So far, this has been a pretty good season of American Idol. We've seen, in past seasons, better performances at this point than in this year's competition, but one thing this season has more of than any other season is a ridiculous number of contestants with potential. And potential, of course, is only a good thing if it is, at some point, realized. But if last week (at least the second half of the show anyway) is any indication, the potential is turning into amazing talent. I've put together what I think are this season's best performances to date, and summed up what I think is good about each contestant, as well as why they might not do so well in the end.
Paris Bennett - "Midnight Train To Georgia"
This is still, to date, Paris' best performance. It showed everything she can do as a vocalist and as a performer. It's definitely up there with her incredible audition. Ms. Bennett got back to her roots last week with Stevie Wonder's "All I Do", but I know she can do even better.
Ace Young - "Father Figure"
I never recognized Ace for much more than his looks until this performance. And I'll be the first one to admit, when he performs and he's on, the inside of me melts and I sink into my chair short of breath. Pitch-perfect song choice and a beautiful rendition of a very difficult song made Ace clearly stand out as a front runner early in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, his performances since then have been sub-par and his front runner status is slowly fading. The other male vocalists, like Chris Daughtry and Taylor Hicks, are ready to lap up those votes like kittens on warm milk, so he's gotta bring it.
Chris Daughtry - "Hemorrhage"
Chris has to be by far the sexiest contestant ever on the show. I don't know what it is about him — he just makes me tingle all over. And luckily for him, he's got a lot of talent to back it up. His performances so far haven't exactly shown all of his vocal range, but trust me people, he's getting there. And just by watching his brilliant rendition of Fuel's "Hemorrhage" there's no denying he's got the chops to stay in this until the end.
Katharine McPhee - "Until You Come Back To Me"
Can I just say that I absolutely love Katharine McPhee? She may not have Kelly Clarkson's intonation and unbelievable range, or Fantasia's stage lightning, or even Carrie Underwood's adorable likability, but there's something that this girl does when she performs — a little look, a pose — just something that makes her irresistible and makes you completely feel the song. She has a beautiful voice that is laced with potential, and if she could just get past the few sharp notes she hits when full on belting or going into her higher register, she'd be golden. It's obvious in this performance of Aretha's classic that this girl has soul up the wazoo, and that's what sets her apart from these other contestants.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - Musket
Kevin sucks.. i hate him.. he is a real idiot.. so are his fanns
2 - Jackie
I'm less impressed with Ace than you are. I think he has a strong fan base, in a huge part due to his looks and how he plays to the crowd. I think Chris and Taylor will be the last two men standing (as opposed to Boy Kevin) and hopefully we'll see Katharine McGhee holding up for the women. Oh, yeah... I'm sure it will be Kellie Pickler in the last two women, too. Not to be rude (cue Simon), I'm not all that thrilled by Pickler's performances. She makes me laugh when she talks as it's hard to believe anyone in this day and age is that clueless about life beyond the farm. But that, of course, does not an American Idol make. I would have truly loved to see Gedeon in the Top 12 rather than Bucky.
3 - Jackie
Ack. McPhee, not McGhee. Darn those alike names!
4 - Jim
I think your comments are very fair, although I liked Bucky's version of "Thunder Rolls".
Elliott is so nervous, and he doesn't choose songs enough people know. That's better than choosing a song people are sick to death of, but still, he needs to have more confidence. I think Simon's criticisms of his song choice frayed his nerves. That's a shame, because he was so much more confident a few weeks ago than he is now, and he's so much better than quite a few of the people this season. When he goes I don't know if I will bother to watch the rest of the season.
I hope some of you will vote for him this Tuesday, so he can at least make the tour. A lot of the people this season have already done CDs or they have been on Broadway or have relatives in the industries. Elliott doesn't have any of that. I'd like to see him at least make the tour.
5 - Tiger
Paris best performance is by far All I Do. Did you hear her improvise on the lyric?...Im thinking, Im thinking, Im thinking...yeah! I totally disagree with you in that regard. More people will remember All I Do than Midnight Train To Georgia. Her vocal was actually better in All I do also.
Paris is my favorite because she's natuarlly talented unlike McPhee and Pickler. One thing McPhee lacks is the energy. I still get the feeling she's singing for her mother not her. Pickler seems made up to me but that's just my opinion. i.e. she's so happy to see Stevie Wonder she cries; but then she claims she doesn't know him. LOL
Ace could do pop music one day like Paula Abdul, but he's no George Michael.
Chris is my next favorite to Paris; Higher Ground was good but I don't think he got to the point of the song...just my opinoin.
6 - Jimmy
"Kelly Clarkson's intonation"...are you insane. Of all the idols, she has the worst intonation. Live, she is all over the place when it comes to pitch. She even has pitch problem in some spots on her cd! I like Kelly, but Katherine's intonation far surpasses Kelly.
7 - Idolhead Ed
I'll have to say I can't disagree with you much at all except if Ace was supposed to be a ringer, he's already rung. After "Father Figure" I thought he would win. Not now. It looks like he will be this season's Anwar.
Katharine has also had some stage experience which for my money would be a good thing for anyone who tries out for Idol. It just makes the show more enjoyable when you don't have to worry about someone wetting their pants on stage. I agree that Kat's "Until You Come..."was her best and one of the best this season.
8 - guerillabob
will paris quit with all the hugging!!... fantastic little singer but a bit too cutesy..chris doesn't belong in the competition.. he needs to get himself into a recording studio today.. mandisa.. beautiful girl.. and spunky as hoohaa needs to keep her confidence up.. she seems a bit daunted by the big stage..i actually think kevin can sing.. i find myself singing the stuff he sings later on..totally agree with you on taylor hicks performance.. but of all I LOVE ELLIOT!!! THE MOST!!
9 - Mary
I think the best vocalist on the show is the bennett girl, Can't no one on that show come close to that young girl,she has natural talent.As for the men yes Elliott is by far the best male vocalist, but his looks will get him voted off the show because America likes to see pretty things,and good looking people.
10 - guerillabob
well paris does have a slight fantasia's little sister feel... and a fantastic talent.. but mandisa, elliot, chris are my personal top three
11 - guerillabob
paris and taylor.. four and five
12 - noypidbest
Bucky has a unique voice i really like him he just need to pick a song that is suit for him,no matter what win or loose i still like him ,he is so sweet and nice
13 - guerillabob
can anybody just hear simon say "its not a niceness competition"...? hahahaha... but he is adorable... and real.. and what he lacks he makes up for with enthusiasm