In an afternoon press conference, Nigel Lythgoe promised us some amazing performances tonight.
I’m just hoping Idol ditches the group night drama and gets right to the music.
And I think it’s likely, seeing as how it’s only an hour-long program and, judging from the end of last night’s show, they plan to eliminate half of the remaining 100.
For more about what Nigel said about the judges, the direction of Idol and this year’s talent, go here. Heck, there will be plenty of time to check it out during commercial breaks.
Meanwhile, I’m just hoping to see more new faces, and more of some contestants we heard for the first time last night, like Stevie Cain, Ashthon Jones, Deandre Brackensick and Jacob Lusk.
Because I’ve been less than overwhelmed by some of Idol’s chosen few, and that includes Chris Medina, Brett Loewenstern and especially Jacqueline Dunford and Jaycee Bardeaux.
And, yep, we get right down to business, with Haley Reinhart, who somehow survived forgetting her words on group day. But she has no problem singing solo, showing a soulful sound that seems to slay the judges.
Hooray, now Idol is going to feature Ashthon Jones for the first time. This gal can sing. Check out her six-track EP on Itunes, especially a dance tune called “Salsa, Salsa.” Or you can go here to hear it.
Next up: Thia Megia, who, to my ears, sounds considerably less impressive on “What a Wonderful World.” She’s among Idol’s 15s.
Now we see some contestants stumble, including Adrian Michael, Frances Coontz, and —-
Clint Jun Gamboa, with his ever-funky glasses, is back on stage, turning in a passionate version of “Georgia On My Mind.” Clint isn’t one of my favorites, but he certainly has a good voice.
Kendra Chantelle and Sophia Shorai — oh, yeah, where have these gals been? Sophia is particularly impressive. I’m not surprised at all. Check out her YouTube videos. She is an incredible jazz singer.
Carson Higgins and Chris Medina sing “My Prerogative.” Chris, again, is under-impressive. Carson has spent a lot of time doing musical theater, and that’s pretty obvious from his over-the-top performances. Which, quite frankly, detract from his vocals. I’d pass on both vocally, though Idol could use a few personalities like Carson.
Now we get a series of contestants showing off their instrumental and vocal skills including Robbie Rosen, Colton Dixon (who has been in a Christian band), Caleb Hawley (an excellent singer-songwriter who does a Gaga impersonation), Julie Zorrilla (who looks and sounds like an Idol), Brett Loewenstern (a clear favorite of Idol producers) and Casey Abrams (who dared to be unique playing a bass on “Georgia on My Mind”).
Oh, well, Jacqueline Dunford had to bow out due to illness. Frankly, she shouldn’t have survived group night. That leaves Chelsee Oaks to turn in a pale imitation of Kelly Clarkson singing “Because of You.”
Among the gals, has anyone gotten more screen time than Lauren Alaina? I don’t think so. Gotta admit, for 15, she shows incredible poise. She just might be able to handle the Idol pressure at such a young age.
Now we hear more from Jacob Lusk. Wow. He’s displaying range that we’ve only heard from James Durbin to this point. That might be the most impressive vocal we’ve heard tonight.
Following him is John Wayne Schulz, who’s going to do a country version of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide.” And sounded OK. Not great, just OK.
Up next is Ashley Sullivan, who had a tear-filled group day on Idol and is forgetting the words during her solo performance. This young lady is never going to survive the Idol pressure. She might be better off off Idol.
Stefano Langone, Jovany Barreto and Jaycee Bardeaux next up. All seem to please the judges. Personally, I’d pass on all three of them. Given some of the talent we’ve seen from male vocalists, I just don’t think they measure up.
Scott McCreery and Ta-Tynisha Wilson mess up the words on “I Hope You Dance.” Here’s hoping Scott stays around. I still think he’s one of the best male vocalists in this competition.
Now the contestants have been split up into rooms. It’s time for them to learn their fate.
OK, I had trouble keeping up.
But among the survivors: Scott McCreery, Laura Alaina, Casey Abrams, Robbie Rosen, James Durbin, Clint Jun Gamboa, Caleb Hawley, Jaycee Bardeaux, Haley Reinhart, Brett Loewenstern, Ashley Sullivan, Naima Adedapo, Rachel Zevita, Jovany Barreto and Carson Higgins.
Among the eliminated: Mark Gutierrez, Corey LeVoy, Chelsee Oaks and Brielle Von Hugel.
More in a bit.
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