Did Jesse Kinch’s take on The King of Pop’s signature song lead him to the “Rising Star” finale? (Photo property of ABC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
When Jesse Kinch first sang “I Put A Spell On You” during his first audition, he became the artist that redeemed this show!
His old school vocals gave everyone chills and now…he has a one-in-five shot to make it to the Rising Star finale!
But, did Jesse’s winning streak stop tonight? Who might be the artist that could challenge Jesse for the Rising Star crown and Capitol Records recording contract? Read on to find out…
After Ludacris and Brad Paisley gave assisted Josh Groban with his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, it was time for Austin French to open the show. He tackled One Republic’s “Love Runs Out.” Kesha and Ludacris advised him to move around the stage a bit more…In all honesty; he did not excite me at all! It was extremely boring and his vocals were all over the place. C-
I am so thrilled that Maneepat Malloy was saved by the West Coast! She has a powerhouse voice and picked an incredible song: Sia’s “Chandelier”! Her vocals gave me chills and she effortless hit the correct high notes. If a girl goes into next week’s finale, I hope it is Maneepat! (What the heck were you thinking not voting for her, Luda & America!) B+
For the first time this competition, Jesse went unplugged! This week, he tackled one of the most iconic songs from the King of Pop’s songbook. I remembered watching David Cook make Idol history with his interpretation. Jesse’s delivery of the main verses was unbelievable and took us to the Church of Rock and Roll! I cannot wait to see what he brings to next week’s finale and I believe that Michael Jackson was smiling down from heaven…the entire time! A+
As Maneepat headed to the hot seat, it was time for the wall to come down! The first artist that attempted to raise the wall was Dana Williams. She took a Billie Holiday twist on Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.” It was a risk to do this arrangement, but I thought it was a brilliant move that showcased her potential as a jazz/blues vocalist. A-
However, Dana did not have anytime to celebrate, as it was her turn to sit in the hot seat. Audrey Kate Geiger hoped to raise the wall with Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.” I like her unique vocals…but like Ludacris (who I rarely agree with) said, “it’s all about song choice” and I thought that it was the wrong song for her. I would have selected “Rehab” or “I Who Have Nothing” for Audrey to sing. C+
Preacher Joshua Peavy closed the night with a cover of Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most.” He originally was supposed to do John Newman’s “Love Me Again” until Brad Paisley suggested the Rascal Flatts heartbreaking tune. I have a hard time with artists going out with the glory notes within the first few bars…it makes their vocals less appealing. That is what happened with Joshua! His vocals were all over the place and the worst of the night. D
Next week, the Final Three (and the West Coast save) duke it out for the title of “Rising Star”!
ARE YOU KIDDING??? DAVID COOK DID NOT INTERPRET ANYTHING FROM THE KING OF POP HE STOLE THE ARRANGEMENT FROM CHRIS CORNELL SAME WAY JESSE DID TONIGHT. ONLY TIME MICHAEL SMILED DOWN WAS WHEN CHRIS CORNELL WHO IS A ROCK GOD TOOK THE TIME AND HAD THE BALLS TO SOMETHING SO EXTRAORDINARY.