Tonight’s American Idol theme, “’70’s dance music,” sounded like a polite way to say “disco,” but, thankfully, most of the arrangements, if not the songs themselves, ended up having a fairly substantial rock element. After sailing into the doldrums the last two weeks, the up-tempo genre helped our finalists pick up some steam again.
Let me dispense with the bad news first: Carrie and Anwar.
Unfortunately, Cardboard Cut-out Carrie showed up tonight. It was no surprise when, after her performance, she admitted that she had no idea what the song she had just sung was about.
Indeed, the song came out that way. She might as well have been singing in Japanese. Carrie did have a big bang note at the end that was very . . . long. But contrary to the gushing Paula and Randy, who, after all, were hearing the music live, I did not think this was a performance that made an impact through the small screen.
Moreover, there are always those pesky charm school issues that other artists, who aren’t looking for votes except the kind cast with the MasterCard at the CD checkout aisle, don’t have to deal with.
While Simon took issue with Carrie’s styling, we all know it’s never dumb to be beautiful. Simon be damned, Carrie, looking like a magical meld of Stevie Nicks and Gwen Stefani, scored big in that area. However, it’s never beautiful to be dumb and Carrie’s incoherent babbling about how incoherent her song, “MacArthur Park,” was made Britney Spears look like a Ph.D.
It just didn’t work for me.
Anwar, singing “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire, had no styling issues, but, to cop a Simon phrase, once again he came out and became musical wallpaper.
No, just wallpaper. Please, on his first pass at the “clouds a-waaay” hook, he was quacking like a duck. If he hadn’t been cocooned by some really loud background singers, I believe some of his notes would have squeezed involuntary squeals of laughter from the audience. Finally, his dance moves were straight out of Marching Band 101.
Paula said Anwar came out there and “threw all caution to the wind” and I’d certainly have to agree with that. I also agree whole-heartedly with Simon who declared that Anwar’s was not a “winning performance.” And, for once, Simon was on the under-stated side.
Article comments
1 - john lefrois
when bo wants to he is clearly head and shoulders the best singer AI has ever had on the series what a talented man. however this years finalists will surpass every one of there predecessors inrecord sales and raw talent even some who went home early i project will have awsome singing careers
2 - Amy Lavine
The question I have is which one, Bo or Constantine, will make the most of the Idol crown. Both of them seem to prefer playing with their bands, and Bo has made it clear that he'd be just pleased as punch to head back to whichever Southern state he hails from and resume his bar band days of debauchery. However, I'd have to say that Bo would bring a really refreshing touch of the Idol stage which none of the previous idols or back-ups (exceot possible Fantasia) have brought.
3 - Eric Olsen
nice ST, thanks! Good point about judicial tweaking - they do like to even things out, don't they? I liked the performances in general better than the last few weeks, and Scott was on his best behavior, but it is time for him to roll. I also agree with th judges that he tends to pick good songs, but he just can't sing them very well. Anthony has improved markedly the last two weeks.
4 - Sticker
Interesting point about who would "make the most" of the AI crown.
Constantine appears to have the vision thing---possibly a better knack for and certainly more interest in the business/market side of things.
But nobody is singing Bo-type stuff these days and that could work to his advantage. If he pumped up that "Vehicle"/"Spinning Wheel"/"Whipping Post" current in pop music, that would be a nice addition.
5 - Eric Olsen
and just think, "as a producer" Randy knows just what to do with him!
6 - Sticker
every time I hear Randy pounding his producer chest, I remember when Tamyra Gray got booted---
he went on and on about how he was going to make sure that she got a record deal and that she became a star and la de da de da
and what happened, Mr. Jackson? hmmmm
not that it was Randy's "fault" that TG's career has not taken off, but it does illustrate that even people who have played guitar with Journey can't snap their fingers and make a good singer into a multi-platinum recording artist
7 - Lynn
Sorry Sticker, I do not agree that Constantine was one of the best, I had him at the bottom. He is so affected and contrived. Agree with Simon that Anthony is insipid and Bo rocked the house.
8 - Eric Olsen
Constantine's affectation transcends affectation
9 - Sticker
There will always be a wide variety in what appeals.
When I evaluate a performance, I'm also trying to gauge it in terms of the competition---something that is unique to AI.
I think Con excells at motivating his fan base and that leads to AI success!
Couldn't agree with you more that Bo rocked the house.
10 - JustJak
While I agree with most of the article, I take exception where Constantine's performance was concerned. I am not a fan of his, but I am generally willing to concede that he's held his own so far. That is, untill his absolutely wretched performance last night. His timing was so bad, not to mention how incredibly off-key he was, that at times he sounded like someone who doesn't speak English and is singing phonetically. And while I agree that the judges and producers bend over backwards to manipulate the situation, I can't help feeling that that is what they are there for. Finally, I believe, as I have from the beginning, that the final 2 will be Bo and Carrie.
11 - Mir
I am so enjoying this year's show! So refreshing and full of vitality.
First I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of the darling Bo. The boy can sing and project himself, so regardless of whether he wins or not, I will be buying his album. (cause there will be one!)
Constantine is something of a force. What his voice is lacking, his stage presence really makes up for. That boy makes love to the camera everytime he sings.
Scott has to go. He has NO stage presence and IS NOT an american idol.
Anthony needs to be singing on a cruise ship somewhere.
Vonzell is great but I do not want her to win.
Anwar is having some issues and as much as I love EW&F, he did not do justice to "September". Time for him to go too.
Carrie is awesome but without the "tweaking" she really needs. She will get it one day though and make a great album. (that I will also buy!)
Peace out!
12 - Mir
I am so enjoying this year's show! So refreshing and full of vitality.
First I have to say that I am a HUGE fan of the darling Bo. The boy can sing and project himself, so regardless of whether he wins or not, I will be buying his album. (cause there will be one!)
Constantine is something of a force. What his voice is lacking, his stage presence really makes up for. That boy makes love to the camera everytime he sings.
Scott has to go. He has NO stage presence and IS NOT an american idol.
Anthony needs to be singing on a cruise ship somewhere.
Vonzell is great but I do not want her to win.
Anwar is having some issues and as much as I love EW&F, he did not do justice to "September". Time for him to go too.
Carrie is awesome but without the "tweaking" she really needs. She will get it one day though and make a great album. (that I will also buy!)
Peace out!
13 - Eric Olsen
sounds about right Mir - I got in a little late and only heard the very end of Constantine, so I can't really say how he did last night, but he seems to have the most fervent following of all, as Sticker said sagaciously, a very Clay-like following
14 - Erin
I think you are "right on the money" as Simon would say about the producers wanting a Bo/Constantine finale. Personally, nobody beats Clay in my book. When they put two rockers through, I knew that is what they were going for. And if anyone can say, that boring, predictable Carrie makes good television, then I have a plot on the moon to sell you.
15 - Sticker
Yes, I am hearing "boring" a lot more often in the same sentence with Carrie.
I think she will succeed as a country artist, but she's getting old on AI. As far as I can tell, she's got the fanbase to get her through to the third or second spot.
She and Con are the only contestants who haven't been in the B3 yet.
there's always tonight, however!
16 - Sticker
eric -
you wrote
"Constantine's affectation transcends affectation"
sweet!
17 - anna
Constantine is the only one on the show who seems to have any originality in his personality and performance ability. He's the only one who has developed really original song versions. He really could be a great artist - the fact that he combines this artistry with his incredible stage presence and smoldering looks is what makes him unique and why he should win. He's the complete package. (Nadia had similar attributes & I cannot believe she's off). Bo's great, but he doesn't have the versatily. I've always thought Carrie looked and acted like a cardboard doll. Anwar would be awesome if he would loosen up and could dance, I LOVE his voice, but he seems to be unable to pick it up at all w/o looking stiff. Vonzell, I love, but she's kinda just another pop idol (which I think she could easily become). Scott has to go ... he's so inferior voice-wise - not to mention his attitude. Anthony on a cruise ship - excellent!!!
18 - Brittney
I agree that BO was the absolute best last night. I think Constantine is going to wear his fanbase out with all the things that he is doing with himself(the highlights, the eyeliner, etc.) Lets hope he doesn't take it too far. Bo was incredible. I think he is back among the top contenders. I agree that in the end, as in the beginning, the final two will be Bo and Carrie.
19 - Sticker
I'm just not feeling the buzz about Carrie that indicates a winner.
But I could be wrong.
Right now the AI performances from last night are tivo-ing in the other room.
I can barely hear Carrie, but she sounds like a wounded dog this time around.
But of course people have to vote on their first impressions. If everybody watched the show twice and then voted, it's likely the results would be a lot different week-to-week.
20 - Dotty
I am a fan of both Bo's and Constantine. Yes, I like both these young men. They are both unique in their own special ways. Bo sings real good Rock and Roll and Constantine is very eclectic in his singing. He seems to be able to get into each song with a different take than the original. He goes for originality and HE DOES HAVE A GOOD VOICE. Both seem to be very nice persons also. I'd like to see both of them go far! They are the reason I'm watching AI4 this year.
21 - Sticker
Dot - I think both Bo and Con *will* go far, this year and beyond.
This could turn into a real horserace if Bo keeps bringing it like he did this week.