‘American Idol’ Recap: Top 10 Pay Tribute to ‘Idol’ Winners
The Top 10 of “American Idol” took on songs sung by previous “Idol” winners, which showed exactly which of them measured up and which might not have the chops. Each contestant’s performance was preceded by a videotaped segment of the highlights from their first meeting with music mentor Jimmy Iovine, who provided some solid advice. Which of them would benefit from it?
Curtis Finch Jr., when he met with Jimmy, was told that he shouldn’t tie himself so much to the past and try to be more current. Curtis chose to perform “I Believe” by Fantasia, possibly because it gelled with his preference for gospel-infused music. Decked out in a red paisley blazer that gave him a much younger, more contemporary look than his previous looks, he predictably “took it to church,” backed by a choir of singers. To his credit, though, he wasn’t as over-the-top as some previous “Idol” contestants have been on week one; but he also wasn’t as memorable. Keith Urban advised him to watch his pitch, saying he was below the melody in the beginning. Nicki Minaj was late — stuck in traffic, according to host Ryan Seacrest — so she missed the chance to weigh in. Randy Jackson urged him to do something different and not always go for inspirational music next time. Mariah Carey begged to differ, saying that she liked “the choir feeling,” which was what she had liked about him when they first heard him.
Janelle Arthur, as she spoke to Ryan in a sit-down before the video package, had clearly been glammed up a little, with her hair in long ringlets and a spray tan. Jimmy urged her to think about what would make her different, since there are a lot of young, blonde country artists out there. She chose “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry, which had been performed on the show by Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery. She took the stage wearing a black and white striped distressed miniskirt with a filmy cropped black top that had an asymmetrical lining and was sheer near the bottom, paired with an acid-washed denim vest. The song was in her wheelhouse, but it didn’t give her a lot of opportunities to show off her vocal abilities. Keith liked it, saying it was the first time he’d heard a girl doing that song. Nicki, who had arrived, sporting huge dark sunglasses, didn’t like the song choice and told her she needed to work on that. Randy felt the song didn’t lead anywhere, even though he liked that she worked the stage. Mariah felt “your aura was giving us star light.” She’d rather hear a ballad or something mid-tempo, though.
Devin Velez, in his discussion with Jimmy, was advised to not limit himself in terms of his song choices. He went with the Carrie Underwood song, “Temporary Home,” which he thought would show he could do more than ballads. He started out singing on the steps, wearing a simple outfit of a midnight blue suit jacket that had some subtle shine to it, along with black pants and a black button-down shirt. The look was a little less retro but still very “crooner,” in keeping with his image. While he might have wanted to step outside his comfort zone, his version of the song sounded very similar to what he’d been singing up to now, along with the showy high last note. Keith felt it was not one of his better performances, which he attributed to song choice and a lack of confidence in that song. Nicki disagreed, saying that she was afraid of him switching it up and that she liked that he seemed in his comfort zone. She thought he seemed confident. Randy thought it was “way too safe” and that Devin had “underplayed” himself. He advised him to “go for broke” every time he takes the stage. Mariah said that he’s got the ability to do much more and that he deserves to have confidence.
Angie Miller got advice from Jimmy, as well, who equated her to a beauty pageant contestant, a not terribly subtle put-down. She went with “I Surrender” by Celine Dion, which had been sung by Kelly Clarkson in Season 1. Her look was a little edgier than what she’s been doing: a leather minidress with visible stitching on the side panels and cap sleeves, and her hair was curled in ringlets. Her version of the song started sweet and then grew more powerful, as she walked partway into the audience on the little promenade that’s part of the stage. Still, it wasn’t the most exciting song choice, especially from Kelly Clarkson’s oeuvre. Keith praised her range and thought she’d hit it out of the park. Nicki told her she looked like a billion dollars and loved the dress. Finally, Nicki got around to other aspects, telling her that her voice was flawless and that she was a superstar. Randy declared, “America, the competition starts now!” And of course, she’s in it to win it. Those engaging in the “Randy Jackson catch phrase drinking game,” drink now. Mariah simply said, “Stellar.”
Paul Jolley heard some tough love from Jimmy, who told him he perpetually over-sings. That’s great for the stage, he said, but not for recording. “It’s not ‘Les Mis,'” Jimmy told him. Paul chose a Scotty McCreery cover, “Amazed” by Lonestar. Unlike Scotty, who did a stripped-down but heartfelt version of the song, Paul still seemed like he was acting, especially with his facial expressions, as he gave the camera warm, loving looks. It seemed more like he was auditioning for “Glee” than performing on “American Idol.” His make-over involved ditching his bright button-down shirts in favor of a simple gray V-neck shirt with a chocolate brown blazer and black pants. Keith said he loves the song and felt that Paul has been listening to Jimmy, calling it one of his better performances. Nicki told him, “This is the first time you’ve stimulated my sexual appetite,” telling him that he looked very good. She said he has an uncanny ability to pick songs that she likes and that he’d done the song justice. Randy also loved the song choice, telling him “if you don’t feel it, don’t force it,” which was the closest anyone got to a critique. Mariah liked that he’s aware of his issues but told him “forget about it and just go from here.” Um… OK.
Candice Glover got compliments from Jimmy: “You have a fabulous, fabulous voice.” She chose Ben E. King’s “I Who Have Nothing,” which was her favorite “Idol” performance by Jordin Sparks. She was styled much “sexier” and younger than what she’s worn before, in black leggings, and a black top with sequins surrounding cut-out sleeves, and a deeper color of lipstick than what she’s worn up to now. Her version of the song was more mature than Jordin’s had been, with raw emotion behind her stellar runs. The performance was truly a tour de force, drawing standing ovations from the judges. Keith said, “I love you so much,” and he felt she has the same command as Shirley Bassey, a legendary performer of that song. Nicki told her, “It would be in everybody’s best interest to never, ever perform that song ever again,” because she’d “destroyed” and “annihilated” it (in a good way). She liked her vocal gymnastics and the feeling of freshness she brought to it. Randy said, “You really worked that song out.” He called it one of the best performances of the season. Mariah said that she’s mesmerizing and that “a singer of your caliber can do pretty much anything.”
Lazaro Arbos, of course, also spoke with Jimmy, who told him that he has a lot of fans but “if you don’t pick the right songs, they can’t stick by you.” Lazaro chose “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson. Jimmy urged him to learn the song: “You can’t practice too much.” In a slightly different look for him, sort of a 1950s crooner look, Lazaro wore a white button-down shirt with a black stripe over the buttons, and a bright blue jacket, with black pants and even spats over his shoes. The song started a little rough, as he seemed to be finding his way, but in the middle, he grew more comfortable. He might have been a little too subdued through much of the song to make an impression on those who aren’t already fans. Keith asked him to explain why he chose the song, and Lazaro said he loves the words and feels it’s what he’s going through, since he’s from a small town. Keith didn’t feel the song was in his wheelhouse, though. Nicki spoke to him in Spanish and told him he looks like Ricky Ricardo tonight but this was her least favorite from him. She urged him to find some confidence. Randy felt the pitch was “all over the place” and that the song was too big for him. Mariah said it was clear he was singing from his heart.
Kree Harrison was praised by Jimmy, who liked her tone, range and confidence but advised her not to over-sing. Her song choice was “Crying” by Roy Orbison, which was sung by Carrie Underwood in Season 4. She looked more current and fashionable than her previous looks, in a black top and pants, with a white silk jacket that had a black abstract bamboo pattern on the sleeves. Her version of the song was a bit slower than Carrie’s had been and was subdued but lovely. Keith told her that she could sing the phone book. He liked that she has genuine life experience that comes through when she sings. Nicki called her “Harry” and said her performance felt like syrup on buttermilk pancakes. Randy said her voice makes him feel good all over. Nicki teased him about that statement, asking if it made him feel “tingly.” Mariah complimented her “enormous range” and loved the song choice, saying, “You can’t help but be real when you sing.”
Burnell Taylor was advised by Jimmy to “switch it up a bit” and do something up-tempo but chose a ballad instead: Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard’s “Flying Without Wings.” This time, he didn’t wear his tortoise-shell glasses onstage and looked less retro, in a black denim jacket over a medium-brown leopard-print shirt and black pants. He had a rough moment in the middle of the song, falling apart a little on a short run, but recovered and overall, it was a very fresh take on a somewhat worn-out tune. Keith praised his “Burnell-isms” that he has when he performed, finding him “magnetic.” Nicki called him “Burnie” and said she loved the song. She told him he’s well on his way. Randy said, “This kid believes” and that he’d vindicated it for the boys tonight. Mariah gets very emotional when she hears him sing and liked the choices he made melodically.
Amber Holcomb heard almost nothing but praise from Jimmy, at least in the video that prefaced her performance of the Kelly Clarkson song, “A Moment Like This.” She wore a flowy floor-length light brown leopard-print dress with a black studded vest, and she got the benefit of a wind machine to make her performance at the mike seem more dramatic. Her voice, coupled with her sunny smile, gave an almost honeyed feel to the song. Keith called himself a fan and liked how effortlessly she sang. Nicki called it the best performance of the night and said she reminded her of Whitney Houston. She didn’t like the styling, though, saying she should show her legs and wear some pink lipstick. Randy raved, “You blew it out of the box tonight,” adding “Guys, where you all at? The girls are killing you tonight.” Mariah started with, “Hashtag pow” and said that, regardless of what she wears, she gives people goosebumps. Since it was Amber’s birthday coming up, Ryan called her mother up onstage to deliver a present, which Amber could open during the break, Ryan said.
Kudos to Candice and Kree, and a nod to Amber and Burnell. With these performances, it’s almost certainly going to be a guy taking the first bus home. Look for a combination of Paul, Curtis and either Janelle or Devin in the bottom three, with Paul exiting stage left.