Category: Music Page 15 of 19

Connie plays 4 musical instruments and her daughter is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville with a degree in Music Business and once worked for Taylor Swift. She may comment on concerts or reminisce on concerts of old.

Lacey Brown, the redheaded songstress who had tried out on previous occasions but only made it this year, was eliminated from competition on Wednesday night’s show. The three lowest vote-getters were Paige Miles, Timothy Urban and Lacey Brown, but it was Big Red who got the heave-ho.

David Cook performed the Rolling Stones song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash and showed the group how it’s done, and the cult faavorite song “Blah, blah, blah”, used in the Tiger Woods scandal to comic effect, was performed.

Otherwise, an uneventfual “American Idol” night.

March 16th “American Idol” Contestants Sing the Stones

By Connie Wilson

On March 16, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

All contestants performed the music of the Rolling Stones onstage on “American Idol” on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. As Ryan Seacrest said in his introduction, “The Rolling Stones are the most iconic group on the planet, period.” I would second that, having seen them, live, in concert, on 12 occasions over the years.

I worried that the crop of musicians that has advanced to the Final Twelve did not have the swagger necessary to pull off the Stones’ best songs. I was right to worry, but let’s start with the good.

Opening the show was Michael Lynche (“Big Daddy”). Michael had the swagger. All of the judges liked his rendition of “Miss You” except Simon, who said that, while he liked the singing (especially the falsetto), “The dancing was kind of corny, verging at times a tiny bit desperate.” Sorry, Michael, but I agree with Simon. I turned to my companion and commented that one particular movement Michael made during his dancing should be dubbed the “Doggy Doo Dance.” (It looked as though Michael had just stepped in…well, you get the idea…and was trying to shake it off his sneaker.) It wasn’t great. Kara thought Michael had “swagger, style and attitude” and Randy felt Michael had “slayed it,” while Ellen said, “What’s not to love about that??” In answer to Ellen’s question, what’s not to love about that was the Doggy Doo Dance, for which I have no film. (I did have video of the Dora the Explorer Dance in a previous review, but not this week.)

Siobhan Magnus, singing “Paint It Black” was amazing this night. She looked good, in a fey way, with a short strapless black cocktail dress paired with black boots. Simon called her rendition “The standout performance of the night,” and I would agree. She really screeched out that high note and Randy said, “That was hot!” while Ellen said she “Loved it” and that she “loved the look.” Kara had the best critique, saying, “You rise above, like Snooky’s pouf.” (This remark an homage to the Jersey Shore’s Snooky, one assumes). Kara’s final word: “The best interpretation tonight.” True.

Others who did not suck this night: Casey Jones, singing “It’s All Over Now” (It’s cool that Casey is from Cool, Texas), Lee DeWyze, who lacked intensity but did a decent job with “Beast of Burden,” Crystal Bowersox, with “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (also lacking in intensity) and Aaron Kelly singing “Angie.” Once again, Simon gave Aaron a left-handed compliment, saying, “You haven’t got a big voice. You chose absolutely 100% the right song. It was in tune, it was within your range.” Also, despite the judges’ lukewarm reception, for the first time I liked a song that Andrew Garcia sang, which was “Fade Away.” The judges were not as kind. Simon said, “I genuinely hope you survive another week.” This week, I concur.

Those whose performances had some major problems:

Katie Stevens (de rigueur) singing “Wild Horses.” (Bad dress. Pitchy. Never technically perfect. Simon disliked the second half of the arrangement. I have disliked every song Katie has sung, so far.)
Lacey Brown: Weird. Sleepy. “Some issues where you hit the notes right,” from Kara. Just the usual boring stuff from the redhead. (Lacey sang “Ruby Tuesday”).
Didi Benami: Simon: “Solid, not brilliant.” Didi sang “Play With Fire.” It was dark and dreary. Lighten up. Do a fast song for a change.
Tim Urban: “Under My Thumb.” A reggae version of “Under My Thumb”? Really, Tim? (Just shoot me now, or provide me with earplugs.)
Paige Miller: Suffering from laryngitis. Sang “Honky Tonk Woman.” Considering her health issues, did okay. Needs to do better.

Top Twelve Announced for “American Idol” 2010

By Connie Wilson

On March 12, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

My Prediction of March 10th: So, who’s going home? Should be Andrew and Aaron…. alphabetically, at least…with an outside chance that Todrick isn’t the favorite of the teenyboppers of America who actually pick up the phone and vote. And, of course, there is one other contestant whose name begins with the letter “A,” and I wouldn’t weep Big Crocodile Tears if he were to be the one eliminated on Thursday, March 11th.

That quote, readers, was my prediction for those who would be cut on Thursday, March 11^th, 2010, of the 8 boys still in competition on “American Idol.” So, who actually got cut of the boys?

Not surprisingly (to me) Alex Lambert and Todrick Hall. As you can see (above), I had mentioned that Todrick might not be the favorite of teenyboppers who actually pick up the phone to vote, and (apparently) he wasn’t. Todrick, to his credit, took it like the pro he is and delivered a great farewell Queen performance. Alex Lambert, the sweet young thing who was the second boy cut, didn’t weather the rejection quite as well and looked very teary-eyed. He struggled with his national farewell song, too (“Saved by a Woman”). I had predicted that those whose names began with the letter “A” were in trouble, and this proved to be true for Alex Lambert. Andrew Garcia and Aaron Kelly made it through, while the far more-polished performer, Todrick Hall, was sent home. I think that’s why he was sent home. Todrick is good, he knows it and his confidence is off-putting for those at home trying to vicariously live the experience through the experiences of these contestants. If you’re too cute or too good or too confident, America hates you.

Welcome to the real world.

In the elimination round for the girls, neither of the girls who had been “bad” last time out was cut (those being Katie Stevens and Paige Miles). Instead, Katelyn Epperly of West Des Moines was let go first. Katelyn, wearing long silver and black dangly earrings said, “It was definitely a great experence (not being cut, but being on the show). For me, it’s going to be a big push.” She looked teary while hugging her comrades after singing her final song.

It was very surprising that Lilly Stevens was cut, but singing “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline to an audience that probably doesn’t even know who Patsy Cline was might have been a mistake. Lilly had been a big favorite of the judges since Day One, but whether she was a Big Favorite of the kids watching at home was debatable. Tonight, the debate was settled with the seating of the very vulnerable-seeming but not-that-consistent Katie Stevens, instead of the seasoned performer who has been “busking” in the streets for coin. I think the judges would have looked for Lilly and Crystal to go all the way to the end for the girls, with a strong challenge from Siobhan Magnus. To have Katie beat her out was just plain wrong…but, then, to have Todrick sent home because he’s good, knows it, and projects that confidence onstage, is equally wrong.

Lilly made the comment that there was some “incredible talent going home tonight,” and I think she meant herself and Todrick Hall. For that matter, I’d have picked Alex Lambert over Andrew Garcia and/or Aaron Kelly, but the Final 12, for better or for worse (and, this year, it’s for worse), were:

1) Didi Benami

2) Siobhan Magnus

3) Paige Miles

4) Crystal Bowersox

5) Lacey Brown

6) Katie Stevens

7) Tim Urban

8) Lee DeWyze

9) Casey James

10) Michael Lynche

11) Aaron Kelly

12) Andrew Garcia

Of that number, the Final 3 Boys should be Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Michael Lynche and the Final 3 Girls should be Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, and anybody except Katie Stevens, picked on this night (March 11, 2010). Going head-to-head for the crown, I’d say, will be Crystal and Lee, unless something extremely weird happens during the upcoming nights of the competition.

Speaking of which, a piano duo of Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” featured Matt Giraud and Scott McIntyre in the middle of the eliminating. Matt was Mr. Personality. Scott announced he has a new album out of his own songs and it’s orderable from his website, too. (You gotta’ love those websites where you can sell your work directly to adoring fans.) I have a couple myself, and www.HellfireandDamnationtheBook.com has a trailer featuring the short story collection. (And you don’t even have to listen to me sing.)

Boys’ Night on “American Idol” (3/10/2010): If Your Name Starts with the Letter “A”, Take Cover

By Connie Wilson

On March 11, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Reviews, Television

The boys strutted their stuff on “American Idol” tonight, (Wednesday, March 10^th), and, as usual, I’ll try to predict who’s in trouble and who is going to sail through tomorrow night. The fact that I’m so rarely correct shouldn’t stop you from reading this and feeling superior tomorrow night.

The show began with one of the front-running favorites, Lee DeWyze, singing “Fireflies” while clad in a blue/black/green Woodsmen-fell-that-tree plaid shirt. The remarks were not Lee’s usual high ones, with Simon saying, “There was nothing to rave about. You are better than the version of the song you just did.” Randy didn’t much care for it, either, saying, “For me, it was a strange choice. But you made it work. You worked it out.” Randy also criticized some pitch problems and Ellen concurred but added, “I know a lot of people like you.” Kara was the most complimentary, saying, “You look confident. I think the song was a better song with your interpretation. A solid job.” So, is Lee in trouble? In one word, No.

Next up was Alex Lambert, who sang “Trouble.” If Alex weren’t such a cutie-pie, I’d say he was IN trouble. He has a nasal quality to his singing and Ellen, who has previously compared him to an unripe banana that needs to ripen, said, “Don’t become a cocky banana, because nobody likes that.’ The “vulnerability to be you…to let go” was discussed and Kara said, “That’s what we need from you,” while Simon added, “Relax and have a good time.” I think Alex is too cute to get sent home.

After Alex came Tim Urban, who is usually crucified by the judges. Tim sang the Jeff Buckley version of “Hallelujah” and Ellen went so far as to get out from behind the judges’ table, walk up, and give him a hug, while saying, “That was fantastic.” Randy said, “You walked in some pretty big shoes, and I think you did a pretty good job.” Kara commented, “I actually think you’re kind of in it now.” Simon then took responsibility for Tim’s sudden improvement saying,”I kind of feel responsible for you doing well, because I gave you confidence. It’s not the best version I’ve ever heard, but, for you, it was terrific.” In other words, it was a compliment along the lines of, “For a fat girl, you don’t sweat much,” hug or no hug.

Andrew Garcia was up next and, for the umpteenth time, he sang a female star’s song, this time Christina Aguilara’s “Genie in a Bottle.” Nobody really liked it. Simon said, “It was a little bit desperate. You’ve overthought it. You’re kind of still going backwards at the moment.” The backwards remark was from Andrew’s earlier version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” during Hollywood week, which is the only thing anyone wants to talk about with Andrew. I thought he was bad last week and his suit was worse. Ellen said, “The genie came out of the bottle too late.” Kara remarked, “You peaked so early. I couldn’t hear the melody. It just wasn’t great, and I wanted it to be.” Randy commented on the fact that it was “pitchy” and “It made us feel like the whole song was only 3 notes.” Wave good-bye to Andy.

Casey James, another favorite of the judges…(or, at least, of Kara’s)…sang a Keith Urban song “You’ll Think of Me” and was criticized by Randy for having chosen a song that was “a little bit of a safe choice. I feel like you’ve got more of that edgy Stevie Ray Vaughn in you.” Ellen, however, said: “I thought it was great. I really liked it.” Kara commented, “This was better than last week. It was honest, definitely.” Simon thought it was Casey’s second best performance, so far and said, “It made you sincere. You sounded great.” No way is Casey getting kicked off with his sex appeal, but his hair looked really scraggly/awful this night.

Aaron Kelly, who is only 16, came out and sang “I’m Already There,” a song about a father calling home and talking to his son, which Kara felt was pushing it, (for a sixteen-year-old.) Simon disagreed with Kara’s comment, calling it “complete rubbish,” and Randy advised, “The thing you should work on is your lower register.” In my opinion, Aaron should also work on his upper register, which was annoying in the extreme. When he sang the word “hotel,” he was flat and his attempts to sell the song by bobbing back and forth reminded me of the one-year-old, Elise, who does the same thing which her parents (my son and wife) have dubbed “The Dora Dance,” because she does it while watching “Dora the Explorer” on television. The video is posted on YouTube (Elise does the Dora Dance.) Ellen’s comments to Aaron were; “I love you. You’re 16. You have the confidence of someone 30 years old. I just didn’t think that was terrific.” Ellen was right, and I think Aaron’s song title (“I’m Already There”) sums up where he will be after tomorrow night: already back home.

Last, but certainly not least were Todrick Hall, singing “Somebody to Love” by Queen, which was refreshing after so many male singers sitting on stools singing quiet, desperate songs. Todrick did have on one of his odd outfits, which resembled nothing so much as a riding outfit with jodhpurs and a slash-zippered jacket and single glove. Simon even commented, of Todrick, “So you’re a Broadway singer” remarking, especially on the one glove. He said, “There were so many boring performances with people sitting on a stool playing a guitar. That performance may have saved you.” I certainly hope so. Randy commented, “Todrick is back. That was one of the best vocals.” Ellen liked the way Todrick made the song sound “like a Gospel song. Man, you’re great, and I commend you for doing that song.” Kara also commented “the singing was good.” Todrick should be able to hang on, unless America thinks Aaron is too cute to send home, but there is no comparison between the talent level of the inexperienced Aaron and the Broadway veteran Todrick, so do the right thing, America, and send Aaron home to grow up a bit and try out again another year.

All the judges were “wowed” by the final performer of the night, Michael “Big Daddy” Lynche, who sang “This Woman’s Work.” He was wearing a suit jacket with sneakers and blue jeans and began with a high falsetto. Randy: “Really? That was crazy. Yo, Mike, that was hot!” Ellen: “You are the one to beat now.” Kara; “It’s amazing. It brought me to tears.” Simon: “This was so needed tonight. It was all so boring. You 100% nailed it. Best of the night and of all these lives shows so far.”

So, who’s going home? Should be Andrew and Aaron…. alphabetically, at least…with an outside chance that Todrick isn’t the favorite of the teeny-boppers of America who actually pick up the phone and vote.

Crystal Bowersox Continues to Shine on Girls’ Night (3/09/10) on “American Idol”

By Connie Wilson

On March 9, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It’s so tempting to use that clichéd division for Tuesday night’s Girls’ night on “American Idol,” but I’m not as cruel as Simon, so I’ve chosen The Good, The Bad and the Okay as my categories. To spare you a lot of reading, the shorthand version of my opinion is this:

The Good: Crystal Bowersox and Didi Benami.

The Bad: Katie Stevens and Paige Miles.

The Okay: Everybody else, which means Siobhan Magnus, Lacey Brown, Katelyn Epperly and Lily Scott.

Jermaine, John, Haeley and Michelle Depart “American Idol” on March 4, 2010

By Connie Wilson

On March 5, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

Ode to “American Idol,” 2010

John Park is in the dark

Haeley’s right behind him

Michelle has gone; she did her best

Jermaine’s gone back to hymns.

The final 16: there they are

I’m still a fan of Lee’s

I also like that Crystal girl

And Siobhan’s cool with me.
Expect the ads to start up now

With cars the kids are driving,

And, after that, we’ll lose a few:

While others will be thriving.

I’m picking Lee and Crystal girl

With Katelyn, Siobhan, Lilly.

I think we’re going to watch some go

Say: Paige, Tim, Alex, Silly.

I cannot see how Katie stays

I’m not real big on Andrew

Lacey’s pale and rather stale

Didi’s on life support, too.

But Katelyn’s there, Chicago style

With Lee and Paige and Casey,

Crystal’s shining like a star,

This picking drives me crazy!

March 3, Wednesday: Crystal Comes Charging Back on “American Idol”

By Connie Wilson

On March 4, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

“American Idol,” March 3, Wednesday, Girls’ night:

Best of the night: Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Lilly Scott, Katelyn Epperly.

Worst of the night: Didi Benami, Haeley Vaughn, Katie Stevens.

Just okay: Michelle DeLaMor, Lacey Brown, Paige Miles.

Prediction: If Crystal stays healthy, the group mentioned above will be the last 4 girls standing.

I hope that everyone stays healthy!

March 2nd: Crystal Bowersox’ Illness Forces Boys to Sing For Their Supper First

By Connie Wilson

On March 3, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

The big news on March 2, 2010 (Tuesday) was that the boys had to compete first (rather than the girls as originally scheduled) because of a medical emergency that took female contestant Crystal Bowersox to the hospital. No further details about the Ohio native’s health could be gathered, even by Internet search of such papers as the Toledo Free Press. . (Crystal is from Ohio).

Jill Hudson, spokeswoman for “American Idol” said that the show’s policy was not to comment on the personal lives of the contestants.

The best vocal performances for the night were turned in by Lee DeWyze (also a Chicago contestant, as was Crystal), Michael “Big Daddy” Lynche, and Casey James. Most of the rest of the boys were various levels of forgettable, insipid or terror-struck.
Most likely to be cut this week?

If singing is the criteria (and not good looks) Andrew Garcia, Aaron Kelly, Tim Urban and—if Simon is right—-Jermaine Sellers. However, with the lackluster, uninspired, flat performance of John Mayer’s “Gravity” that Northpark, Illinois native John Park turned in, he’s not out of the woods, either.

Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, both Chicago picks, were emerging as crowd favorites and gifted performers. Let’s hope that Crystal’s front-runner status is not jeopardized by her hospitalization and that she is able to compete on tomorrow night’s (March 3^rd’s) show.

“American Idol” Pares Field to Ten on Feb. 25, 2010

By Connie Wilson

On February 26, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Reviews, Television

What’s to be said about the “American Idol” Thursday night program, where 2 boys and 2 girls were axed?

General observations: I was glad to see Tyler Grady go, but, in a way, he was right when he said that the “advice” to quit being a Jim Morrison poseur came “too late” to help him. Kara absolutely crowed about how “cool” he was during the early stages of the competition, and I think Tyler had enough of a big head before that. The film of him practicing in cowboy boots, white socks and a bathrobe pretty much says it all. I was not sorry to see him go. The “cuteness” and “humbleness” factor saved the other lowest vote getter, Alex Lambert. It is poor Alex who had only performed about 3 times in local coffee shops, before his Idol audition. Obviously, Tyler has been posturing as the Lizard King and others for a while. Simon said he acted as though he had gone to “Rock Star School” on the boys’ night. So, good-bye, Tyler, and don’t let the door hit you in the fake leather pants on the way out.

The other boy eliminated was Joe Munoz. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, but that didn’t work for him. He needed some of the animal magnetism of Casey James or the cute fresh-faced attractiveness that kept Tim Urban in the competition, when he was definitely one of the weakest, vocally.

Now, as to the girls’ elimination. Big mistake there. Eliminating Ashley Rodriguez, one of the prettiest of the girls who had the “total package” and who can be found singing as Ashley Benami online, seemed unfair. I have to admit, after saying that, that her farewell song did not really move me. None of the girls really stood out much (although I liked Crystal Bowersox), except that Katy was way off key during her entire performance and seemed to be channeling her elderly grandmum. I do not understand how she was able to stay, while Ashley was voted off.

Last girl to go was the blonde rumored to be Tim Teabow’s (Florida quarterback) girlfriend, Janell Wheeler. There was a quick shot of Janell making a funny face, which just made her appear unattractive. Then a quick shot to Mom. Janell was never going to win this thing, so I can live with her sudden death in the competition, but she seemed better, to me, than some others.

As I was driving all the way across the state of Illinois (width, not length), I was listening to Adam Lambert’s album and to Melinda DoLittle’s album. I was immediately nostalgic for last year’s great talent, especially after both Allison Irahito and Chris Allen performed. This year’s crop looks very pale and dull, by comparison. I looked forward every week to seeing what outrageous thing Adam would do THIS week. And Allison, the gutsy Hispanic rocker chick, was equally intriguing. I even pine for the days of the Dueling Davids: David Cook and David Archuleta.

Even the “hits” on AC are down this year, which may be due to the Olympics in Vancouver, or it may just be that this year’s crop isn’t cutting it

There is no one in the entire crowd, with the possible exception of Crystal Bowersox (for the girls) and Lee DeWyze (of the boys) who I really even care to hear sing again. I’m not that “ga ga’ over Casey Jones. Big Daddy Mike Lynche isn’t doing anything much for me. I did enjoy watching Todrick Hall own the stage, but I had no idea what he was singing (and, as the judges said, neither did they).

I was happy to see 2 things I had said echoed by Simon Cowell: 1) Angela Martin should never have been cut and (2) this year, the girls are stronger, which he was quoted as having said in the New York Post. After mentioning that, however, I am very disappointed in almost all of the girls, so far. I do think that Katelyn Epperly will step up, as Crystal Bowersox already has, but I really pine for the Dueling Davids and/or Adam Lambert/Allison Irahito days. And when Simon leaves? What then?

Boys’ Night on “American Idol:” A “Meh” Experience

By Connie Wilson

On February 25, 2010

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

What to say about “American Idol” boys’ night? Another “meh” set of performances.

Let’s categorize them as we did with the girls: The Good, The Bad, and the Okay.

THE GOOD

My favorites: Lee DeWyze, 23, of Chicago sang Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars’ and he has a unique quality in his voice. He accompanied himself on guitar and has a raspy edge that is very unique. Comments were made by the judges that were “so-so” but Simon seemed to get it: “I thought this was the best performance you’ve given so far. This guy is a naturally good singer.” I think Lee did well.

Casey James: The blonde 24-year-old sang “Here’s Heaven” and, despite all the goofing-around, which included Randy grabbing Kara’s arms and having her wave them to and fro and Kara’s comment, “I don’t recognize you with your shirt on,” (he removed it at her suggestion during auditions) I thought he gave a good performance. Ellen said, “I could feel Kara undressing you with her eyes. You were great.” Even Simon got into the act, commenting that they were both “cursed with good looks.” Simon called Casey’s performance “Honest. Sincere. Likeable,” and added, “This was the best performance I’ve heard from you, so you did great.” I agree.

Joe Munoz, 20, of Huntington Park, California: He sang the Jason Mraz song “You and I Both Hear It.” Ellen said, “You’re so comfortable. Great stage presence. “ Randy commented, “You’ve got a great voice. I think you did a great job with it, Dawg. You worked it out.” Kara called him “up front and center. The best so far in terms of the singing.” Simon was the only dissenter calling him “okay, safe, a bit forgettable, a bit limp.” I think the 3 to 1 who thought he did a good job were right.

Michael Lynche, 26 sang “This Love” by “Maroon 5” accompanying himself on guitar. He did not get much support from Simon, who said, “You’re sort of like the support act before the main act, kind of like a vague, jazzy performance.” Ellen disagreed, saying, “I think people are gonna’ love him.” Michael has been given so much extra airtime because of the birth of his daughter while he was auditioning that people feel like they know him. Big Daddy will still be here for a while.
THE OKAY

Todrick Hall did appear to be what Simon accused him of: “I think you came over as a dancer trying to sing.” Yes, he did. The next part of Simon’s critique I disagree with, “What you did was completely verging on stupid.” What he did was dance around a lot, since he has danced and sung on Broadway with Fantasia in “The Color Purple.” He moved around a lot and, as Ellen said, “The chorus was a little rough,” I had no idea what he was singing, to begin with. Randy said, “I didn’t know what song it was. I still want to see you sing. You’ve got mad chops vocally.” I think that Todrick needs to NOT change the song as much as he did (he said he heard it this way in his head) but I liked his acrobatic touches. Not everyone can both sing and dance well. Needs to sing something we all know and love.

Jermaine Sellers, 27, from Joliet, Illinois, sang “Get Here” while wearing his trademark hat. I actually liked his light voice, with the lilting quality, although it took him a long time to slide up to the right pitch on the last note. Ellen declared herself “A huge fan” and said, “I love your look. More a performance than feeling it, though. A couple of times you went off or out as though you were trying too hard.” Randy wants him to sing something more contemporary like Neo or Maxwell and added, “You’re trying to do too much vocally, Dawg,” referencing some of Jermaine’s runs. He wanted them to be meaningful runs. Simon was brutal: “It’s the kind of song that, if you were playing piano in a piano bar, people in their 50s would request it. I think you’ve totally blown your opportunity with that (song choice).” {*Note: he is not in the “BAD” category, for me, but it was just okay.)

Aaron Kelly, 16, from Sonestown, Pennsylvania, a high school student: Simon was kind to Aaron, saying, “Bearing in mind that that was your first live appearance, that was very good.” All of the rest told him, “Dude, believe in yourself.” Randy added, “16. What a voice! Wow!” Ellen said, “I think you’re gonna be here a long time. You’re just gonna’ get better and better.”

John Park, 21, of Northbrook, Illinois sang “God Bless The Child” and that was universally panned as a song choice. Simon immediately kicked his chair back and began to look bored, before John had even sung 3 notes. After the performance, he said, “You have got to have an incredible voice to take that one on and you don’t. It was flat, zero emotion. A pointless performance,” which he compared to a copycat knock-off of Michael Buble. I didn’t like the choice of songs, either, but I’ll share my theory about that at the end of this list. Randy said, “It made you feel old,” and Ellen agreed that “A different song would show us who you are. I like you a lot.” John has real talent and can come back.

Andrew Garcia, 24, of Moreno Valley, California sang “Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down.” Simon said he was disappointed…that the song was “too serious, too indulgent.” Kara thought it was “a really strange rendition, but a risk, and added, “You’re great.” Everyone kept referencing his earlier rendition of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” Ellen said, “I’m one of the fans, but this was too closed, too indulgent. I think you’re gonna’ stick around. We like you.” Agreed.

Alex Lambert, of North Richland Hills, Texas, was the 19-year-old who sang “It’s A Wonderful World” by James Morrison. Simon was so mean to him that I think he will get sympathy votes. Simon said, “I don’t know who was the happiest for that performance to end, you or us. It was the most uncomfortable performance of the night.” Ellen hit the nail on the head when she talked about a banana and how Alex “just needs to ripen” (like a banana). He had only sung publicly 3 times, previously, in coffee shops. He’s a very cute young man. I think he will make it through and people will forgive him his first-night jitters and his relative inexperience, when compared to a performer from Broadway like Todrick Hall.

THE BAD

Tyler Grady, for me, was by far the worst. He sang “American Woman,” but he is a poseur, a Jim Morrison wannabee. It’s getting old. That pretty much sums up the judges comments, as they said he needed to find some new schtick, rather than continuing to mimic rock singers from the past that he has admired. Simon put it this way, “You come over as someone who has gone to ‘Pretend to be a rock star school.” Agreed. Kara referenced his obsession with the seventies (although Jim Morrison was the sixties,) and randy criticized his “style over substance.” Ellen said, ‘You’re copying. Work on the singing. Be an original.” Good advice.

Tim Urban, 20, of Duncanville, Texas, DID get cut previously. I knew I remembered he had been cut after group week, but then he was back. (Reason was said to be that Chris Golightly did not reveal a previous record contract and got cut, so there was an opening.) Tim sang “Apologize” by One Republic, and he is very cute. He looks like the Lost Jonas Brother, but his voice was weak. Simon said, “There was nothing to take from that. I just don’t think your voice is good enough.” Kara said, “The music overpowered you and swallowed it up. Here you were just buried under the arrangement.” Randy told Tim it was “just the wrong song. Honestly, I personally think you are better than this.” (So do I). Ellen said, “If the sound was down, just looking at you, because you’re adorable.” Ellen has hit on what may keep Tim Urban around: he IS adorable. (Remember Sanjaya?) Nevertheless, Simon said that he felt the judges had made the right choice when they cut him the first time, and I can’t argue with that after hearing him tonight. Now, if he only sang as good as he looks…..

On the previous night, when the girls sang, all the songs were dreary. There were no “up-tempo” performances, really. The only one this night was the “American Woman” attempt, but we’re getting tired of seeing Tyler Morrison…err Grady. Honestly, he’s NOT that adorable or sexy, despite the long mane of hair and the possible pleather pants. Why don’t the producers insist that so many songs be “up tempo” and so many be slower? I’m sure this could be arranged. It is just common sense. All bands, when putting together their play lists, make room for a slow song every once in a while, but if the entire concert is slow, dirgy music, it gets pretty boring. I think what is bringing this year’s performances down are the song choices, which, so far, have been less-than-stimulating. Makes you long for Adam Lambert and company of last year. I want some fast and some slow, but no more Jim Morrison wanna-bees need apply.