I think I just felt the Earth move (Top 6)

1. Jacob Lusk

“Oh No Not My Baby” by Carole King – Um, Carlton Banks called and wants his clothes back.  The fashion police should be alerted to the plaid jacket bow tie combo.  And the music police should be alerted to his last off-key note.  Being in the dead-man’s spot, and having Jimmy Iovine telling you to pack your bags, things aren’t looking good for him.  But Jacob gave it his best go given the situation.  I actually found it less obnoxious than I have found him previously, but I hope he is packing his bags tomorrow.

2. Lauren Alaina

“Where You Lead” by Carole King – I loved the arrangement of this for her (and she picked the Gilmore Girls theme song, which means that the little girls will know the song – smart!).  I was hoping for something gut-wrenching and emotional, and instead we got another upbeat jumpy number.  It was pretty good – but she could still do better.  She needs to sing something with more meat next time.

Haley/Casey DUET

“I Feel The Earth Move” by Carole King – My greatest fear would have been Haley coming out and singing this solo, so I was relieved that this was relegated to the duet lineup.  That said, I had much higher expectations for the Casey/Haley duet and it didn’t really deliver.  Maybe it was that Casey lost his way in harmonizing and was overall distracting me.  It wasn’t bad.  And their video package was cute, but the performance was lacking.

3. Scotty McCreery

+1/2

“You’ve Got A Friend” – Finally, Scotty sings a song that isn’t country.  And finally I don’t hate him.  This song showed that he has no vibrato, so I guess I appreciate that what he does, he does well.  However, Randy actually finally gave a valid critique that he shouldn’t fall off the notes so drastically.

4. James Durbin

“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” by the Shirelles – This is the first hint os song rearrangement we have gotten this season.  And I totally appreciate it.  Go Durbin!  The last note was *almost* cringeworthy.  But everything else, including the vocal, was great.  High five, James.

Lauren/Scotty DUET

“Up On The Roof” by The Drifters – Lauren should have sang this for her solo performance.  Her voice sounded amazing, especially on the first line!  Scotty singing harmony didn’t exacty bode well for him.  Lauren made this one for me

5. Casey Abrams

“Hi-De-Ho” by Blood, Sweat, & Tears – Seriously, I loved this! I was a little bit hoping that he would pull it back at the end…but I thought everything about it was awesome.  I loved the band and the way he worked the stage.

6. Haley Reinhart

“Beautiful” by Carole King – At first I thought the arrangement was kind of weird with the horns, but it grew on me throughout.  And the ending!  The ending was amazing.  Week after week I feel like she shows her big vocal chops.  Pia may have been the balladeer, but Haley can hit those money notes just as well.  Pimp spot was well-deserved.

James/Jacob DUET

“I’m Into Something Good” by Carole King – I didn’t think it could get more awkward than the Danny Gokey/Kris Allen duet in Season 8.  But it did!  The Lusky stank reared its ugly head until the last note!  Yikes – that is all I will say about that.