The top 13 finalists must make a selection from the legendary pop catalog of thriller Michael Jackson. Even though everyone was thrilled to get 13 finalists, turns out that the lowest TWO vote getters will be sent home if they fail to thrill us.
The Way You Make Me Feel spent a week at #1 in 1987. Lil Rounds gave an example of what she is sure to do for many weeks to come. She elevated a great pop song to an even higher level of greatness with her impressive vocal range and energy. And this is surely just a small taste of what she can do.
Keep the Faith is a track from the 1991 album Dangerous. The lyrics state that you can be a winner if you keep the faith. Scott MacIntyre was able to be at his piano and convey this inspirational message to his many fans. It was every bit as great as can be expected. Scott showed off his effortless musical talent as well as his ability to sing very well.
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) went to the top 10 in 1983. Danny Gokey did his best to re-invent this post disco groove and make it a hard edged rock jam. He definitely brought a high level of energy to his performance and it was a lot of fun. The last time the American Idol fans got excited by someone like this, Taylor Hicks went all the way to winning the crown.
You Are Not Alone hit #1 in 1995. Michael Sarver used this sweet and simple ballad to show the world that he can belt out the big notes with sincerity and passion. Honestly, he already looked and sounded great, but this was his best yet.
I'll Be There spent five weeks at #1 in 1970 and then two more weeks at the top in 1992. Jasmine Murray took on one of the biggest hits of all time and completely did it justice. This young woman carried herself with elegant poise and style as she delivered this beautiful rendition.
Remember The Time went top 5 in 1992. Kris Allen gave a valiant effort with his guitar on stage to re-envision this R&B favorite into a pop/rock style. Kris is obviously not the best singer in the competition, but he is an undeniable sweetheart and all around good guy. His looks and personality should get him a little farther.
Give In To Me is another track from the 1991 album Dangerous. Alison Iraheta kept her version very true to the original. It's a strong guitar driven rocker that allowed her to belt out the vocals and set herself apart with her unique style and hot pink haired stage presence.
Beat It spent three weeks at #1 in 1983 and went on the win the Grammy for Record of the Year. Anoop Desai got very lucky last week and had the rules rewritten for him so he could be here tonight. This song was not the best way to show that he deserved this opportunity. The song is great but his performance was plain.
Never Can Say Goodbye peaked at #2 in 1971. This was a great song for Jorge Nunez to express his very smooth vocals even though the available choices proved challenging for him. He did the best he could and it would be a shame to lose him this early in the game.
Rockin Robin also peaked at #2 but in 1972. Megan Joy Corkrey used this quirky song choice to show just how quirky she is. It was a kinda silly performance that didn't showcase her vocal range at all, but she's doing whatever she wants.
Black or White spent seven weeks at #1 in 1991. Adam Lambert did a fantastic job bringing this pop anthem to life. He has the moves and stage presence to be convincing where others just seem phony. And his voice is perfect for catchy hit records.
Human Nature went top 10 1983. Matt Giraud sat behind the piano and went into his high falsetto to try and show the world that he can channel Justin Timberlake trying to be Michael Jackson. While it was pretty good, seeing him made it very clear that he is a far cry from the real Justin Timberlake or Michael Jackson.
Dirty Diana spent one week at #1 in 1988. Alexis Grace really made a strange choice with this rock selection. The song really doesn't have a melody that will show her voice at it's best, so she was only able to scream out loud notes to get her point across. It's also possible that her black hot pants weren't the best way to show off her stage presence either.
Since two finalists will be going home tomorrow, I'm going to mix things up and predict a bottom four instead of a bottom three. My prediction for the bottom four is not quite as easy to make as it has been in years past. For the most part, this top 13 is pretty good and there isn't a blatant contestant who doesn't belong. While I have already been clear on who my favorites are, tonight's performances haven't changed that at all. So I'm admittedly just guessing my bottom four at random: I think they might be Anoop Desai, Megan Joy Corkery, Jorge Nunez and Alexis Grace. I think they could all get better if given the chance to come back, but unfortunately my prediction is that Alexis Grace and Jorge Nunez won't be getting another chance.
3 comments:
I agree with your picks for the most part. The only part I might argue is that Jorge will be going home. I think he may have such a strong following in Puerto Rico that votes from there alone will carry him further. Remember a few years ago the less than talented girl from Hawaii made final three based largely on the votes from Hawaii. But, if you were going on performance instead of expected votes, you are right.
I hope I'm wrong about Jorge because I like him a lot. In fact, I'm going to vote for him right now!
I definitely think Anoop will be going home. He's an okay singer, but not much of a stage presence.
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