American Idol — Recap & Review — Top 12

photo: fox

American Idol
Top 12

Original Air Date: Mar 16, 2011

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

For about half the contestants last night, pitch proved to be an elusive island in the Bermuda Triangle. But a few shaky performances also makes the voting easier, right?

Contestants sang songs from the year they were born (or, as we call it in my house, a chance to make us feel old). I loved showcasing the parents, especially the moms, in the pre-performance clips. A few made really strong choices, but some went from favorites to being in trouble and others proved why they’re a major contender.

Let’s look at how they did.

NAIMA ADEDAPO: 1984 – “What’s Love Got to Do With It”
It’s a good choice for her, but she’s really not hitting all the notes as she should. She really doesn’t impress and being in the first spot, it may be time to say goodbye.

Steven said she has a sorcerer’s grasp for melody (huh?) and he loved it. Jennifer thought she brought her flavor to it, but for the second week in a row it didn’t measure up. Randy noted how under pitch she sounded and called the vocals “all over the place.”

PAUL MACDONALD: 1984 — “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues”
I was really entertained for the first 30 seconds, loving the twist his voice has with such a familiar tune. But by the end, every line sounded the same. He needed to modulate it or give it the punch like Elton John does.

Jennifer remarked that he has a lot of soul and even though he had a cold, he “made it happen.” Randy thought he had some pitchy notes but made it his own. Steven also spotted the off notes but called him “a cool dude in a loose mood.” (Again, huh?)

THIA MEGIA: 1995—“Colors of the Wind”
This is the kind of song the judges have praised her for doing before but she doesn’t bring anything new to it. When on pitch, her vocals are good.

Randy thought it was boring and felt like he was at a pageant (the long gown didn’t help). He also noted that she brought nothing special to it. Steven thought she sounded beautiful but questioned if that song showed who she is. Jennifer noted that she has a special quality but she needs to break out of what’s safe.

JAMES DURBIN: 1989 —“I’ll Be There for You.”
His signature “tail” is back. This is the pitchiest I’ve ever heard him, although it’s only here and there. But it’s a fun performance and it’s obvious that he works the stage well. My husband calls him the Alison Iraheta of the season.

Steve begged him not to get too “poppy” and liked his vein of inner crazy. Jennifer said he is a great singer who brings her joy. Randy noted the few pitch problems but praised that he did a high note without overdoing it.

HALEY REINHART: 1990—“I’m You Baby Tonight”
Her growl really makes this song different and modulating gives it zip. It’s not great, but rather fun.

Jennifer said she has an amazing voice, but is still tense in the body. Randy is confused about what kind of artists she is because she mixes genres so much. Steve called it sweet and tough, but wants to hear more blues.

STEFANO LANGONE: 1989—“If You Don’t Know Me By Now”
I wish he would open his beautiful eyes. But he has the potential to be a great R’n’B singer. He really does a great job. I voted for him.

Randy called it the best of the night so far and liked the changes he made. Steven praised his phrasing and called it “over the top.” Jennifer thought it was the perfect song for him.

PIA TOSCANO: 1988—“Where do Broken Hearts Go?
She tackles another Whitney, but gives it an uptempo, sort of dance mix. It sounds close to perfect. She really should make the Top 3.

Steven said “you are the reason this show is called American Idol.” Jennifer was glad to hear the uptempo ann noted she was perfct every time. Randy liked her consistency and said “Pia is in the competition to win it.”

SCOTTY MCCREERY: 1993— “Can I Trust You With My Heart?”
This kid couldn’t be any better. I think he should just skip the rest of the competition and start making recordings. I think he has a major shot at winning it all.

Jennifer like that he pushed it and went in a little different direction. Randy, who has worked with Travis Tritt, said Scotty did him proud. Steven thought Scotty should just keep being who he is and he’ll go far.

KAREN RODRIGUEZ: 1989 — “Love Will Lead You Back”
What is with the crazy ‘60s doo and the space-age dominatrix get up? She does a nice job, adding her signatuire verse in Spanish. I haven’t been much of a fan, but she does pretty well.

Randy thought she was pitchy until the chorus but welcomed her back to good performances. Steven enjoyed her breaking into Spanish. Jennifer loved that she attacked it, but warned her if she feels shaky on a note, change it.

CASEY ABRAMS: 1991—“Smell Like Teen Spirit”
This is the first Nirvana on Idol, but it was he absolutely worse song for Casey. He growled and attacked the song, but didn’t show off his singing voice at all. It showed none of his his sly, skilled musicality, which is why people have been voting for him. Let’s hope he remains safe.

Steven liked the song choice and said Casey was “so good.” Jennifer felt a few places got screechy and had none of his pleasant quality she likes. Randy loved that he took risks and that he’s fearless but it wasn’t the best number for him.

LAUREN ALAINA: 1994 —“I’m the Only One”
She has the flu and seems spacey during the interview. For once, she has on a flattering outfit. She’s done better, but it’s good. Much better than last week.

Jennifer liked that she stayed true to the melody but made it her own. Randy thought, cold or not, it was nice. Steven said “you did it again. You are a shooting star.”

JACOB LUSK: 1987— “Alone”
This could have been really special, but his vibrato is so over the top that it ruined the clear, sweet melody, except for the last line, which gave me shivers.

Randy called it a “very, very nice performance,” noting that he’d gone sharp several times, but then brought it back. Steven said if gospel had a baby, he would be it. Jennifer loved that he gives himself to the performance and everyone feels it.

Did you have a favorite performance./performance? Did anyone let you down? Who do you think will be eliminated? Give us your TwoCents…