The semifinals began with a bang this week on American Idol. Throwing down the gauntlet right out of the gate was Mandisa.
No last name and that's just fine. She has already proven her kind, gracious side in past weeks, winning over even Simon Cowell. Tonight she set out to prove that "sistas can rock, too," and rock, she did. Her rendition of Heart's "Never" was very strong, easily winning praise from all three judges.
Anyone that has watched Idol these past few weeks knows Kellie Pickler's story (Dads in jail, mom abandoned her...). She has a sweet kind of likability and unpretentiousness that may carry her further in this competition than her voice alone would. She sounded shaky singing Martina McBride's "How Far", but really nailed all of the big notes. She can sing and I'm betting she's going to improve a lot each week; it's just that the ladies field is really stacked with some phenomenal and experienced talent.
I can't quite put my finger on what I dislike about Becky O'Donohue. She is striking, seems nice enough, has picked songs that I like and yet - something just isn't there. I was excited to hear that she was going to do the oldie but goodie, "Because the Night". I love this song and I think the slow build in the beginning was really quite good. Somewhere in the middle it just went from pitchy to weird. Too much vamping at (not for, at) the camera really killed it for me, too. As for the judges' take, both Randy and Simon thought it was weak, but "better than expected".
Up next was over-achieving Ayla Brown who choice the song "Reflections" off of the Mulan soundtrack. I have three little girls, so I know my Disney Princess music and this version could have been on the soundtrack. Brown showed minimal emotion which is more than we'd seen from her until now. I think the thing with her is that while she can sing, I'm not convinced that she really wants too. It may just be another notch of achievement to add to her belt.
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Article comments
1 - chantal stone
there's been a lot of hype surrounding Paris Bennet, and deservedly so, the girl can SING, which isn't so surprising considering her musically inclined family.....
but Lisa Tucker blew me away. and it was evident she blew away the judges as well. she's going to the tough one to beat.
2 - Trinket
I agree Chantal. Paris is great but realistically, she already has all of the connections she needs to make it. Lisa shocked everyone & I just love when that happens- when someone really rises like that. I think it's going to be a great season.
3 - Gilda B. Sherman
Excellent analysis of the female singers. If possible, could you delve a little more in depth about the voices. I know personality, etc. is important, but the quality and technique of the voice is equally as important.
4 - Rodney Welch
When Becky O'Donohue said she would perform "Because the Night" and that it was one of her favorite songs growing up, I sat up. "Oh, cool," I thought, " she likes Patti Smith." That shows my age, of course; anyone her age likely grew up listening to Natalie Merchant's comparably bland version, which Becky seemed to be aping. You can't really sing that song unless you can communicate a sexual yearning, a raw sense of passion, a hint of desperation -- soul, in a word, which Natalie had removed at birth and Becky seems never to have felt at all. My money is on Paris.
5 - Trinket
Gilda~ I couldn't agree more with you. I used this week to try & get a feel for how they sing & what their abilities really are/might be. Next week will be more balanced.
Rodney~ i had the EXACT same reaction. When she said the song I was really excited and then, well... not so much.
6 - Ty
Anyone else hoping Paris will choke BECAUSE SHE SHOULDN'T BE THERE???
Her grandma was so famous that Randy Jackson was in awe of her.
Just try and convince me that Paris couldn't get a break on her own.
I'm waiting...
AI is about people who can't get a break getting their chance. Kelly Clarkson was a waitress and would have never gotten her break but for Idol.
Paris needs to be eliminated soon because the competition isn't for people like her.
7 - Nicky Nicky Nick
"Natalie Merchant's comparably bland version"
Whatever! 10,000 Maniacs (not Merchant alone) MTV unplugged version is a classic.
But you can like whatever you like I guess
8 - Ty
Personally I have no favorites yet, especially because I have a bias towards guys because guys (Except pathetic piece of sh*t Rueben) never win so I want to see AI stacked with talented guys and have the women give way early.
If it was up to me, that stupid b*tch with one name (Mandisa, f*cking Frenchie wannabe...I liked the white fat girl who didn't make the final 24, but as in years past, AI loves fat and black, but always hates on fat and white) and Paris.
Unfortunately the truth of the matter is that unless Vote For the Worst is back in action, Mandisa and especially Paris are in it for the long haul.
9 - -E
I think Becky has her looks that will carry her far. She isn't a horrid singer, but she is no match for anyone else in the 12 gals. And Brenna as the bitch thing going. Sometimes she can sing, but last night I thought she was boring.
I really enjoy Paris and McPhee. And Pickler has her charm in the naive innocence kind of way. It will be an interesting season.