With the save option gone, nobody is safe
"Big Mike" Lynche did a terrific version of "In the Ghetto."
After the judges used the save last week to extend the Idol journey of Michael Lynche, this week’s show will send two contestants home. On Elvis night, with last year’s Idol breakout star, Adam Lambert, as the mentor, the performers upped the ante slightly. However, is it just me, or did the contestants ignore mentor Lambert when he pushed them to provide more energy and tempo when doing the songs of “The King”?
Crystal Bowersox provided her usual excellence while channeling Elvis’ gospel side with a rocking “Saved.” On the other hand, Andrew Garcia appeared to ignore Lambert’s advice and presented a slowed-down version of “Hound Dog.” The vocal was fine; the performance forgettable.
Tim Urban, given the nickname “Turban” by Ryan Seacrest, delivered a surprisingly decent take on “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.” Considering his skills, he delivered his best performance to date, which means he is still the weakest link in the competition.
Lee DeWyse appeared to listen to Lambert the most and really jacked up his personality to go with his usual excellent vocals on “A Little Less Conversation.” Aaron Kelly did okay with his vocals on “Blue Suede Shoes,” but doing such an iconic Elvis tune made his performance look so weak in comparison.
Siobhan Magnus did her typically odd but enjoyable take on “Suspicious Minds,” that got a mixed reaction from the judges. She might be in trouble this week.
Mike, on the other hand, bounced back nicely with a terrific ballad version of “In The Ghetto,” that emphasized the lyrics to good emotional effect. I think he is staying.
Katie Stevens provided solid vocals on an obscure song choice, “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” It was fine, but with two going home tonight, it might not be enough. Casey James also went for a lesser-known song from the Elvis collection, “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy.” It featured his usual enjoyable R&B/rock vibe but didn’t push his talents as Kara pointed out.
I checked out some of the songs on YouTube by the King himself which really showed how far the Idol contestants have to go in order to learn how to deliver a performance not just sing a song.
So who is going home tonight? I think it will be Andrew Garcia for sure, but I also have this bad feeling that Siobhan Magnus or Lee DeWyse will join him. My choice for the second slot would be Tim Urban, Aaron Kelly or Katie Stevens.
The grades:
Mike Lynche A
Crystal Bowersox B+
Lee DeWyse B+
Tim Urban B
Siobhan Magnus B-
Casey James B-
Aaron Kelly C
Katie Steven C
Andrew Garcia D
In 2009, the American Idols Tour played at Boardwalk Hall, a 12,000-seat venue. This year, the show is taking place at the much smaller Mark G. Etess Arena at the Trump Taj Mahal this Saturday.
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