American Idol – It’s the girls’ turns

News Flash:
“Idol fans livid with Tyler/Lopez/Jackson post-performance commentary …
… demand Powers That Be call them something other than ‘judges’ …”

I was ready to see the above news flash somewhere on the web come Thursday morning. After the incredibly generous and fluffy critiques — if you can call them that — the judges passed out to the guys Tuesday night on American Idol, what was stopping them from doing the same to the gals?

But surprise, surprise, surprise. It wasn’t to be.

The season may be saved after all. The judges came back with not only a few peppy comments, but some piercing critiques for a change of pace. Radically different than the previous night. It was far from perfect, but it was a definite improvement.

Did the gals blow the guys away with their performances? No. They did not. But many of them stood head and shoulders above most of their predecessors:

Chelsea Sorrell didn’t exactly start off well with Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Cassanova.” She was flat and lifeless. With Randy wondering if it’s the best choice of song for her. And he was right.

Erika Van Pelt “What About Love”:  You know … the guys could take a lesson or two from Erica. This was a first time performance worthy of an Idol opening night for the girls — confident, assured and powerful.

Jen Hirsh put Adele’s “One And Only” to the test and, even though she was off, Jen did all right. Some stumbles and off key notes, but her confidence made up for the foibles.

On the other hand, “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay was a terrible fit for Brielle Von Hugel. It was rather a mess and she was literally drowning in parts.

Hallie Day did “Feelin’ Good” (*shudder*) Despite my dislike for this song, she did a respectable rendition of it. She’s definitely got control in her voice.

Skylar Laine put “Stay With Me” to the test next. Maybe not the best performance she could have given, but she injected some spiffy sass and bounce to it. Sometimes that’s half the battle. If she keeps this up throughout the remainder of the season, she’s going to be a fireball each and every time she steps on stage.

Ouch. Baylie Brown‘s “Amazed” was here and there and everywherer. She needs a vocal coach in the worst way as she cannot hold a note. And finally we get the judges telling the truth about a performance, finally, on the 20th performance of the main competition. They’ve finally pulled their heads out their posteriors, one and all.

Then we got a fearless performance from Holly Cavanaugh. She let herself fly with “Reflection.” Strong voice, not the best performance … but she put it out there with gusto.

Then, Haley Johnsen performed The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” in one of the strangest keys ever. She barely improved in the second half, but not by much. “It was a bit of a nightmare for me than a dream,” Randy confessed. He spoke truth.

Shannon Magrane? *meh* Didn’t do anything for me.

Jessica Sanchez: At first I thought it was hurt voice that wasn’t able to command the song, but it turned out her range just wasn’t up to par when she started out. That’s what I heard, anyway. But it seems everyone in attendance either heard something different or sympathized with her. I mean … a standing ovation doesn’t lie … does it?

Elise Testone ended the night with Adele’s “One And Only,” the third Adele song in two nights. Seriously, I’m tired of Adele already and Idol is just getting started.

Thursday night we get a two hour wrap up. What the hell do we need a two hour wrap up for … ?!? *yeeeesh* I’ll be there, though.

And so will my little buddy Ryan Seacrest and his golden tongue:

“The rice … the race for the Idol title is officially on …”

Clacked by Michael Noble
on Mar 01, 2012 @ 07:49 EST5EDT