The big prize – the hometown visit – is at stake this week. They are all headed home, but only three return for next week’s performance.
James almost trips over Lauren’s hoss of a dress on the way out.
This theme week is a double bonus. Phase 1 is Songs that inspire you. Phase 2 is Leiber and Stoller which will be mentored by Lady GaGa (Clearly the most obvious choice for this theme).
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1. James Durbin
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“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey – Finally, James sings a song on pitch! While the song choice was excellent and a very smart, strategic move, the performance itself wasn’t amazing. He just kind of sang it. Fine. Acceptable. But as a song that has been done to shreds in the last few years, it was nothing to write home about. |
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2. Haley Reinhart
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“The Earth Song” by Michael Jackson – I don’t think I have ever been more enraged at Randy. I am so frustrated by the inconsistent feedback from the judges. These guys need a rubric! Last week James was told by Randy that his performance was emotionally perfect, and that was enough. This week, Haley was told that she had so much emotion, but that wasn’t enough. I could feel her emotion through my TV screen. I give it to the judges that the song choice wasn’t the best. I get it. She could have picked something that showcased her voice better–something with big money notes. But the more she gets thrown under the bus, the more I want to vote for her. |
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3. Scotty McCreery
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“Where Were You When The World Stop Turning” by Alan Jackson – Someone has been taking notes from the Kristy Lee Cook book of patriotic fun! When you go all red white and blue, you usually rock the vote. Like James, Scotty gets points for smart song choice. |
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4. Lauren Alaina
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“Do It Anyway” by Martina McBride – Again, it was fine, but I didn’t think it was anything amazing. Round 1 everyone sang ok, and I guess Haley loses for song choice. |
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5. Haley Reinhart
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“I Who have Nothing” by Ben E. King – This is Jordin’s song on this stage, but Haley can give it her own spin. And does she. I love the full orchestra, the outfit, and the lighting. The vocal was great, and overall it was pretty amazing. That said, I loved her House of the Rising Sun better. I’m glad that she finally got the props she deserves, though. However, it all feels a little “day late dollar short” from this judging panel. |
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6. Scotty McCreery
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+1/2
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“Young Blood” by the Coasters – The thing I noticed in this performance is Scotty appears to be perfecting his stage presence. The vocal was just another Scotty status quo, but I see growth in his performance.
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7. Lauren Alaina
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“Trouble” by Elvis – Is this the song for blonde country girls on L&S night? A vintage Ms. Underwood chose the same ditty, and although Lauren wins for wardrobe, Carrie had a much better performance of this song. After Lauren’s appearance in the bottom 2 last week, she needed to pull out the big guns, and neither of her performances really did it for me tonight.
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8. James Durbin
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+1/2
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“Love Potion #9″ by The Clovers – He gets the props for best stage performance, I will give him that. But he has to be careful because there are always bum notes from him when he gets too excited and jumping around the stage. And he never gets called on this, which bothers me. But I will give him credit for the entertainment factor. |
Best tonight: Haley just edged out a smiley with teeth with her second performance. James’ Love Potion #9 comes in second. Scotty is just Scotty, and I don’t think he stretched himself or took any risks. The same with Lauren, really. I know Scotty will have no troubles this week. And as much as everyone has made it clear that it is Haley’s turn to exit stage left, Lauren is probably in danger, too.
That said, last week was much better overall than this week. Top 5 FTW.
Also, how much did I love GaGa as mentor? Can she make herself available every week?
