Tonight, long-haired rocker Bo Bice managed to convey passion and sincere emotion in a venue that has little of either.
Two Reviewers: Lori
The American Idol contestant's mission tonight? Ryan Seacrest — who deep in his black little heart believes that the show is really all about him — quickly hinted and then announced (to avoid any really stupid guesses about the theme — like the one Anwar pulled off last week: "Nursery rhymes?" Uh. No.) that this week's theme is 70's dance music.
My favorite — Constantine Maroulis — took the stage first. He seemed to be chaneling John Travolta, as he was dressed in "Saturday Night Fever" black and white. (Was Constantine wearing mascara — because I think he was. Not that there's anything wrong with that.) Con sang "Nights On Broadway." Not a great song. Not even in the day. But Con was relaxed and comfortable on stage and performed like the pro he is. Randy thought the song was a good choice. He said he doesn't think Constantine was original. Which is ironic, because the judges have been applauding Con's theatrical skills in past weeks. I really don't think they know what they want. Paula, who was actually able to string words and even sentences together tonight, disagreed with Randy. She said what Con's fans were also saying, "Everything about you... is 'Oh, my God.'" Simon said, "You're on a roll," and then countered with, "I think this performance is akin to a waiter in a ghastly Spanish nightclub." OW. Con thanked him for the pain and told All About Ryan that the Idol contestants are a big happy family. Hmmm.
Carrie sang "MacArthur Park." I love that song when Donna Summer sings it. I don't care that the lyrics are no doubt incomprehensible even to its creator, Jimmy Webb. The song rocks my world. BUT, when Carrie belted it out (and belt she did) in good ol' country Barbie girl style, I thought, "Geez. Now that's a strange thing to say. What's up with the cake?" It didn't help that Carrie also seemed confused by the lyrics. Carrie sang beautifully, but looked appalling. Big hair, paired with disco earrings and some kind of beaded dress that did not scream disco to me (and I lived through this days and have the rhinestone scars to prove it) did not flatter Miss Underwood. Her stage presence was disastrous — she tottered around on too-high heels — from one end of the stage to the other — obviously afraid to let loose and dance. Randy welcomed her to the dogpound. Uh, Randy. Is that a compliment? Because dogpounds to me are bad places where good dogs die. Paula bravo-ed Carrie. Simon liked Carrie's singing, but didn't like her look. The audience boo-ed. The audience is becoming almost Paula-like in its predictability and determined rejection of truth.
Article comments
1 - Dana
How the heck anyone can take anything on American Idol seriously is beyond me.
Way too many people, including the blogs I just read "review" this trip as if it really mattered.
It doesn't. It is cheese product - Velveeta.
And if you think some dude stuck in the 70s singing a piece of fromage like Vehicle is keeping it real, you don't really know much about pop music.
First, Vehicle is a creepy song, with its opening lines about a friendly stranger trying to get some young thing to hop inside his car. Second, its derivative, second-hand Chicago or Blood Sweat and Tears - as if those bands weren't bad enough.
Bo Bice is out of a time warp. And he should have been disqualified as he didn't follow the rules, because there is no way anyone can dance to Vehicle, unless they are really drunk and at a bad wedding reception and are forced to at gunpoint.
2 - Ginger
Just wondering why someone who doesn't care about American Idol take the time to post a comment...Go Bo !!!!
3 - Eric Olsen
excellent review LoriKate, agree with pretty much everything you said, thanks and welcome!
Dana, of course it's cheesy and doesn't really matter - your point is?
4 - gbread2
I used to be repulsed by Constantine, but somewhere after his Partridge Family song I'm being reeled in..I dont think he's really very good.but.I think I have a crush on him....what's wrong with me?
5 - DrPat
Dana, if you heat Velveeta with some salsa on top, you get... cheesy salsa!
Good call.
6 - debi
I won't watch idol anymore-constantine is gone what's the use he was awesome with bohemian rhapsody. Bo is too 70's time warp wanna be, scott is horrible, no talent left i officially boycot show. does anyone know constantine's email want to see one of his shows in New York.
7 - Darcy
Bo sucks - I am not watching it ! Vonzell or Anwar were the best. Losers voting for the worst!
Get new judges too!