Season 9 Top 12
I have to admit, I expected it to be worse. It seemed to me that mixing The Rolling Stones and American Idol would be a recipe for disaster. Instead, the evening was steeped in mediocrity. The pre-performance clips for each contestant were actually more painful. One great performance, one somewhat painful, but the rest were pretty middle-of-the-road.
Here is a recap of this week’s performances followed by a summary of what I think of this year’s top 12 based on the season-to-date:
MICHAEL – Short sleeve black shirt with beige stitching and black pants. Big Mike seemed comfortable on the big stage and filled it well. He sang well but overall it was just ok for me. Mike – we would Miss You if you went home, but that is highly unlikely.
DIDI – Spaghetti strap black top, jeans and boots. If you are going to Play With Fire you’ll get puns from me AND Randy, who said she was “on fire.” Simon summed it up best: “solid but not brilliant.”
CASEY – Black shirt with red flame accents. Judges all liked it. I’ll say it was better than I expected but I didn’t think it was great. I can’t say that It’s All Over Now, but the scruffy, unkempt, dreamy eyed thing will only distract the women for so long. At some point he’ll be headed home. It just won’t be this week.
LACEY – Another outfit difficult to describe. I don’t think she knows how to mix and match. I’ve been running hot and cold on Lacey… sometimes she’s not bad and sometimes she sucks. Perhaps her song choice was foreshadowing a future job. I love the chicken tortilla soup at Ruby Tuesday. Maybe her next song choice should be Do you want fries with that?
ANDREW – Grey jacket over red and black plaid shirt. As Randy pointed out, it was a bit pitchy. But I liked what he tried to do with it. It was recognizable but different. Ellen thought it was his best performance yet. Maybe he couldn’t hear himself and just needs more experience on the big stage. He sang Gimme Shelter and I think he’ll get it. For now.
KATIE – Cute little cream and pastel dress with poofie skirt. Admittedly she was better than last week, but I thought the judges were way too nice. Wild Horses aren’t going to get her anywhere near the finals. She’ll be lucky to see top 10.
TIM – Black and grey horizontal stripe sweater and jeans. Judges acknowledged that it was different and daring, but they collectively were underwhelmed by the reggae twist. As Simon noted, it just “didn’t work.” If I had to pick who was going home tonight his name would be Under My Thumb.
SIOBHAN – Took advantage of the hair & makeup perk then put on a tasteful black prom dress and some combat boots. And it worked. She looked great. Then she knocked out the best performance of the night. The spirit of the Stones but NOT the Stones. I hate to admit when Kara is right, but she called it the “best interpretation” of the night. I loved it. Paint it Black and color her back. As in next week. Safe.
LEE – Grey leather jacket and black tee shirt. Some good parts, but very middle of the pack overall. Water it down a bit more and it was a campfire version. A bit lost on the big stage but probably doesn’t have to worry about the Beast of Burden this week.
PAIGE – Grey outfit, black hose and boots. Wasn’t terrible, wasn’t great. Randy and Ellen liked it and they all acknowledged that it wasn’t bad considering she was battling laryngitis this week. She’s not my Honky Tonk Woman, she’s my “you can go soon and I won’t miss you” woman.
AARON – Brown leather shirt-jacket. All the judges loved it – “hot,” “great,” “chose right song” and “worked.” I wasn’t as impressed, but it wasn’t as painful as last week. I’m sure he’ll get Angie’s vote this week. And the votes of many other teenage girls.
CRYSTAL – Black top, jeans, boots. Really good, but we all expected her to be. Ellen said she made it seem “effortless.” Didn’t wow us as much as Siobhan this week, but You Can’t Always Get What You Want. Still the one to beat – even if she doesn’t think she is.
After four weeks of performances, here’s how I see it:
DOOMED: The girls are stronger this season, but don’t be surprised if there are two girls in the bottom three this week. I think Tim is done this week, but Katie and Paige aren’t that far behind. Those three will all likely be gone soon – doesn’t matter the order. Add Lacey to that mix unless she survives this week and really steps it up.
SURPRISED IF THEY DON’T MAKE FINAL FOUR:
Michael – He’ll be there unless he does something to really screw it up. He’s a crowd and judge favorite.
Siobhan – She’s goofie but she’s talented and seems to get a little better each week. She may not know what “dark horse” means, but she’s it.
Crystal – I don’t always agree with the early “one to beat” assessments, but she’s damn good. I’d fear that she peaked too early, but she’s also consistent. I’m not prepared to bet lunches on her yet, but she definitely has potential.
Fourth spot – not sure, but…
THE REST…
Andrew has my vote for most potential to surprise us.
Didi could possibly do well but clearly can’t win.
Aaron gets the Archuletta votes, but won’t get as far.
Casey is apparently eye candy for the cougars, but at some point that won’t get him enough votes.
Lee… Not sure how to classify him. Probably safe for a few weeks, but I doubt he’ll be in the final four.
– Christopher
Themocracy
Hey Christopher,
I agree with you again, but I also add in the boredom factor. Two women (can’t remember names–Latina lady and pretty blond at the piano) went home, not because they were bad but because they were boring. I think Didi ranked high on the boredom meter. Since I don’t vote I am sure I am wrong but I am guessing Didi will be in the bottom three. Tim who I don’t like and thought should have been gone a couple of weeks ago will probably squeak by again because he wasn’t boring–I am not sure he was good, but he wasn’t boring.
Kyle,
Didi was kinda boring, but there were worse. I hope you are wrong about Tim. I’m done with his squeaking by each week.
I forgot to address last week’s departures! I’m still upset that Alex got the boot. (Shy guy with the mullet.) He has a great voice! And Lilly – the bleach blond. She deserved a few more weeks too.
Bah. It’s all stupid.