Last night on American Idol, the theme was “Now and Then.” Contestants sang a current song during the first round, followed up by a song from either the 60’s or 70’s. Or as Ryan Seacrest said last night, “their parent’s generation.” 
The contestants received additional mentoring from Sheryl Crow. Because nothing says current music or music from the 60’s and 70’s like Sheryl Crow. Overall, I thought she did a good job with the contestants. The less I have to hear from Jimmy Iovine, the better.
James Durbin kicked off the night singing 30 Seconds to Mars’ “Closer to the Edge.” The first words that popped into my mind last night about his vocal performance were, hot pitchy mess. Oh my word, this performance was horrendous.
James’ second performance of Harry Nilsson’s “Without You,” wasn’t as bad, but it was pitchy all the way through. After his performance, he pulled a Vonzell (tears for votes), which honestly he needed to do, since Jacob Lusk has been on a terror and advancing further in the competition than he actually should.
What really bothered me was after James’ performance, when Randy Jackson basically declared him the winner. The winner of what? Singing out of tune?
Jacob Lusk kicked off his performances by singing the Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown duet, “No Air.” Yeah, it really happened. Between the awful note he kicked the song off with to telling America, “I think I'm an artist that appeals to everybody,” it’s time for this dude to go home. Points to Randy for telling Jacob that the performance wasn’t all that and a bag of chips.
For his second song, Jacob sang Nazareth’s “Love Hurts.” The beginning was very nice, but by the end there it was ridiculous vocals gone wild. It’s like he can’t help himself. And I’m taking back Randy’s points from earlier, due to telling Jacob that he hit the highest note ever on the show. Really? Have we forgotten about Adam Lambert already?
Article comments
1 - Idolhead Ed
Haley truly left it all on the stage last night including that "Take That!" last look. Who would have thought top 13 Haley would make me believe she is one of the top 10 Idols ever. No matter what happens tonight she has risen from the ashes like a Phoenix and will be an inspiration to all Idols to come.
And Kirsten I love your style. Come write for me over at Idolheaded.com.We give our writers free cars. Just kidding but we do have fun.
2 - handyguy
James should win now that Casey was astonishingly voted off. He gave the best performances both last week and last night.
Haley = overrated, skin deep, plastic.
Scotty = much improved, but he still looks like Mad magazine's Alfred E Newman and makes goofy faces on top of it. And his second number was actually too dialed-back, too softly sung.
Lauren is capable of better than she is delivering. Jacob remains wildly uneven but he may someday find a way to discipline his excesses [not on this show, though].
Vote for the Worst amusingly dug up some very uncomplimentary things Sheryl Crow said about Idol four years ago. Has she changed her mind or was she just along for the ride?
3 - Kirsten
handyguy: I have no idea what show you were watching last night, but on the show I was watching, James sounded horrific. He was so off pitch throughout both performances. If he won this season, I'd stop watching altogether.
4 - handyguy
Well, differences are what makes the world go round. I think maybe at least one of the judges disagrees with you. ]As they disagree with me about Haley.]
The whole show seemed about 50% [at least] less interesting without Casey, the only truly original talent of the season.
5 - DogDude
The next cuts are going to be the toughest. I think any of the 4 remaining can win it all if they can deliver the goods.
6 - Kirsten
I don't think the show was less interesting without Casey. I didn't find myself missing his presence at all, I was more annoyed that Jacob was still in the competition more than anything.
7 - Sherry
I agree. Not missing Casey at all. He was not a good singer. He could be a great musician. Hopefully he can be still be taken seriously in the jazz world now that he has been on Idol.
I wish someone had pointed out Without You was written by Badfinger. I was disappointed Jimmy Iovine even referred to it as a Nilsson song - Nilsson covered it.
I think Haley is the best. I have to disagree with Handyguy. I don't think James is all that good.
I liked Jacob's Love Hurts. I thought he did a good job with it. Based on performances I would have sent Lauren home (knowing there is no way James was leaving).
I thought both of Scotty's performances were good, especially the first one.
8 - AL
Love the article, Kirsten! Yep, it was definitely Haley's moment last Wednesday. She's the best of 'em all and should win this whole thing! Sorry handyguy but since when Haley has been overrated?? if anything, she's underrated by those judges!