After an incredibly disappointing start to the finals last week, the 11 remaining finalists came back with a vengeance tonight to deliver what could have been the best single night in any season of the show so far.
Tonight's theme was #1 Billboard Hits, and the contestants picked an eclectic mix:
1. Anthony Fedorov - "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" (1987)
2. Carrie Underwood - "Alone" (1987)
3. Scott Savol - "Against All Odds" (1984)
4. Bo Bice - "Time In A Bottle" (1973)
5. Nikko Smith - "Incomplete" (2000)
6. Vonzell Solomon - "Best Of My Love" (1977)
7. Constantine Maroulis - "I Think I Love You" (1970)
8. Nadia Turner - "Time After Time" (1984)
9. Mikalah Gordon - "Love Will Lead You Back" (1990)
10. Anwar Robinson - "Ain't Nobody" (1983)
11. Jessica Sierra - "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" (1983)
Scott: Wow. Quite a night on AI4. I think it's actually a tough call as to who did the best, but I was particularly impressed by Carrie. We've been saying all along that she needs to do something other than country, and she did it tonight. After a shaky start, she came through with what could have been the night's best performance.
Also turning in a solid showing tonight was Jessica Sierra, who I hadn't really cared for too much until this performance. Like Carrie, she had a little bit of trouble starting out, but she found her footing quickly and closed out the show in style.
As for the men, both Bo and Constantine took risks tonight, but both also paid off. The softer, gentler Bo was likely still edgy enough to maintain his core audience while also reaching out to new fans. As for Constantine, his re-interpretation of a classic Partridge Family hit was as unexpected as it was entertaining.
ZMethos: I have a soft spot for Bo and a soft spot for Jim Croce, so I really liked his choice of song tonight, and I felt like he did it well. His version of "Time In A Bottle" was smooth enough to give me chills. But I don't think Bo was necessarily the best performer of the night; I think Carrie Underwood took that honor.
So many people did well tonight, that it was difficult for anyone to stand out (in a good way). Anthony was all right, channeling George Michael. Scott was okay, but I felt like he could have put a little more force behind the chorus to "Against All Odds," which begs to be belted out. Vonzell surprised me; I liked her more tonight than I have in past performances. She had a lot of personality.
Article comments
1 - Dawn
Nice round up and I agree with most of your analysis.
My prediction is Bo and Nadia in the final show, and it's a toss up from there.
I do like that Constantine though :)
2 - Eric Olsen
Thanks guys! Pretty much agree except I thought Nikko was quite good. Mikalah and Anthony should be the next to go - I have gone weary of them both and what I say goes, baby.