It's Idol Gives Back week and the theme is Songs of Inspiration. The Top 7 Finalists had the honor of working with Grammy winning number one hit maker Alicia Keys.
Casey James selected the Fleetwood Mac jam that hit #3 in 1977, Don't Stop. While this is a very optimistic pop song, he completely failed to connect with the lyrics and convey any emotion. His vocals were very mundane and forgettable.
Simon and Garfunkle hit #7 in 1969 with The Boxer. It's a truly lovely song, but you couldn't tell with the wretched and strained screams coming out of Lee Dewyze. It was thoroughly painful to listen to and it lacked any human connection at all.
Tim Urban chose to sing Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls. He once again is working the smile and the trendy hair style while strumming his guitar and singing. He seemed to really understand the lyrics and was able to convey the meaning well, despite the few clunky notes he hit here and there.
I Believe I Can Fly by R Kelly peaked at #2 in 1996 and it was a big inspirational ballad that little Aaron Kelly tried to make his own. Once again, he is too small all around to take on this kind of choice.
Mariah Carey hit #15 with her theme song from The Prince of Egypt, When You Believe. Siobhan Magnus was able to do a wonderful vocal justice to this difficult song. She clearly has an exceptional vocal range and a skillful ability to interpret powerful lyrics. And on top of that, she can successfully get away with butterfly accessories on her dresses.
Michael Lynche is making the best of his repeated opportunities to come back with a winning interpretation of Hero from the Spiderman soundtrack. He is a very good singer, but his only flaw is that he continues to select songs that don't pack a big enough punch to really show off his skills.
People Get Ready has been covered many times since the Impressions hit #14 with it in 1965. Crystal Bowersox brought more emotional depth to this vocal performance than any of the other contestants combined. She looked lovely in a long black gown and sounded flawless. It was hard to hold back the tears after hearing this wonderful rendition.
Too bad only one finalist will be going home this week, because more than three are deserving of being in the bottom. My prediction for the bottom three this week is Casey James, Aaron Kelly and Lee DeWyze. All of these boys made our ears hurt this week, but the biggest culprit is little Aaron who should be sent packing.
1 comment:
Sorry have to totally disagree with you on some levels. You would be correct with Michael, and Casey but you are in the wrong with Lee. I thought it was one of his better preformances. And yes I could understand every word he sang. I do also disagree with you about Siobhan. I think she started off strong but as the weeks go by she is slowly falling off the wagon. In a couple of weeks she will be gone. Why because when push comes to shove it will be Chrystal and Lee in the end. At least if the judges have anything to say about it. Thanks for letting me voice.
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