American Idol: Top 5, Sinatra!
Top 5! Frank Sinatra songs! Harry Connick Jr.! I always look forward to standards week, and this is no exception. Bring on the good ol’ tunes!
Seacrest reminds us that Siobhan was sent home in a surprising manner last week. We need to vote for our favorites, so who will we vote for this week? The audience screams, “LEE!”
Turns out that this week, HCJr is working with the contestants to arrange their music. Which is a fabulous change from previous mentors, who pretty much say, “Find the meaning of the song, make it entertaining, and smile at the camera more.” Harry will even be playing on stage with the contestants. Now this is what mentorship should be! Let’s hope it all works out.
Oh, and one of Frank Sinatra’s daughters looks good, and the other looks like a warmed-over plate of plastic surgery.
Aaron Kelly – “Fly Me to the Moon” – He’s taking a semi-upbeat song, and starting it out slow and droning. Which just amplifies the nervous quavering. The beat gets peppier into the second verse, but he’s still hitting some really awful notes throughout. It’s just not that exciting, and not that great as far as the performance factor. Bland and dull. 6 out of 10.
Casey James – “Blue Skies” – Casey’s all pulled-back-hair and stubble, once again looking like a bad guy on Miami Vice. His second note is a massive clunker. The arrangement is a slow, drowsy one, which only serves to emphasise his goatlike bleating. I’ve heard that he’s this week’s pick at Vote for the Worst, and I can totally see why. It’s off-key in a majestic way. 4 out of 10.
Crystal Bowersox – “Summer Wind” – It’s a jazzy arrangement, and Mamasox actually looks really good in her gown. And of course, she sings the song beautifully. She’s had a rougher week or two, but she’s back on top again this time. I don’t know what her personal meaning is for the song, but you can totally tell it has meaning for her. It doesn’t rock as hard as it could, but I think I’m glad. This song isn’t a hard-rockin’ thing. Still, I think there’s room for improvement. 8 out of 10.
Michael Lynche – “The Way You Look Tonight” – The question is, will he sing this as a slow, plodding, nasal ballad? The answer is yes. Oh, but it gets a little peppier after the first bit. Still nasal, still boring, but a little faster. Is it just me, or does this guy bore everyone? I mean, this performance was totally predictable. He never comes out of his comfort zone, the way Crystal did just before. I just find him bland. He’s Blando Calrissian. 6 out of 10.
Lee DeWyze – “That’s Life” – Once again, dreamy Lee gets the pimp spot. Harry’s wife thinks Lee is pretty. for the performance, Harry’s playing the Cheesemaster 5000 organ. And maybe it’s that he shares a little winky-nudgey with Harry at the beginning, but Lee seems much more comfortable than usual. He actually looks like he may be having a tiny bit of fun. He goes up in pitch a half-step or so before the music at one point, which is awkward, but overall it sounds good. 8 out of 10.
So of the five, Crystal and Lee are my frontrunners, Aaron and Michael are wallowing in mediocrity, and Casey was the clunker. Will his attractiveness keep him in the race? Not with that villainous look. Although Aaron had the deadly opening spot and wasn’t memorable, I think his tinyness will keep him in. Casey for the boot.
I cannot even watch Michael Lynche when he’s singing. I fast-forward every time.
Lee D is the best yes?
Nooooo on Casey! But I do think you’re right. Why will they keep the little guy?
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missy Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I think little Aaron will get more votes just because he’s tiny and cute. And Casey, while normally probably attractive to cougars like Kara, really didn’t look that pretty this week.
I think the final two will be Crystal and Lee. And I have to wonder if a woman can win this thing, because I think the majority of voters are women (and girls). They’ll most likely vote for a guy, especially if he’s all shy and cute like Lee.
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