Randy says, “This was for me your worst performance, dude…you were out of your element.” Ellen says, “That felt very stiff to me.” Kara says, “You kinda sound like a lamb. It’s got a little vibratto.” Simon says, “I thought you came over a little embarrased.”
Crystal Bowersox — “Summer Wind” — Harry likes that Crystal has a personal connection to the song. As always, Crystal nails it. She sounds like a natural with the Big Band behind her. She hits some great notes and ends the song very sweetly. Randy says, “It was one of your more subdude performance…it was a little sleepy for me.” Ellen says, “I wanted you to loosen up a tiny bit more…you’re so impressve.” Kara says, “It’s out of your element, but I kinda liked it.” Simon says, “I love this song, but I don’t know if I would have chosen it for you…I expect better.”
Michael Lynche — “The Way You Look Tonight” — Harry tells Michael to bring it down and think about “your girl.” Michael starts off nice and slow. It’s sweet and then he picks up the rhythm. It’s a nice version, not a great one. Randy says, “Unbelievable arrangement. Unbelieveable vocal. You’re in it to win it.” Ellen says, “You seem to have the most comfort on stage and you showed that tonight.” Kara says, “You didn’t lose yourself in the song…and that’s what this is all about.” Simon says, “I think you just put us back in the game. It all just clicked.” Did I miss something? I still think it was okay.
Lee DeWyze — “That’s Life” — Harry tells Lee to really feel the song and the lyrics so the audience believes him. You have to give Lee props. His vocals are always strong. Even singing Frank you can hear the radio in his voice. You can imagine him on the radio. He does a great version and gives it the DeWyze spin. The judges will love this. Randy says, “You stayed your rocker self. I loved it.” Ellen says, “If this was the last night of performances, you would have won this whole thing.” Kara says, “You can win this thing! You can.” Simon says, “It was, by far, the best performance of the night.”
So who’s going home after tonight? I think Casey James had a rough one tonight, so I will say him. Tomorow night Harry Connick, Jr. and Lady Gaga perform on the results show. Until then…