It's do or die time this week, as the guys fought tooth and nail to secure a coveted spot in the Top 12. Actually, they should have fought tooth and nail, but most came off doing the same boring, lifeless performances from the first week of the semifinals. At least twice during the show, Simon commented on how overall disappointed he was with the guys' performances, and I can't say that I blame him.
I'm going to use letter grades this time around to rate the guys since I think it worked nicely for the girls last week.
A
Blake Lewis started things off with a cool, hip hop/reggae song by 311. He did some of his DJ record-scratching thing with his mouth, which is great since that skill makes him stand out from the rest. All three judges praised him.
Chris Sligh ended the evening on a strong note. I agree with the judges in that it wasn't his best performance, but it certainly was the best out of the guys this week. Simon thought it was the wrong song, but added that he has a whole lot of potential. Count on Chris joining us next week.
B
Chris Richardson chose a ballad this week, and while it was pitchy at the start, he improved later on. Randy commended him for "switching it up," while Simon said it was nasally and cutesy, adding that it was a safe song but he sold it.
Jared Cotter sang a Stevie Wonder song, which was lively and overall okay, but I agree with the judges in that it wasn't memorable. Paula said, "You should color up the way you sing," while Simon remarked that at that point none of the performances produced a "wow factor".
Brandon Rogers was just as invisible as Jared. His performance was as lively, but off key in some spots. He totally messed up some of the runs near the end. Simon complained that it was an unmemorable song.
C
I have no idea what the hell Sundance Head was thinking when he decided to do Pearl Jam's "Jeremy". I know that the judges always encourage the contestants to take risks, but this was too much. Sundance pretty much screamed the whole thing, and many notes were not in tune. The judges were split in their opinions; Randy enjoyed it, but Simon thought it wasn't as good as last week.
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Article comments
1 - notthatoptimisticanymore
Strange how the best performances were at the very beginning and the very end.
Blake was great, Chris.S. also showed he had significant talent.
This just might be the worst season in terms of male talent, but season 3 gives it a run for its money. At least there were only 4 males in the top 12 that season, but due to the change in eliminations, we'll likely have six guys.
Note to at least five of the guys: Be thankful if you make it to the top 12. This week was the most important for you so far; you have to prove to America that were didn't suck as much as you did the first week and that you had POTENTIAL...and most of you blew it. Yes, Phil, I'm looking at you. Oh, and you too Sanjaya.
Who should go: Sanjaya and Phil
Who WILL go: Phil and Jared (or Brandon in his place)
2 - Kaonashi
notthatoptimistic- Yes, it was interesting that the first and last performances were the best, like really cool bookends for an unimpressive collection of text. I know I said that Phil blew it with this horrible performance, but his other two performances weren't really bad. Also, seeing as he's so popular, I'm sure that he'll squeak by at least one more week, along with Sanjaya.
3 - Ty
Dialidol predicts the lowest number of votes were cast for Phil and Sundance (with Jared being the third lowest).
I suspect Phil and Jared will go home.
4 - notthatoptimistic
Antonella is gone. Thank. God.
Sabrina is gone. Not that pleased...
Jared is gone. Not surprising at all.
You were right. Phil's staying. True, his first two performances weren't bad. In fact, he handled the first one pretty well. Still, this performance...not so good, and that's an understatement.
Sundance...he's gone. Sanjaya is here to stay...for another week, anyway. He'd better step it up, or become the next Kevin Covais...or worse.