It was on to a very tall Ayla Brown for the next performance. Keep her away from close shots with Ryan Seacrest; she's almost a foot taller than him, I swear! Her song choice was "Reflection" by Christina Aguilera, not a real favorite of mine. She put a lot of effort into the song and comes across as very well-poised for her age. I have to keep telling myself she's only seventeen. The judges, for the most part, felt the same way as I did about the performance. Simon, who once referred to her as robotic, even saw some emotion. It wasn't the best performance of the evening, but it was indeed good.
Then came Paris Bennett. I love this kid with the squeaky Daffy Duck on helium talking voice, but full strong vocals. She chose a song I like, too. Her choice was "Midnight Train to Georgia" as sung by Gladys Knight and the Pips. (You can't forget those Pips. After all, they blow the whistle.) The judges loved the performance. The crowd loved it. I didn't really love it. I'm sorry, but to me the performance was a bit like singing "Midnight Train to Georgia" with the spirit of "Play That Funky Music." Those two don't mix! It's not supposed to be a smiling, bouncy, sickeningly sweet upbeat song. It's just isn't! She performed well. Her voice was good. She had energy, but... but... she made it bouncy!
Stevie Scott, as in "Stevie Scott who?" from an entry on my blog earlier this week, chose "To Where You Are" sung by Josh Groban. I know she's had all the fancy voice and opera training, but she's just not doing anything for me. Boring. Tedious. Let it end. Randy said he daydreamed during it. Paula did her nice-nice routine, but Simon panned the performance calling it an "utter mess." I wouldn't have gone that far. I'd just say boring and tedious, although I might steal Randy Jackson's "daydreaming during it" bit. I liked that.
Article comments
1 - Chad
Katharine was awesome last night! I think her and Chris will be in the finals.
Here is a Katharine McPhee Fan site
2 - Chad
OOPs, I meant Katharine McPhee
3 - Jackie
Chad -- I think Katharine really rocked last night, too. I liked her okay before last night's show, but she really was impressive in her solo. Although I'm putting Lisa right up there with her, I'm sure she's clinching the Final 6 Girls. Thanks for the site link -- I'll check it out!
4 - Greasy Guide
The girls are really strong this year. I don't any of the guys even coming close to touching the talent that's in the girls this year.
5 - Jackie
Greasy Guide -- I don't know... some of the guys are getting a good Internet buzz. Ace has a very polished professional feel to his performances and I'm very interested to see where Taylor Hicks is going to go with his stuff. I'll be posting entries here and on my own blog (see URL) after the guys sing tonight. I could revert to my childhood and root for the Peter Brady lookin' Will Makar, but I won't.
6 - -E
Paris and Katharine are the two I've been watching out for since the auditions. I am glad to see they're doing so well. Lisa is good too, but something about her just doesn't excite me like Paris does.
If I picked who leaves for the gals? Brenna and Becky.
7 - Jackie
I can't argue with that, -E. My fear is that votes might keep Brenna on. Eep!
8 - luvmysoul
I disagree on Paris and Lisa. I liked Paris' performance more than Lisa but you were right on target with the rest.