Boy, Steven Tyler sure looked sparkly tonight, didn’t he?
Perhaps he was warned ahead of time that he’d be in the spotlight a lot.
I mean, Ryan Seacrest pretty much called Steven on all the silliness he spouted last night, from “cool dude in a loose mood” to “the goop of greatness.”
Which probably wouldn’t have sounded so silly if Paul’s singing were anywhere near as cool as his mood.
Or if Casey’s vocals had even hinted at greatness.
Anyway, another Idol lady has departed.
No big surprise there.
I figure at least two more depart before we’re even in danger of losing a guy in season 10.
On with the recap.
Deserved her fate: That would be the now departed Karen Rodriguez, who insisted on standing center stage singing diva song after diva song without the diva range needed to pull it off. Did you hear how off pitch she went when she hit the chorus of “Hero” tonight? Yet one judge wanted to save her? What in the world were you hearing, Jennifer Lopez? Anwyay, Karen’s shortcomings might not have been so obvious in season 10 if it weren’t for Pia Toscano, who sings the same music much, much better.
Very, very lucky: Truth be told, Naima Adedapo deserved that ticket home far more than Karen this week. I’m sorry, but if you can’t deliver a more powerful vocal and a better performance than she did Wednesday night on “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” you do not belong on the Idol stage. Naima promises she and pitch-perfect will become friends. Hmm.
Stock rising: While everyone else was standing still or slipping this week, Stefano Langone showed he’s a whole lot more than a cute guy with a great smile. He entertained and sang well, the only Idol to pull that off Wednesday night. Jennifer wants him to sing to her next week, with his eyes open. I bet there are a lot of female Idol fans out there feeling the same way.
Stock sinking: Paul McDonald and Jacob Lusk are distinctive singers with the capability to make a run at this year’s Idol crown. I listen to Paul’s studio tracks, and they sound great. He gets on stage, and it doesn’t translate. I admire Jacob’s range. But I want to enjoy a performance, too. All “Alone” left me was confused. These guys need to pull it together before I lump them in with the pretenders instead of the contenders.
This week’s special advice: It goes to Pia Toscano. Dirty it up, girl. Ditch the diva. Give us something we wouldn’t expect. Some Janis Joplin. Some Melissa Etheridge. Something up-tempo, entertaining and a little bit wild. Show us you can be every bit as unpredictable as Casey Abrams. Because I bet you’ll sound better.
This week’s special advice, part 2: And, Pia, never ever wear that white outfit from Wednesday night again. If you want to wear white, did you check out Fergie on Thursday?
On the bubble: Haley Reinhart, of course. Two trips to the bottom three. Two escapes. She’s looking like the Kristy Lee Cook of season 10. Hey, Haley, this shouldn’t be difficult. Lend that bluesy voice of yours to a really popular bluesy song. Better yet, a classic you can inject some blues into. Pull it off, and you might hang around for a couple of more weeks. Because if you don’t pull it off, next week will be your last.
Download plug: Check out Haley’s studio rendition of “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Coming this weekend: New rankings for the final 11, and I guarantee there will be some movement.
Also: After a long drought, we’re about to be deluged by new Idol music. I’ll remind you who is releasing what and when.
A look back: This week’s song by song grades, if you missed them …
Stefano Langone: “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” — B+
Scotty McCreery: “Can I Trust You with My Heart” — B+
Pia Toscano: “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” — B
Casey Abrams: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” — B-
Jacob Lusk: “Alone” B-
Thia Megia: “Colors of the Wind” — B-
James Durbin: “I’ll Be There for You” — C
Karen Rodriguez: “Love Will Lead You Back” — C-
Paul McDonald: “That’s Why They Call It the Blues” — C-
Haley Reinhart: “I’m Your Baby Tonight” — C-
Naima Adedapo: “What’s Love Got to Do with It” — D+
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