American Idol 2009: Top 11 Show
I didn’t catch the first few minutes of the show, but unfortunately made it in time to see Michael Sarver, who seems to be the first contestant. I’d heard a rumour that it was country week, and that monstrosity confirmed it. Excuse me while I hit my head on the desk … I make Simon Cowell look like a country fan. Ryan asked Simon if he liked it and he gave it 1.2 on a scale of 1 to 10, which I thought was quite generous. I really don’t get country though, so I’m not qualified to comment at all.
Allison Iraheta didn’t sound quite as bad as Michael, which probably means she was good, and she got good feedback from the judges though Simon had a little dig, calling her precocious and asking if she’d had trouble remembering the words. Ryan asked if she was thinking about the words of the song … or the 30 million people watching.
Kris Allen was actually pretty good … I wouldn’t have tagged it country though so that’s perhaps why. Paula was a little critical, but Simon seemed to really like it. Simon thought it was the first time that Kris looked as though he had a shot at doing well in the competition. Ryan said he’s nervous when Simon starts with a compliment, waiting for the ‘but…’. So true!
Ryan was talking with Lil Rounds about doing country week. She said she’s not too familiar with country songs but would be nervous about putting too much of an R&B spin on it. The singing doesn’t sound good to me, particularly in the beginning, and I wish she’d gone the R&B route (or pop, rock, opera, thrash metal …). Randy wasn’t impressed, but Kara thought it was important that she’d stood her ground. It was so funny when Simon called Lil ‘Little! He thought she looked uncomfortable with the song and said there were a million billion songs that would have been better. Ryan told Simon that Randy calls him the lil judge behind closed doors, but Simon was pretending not to get it.
Adam Lambert does not look as though he’s getting ready to sing country; I knew there was a reason why he’s my favourite. Ryan flags up Randy Travis’ reaction to Adam’s nail polish and I’m thinking it’s a good sign if the two aren’t getting on. I’ve no clue who Randy Travis is, but I didn’t like his advice to Lil. I kinda like what Adam’s doing with the song and some of those notes sent shivers down my spine! Kara was fairly speechless, calling it strange! Paula said Adam stands out as being true to himself and thought the song choice was great, describing it as Kashmir era Led Zeppelin. Simon said ‘what the hell was that?’ calling it ‘indulgent rubbish’ and advised Adam not to go to Nashville! Randy thought it was great, saying it was like NIИ doing a country song. Ryan checked that Adam had no plans to go to Nashville and said Randy Travis was still speechless.
Paula thought Scott MacIntire was overusing the piano, but Simon said that was a stupid thing to say. Simon wanted better songs and Randy wanted better vocals. Kara told him to up his game and go for the high notes. I thought it was just bland.
Ryan described things on set as ‘tense’ and asked Alexis what it was like back stage. He asked about the Simon and Paula fight, but Alexis said she hadn’t seen it. I think Alexis is doing a pretty good job. Randy thought there were a lot of pitch problems, Kara thought she’d lost her edge, Paula thought the song was effective for her, and Simon looks really pissed off while Paula is talking! Simon thought it was okay but forgettable. Ryan asked Alexis if she’d have done anything different after hearing the feedback and she’s promised to dirty it up next week. What happened to the bleep button that Ryan said we’d be needing … the contestants all sound like they’re right out of media coaching.
In the commercial break I’m reading the tweets to Ryan about putting too much of a country stereotype on Nashville! Apparently Adam will be welcome in Nashville after all. I’m sure he’s stoked.
Danny Gokey looks as though he’s just walked in off the street and had a mic stuck in his hand. Now might be a good time to mention that Ryan’s looking good tonight. Nice suit and that tie looks great … I’m looking forward to checking that out better on the broadcast on Thursday. Kara said Danny came out half way through but Paula disagreed and thought it was brilliant. Simon agreed with Paula to some extent, but criticised Danny’s clothing, calling it bulky. Randy thought the verses were pitchy. Ryan said it was split down the middle … but I didn’t hear the reply as I’ve just realised that Danny looks like the Michelin Man.
Annop next and Randy Travis said he has Willie on his mind. Anoop’s doing a Pet Shop Boys song (yes, I know, I know), and I actually think this is one of the best I’ve heard tonight. Anoop is BACK! And Paula said so too, but I worry when she speaks what’s on my mind. Simon described the performance as ‘zero to hero’ and thought it was a good song choice, and one of his favourite performances of the night. Randy thought the arrangement was dope. Kara said it was an almost untouchable song (there are a lot of artists who have given it a go!), but it was the best performance of the night. Ryan asked if he was surprised by the feedback and Anoop replied ‘no’, though it was with humour and saying it’s because he expects himself to do well rather than arrogance. Great answer!
Megan looks great — I love her dress. Randy was expecting a train wreck but was quite impressed. Wow, that’s backhanded. Kara thought she had a perfect song and look and complimented her on getting up there with the flu. Simon said she looks gorgeous but is missing the quirkiness. Ryan shouldn’t be standing so close to Megan if she has flu!
Looks like Simon and Paula are kissing and making up as Matt Giraud takes the stage. I’m not totally blown away, but it’s really not bad. Kara said there’s nothing small about Matt, Paula thought he was authentic, Simon didn’t think he was getting enough credit for his vocals and thought he’d outsang Danny tonight, Randy said it was his favourite performance of the night. Ryan said the competition is on!
