American Idol — Recap & Review — Top 11

photo: fox

American Idol
Top 11

Original Air Date: Mar 23, 2011

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

After last week’s ultra pitchy show, the Top 11 redeemed themselves. In fact, as Ryan noted, Randy didn’t use the word “pitchy” once. But this was a make it or break it show. This will be the last contestant to be eliminated before the Top 10.

And everyone who makes the Top 10 gets to go on the Idol tour. But no pressure.

This week Motown took center stage. Let’s look at how they did:

CASEY ABRAMS: “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”
I like the new look of slicked back hair and trimmed beard, topped with a suit. But going first, means he’s lost the pimp spot and it really sounds as if he’s trying so hard now. Still a bit screechy but it’s a good song choice for him.

Steven said he’s a combination of perfect pitch and perfect out of control ego, which he loved. Jennifer doesn’t think there’s anyone else like him and he’s carving a niche for himself. Randy called him a true original. “You can only do you and you are so great,” he added.

THIA MEGIA: “Heat Wave”
Fun dress that’s a little bit more her age. But she’s still kind of bland, even on this uptempo number. Needs a bit of Casey or Haley’s growl.

Jennifer liked that she let go but now needs her to dig deeper each week, to connect to the lyrics. Randy applauded that she too chances, but she does need to go deeper. “I’m good with it,” said Steven.

JACOB LUSK: “You’re All I Need to Get By”
He hits notes a bit flat and uses his vibrato to disguise it. This song really showed it. It’s not the best know Motown song. But it was a nice interpretation. Audience went wild.

Randy said it was his other best performance because he took time in the verse, which made him a true professional. Steve said he held back, milked it, and really did it.
Jennifer thought he made them beg for the notes and moved them.

LAUREN ALAINA: “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
Long gown is not a great choice for her. I liked the slow start, then going up tempo, but except for a zippy end, that’s the only original element. But she has great pitch and did a good job.

Steve thought she “ripped that song another beauty mark” and it was beautiful. Jennifer said she looked amazing and had great attitude, which really brought life to it. Randy noted that she got her swagger on and she’s ready.

STEFANO LANGONE: “Hello”
Kind of pitchy with the low notes, but he kills the high notes. The coaches wanted him to open his eyes and he really didn’t until the last minute. Too bad – those eyes would get him millions of fans.

Jennifer not only wanted him to open his eyes but also connect with the lyrics. She didn’t want intensity to come from wanting to do well, but to come from his heart breaking. Randy agreed with Jennifer and thought he sounded good, but missed the emotional connection. Steven also agreed and thought ramped it up a little too soon.

HALEY REINHART: “You Really Got a Hold on Me”
She goes with a kind of slinky look and straightened hair. It’s better to listen to her than watch, even with slinky dress. Her performing style a bit spastic. But I really like her voice and can’t figure out why America isn’t connecting with her.

Randy thought she got it by middle of song and liked that her bluesy attitude. He’s happy to see her return to the form. Steven said it was beautiful and she sang her heart out. “You don’t look a day over fabulous,” he added. Jennifer applauded her effortless control and said she had the most soulful voice of girls.

SCOTTY MCCREERY: “For Once in My Life”
He really connected with the song and brings a great intensity, although there’s a bit of sly humor in the end. He’s smart to make this song more country, but he does add pop touches – which is a bit step forward for him. I really think it will come down to Scotty and Pia, but Scotty will have a major career whether or not he wins.

Steven compared him to Glenn Campbell and applauds that he took a big chance, ripping it. Jennifer thought it was a great version of this song and he made it his own. Randy noted it wasn’t his strongest performances but liked that he took chances and made the country twist work.

PIA TOSCANO: “All in Love is Fair”
Slower string arrangement is sleepy and not very Motown. But boy does she hit all the notes and has a spectacular voice.

Jennifer thought that she killed the audience with a killer ballad and amazing vocal but needs to move around the stage more. Randy called her phenomenal and she hit the notes dead on, but needs to realize she can’t live by ballads alone. Steve called her the closest star in this American Idol universe.

PAUL MACDONALD: “Tracks of My Tears”
Plays his guitar, which tones down his movements on stage. Wobbley on some of the notes and seems to screw up the lyrics. But the audience eats him up.

Randy thought his tone was weak, but when he sang tender at end it really worked. Steven liked how his voice is different and he loves it. Jennifer praised how he’s such a seasoned performer who’s the complete package.

ADAIMA ADEDEPO: “Dancin’ in the Streets”
It’s her strongest vocal so far with only a few bad notes. She adds dance moves, but wisely does them at the very end.

Steve said, “It was e to the z tweedly dee.” Jennifer called him an exciting performer who gave her goosebumps. Randy admitted he’d been been rough on her, but praised the performance and the arrangement.

JAMES DURBIN: “Living for the City”
His hair is more tamed and it looks fine. And his tail is back. Once again, shows what a great performer he is, like he’s been on the stage for decades. Man, he is excellent.

Jennifer called him incredible thing to watch and left her speechless. Randy thought it started a little rough by when he his stride it was unbelievable. Steven thought that sometimes it takes a little bit crazy to make a difference in the world and he nailed it.

A few others thoughts:

Did you notice how Jennifer kept stepping on Randy’s critiques? A little rude.

That video of Scotty sinking the basketball from a story away sure was amazing.

Interesting that Adaima thinks her singing was a way for her to “give thanks” for Motown legends who inspired her — I think they’d prefer a card from Hallmark.

There were plenty of signs for this contestant or another, but I was pleasantly shocked to see one encouraging viewers to help Japan.

Here are my picks for the Top Three tonight -Scotty, Pia James
In danger: Thia (not as interesting enough as performer), Haley and Stefano

How do you feel about contestants being to stylized? Did you groan when Adaima said she was going to dance? Has Casey fallen from the frontrunner position? Give us your TwoCents…