Some random thoughts after Idol’s Top 13 show …
Guys versus Gals: Despite an incredibly difficult theme week, the American Idol girls pulled off three of the top four performances on Wednesday with Skylar Laine, Hollie Cavanagh and Jessica Sanchez shining singing Whitney. And you might want to make that four of the top five, because Erika Van Pelt was an early standout on the show in a performance likely forgotten by the time the two-hour show ended.
Speaking of which: Where in the world was Idol hiding Hollie Cavanagh and Jessica Sanchez? And why? The Heejun Han comedy routine seems like a nightly feature on Idol. Colton Dixon, Reed Grimm and Adam Brock were featured on a regular basis. Meanwhile, we didn’t hear a peep from Jessica or Hollie until the Vegas round of Idol. And we didn’t hear from Hollie until the final night in Vegas. Now, they look like two of Idol’s best in Season 11. Just another example of how the show needs to do a better job of giving all the singers a fair shake in the early rounds of the competition.
Instruments anyone?: Last year, when Nigel Lythgoe returned to Idol, he said contestants needed to stop hiding behind instruments and that they’d only be allowed on an occasional basis. Looks like that Idol rule has been thrown out the window. Phillip Phillips is seldom seen without his guitar. He played it last week during the semifinals. He had it again last night. Personally, I say, “Let them play whatever they want.” Separating Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James from their guitars in Season 9 — and I’m pretty sure that’s what prompted the rule — would have been foolish.
Look at those judges: Someone, clearly, delivered a loud and clear message to the Idol judging panel. And it went something like this: “You are not here to be cheerleaders. You are here to judge. So judge.” Last night we witnessed — and I can’t believe I’m typing this — an all-time best judging performance from Randy, Jennifer and Steven. I mean, I hardly agreed with every assessment of every performance. But at least they were making assessments. Yep, love-everything Steven even contributed.
Speaking of which: Ryan’s final questions to the judges before the show closes — who was best? who’s in danger? — is a wonderful addition to the show and should become a weekly feature. The judges should also be required to answer. Randy dodged the danger portion on Wednesday. Jennifer rattled off so many names as being among the top performers that her answer mattered little. Pin them down, Ryan. Don’t accept half answers.
For a recap of Wednesday’s show, go here.
For song by song grades from Wednesday’s show, go here.
For a photo gallery from Wednesday’s show, go here.
2 Comments
May I know who said that “You are not here to be cheerleaders. You are here to judge. So judge.” to the judges.