"American Idol" Judges
Wed., April 11, 2012, Fox, 8 p.m. (ET) Tonight’s “American Idol” performance night, with just 7 remaining contestants, was a lot of “sound and fury, signifying nothing,” to steal from William Faulkner. It was disappointing to hear so few dynamic touches as the contestants sang songs from 2010-2012.
First up was Skylar Laine from Brandon, Mississippi, who sang a Kellie Pickler song with her usual flair. Two comments: Skylar would look better if she wore sleeves and the song was dynamically uninteresting, as it consisted of Skylar singing country as loudly as possible while playing guitar. Judges’ comments were good: “Crazy hot! Crazy good! Just great!”
Second singer was Colton Dixon who sang a Skylar Gray song, “Love the Way You Want It.” Colton was heavy on the fog and whine, as per usual. He played a white baby grand piano while staring soulfully into the camera. The judges liked it, with Steven Tyler even calling him “such a rare talent.” I’m not sure if Colton and Phillip are competing for the girls’ votes, but, if so, the judges were favorable towards Colton.
Elise and Phillip Phillips sang a duet where Elise got to demonstrate how bossy she can be. The song, “Somebody that I Used to Know” earned a “good for you for pickin’ that” from Steven Tyler.
Jessica Sanchez sang Jasmine Sullivan’s “Stuttering” while wearing a patterned jacket with puffy shoulders. The judges said: “You slayed the biggest fish of the night.” (Jennifer Lopez) “We know that you sing like nobody we’ve ever heard before.” (Jennifer Lopez) “You slay it every time.” (Steven Tyler)
Joshua Ledet from Westlake, Louisiana, wore a white jacket that was at least 2 sizes too small while singing “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars. It was a fast, danceable tune, and went over well. Joshua reminded me of Jackie Wilson from the 60s.
Skylar and Colton dueted on “Don’t You Want to Stay Here For A Little While.” I agreed with Randy, who pronounced it “Just okay for me.”
Hollie Cavanagh of McKinney, TX, sang Pink’s “Perfect.” Randy said, “It wasn’t perfect, but you were so much better than you were last week.” Translation: Hollie is in trouble again.
Phillip Phillips’ choice of Maroon 5’s “Give It A Little More” did not find favor with the judges, who pronounced it “underwhelming.” Although Steven Tyler compared Phillip to Steve McQueen and Johnny Cash, he is probably going to be in the bottom 3 this week.
After a power ballad of “Stronger” by Joshua, Jessica and Hollie—3 of the competition’s biggest voices—Jennifer Lopez pronounced this “the season of the big voice.”
Elise finished the night singing Lady Gaga’s “You and I.” The judges liked it, saying, “Elise is back” and calling it “the perfect song” (Randy Jackson).
The 3 lowest this week will probably include Hollie Cavanagh and Phillip Phillips, with either Skylar Laine or Elise Testone as likely targets for third, simply because they are girls. Stay tuned for elimination night tomorrow.