Something Old, Something New (Top 5)

Posted on May 4, 2011 by | 6 Comments

I have high hopes for tonight, despite the theme being half of a bride’s attire.  Top 5 week is usually pretty solid, and since Nigel has finally reverted to the days of yore, having each contestant sing twice, my faith has been restored in this show.  Almost.

Sheryl Crow gets to be guest judge!  I love her so much!  I still frequently rock out to her Tuesday Night Music Club album which I have proudly owned since eighth grade.  Why hasn’t anyone (except Bowersox in an audition) ever sang her songs on the show?  I highly recommend Sheryl Crow song choice for any future auditioners.

1. James Durbin

“Closer to the Edge” by 30 Seconds to Mars – Wow, this was just off key nearly the whole song.  Per usual with him, the performance was great, but the vocal was just not there.  Meh.

2. Jacob Lusk

“No Air” by Jordin Sparks – Again with the pitch problems!  Most of this was just torture, although the ending was slightly better than the rest of it.  What I just don’t understand is J Lo saying things like Jacob’s voice is the best that has ever been on this stage.  Seriously?  Come on, Jen. And Randy saying that Jacob’s voice is way bigger than Jordin–um, your memory is quite short, dude.

3. Lauren Alaina

“Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood – Nice Lauren!  finally a performance that was completely on pitch!  I loved the energy, I loved the look, and she was just awesome.  Fab song choice for her, and a fab performance.

4. Scotty McCreery

+1/2

“Gone” by Montgomery Gentry – Ok, this was such a good performance!  As you know, I am not on the Scotty train, but I liked this performance a lot. Perhaps it was because the backup singers gave a nice balance to his twang.  But I think I just liked the song (despite never hearing it before).

5. Haley Reinhart

+1/2

Haley – “You and I” by Lady GaGa – Um, thie was pretty much awesome.  For the record, the judges are ON CRACK.  officially.  I swear they conspire throw Haley under the bus during the commercial break.  Honestly!  I am so mad right now, because her performance, her vocal, and her outfit were all smokin!  I guess I will be powervoting for Haley yet again!

6. James Durbin

James – “Without You” by Harry Nilsson – Not bad, but there were still some vocal missteps in this one.  I get that he was all emotionally connected to the song and all, but that isn’t an excuse to have an imperfect vocal.

7. Jacob Lusk

Jacob “Love Hurts” by Nazareth – Well Jacob saying “It Hurts” at the end was fairly telling.  Although I didn’t hate this as much as his first performance, it was still mediocre overall.  The beginning started ok, while the end just got out of control again.  Of course, praise was received from the judges panel, who I’m convinced is not listening to the same show as the broadcast feed.  Seriously!

8. Lauren Alaina

 

“Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers – Aw, good job Lauren!  This song showed that she has a massive amount of vocal control and solid range.  I am grateful that she left her little lacking-in-confidence self back in weeks six and seven, because there was no evidence of that drama, and confident Lauren is way more appealing to me.

9. Scotty McCreery

+1/2

“Always on My Mind” by Elvis Presley – Again, this was a smart song choice for him.  Great that he can slow it down and give people a little variety.  And I think he is trying to cut back on his antics of weird-mic-holding and eyebrow-raising that drive me nuts.

10. Haley Reinhart

“House of the Rising Sun” – Holy CRAP!  Awesome Haley–and the judges finally gave her the props she deserves.  The acapella intro was brilliant (Thx Sheryl) and the whole thing from beginning to end gave me chills.  Awesome.  Vote Haley!  <– (I have no shame, I know)

Best tonight: Well there was a whole lot of awesome going on on the stage tonight.  None of which was performed by Lusky Stank.   I wasn’t overly impressed by James either.  But Lauren, Scotty, and Haley were all sorts of awesome.  Haley’s pimp sport was well-deserved.

If Jacob doesn’t go home tomorrow I will boycott the show.  Well, maybe not, but you know….

Thoughts on tonight’s performances?  On the awesome Sheryl Crow?  On the Judges and their wonky sense of hearing?  Let me know in the comments.

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  • Gretchen Daul

    Loved the show tonight. Loved Lauren tonight but there was something wrong with Unchained Melody. This could have been her Idol moment, but she let her nerves get the best of her. Her low notes were quivering and she didn’t go for the high note. She folded in the clutch. I know she’s young but she’s got such potential. I think only experience will help her over her lack of confidence. I still see a great country music career for her.
    Scotty was smart tonight. Good song choices and really good delivery of both of them. He’s really the only contestant that never has pitch problems.
    Haley was great too – but I don’t think she’s as marketable as Lauren and Scotty. But she really has good musical instincts. But I always feel that she’s never really feeling the song. She sings a good song but I don’t know where her emotions are.
    James was just okay for me. Too pitchy.
    Jacob has to go this week.

  • Jimmy

    Jacob should of left months ago! Judges this year are terrible there is nothing new that they say so America thinks everyone is “in it to win it” J Lo is the worst all she has no valid opinion considering she does not even sing in her music now days! Scotty will win because he has the best voice in this SINGING competition

  • Darlene

    I totally agree….it was an amazing night of vocals. And Hailey was so good….she totally deserves to win this:-)

  • bryan

    Your review was spot-on, bro. Haley was stellar ! Scotty, who i’m usually not a fan of, and Lauren were great. And James or Jacob should leave tonite.

  • Tizzy

    Haley did really well, in my opinon. Lauren did well, too. I think Jason is pretty much done on AI. James may have one more week in him…depending on his next performance. Scotty has a great voice but someone needs to help him with his weird moves…first of all, the way he holds his mike is annoying… secondly he moves like he’s trying to be a ghetto superstar, and he’s way too white to pull it off…thirdly, his freaking faces are ridiculous!!!!!!

  • Sumthinelse

    Um, the person who wrote this article is kinda messed up. Who do you think you can go, bragging on everyone else! But whatever, that’s just crazy people in this ridiculous country.

    Anyway, I think most were amazing… and Jacob used to be my favorite. But, let’s leave it to that. Although I don’t like country music, I’m rooting for Scotty and Lauren all the way! Whoohoo!