I’d say tonight might just have been the best night of Idol so far this season.
Music triumphed over drama. We saw lots of singers.
Sure, Idol was back to its old tricks, reminding us about producers’ favorites.
But we were introduced to some new faces too.
What did we learn?
That by this time next week, we’ll have a final 24.
And that despite all the talk of spanking-new themes in season 10, we’re going to kick off next week with a very old and tired one — songs from the Beatles.
Now, for those of you trying to follow along and wondering who survived and who didn’t last night, I can provide only a partial answer. I watched the final announcements three times and picked out some faces, but not nearly all of them. So I’ve listed the ones I’m certain of at the bottom of this blog.
Meanwhile …
New stars:
Jacob Lusk displayed a range we’ve seen only from one male contestant so far this season — James Durbin. And sang with a passion few have matched. Which proved last night’s sorta off-beat group round performance was far from a fluke.
Ashthon Jones: I’m telling you, we should have met this gal much sooner in the competition. I’m been trying to tell people that ever since Idol ignored her in Nashville. Now she has appeared on two straight episodes and sounded brilliant each time.
Sophia Shorai: Speaking of brilliant, I believe we got to hear her sing for the first time on Thursday’s show and she sounded as good as any other female performer all night. I only hope she survived. I couldn’t pick her out in the group rounds.
You can learn more about Sophia here and listen to a couple of her songs. She’s an excellent jazz singer, with a 12-track CD to her credit. She’s also in her last year of Idol eligibility.
Glad they survived:
Lauren Alaina: At this point, she looks like a front-runner among the gals, partly because Idol has featured her so much. Partly because she really can sing. And, at 15, seems not the least bit intimidated by the Idol stage.
Scotty McCreery: He might have hit the nail on the head when, after fumbling his solo performance lyrics, he guessed that his deep voice might pull him through. It did and should have. He’s got a distinctive sound. The last thing Idol needs is another season of sound-alike males like season eight (Adam Lambert being the exception, of course.)
Casey Abrams: The guy’s got talent, and he’s a character. That’s the perfect combination for a show like Idol. Another excellent performance on Thursday’s show.
Caleb Hawley: We heard from him Thursday during the brief segment when Idol featured singers who also play instruments; in Caleb’s case, a guitar. I’ve heard more of him from watching his YouTube videos than watching Idol this season. Take my word, the guy’s a talented singer-songwriter with a quirky streak.
Haley Reinhart: With that long blond hair, she looks a little like a Carrie Underwood. But sings with a lot more soul. You can hear more of Haley here. One of the first ladies to perform Thursday and one of the most impressive.
James Durbin: We didn’t get to hear him sing on Thursday’s episode, but we all know he can. So I was glad to spot him in one of the rooms that advanced.
Brett Loewenstern: I’ve had trouble embracing Brett because he’s clearly one of those contestants Idol wants us to fall in love with. But you know what? He turned in a superb vocal in his solo performance.
Surprised they survived:
Carson Higgins: His background is in musical theater, and it shows. The antics overpower the singing.
Chris Medina: Another forgettable performer. Still a much better story than singer.
Jovany Barreto: An OK voice, but does he really stand out in what Idol says is one of its best casts ever?
Thia Megia: Another of Idol’s youngsters. Let’s just say I was less than awed by her vocals, compared to what we’ve heard from the likes of Lauren Alaina, Scott and Brett so far this season.
What was Idol thinking?
Ashley Sullivan: This time, she broke down on stage. And forgot her words. Yet advanced. No way she’ll survive the pressure of the big stage.
Jaycee Bardeaux: Clearly the appeal is lost on me. But, generally, I appreciate phenomenal vocals of all sorts. Sorry, I haven’t heard anything phenomenal — or even much better than average — from young Jaycee.
Who survived
The ones I’m sure of: Ashley Sullivan, Brett Loewenstern, Haley Reinhart, Jaycee Bardeaux, Caleb Hawley, Clint Jun Gamboa, James Durbin, Robbie Rosen, Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, Chris Medina, Luke James Shaffer, Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo, Jackie Wilson, Lakeisha Lewis (performs as Keisha Renee), Lauren Turner, Julie Zorrilla, Jovany Barreto, Jordan Dorsey, Jacob Lusk, Hollie Cavanaugh, Ashthon Jones, Carson Higgins, Scotty McCreery, Thia Megia, Rachel Zevita.
Who didn’t
Mark Gutierrez, Chelsee Oaks, Shane Golden, Corey LeVoy, Brelle Von Hugel, Shane Facchinello.
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