photo: fox
Semi-finals
Original Air Date: Dec 14, 2011
Patricia Morris Buckley — Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com
I would love to continue my tirade against Nicole, especially as they show clips of poor Rachel sobbing last week. The producers try to repair the damage, but I think they’re attempting the impossible.
So here we are, after months of auditions and cuts, at the semi-finals. Each contestant gets to sing two songs, one of which the audience has chosen. The important thing here is that the judges no longer have a vote. Their words might influence votes, but they don’t get a real vote.
Unlike American Idol, the final will have three acts. That means this week is the last real cut before a winner is named. Here’s how they did:
MARCUS CANTY: “I’ll Make Love to You”
La called him the “three-time safety zone champion.” It seemed as if he had pitch problems and his falsetto was horrible. But he certainly puts his soul into this performance.
Nicole said he’s bringing sexy back. Paula called him the entertainer of the group and that he gave a solid performance. Simon didn’t like the distracting dancers and he didn’t change the song enough. LA said for the 100th time that he thinks Marcus is a real star.
CHRIS RENE: “Fly”
It’s fine performance, playing to his strengths, but nothing great.
Nicole said he made the audience feel good. Paula said he has the gift of sharing his heart with the world. Simon liked the song, not said it wasn’t his best vocal (calling it a 7 out of 10), but a good performance. LA said he has the sparkle of a star.
MELANIE AMORA: “Hero”
This is an overdone song, but the audience requested it. She takes it rather slow, but some of her choices are harder than the original – and she makes it look easy.
LA said it was really good, but he didn’t feel her usual passion. Nicole said some meaningless things. Paula called it impeccable, but she didn’t like the key change. Simon pointed out it wasn’t karaoke and called it fantastic.
JOSH KRAJCIK: “Come Together”
It doesn’t sound as if he’s changed it up much but it’s a good song for him. I didn’t like all the flames, so unnecessary. The flashing lights in time with the music were fun though. The Beatles seem to be a great fit for him.
LA enjoyed it and said it was the best he’s done in a few weeks. Paula would pay anything to see him perform live. Simon agreed with LA that Josh has had a comeback and it would be a massive shame if he doesn’t make the finals.
MARCUS CANTY: “Careless Whisper”
The dancers grate against the lyrics (I’m never going to dance again”). He does change it up with a disco beat and I like what he does as it feels more modern.
Nicole called it an unexpected song and she liked it, adding that he’s already a champion. Paula liked how he took a ballad and went up tempo with it. Simon called it horrific, saying it was like a Vegas show in 1983 and he deserved better. LA also called him a champion.
CHRIS RENE: “No One”
He plays piano, a first for him. His hair is slicked back and he’s wearing a tie and cardigan – very clean cut look.
Nicole said he doesn’t have the best voice to take on Alicia Keys, but his spirit transform. Paula loves him and thinks he’ll make the finals. Simon said he looked for him to deliver and he did, adding he could be the dark horse in the competition. LA said he has “loveability.”
MELANIE AMORA: “Feeling Good”
She is amazing and that fact that Mariah Carey emailed her isn’t surprising. It’s like welcoming the new diva on the block. She knocks it out of the ballpark. All four judges give her a standing ovation.
LA called her the greatest female to grace that stage and said she killed it. Nicole called it her freedom anthem. Paula said she felt good. Simon said this is why he brought the show to America. He called this her greatest performance of the show so far.
JOSH KRAJCIK: “Hallelujah”
He plays the piano. I like the black and white trees in the background. You can’t really lose with this song, but he gives an emotional and pitch-perfect performance. It’s beautiful.
LA is a huge fan but felt the performance lacked excitement. Paula, tears, called LA to task and said Josh was the one to beat. Simon agreed with Paula, and thinks he’s a shoe-in for the finals. Nicole called it a beautiful prayer and said he was a gift to listeners.
I thank that Marcus and Chris are in trouble. Both are good performers, but just don’t have as strong the voices of Melanie and Josh.
Who do you think has the best chance of making the finals? Who do you think will be cut? Are you over Rachel being cut yet? Give us your TwoCents…
TheTwoCents 
Rachel & Drew still should be there!!!
I’d definitely pick them over Chris and Marcus!!