American Idol – Recap & Review – Top 12 Men

photo: fox

American Idol
Top 12 Men

Original Air Date: Mar 1, 2011

Patricia Morris Buckley – Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com

I have to hand it to the judges; I really liked the variety of musical styles of the Top 12 men they’ve chosen. It’s everything from rock and soul to hip hop and old style crooner. And in that mix, I think that there’s only one really strong pop singer, which shows the diversity of this year’s crop.

So it’s going to be an interesting ride because everything feels fresh. No more overemphasis on the elusive “Package Artist.” In fact, of the four guys I voted for, two are artists in genres I don’t listen to. Go figure! Best of all these guys all have the talent to be where they are – no Sanjayas among them.

Also no theme this week. The guys were allowed to pick any song they liked. Let’s take a look at how all 12 did:

CLINT JUN GAMBOA: “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder

OK, I stated that I would never, never vote for this guy because of what he did to little Jaycee Badeaux. His energetic yet uninteresting performance confirmed that choice. He hit the notes but it sounded screechy. On top of that, there was nothing new about it.

Steven called it beautiful and brilliant. Jennifer felt his jitters, but didn’t think it affected his performance. Randy added, “there’s no karaoke singer in the world that’s got that kind of talent.”

JOVANY BARRETO: “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain

He has a bright voice, which is pleasing, but he just kind of stood there rocking. I found myself admiring his tone more than the overall performance.

Steven told him that he “brought it again” and he loved it. Jennifer thought people could now see what he can do and it was great. Randy disagreed with the other judges and said he “didn’t get it” and that it was just OK.

JORDAN DORSEY: “OMG” by Usher

Why the echo chamber? Isn’t that for artists who need help? It wasn’t a good song choice as it never really showed off his voice.

Steven didn’t think it was his best performance, although he liked the dance moves. Jennifer felt he’s more of a soft R’n’B artist, and this performance didn’t show who he is. Randy called him pitchy and called him out for not doing anything original with the song.

TIM HALPERIN: “Streetcorner Symphony (Come On Over)” by Rob Thomas

He sounded off, pitchy and the song had the wrong energy for him.

Steven agreed the song did nothing for him and felt let down. Jennifer said it wasn’t his strength and didn’t show who he is as an artist. Randy scolded him for not doing anything exciting to it and said he’d been much better.

BRETT LOEWENSTERN: The Doors’ “Light My Fire”

Oh, our little red-haired boy. The hair got more attention with all those hair flicks he did than the singing of the song. This is a big song and not really suited to his softer voice. And Brett, please learn to dance or stop it altogether. Ever since he rescued Jaycee during Group Round, I’ve been a fan. But I don’t think he’s going much further.

Steven liked it and said Brett “brought it home.” Jennifer thought he did more hair tossing than herself and Beyonce combined in the last 10 years, but she liked the performance. Randy noted the pitch problems but thought him bold and fun.

JAMES DURBIN: “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” by Judas Priest

This is the first time a Judas Priest has been performed on Idol. Again, James didn’t need the echo, which made him more difficult to hear. I liked that he didn’t overuse his high range, only going up into the clouds once. I was impressed by his chops and voted for him, even though I’m not a hard rock fan.

Steven thought he was crazy good and praised his control. Jennifer loved how organic and real his performance felt. Randy added, “this is how you do it.”

ROBBIE ROSEN: Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”

He strayed pretty far from the melody in the verse – a bit too original for me. He did show off his nice falsetto.

Steven thought he could sing a ballad like no one’s business. Jennifer said all the notes weren’t there but he knows how to tell a story with his singing. Randy said it wasn’t his favorite performance of his and it “never settled in” for him.

SCOTTY MCCREERY: John Michael Montgomery’s “Letters From Home”

Now here’s a guy who knows how to interpret a song. With that low voice, solid stage presence (though I hope sitting on a stool isn’t all we’ll see him do) and strong phrasing, it’s easy to forget that he’s still a teenager. And that’s absolutely a compliment. I’m not a country fan, but I sure as heck voted for him.

Steven felt he couldn’t have picked a better song to show himself as an artist. Jennifer thought he’s born to do country. Randy loved that he switched it up and how he does throw-back country.

STEFANO LANGONE: Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”

If anyone has the potential of being both a pop star and a heartthrob, it’s Stefano. He’s charming, has a smooth voice (although he hit one really bad note – J.Lo cringed) and soulful eyes. Singing a love song to “all women” doesn’t hurt either. Has anyone else noticed that he looks like a Hispanic Matt LeBlanc? I, probably like a slew of women, voted for him.

Steven loved the way his voice cut through the room. Jennifer called him consistent and added that he was “a beast up there.” Randy praised him for rocking the room and believed he could be on the radio right now.

PAUL MCDONALD: Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May”

At first I thought repeating his audition song was brilliant, but halfway through I changed my mind. He sounded just a bit too much like Rod Stewart. And I don’t care what the just judges said, his dancing is beyond terrible and he needs to learn these words: No thank you, I don’t want more teeth whitener!

Steven liked the character of his voice. Jennifer thought he showed character in the way he moved and that his smile brightened up the whole place. (Actually it blinded half the viewing audience!) Randy pointed out again that Paul is unique and that Randy is a fan.

JACOB LUSK: Luther Vandross’ “A House is Not a Home”

I’m not a fan of lots of wobble-ness in a song – just sing the note straight instead of zig zagging across the line! However, I did like the restraint he showed by not doing as many vocal gymnastics although he did change up the melody a lot.

Steven said, “It is divine intervention that brought you here and I’m honored to be in your presence.” Jennifer noted that Vandross was her favorite singer of all time and while he’s gone, “we now have you here.” Randy thought Luther would be proud of him and that there’s nothing he can’t sing.

CASEY ABRAMS: “I Put a Spell On You”

Casey growled a lot in this so you believed him when he sang “stop.” When he went soft on the end, I suddenly saw this song in a whole new light. It’s really the lament of an abusive stalker. Wow. This guy is amazing. I voted for him like crazy.

Steven said he was out of his mind good and praised his melodic sensibilities. Jennifer called him sexy and predicted that he would redefine what the competition is all about. Randy loved how he transferred himself into the spirit of the song.

Do you think they stacked the order of performances? It seemed to me many of the best went last. Or maybe the producers’ favorites were given the pimp spots?

Here are the five I think should go on: Casey, James, Scotty, Stefano (all of whom I voted for) and Jacob.

Who did you vote for? Did anyone disappoint you? What did you think of the new , extremely colorful set? Give us your TwoCents…