When did “American Idol” transform from an amateur singing competition into a full-fledged professional production?
With so much talent packed into the Top 9, it’s getting harder and harder to pick a favorite. How appropriate, then, that this week’s theme was the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. It wouldn’t surprise me if a few of these Idols ended up at their very own induction ceremonies in a decade or five.
The contestants weren’t the only ones showing off their talents this evening. Though we only saw a glimpse of her, Gwen Stefani styled the girls in pieces from her L.A.M.B. line. Additionally, the inescapable will.i.am made his third — yes, third — Season 10 appearance. This time it was on the pretense of offering performance coaching to the hopefuls and not, I repeat not, to promote his animated feature, “Rio” (in theatres everywhere April 15).
The most remarkable talent of the night, though? That had to be Steven Tyler playing the part of “television presenter.” We knew he could ad lib with the best of them but it was surprising to see how natural he was with scripted material. As he walked through the Hall’s treasures, he commented on each one effortlessly before stopping at a Tussaud-worthy bust of himself, kissing it and exclaiming that it was the “prettiest bust he’s kissed all day.”
Forget Katie Couric and Anderson Cooper. I want Tyler to replace Oprah.
JACOB LUSK “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Jacob could not condone the “nasty” message of his original choice, Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” Yes, it’s “uplifting,” but in a completely different way than “Man in the Mirror.” It was commendable that he stayed true to himself, opting to raise the spirit rather than the libido. I mean, What would the folks back at Ebenezer Baptist say? What was not commendable, however, was the following comment: “If I end up in the Bottom Three, it won’t be because I sang the song bad, it won't be because I sang the song wrong. It’ll be because everybody in America wasn’t ready to look at themselves in the mirror.” Hmm, isn't issuing a challenge like that very ungodly? Despite his cockiness, Jacob delivered an enthusiastic performance that the judges drooled over. Lopez called it “perfect in every way on every emotional level.”
HALEY REINHART “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
We’ve been waiting for the episode when Haley would cover Joplin, hoping that it would happen before she got sent home. After all, from day one, the judges have constantly compared the two. In rehearsals, will.i.am said that she sounded like an artist rather than just a singer but needed to work on connecting to the audience, especially the millions beyond the camera lens. Haley delivered. Her angst as a woman done wrong was palpable. Could it inspired by the rumored love triangle between Stefano, Pia and herself? Though the growling affectation is growing a bit tired, Haley continues to improve week after week. (As a footnote, could someone improve her hair?) Steven said that she took Janis up a notch and Randy said, “Welcome back.” Lopez said that she’s showing everyone that she’s a contender.
CASEY ABRAMS “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Like Jacob, Casey also started out with a different song, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by the Police. He tossed it aside, however, after concluding that he could only give it about 80 percent. (Or was it because Jimmy and will.i.am likened his rendition to a loungey rhumba?) While seeing the bright and bubbly side of Casey may have been interesting, he made the right choice in opting for a more melancholy selection. Why waste a bluesy voice on anything other than the blues? Reminding us of why we fell in love with him, Casey brought out his upright bass again, much to the delight of Randy. “Casey is making the upright bass cool,” he said. Steven also had accolades, saying,” You’re not just a singer. You’re a true musician.” J. Lo is already excited for the Casey Abrams world tour: “I’m paying top dollar to be in the front row.”
LAUREN ALAINA “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
According to will.i.am, if you fuse country with soul, you end up with “countroul.” Sounds like he’s been stealing adages from Gary Busey, but this was his clever way of telling Lauren to maintain control of the song by staying in the moment. Lauren warned us that she is “gaining back her confidence week by week and once she gets that done, her personality will come out full force.” Uh oh. You mean this isn’t full force? While not quite on par with Kelly Clarkson’s Season 1 rendition, the teen’s vocals were impressive. That being said, there is something a little creepy about a 16-year-old singing about someone making her feel like a natural woman. And then there’s something even creepier about Steven Tyler telling her that “four months ago she came in here an immature little girl and tonight she’s a natural born woman.” Randy wasn’t jumping up and down” but said that she did a good job with a difficult song.
JAMES DURBIN “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by the Beatles
Singing a ballad was the smartest thing James could have done at this stage in the competition, though Jimmy and will.i.am were concerned. will.i.am worried that everyone else’s energy would outshine Durbin, while Jimmy cautioned that it may turn into “While My Guitar Gently Sleeps.” Like last week, though, James has a vision for each performance and knows who he is, saying that you’re never going to advance as an artist or person if you don’t take chances. Witnessing his softer side was eye-opening, not to mention ear-opening. He has a little bit of musical theatre in his voice, which surprised me at first but then made sense considering his dramatic performances. Even though this was a slower, quieter song, he still found a way to work in a screech and a fog machine. Using his zebra print scarf to dab his tears afterwards was the perfect touch. J. Lo thought that this side of James makes his rocker side work. Randy loved seeing the sensitive side and agreed that you have to take chances to be a true artist. “You did a good job, dawg.”
SCOTTY McCREERY “That’s Alright, Mama” by Elvis Presley
The Idols certainly didn’t shy away from the greats, but on a rock-themed night, Scotty was the only one willing to take on the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself. McCreery’s voice never disappoints, but it’s his comfort with the stage that is truly impressive. Sauntering down the stage in denim-on-denim, he worked the crowd behind the judges’ table and played to the camera like a professional. And who thought a living Howdy Doody doll could do sexy? As Scotty purred verses into the microphone, he gyrated in a way that would make Ed Sullivan blush. If this “Idol” thing doesn’t work out, he could definitely head to Vegas and be an Elvis impersonator … or a stripper. J. Lo appreciated his sexy new vibe, and asked if his “little bit of flava” could be attributed to watching rap videos. Randy thought it was a brand new cowboy and proclaimed that “Scotty’s in it to win it!”
PIA TOSCANO “River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner
“I don’t think the crowd is expecting me to do an up-tempo,” said Pia. Uh, wrong. We knew you were doing an up-tempo number because you told us as much last week, even down to the song title. Yes, this is an old Ike & Tina tune, but Pia can’t fool us. We all know that she is doing a cover of Celine’s cover. Regardless of who her influences are, though, Pia delivers week after week. While she still needs to get out of her head and just let the music move her body, she at least worked the stage this week. Steven called her a murderer because she “killed it.” J. Lo thought it was “amazing” but is going to keep pushing her to improve, suggesting that she research great performers and their styles. Randy thinks she needs to work on her movement but announced that “Pia’s in it to win it, Ryan!”
STEFANO LANGONE “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledge
Music producer Ryan Tedder warned Stefano that with this song, you either own it or it owns you. Stefano said that he was really excited to “connect” and thought that it was going to be a big week for him. His efforts to connect did not go unnoticed, as his looking-into-the-camera skills were matched only by his ability to keep his eyes open. (Good job!) He has such control over his voice and he’s so good looking but there’s still something missing. No matter how well he connects by staring into the camera, I still don’t think he feels what he’s signing. Lopez disagreed, saying that his performance had “another layer of emotion to it” and she felt like he was singing to someone specific. (Haley? Pia?) Randy liked it but again “wasn’t jumping up and down.” Steven thought he “nailed it” and showed a lot of passion.
PAUL McDONALD “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash
According to Jimmy, there’s nobody in history cooler than Johnny Cash. In order to pay homage properly then, Iovine advised Paul to sing this song like he were “out of his f—ing mind.” While this performance was energetic, I got more of a “jam band” vibe from it than an “I need medication” vibe. In fact, this wasn’t anywhere near the craziness that we have come to expect from flamboyant-suit-wearing, herky-jerky Paul. Nevertheless, it was fun and Paul’s style and voice is always recognizable. At this stage in the competition, though, his quirkiness may not be able to compete with the vocal powerhouses who remain. Will the audience get it? Randy had three words: “I loved it.” Steven crowned him “perfect imperfect boy” and Lopez said it was the perfect way to end the show.
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