American Idol – Milwaukee does good

What is it, exactly, you are trying to accomplish, American Idol? Because this oh, so very different format you’re foisting on us this year? We’re unaccustomed to it … but in a good way.

The soft touches? The nicey-nice judging from Steven Tyler and JLo and the uncharacteristic little show intros? We’re kinda diggin’em. (This episode’s entry, with Steven and Randy Jackson’s “Sweet Emotion” tidbit at the start, gave us a little something extra to appreciate.)

Don’t get us wrong. There was plenty of the usual two hour’s worth of commonplace audition antics we’ve come to expect … sometimes painful, sometimes elation-filled, sometimes jaw-dropping. But they were fun and memorable and plunked along at a rather nice clip, thank you very much.

I’ll tell you this: I have an instant front runner. His name is Scott Dangerfield (with his Clark Kent bespectacled look) and he’s one of my top picks. The dude can “feel” the music, that’s why he’ll move right along in the competition. And I had fun with Steve Beghun, the hulky-big accountant with the surprising voice that definitely made me sit up and take notice. The guy’s got some chops, unexpected range and character to his voice. Naima Adedapo? Strong, solid, emotive output, but her exhalations between lines are off-putting. And for those of you who took note of Thia Megia (who also has a voice of interest), Molly Dewolf Swenson (the tall drink of water with the unexpected version of “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay”) and soulful Haley Reinhart? Don’t get your hopes up. Each one will get swallowed up in the competition by the finals.

The (good) standout moments of the show were a couple sob stories, however. Whereas this might be typical, it was typical with asterisks attached. Steven Tyler look-alike (and gushing fan) Alyson Jados belted out a distinct and raspy version of The Beatles’ “Come Together” that got your attention followed by a cutesy (but thunky) “Dream On” duet with him. It was the cheeze-fest moment of the evening, her fate left hanging on the every word and decision of Tyler, however. She, too, will get drowned in the ocean of talent better than her.

And then came the money shot, the final performance (and final story) of the night everyone will be discussing for the remainder of the week. It’s better seen and heard in the video below than discussed:

I usually groan at the sob stories Idol puts out there. But in this instance I’m not ashamed to confess, heartache-inducing as the video is, it was the unexpected whispered admission from Steven Tyler to Chris Medina’s fiancée Juliana that really brought the flood works to both eyes of this reviewer:

“That’s why he sings so good … ’cause he sings to you …”

So, I ask again: What is it you’re trying to accomplish here, Idol? Because whatever it is, so far it’s working. …

Clacked by Michael Noble
on Jan 27, 2011 @ 09:42 EST5EDT