Tonight, the “American Idol XIV” Top 12 guys stepped onto the Fillmore stage and sang for America’s votes. (Photos property of 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America & FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Attention, American Idol viewers!
The power is now in your hands.
The American Idol XIV Top 24 headed to Detroit for a two-week road trip to perform in front of judges Harry Connick, Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban and for a place in next week’s Top 16.
Tonight, the Top 12 guys duke it out for eight spots! Which artists rose to the occasion? Who fell flat and is in danger of being eliminated next week?
Up first to face the nation was Adam Ezegelian! The 21-year-old toy designer rocked the stage with his cover of Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock.” I loved the energy and his vocals, but it reminded me a lot of last year’s champion, Caleb Johnson! If he makes it to the next round, Adam needs to find a way to stand out and diversify in his song selection. B
J.Lo’s favorite dancing farmer slowed the night down with his cover of Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” He has gotten stronger since the last round, but this was a very cheesy song. The falsetto can only get a contestant so far. C
Comeback kid Savion Wright brought the crowd to its feet with his jazzy/Reggae-inspired take of Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister.” While Harry stated that he was unfocused, Savion brought his heart to the track and I would download the song. B+
Reality aficionados might remember Mark Andrew from being Team Shakira’s resident rocker on the fourth season of a certain rival show. However, after the “Empire” singer wrongfully gave him the boot…he continued to grow as an artist and he has made his presence known during this season of Idol. Mark’s cover of The Band’s “The Weight” brought out his impeccable vintage voice that would make classic rock fans proud. A-
Trevor Douglas definitely upped his game with his performance of Gavin DeGraw’s “Best I Ever Had.” However, if he moves onto the next round…he should focus on the vocals! C-
Since Hollywood Week, Clark Beckham has evolved into a true contender. Did his cover of Percy Sledge’s iconic “When A Man Loves A Woman” brought the house down? Absolutely! But, he needs to pick more modern songs…or else, he will suffer the similar fate as Pia Toscano. A-
Rayvon Owen is another frontrunner that has impressed me from the word: “Go!” He tackled Nick Jonas’s “Jealous” and I was worried that his falsetto would go out. But, his powerful notes gave me chills and hopefully…America will vote him to the next round. A-
I only have two words to describe Daniel Seavey’s “I’m Yours”: train wreck! F
It is very hard to connect with a contestant who has made a career out on the coattails of an judge. Riley Bria is talented, but his constant reminder of him playing with Keith Urban is driving me absolutely bonkers! Vocal performance was a D.
Quentin Alexander might be the lovechild of Prince and Lenny Kravitz. During Hollywood Week, he did not stand out to me in the sea of singers. Tonight, he proved that he could put a spell on America with his infectious vocals and personality as his cover of “I Put A Spell On You” was mystical. B+
The first time I saw Nick Fradiani was when he auditioned for America’s Got Talent with his band: Beach Avenue. I loved his voice and I was extremely distressed that the band did not make it to the live shows. However, Nick turned that “No” into a second chance and grown on American Idol. His cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” was not only the best performance of the night, but I also believe that he will be in the Top 10! A
Qaasim Middleton rounded out the night was roaring cover of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk.” He brought the Apollo’s energy to the Fillmore stage and his vocals were outstanding! Along with Nick, I believe that Qaasim will be a part of the Top 10! A
Tomorrow night, the lovely ladies of “American Idol XIV” take the Fillmore stage to prove themselves worthy of America’s votes.
