Idol Chatter & Voice Views

In hindsight, wow, were the song choices disappointing last night.

I mean, American Idol threw open the songbook of past Idols for the Top 10.

What did they chose?

Three coronation songs, five songs the Idols had performed during their time on the show and just two — two — post-Idol hits.

Billboard recently counted down the top 100 Idol hits of all time. Apparently only one (Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” by Lazaro Arbos) merited a cover last night.

Think of the Kelly Clarkson songs Kree Harrison could have countryfied. Of the Carrie Underwood songs Angie Miller could have pumped a little more pop into.

But there wasn’t a whole lot of originality going on last night either.

There were lots of ballads. This cast will apparently go to any length to sing a big ballad until we’re bored to tears with big ballads.

In fact, if I could chose a theme for next week it would be pretty simple: Thou Shalt Not Sing a Ballad Week.

Tonight’s results show should benefit from the fact that two singers cut in Vegas will return for a first-ever sing-off to earn a spot on the Idol summer tour.

I’m hoping Aubrey Cleland or Breanna Steer is the female to return.

And, after they annihilate whatever male they sing against, I’m holding out hope that Idol producers reconsider the folly of not having a wild card and insert the winner into the finals.

We need someone to challenge Kree, Angie and Candice Glover, and it doesn’t look like any of the guys are up to the challenge.

As for tonight’s elimination, all the gals should be safe. Burnell Taylor should go home, but I’m guessing those undeserved rave reviews last night will save him.

That could mean the hot seat for Devin Velez or Curtis Finch, both of whom performed early and not so well on Wednesday.

First we hear from Jimmy Iovine, who loved Candice, Kree and Amber last night and thought Burnell did well for the guys. Still don’t get the Burnell critiques. He was downright brutal last night.

Hmm, and for the first time ever, Idol is going to tell us who made the top three, but won’t reveal the order in which they finished.

And the first to make that top three — Candice Glover. No surprise there.

And the second to make that top three — Kree Harrison. Nice pick, voters.

Time for that sing-off …

First up, Charlie Askew, singing an original, “Sky Blue Diamond,” at the piano. Bravo to him for singing a song he wrote. The vocal is a little rough, though. And I’m not sure the long piano interludes are going to help. But I’m thrilled to see Charlie get another shot at performing on the Idol stage. Grade: C

Aubrey Cleland: The young lady from Oregon will sing “Here On My Own.” Don’t think there’s going to be any doubt who turns in the better vocal. Just sorry she decided to go with yet another ballad. But she was miles ahead of Charlie in terms of singing ability. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Charlie win. Grade: B

Now, a musical interlude from Phillip Phillips, singing his new single “Gone, Gone, Gone.” And he’s presented a plaque for 4 million sales for his debut single, “Home.”

And the third contestant in the top three is: Angie Miller.

Well done, Idol voters.

Hmm, and now we find out the rest of the results:

4th: Lazaro Arbos
5th: Amber Holcomb
6th: Janelle Arthur
7th: Burnell Taylor
8th: Paul Jolley
9th: Devin Velez
10th: Curtis Finch finishes last.

And that prompts Nicki to leave her seat. She threatened to leave along with Curtis.

Here we go, another ballad from Curtis. He’s singing “I Believe I Can Fly.” Don’t care how good Curtis is. There’s no way the judges can use the save this early.
He was much better tonight that he was last night.

And the judges won’t save Curtis.