Last night on American Idol, the Top 13 were singing songs by their musical idols. Each contestant was mentored by a music producer from in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine’s team.
Kicking off the show was Lauren Alaina, who worked with producer Don Was, was singing Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine.” My first thought was that she was going to be able to show loads of personality and in the words of Randy Jackson, “Blow it out the box.” That was definitely not the case.
Don’t get me wrong, Lauren sounded fantastic. But her performance was boring. She really needs to learn how to move around the stage and really work her song. She hardly infused any personality into her performance, which I think is going to be her downfall in the competition. The judges keep talking about having the full package, she’s got the voice, but she needs more self-confidence.
Casey Abrams worked with Jimmy Iovine on The Beatles’ “With a Little Help 
From My Friends.” For me, this was the best Casey has sounded since the Hollywood rounds. He reined in his growl, which presented a more controlled vocal performance. He hit a light falsetto note, which I also thought was pretty nice.
This week Casey needed to prove that there is a voice behind the growling and the scatting, and he pulled his performance off really well. As far as I'm concerned, he's the real deal and he can sing.
Working with Rodney Jerkins this week was Ashthon Jones, who sang Diana Ross’ “When You Say You Love Me.” The judges told her last week that they viewed her as more of a Diana Ross-type of singer, so she picks a ballad, which was pure karaoke. Ashton needs to step away from the ballads. We get it, you can sing. But, last night’s performance is exactly why she was not originally put through to the Top 13. She’s picks songs that are not familiar to the audience and proceeds to put on a boring and forgettable performance. If she makes it through to the Top 12, she needs to re-think her game plan, because as far as I can tell, it’s not working.
Article comments
1 - Butch
Best of night: Stefano. Reminded me of Elliot Yamin. He picked a tough song to sing, but turned in an incredible effort that sounded great.
Ashton was so flat, it sounded like she was singing the song a half step lower than the band. Horrible.
Paul McDonald almost literally made me ill. This guy should be Vote For the Worst's pick. Yeah, his singing voice is weird but that doesn't make it good.
Jacob Lusk should be VFTW's pick after McDonald is sent packing. This kid has a lot of spirit, but his style is tacky, garish, and entirely lacking in taste.
Durbin surprised me at how decent he was on the McCartney tune. But the way he directed the crowd's applause level after his performance? What an arrogant ass.
Casey Abrams. I'm sorry he's having health problems. He's got a lot of talent. But I think he is trying too hard with all the yelling. But his non-yelling voice is not really very distinctive. I hope his health improves.
Scotty did good, right now I could see him winning the whole thing. But yeah, I agree he needs to try something a little more uptempo.
2 - Butch
Oh yeah - for to mention: it's Charlie ChapLIN.
3 - Kirsten
Oh, I know. Just caught that myself. I'm waiting for an edit.
4 - handyguy
I correctly predicted the bottom 3 tonight, something I have a rather spotty record doing. The thing is, there were no really bad performances for the most part -- just un-thrilling ones.
Casey and James were the outstanding performers this week. ["In the hospital" sounds serious...what's up with Casey? He has a better than reasonable chance of winning this year, so it was disturbing news.]
The new Entertainment Weekly [written before this week's performances] picked Casey, Lauren and Scotty as the front-runners. I would put James in second place at this point. [And Jacob is still probable Top 5 material. Butch and Kirsten underestimate him, I think.]
And yes, Scotty's easy to like, but isn't he basically just doing a surprisingly deft recreation of deep-voiced country stars twice [or more] his age? Brad Paisley he's not. Did you notice they couldn't find a solo spot for him in the Michael Jackson medley tonight? He doesn't have to be able to do Broadway or Motown, but he does need to show some originality and range and get outside his comfort zone.
And the females need to kick it up a notch. Still too much competent boringness.
5 - Kirsten
From what I've read tonight, when Casey gets stressed, his stomach starts bleeding? Sounds like an ulcer. He tweeted from the hospital a little while ago saying that he was feeling a bit better.
6 - Sherry
Hollywood Reporter is saying Casey has Ulcerative Colitis. Hopefully he can keep it under control for the competition. That's a tough one to deal with for a lot of people.
7 - handyguy
Wow, ulcerative colitis at age 20. He seems so carefree on the surface....but of course live TV performances could stress out anybody. He had to have blood transfusions! I'm worried.
8 - Sherry
Yes, it is worrisome. His age is common for people with UC. It often strikes people in their 20's. Not sure how long he's had it of course.
9 - Sherry
Of even if actually does have I should say. That's just what I saw reported.