For the first time in “Idol” history, the Top Seven picked songs for their competition to sing! (Photo property of FOX Broadcasting’s Michael Becker)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
For the first time in the show’s history, the Top Seven picked songs for their competitors to sing!
It would have been interesting to have this theme in earlier seasons…just imagine if Bo Bice, Adam Lambert and Haley Reinhart had the opportunity to pick songs for Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen and Scotty McCreery! It would have changed everything!
So far this season, as of now (and I think Reality Check’s Michael Slezak and Melinda Doolittle would agree with me)…no one is either stepping up to the plate or wants to go into the confetti shower that blanketed Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, David Cook and Candice Glover.
Did the contestants show signs of any improvement? Were the judges (particularly Harry) tamer this week? Read on to find out…
The first artist to take the stage was Idol’s Rock and Roll Viking (Caleb Johnson)! He chose roommate Alex Preston’s choice: “Family Tree” by Kings of Leon. It was a strong start to the show. I loved hearing his superb vocal dynamics and he never failed to put a smile on my face. I hope Caleb records this song on his debut album! A-
Slapout, Alabama’s native daughter Jessica Meuse chose Sam Woolf’s choice—Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead.” This was an interesting choice by Sam’s part. I am glad that Jessica took this time to shine. She rocked it out and was able to keep my attention onto the performance. Another item that impressed me was her ability to keep up with the rapid-fire lyrics. B+
As former X Factor USA judge Demi Lovato surprised the audience, Alex Preston and Sam Wolff debuted their cover of Passenger’s “Let It Go.” In all honesty, there were pitch problems and the harmonies were way off. If you want to see a master class performance of the song, watch Cole Vosbury’s cover. D
CJ Harris got the thrill of a lifetime when NFL Legend Terry Bradshaw introduced him. He chose Caleb’s song selection-“Gravity” by John Mayer. I think Caleb was trying to throw CJ a bone and there were some good moments in the performance…but I felt no substance and heart in the vocals. I agree with the judges that he needs to pick out moments to make everyone stand! C
Dexter Roberts began to improve in my eyes when he tackled Luke Bryan’s “Muckalee Creek Water.” I could hear this on the radio and he is about to grow. However, I have to agree with Jennifer…EVERYONE NEEDS TO TURN IT UP with their performances. C+
My two favorite rockers reunited for their second duet of the season! Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene tackled the iconic Rolling Stones song: “Gimme Shelter.” Their duet was amazing and got me off of my seat and I want to download that single! It was one of the best duets of the season and possibly the best collaborations in the show’s history. A+
Dexter wanted Alex to tackle Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team.” I got chills listening to Alex perform this song and I am finally happy to see that he is taking risks and showing off his high notes. This was one of his personal best performances on the Idol stage. I hope to see Alex in the Final Four. A
Some of these choices brought out the best of the contestants. Jessica Meuse hit the nail on the head when she chose David Gray’s “Sail Away” for Sam Woolf. This is the first time I made a connection with him. Nice work, Sam. B
The final performance of the night belonged to Jena Irene! She chose Caleb’s selection: Radiohead’s “Creep.” This was the best way to end the night! If she does not win this series, then there is something wrong! Brava, Jena!!!! A+
Tomorrow night, someone’s “Idol” dreams will be crushed!
