American Idol – Recap & Review – Top 9

photo: fox

American Idol
Top 9

Original Air Date: Apr 6, 2011

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

Could this be the Strongest Top 9 ever? There really isn’t one bad singer in the bunch. It really comes down to who is your flavor and the judges have done a great job of giving us lots of flavors.

We start by hearing that Gwen Stefani is dressing the contestants from her fashion line. We get one tiny glimpse of her face and it’s never mentioned again, which, after seeing some of the outfits, might be a good thing.

Tonight’s theme is the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Steven walks us verbally through the hall, showing us his bust and clothes. It’s a nice connection. Plus, Jimmy Iovine is joined by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas in coaching the singers.

JACOB LUSK: “Man in the Mirror”
Jacob should not the combination of going first and being super arrogant isn’t good for vote getting. He said that if he ends up in the Bottom Three it won’t be because of how he sang it, it would be because everyone is afraid to look themselves in the mirror (!!). Still not a fan of his voice, but it’s better in the chorus. I like the gospel tinge. As a surprise, the backup singer is Siedah Garrett, who co-wrote the song with Glen Ballard.

Steven said that every time Jacob sings, he brings another little piece of himself to the party. Jennifer thought he stuck to what he knows is right, perfect in everyway on every emotional level. Randy was proud that he changed songs based on moral conviction (he originally was going to sing “We Don’t We Get It On” ) and that was hot.

HALEY REINHART: “Piece of My Heart”
Decided to go with Janis Joplin because the judges keep comparing her to the rock legend. Would have liked to see her work the stage more. Her outfit is horrible and looks like a black napkin on top of black tights. But really great job – Joplin does fit her voice well.

Jennifer thought she showed that she’s a contender. Randy said she connected with bluesy thing, which is the Haley he loves. Steven said there was “nothing wrong with that” and thought she took it up a few notches.

CASEY ABRAMS: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”
On his bass – yay! This song is really well suited to his voice, plays his quirky sound to the best. Love the ukulele. This song is classic Casey – I’d buy this right this minute (excuse me while I go on iTunes).

Randy thought he made Credence Clearwater Revival proud and made the upright bass cool, putting it in popular music. Steven said he wasn’t just a singer, but a true musician. “Every time you sing,” he said, “you bring something different.” Jennifer thought he was exactly where he belongs, with your bass. She’s ready to pay top dollar to be in the front row.

LAUREN ALAINA: “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman”
She makes it a little more country – just a bit, but it works for her softer voice. Not Aretha, but a good performance nonetheless. But she has to change who’s dressing her and get out of the unflattering outfits.

Steven told her that she is now a natural born woman and he thought she was great. Jennifer said she is amazing. Randy noted that she picked one of most difficult songs, and while he’s not jumping up and down, he thought she did a good job on it.

JAMES DURBIN: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
It’s a great strategy on his part to slow it down at this point. Why is he in shadows? Can’t believe he had violins on stage — now that’s unexpected. He also sits on a stool – so anti-James. Still has his high note at the end. It’s beautiful. A great moment for him. He’s still blinking back tears after.

Jennifer liked this other side of him and thought it was a great choice for him. Randy loved the emotional side of James Durbin and applauded him for taking. Steven said “your guitar gently weeped and so did you. It’s a proud moment for you.”

SCOTTY MCCREERY: “That’s All Right Momma”
It’s so nice to see him really do upbeat. Good moment for him to change it up as well. He’s getting more comfortable every week on stage. Girls swamp him on stage at end and it feels very staged.

Randy said that anyone thought he was a one-trick pony, but this is like a new side to Scotty. Steven thought he was all hat and no cattle, but he did it well. Jennifer loved that he had funny and was funny.

PIA TOSCANO: “River Deep, Mountain High”
Hate her short pants suit—it looks dumpy. It seems to me she isn’t hitting all the notes. Strolls around, but not really connecting with the audience.

Steven called her “murderer” because she killed it. Jennifer thought she proved she could sing uptempo but wants her to work on her performance. Randy said she showed tonight she could do uptempo hits as ballads, but needs to work on the movement.

STEFANO LANGONE: “When a Man Loves a Woman”
Starts way up in his falsetto. This is the best his voice has ever sounded. He’s really connected with it. Very nice.

Jennifer said it was beautiful, and she felt for the first time another layer of emotion, like he was singing it about someone. “ Magic,” she added. Randy liked it, but felt the first part felt jerky. Steven liked the old timey beginning and where he took it. “You have a great range,” he added. “Tonight you nailed it, a lot of passion.”

PAUL MACDONALD: “Folsom Prison Blues”
Strange to hear this Johnny Cash song in higher, thinner voice without the true low notes. But he really owned the stage and worked the crowd.

Randy: “I loved it.” Steven thought he rocked the house. Jennifer said it was perfect way to end the show and right in his lane.

It’s going to be a tough cut Thursday. The only two I think are in danger are Jacob and Haley. Jacob because he went first and sounded arrogant, plus I wasn’t his strongest performance. Haley did an outstanding job, but she’s got a bad track record haunting her.

Who do you think did well? Who is in danger? Has Casey proved he deserved the save? Give us your TwoCents…