American Idol Recap: Who's Leaving the Building?
3. Siobhan Magnus, "Suspicious Minds"
Styled like the snobby villain in an Olsen twins movie, Siobhan Magnus gave us another performance that was half dull verses and half amplifier-frightening epic notes. "Unfocused" describes this exercise, but she hooted enough glittery octave monsters to put her in top-three contention. My suspicious mind says that shouldn't qualify her for such a lofty ranking, but Elvis night was an easier ride for her than most.
2. Crystal Bowersox, "Saved"
Now entering the building: Another finely timed Powerpoint Presentation of pitch-perfect howls, stamps, and riffs from the dependable songstress. But you know? It's not enough. Crystal's autopiloting a cross-country flight to a third-place finish at this rate, since she's neither advancing upon nor retreating from the image we already have of her. Where is the soulful glow of "Long As I Can See the Light"? I'd like to see that redeeming humanity again before Tim Urban is crowned unholy emperor of our nation and happily chirps about which of our children we can keep.
1. Lee Dewyze, "A Little Less Conversation"
Effusive praise for Grizzlee Bore? Watch me go!: This was Lee's best performance of the season and the undisputed best performance of the night. He chose a perfect number, a danceable jam that Junkie XL remixed to great UK acclaim for the Elvis 1 compilation, and a rollicking anthem suited to his voice. And thanks to Adam Lambert's sage adages, he remembered to enjoy himself too. For a split second, I may have joined him. Don't tell my disgruntled feelings about this season, y'all.
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I think last night was one of Idol's more interesting episodes this season. Proven contestants like Crystal, Casey, and Lee continued to perform, but the more interesting surprise was Tim and Katie - who I think both gave really solid performances. Looks like Andrew, Michael, and Aaron should be nervous tonight. http://thesmogger.com/2010/04/14/idol-hangover-the-still-top-9-perform/
I'll dispute Lee's performance as the "best of the night." I never understood the enthusiasm for this guy. People say Siobhan screeches (and sometimes that's true--end of Paint it Black) but Lee SHOUTS entire songs, adding growls in every now and then. I know he's going for this 'gruff rocker' vibe, but the whole thing feels so...forced. When singing in front of Adam, Lee had a lot less of the growl and shout, and to me that was a million times better than his performance. It seemed a lot more natural for him.
That's the exact same reason I haven't liked Mike as of late. He's not...him. He came into the competition strumming an acoustic guitar and singing Jason Mraz. THAT'S what he wanted to do. But ever since he ventured into R&B, the judges have loved him. So now he does the stereotypical big-black-guy-singing-R&B-and-soul thing, and I don't appreciate that.
I think sometimes that Idol kind of ruins these people. The judges are so desperate to label them that the contestants lose what made them individuals.
That's why I like Crystal and Siobhan. They stick to their guns.