American Idol Semi-Finals Round 3
So I wasn't totally disappointed by tonight's performances, at least more of them came out acting like this was something they really wanted; and the song choices while not perfect were at least decent.
Von Smith kicked it all off with You're All I Need to Get By (Marvin Gaye) and it wasn't awful, it was just kind of boring, I caught myself paying more attention to the cat than I did to his performance.
Taylor Vaifanau sang If I Ain't Got You (Alicia Keys) and it wasn't a horrible vocal either; but it lacked emotion and connection. She sang the words without the emotion and it just kind of was.
Alexander Wagner-Trugman was up next with I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (Elton John) and it was just too much, way over the top and the growling thing is a total turn off. It's too bad he's had some decent performances and I was waiting to be pleasantly surprised by him. No such luck. I just wish the judges had been a little less harsh, he was so obviously on the verge of tears during the critics; probably a good sign that Idol isn't the place for him.
Arianna Afsar sang The Winner Takes It All (ABBA) and let it be said that no 16 year old should be singing this song. Top off inappropriate with some down right bad singing in places and it was just too hard to watch. I think her family actually took it worse than she did.
Ju'Not Joyner reworked Hey There Delilah (Plain White T's) and while I was not digging the slow down, I love his voice. I picked him for my fantasy team because I suspected he would be a stable and creative performer and I guess I was right. I just wish I'd liked the rework more.
Kristin McNamara did Give Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman) and I have to admit that she has a decent voice and I enjoyed her performance. I think it was in need of a little more excitement as I lost interest part way through; but she was a pleasant surprise. I don't think she stands a chance, but I'm glad for her that she came out and performed well.
Oh, Nathaniel Marshall, what will we do with you. No one should be singin Meatloaf on the Idol stage. Nate's dramatic interpretation of I Would Do Anything For Love left us praying that the VFTWer's wouldn't manage to rise up and push him through because, I just can't watch, I won't do that!
Felicia Barton did a decent job with No One (Alicia Keys), and for a lady who was ousted at the end of Hollywood week she managed to put out a better performance than many of the girls from the top 36. There were "pitchy" spots and places where she wasn't quite up to the song; but I felt like she really put herself and her dreams out there and did everything she could to fight for her spot in the Top 12.
Scott MacIntyre was up next with Mandolin Rain (Bruce Hornsby). I miss his playing, it really does add something to his performances, but he showed more comfort on the stage than he has in previous keyboardless performances. It was a little rough in places, but he sings with such passion and expression that I can't help liking him.
Kendall Beard performed This One's For The Girls (Martina McBride) and while there were some bad notes, overall she was fun to watch and listen to and I think underneath it all she has a decent voice. Country doesn't always grab me; but Kendall drew my attention.
Jorge Nuñez sang Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John), and while I really would love to ban this song from the Idol repetoire, he was really good. His English diction has improved dramatically and I enjoyed the richness and warmth of his voice.
Lil Rounds closed the show with Be Without You (Mary J. Blige) and as much as I hate the way they are shoving her down our throats, I have to say I really like her. She has sass & spunk and a great voice to boot. She was very entertaining and obviously very comfortable on the stage.
Top 3: Lil, Scott, Ju'Not/Jorge
Bottom 3: Arianna, Alexander, Nathaniel
I'm off to watch some Cook concert videos, gosh I love live Cook!
