Who were your favorites tonight on “Idol”? (Photo property of 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America & FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
And then, there were 12!
Last week, Kristen O’Connor was eliminated from the FOX singing competition after failing to impress the show’s voters.
This week, the Top 12 will be singing tracks about showcase their respective definitions of Home.
Which artists were able to impress Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban? Who might need to practice for the Judges’ Save tomorrow night? Read on to find out….
Jena Irene sang K.T. Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See” to kick off “Home Week.” It was one of her first performances that Jena did without an instrument. I liked seeing the peppy side of Jena and I liked that there were strong moments in the showcase. But I agreed with the judges that she needed to do more with the song. B
Mont Vernon, New Hampshire’s Alex Preston tackled Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be.” While it was great to see that he picked up the electric guitar, there was a minor slip up during the middle portion of the song and that ruined it for me. If you want to watch a performance, watch Season Four’s Bo Bice. C+
The Idol audience was transported back to Jessica Meuse’s home in Slapout, Alabama. Jessica’s performance of Dido’s “White Flag” was so nasal and it was hard for me to connect with her. The trio also stated that this performance was very sharp and I have a feeling that she might need to start preparing her “Save-Me” song. D
Is it opposite day on Idol? Jessica was bad and Dexter Roberts was good? During his previous performances, it seemed that he mumbled the words. He sang clearly and delivered a good take on Montgomery Gentry’s “Lucky Man.” While he showed his vulnerable side, Dexter still has a lot of work to do to land a spot in the Final Eight. B-
When I heard that Emily Piriz stating that she was going to sing “Let’s Get Loud,” I thought all hell was going to be unleashed because the Idol matriarch previously stated that she did want contestants to perform her songs. But I think she changed her tune for Emily as she danced in her seat and mouthed the words of her signature hit. While there were some breath issues, the judges were mixed…Jennifer felt honored and stated that Emily did a great job. However, Harry stated that the oversized production swallowed her whole. C+
Caleb Johnson dominated the Idol stage for the third week of the row! He delivered his own twist to Rush’s “Working Man.” It was a fantastic performance…but I hated the way, Harry asked him: “How can you learn not be predictable?” Why ask him that question, Harry, if he is miles above the rest of the pack? A-
I want to congratulate M.K. Nobilette for being the first contestant to make me cry this season. Her lovely cover of Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” blew me away. She connected with me and I really hope that America does not sent her home tomorrow. B+
It is very difficult for a guy to cover John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change” on American Idol since David Archuleta covered it way back in Season Seven. C.J. Harris delivered a strong cover that showcased passion but the only thing I did not like about his performance was the constant staccato at the end of each sentence. However, I agree with Harry that C.J. needs to stop doing precise covers and focus on putting his individual twist on the song. B
American Idol always has introduced artists to the viewers. Sam Woolf debuted Portland, Oregon’s Blind Pilot’s “Just One.” It was one of his better vocals…but at the same time, it was like listening to a bland track. If Sam does not step up to the plate next week, he might be going home. C+
Malaya Watson learned from her Bottom Two experience and decided to dig deep and perform “Take Me to the King.” Despite some screeching halfway into the song, I thought that she successfully came back and that she will be on the show next week. B+
There is something about Ben Briley that I cannot get! He has no personality and his vocals were abysmal! I would not mind losing him tomorrow night. F
Majesty Rose closed the show with Coldplay’s “Fix You.” When Majesty sang the lyrics, it cut like a knife! Her vocals were outstanding and won the award for the best performance of the night. A
Tomorrow night, Phillip Phillips and Kodaline will provide the entertainment and one more singer will be heading home!
