RECAP TIME FOR THE TOP 3 PERFORMANCES
I AM GOING TO ENTITLE THIS --- VOTE LIKE YAMIN IT.
HERE IS A CUT AND PASTE DISTILLATION OF COMMENTS I HAVE ABOUT LAST NIGHT's TOP 3 SEMI-FINALS. Some words are not mine but I borrow freely from quotations made by others which I agree with ( adding words of my own on top ).
We're down to the final 3 .....In fact, it was all about threes on Tuesday night: three songs, three phone numbers, three costume changes for each of the three remaining contestants. Only two, however, will make it past tomorrow night to perform live on the stage at the Kodak Theatre next week.
Each of the contestants had two of their three songs selected for them: RCA executive Clive Davis selected their first song while a judge picked the second. The third was the only opportunity they had to control their own fate.
So, how can the judges complain and say they didn't like the song ? Of course you won't expect them to trash their own choices. And are they going to disrespect mogul, Clive Davis ? ( The man with the golden ear ) by trashing his song selections ?
Yet, even that didn't stop the judges from complaining about song choice. Katharine McPhee was understandably frustrated when Randy Jackson started complaining about the song Clive Davis selected for her. “I didn't pick it!” she said. Why didn't the camera pan to Clive Davis to see his reaction then ? That would have been a priceless moment.....
Anyway, Since I am here playing armchair critic, let me say this of Davis' song choices ---- I HATED HIS CHOICES FOR TAYLOR AND KAT BUT LOVED HIS CHOICE FOR ELLIOTT.
To Summarize, the songs Davis selected for the performers to start the show all seemed designed to challenge them, pushing them toward individuality and pulling them away from karaoke. Those songs were among the least successful as a whole, though, so perhaps Davis was asking for a bit too much. The judges, strangely enough, all liked the performance and song choice for the songs that they chose. And they had mixed reviews for the individual performances.
Now, ON TO THE SHOW.....
Watching Clive's video package, it's hard not to be awed by his star making ability. He started and restarted the careers of many great ones--Janis Joplin ( the female version of Taylor Hicks ?? ), Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Aretha Franklin, Whitney, P. Diddy, Alisha Keys... Very impressive.
Too bad the records he's made with American Idol winnders like Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia and Bo Bice are mostly crap. Only Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts was enjoyable for me when I borrowed it from the library. Kelly Clarkson BROKE AWAY ( apologies to her hit song ) when she got out of her contract and signed with another label. I HATE TO SEE WHAT TAYLOR HICKS for instance would sound like singing crappy ballads like "A MOMENT LIKE THIS INSIDE YOUR HEAVEN". But that's the bargain you make with Mepistopheles. You sell your soul for a moment of glory.
Elliott Yamin - "Open Arms" by Journey - Ok, this quote from Clive gave me the guffaws, "Elliott hasn't done too many rock songs..." I guess I shouldn't question the dude who discovered Bruce and Patti, but, "Open Arms" is a schlocky 80s power ballad. It ain't a rock song. Randy Jackson should like this as he was the bass guitar player for Journey ( yes, he had a funky flat haircut too ) for many years ( but did he play in this song ?).
Considering the cheese factor here--Elliott did a nice job, but it wasn't enough. Not at this stage of the competition. While his performance was refreshingly free of bombast, he failed to bring it on during the chorus. For some reason, Elliott held back where he needed to ramp it up. In Idol land no glory notes = no glory. Elliott has at this point in time failed to convince me that Simon's hype about his being (or potentially being ) the best voice in ALL 5 SEASONS is true. NO Simon, the one with the best male voice is still for me -- Clay Aiken, and yes he DID A BETTER VERSION OF THIS SAME SONG.
It's unfortunate, because I think Elliott could have had a moment here. I loved the first verse--understated, emotional, sweet--but when Elliott hit the chorus he stayed flat instead of ramping it up. The political slogan for ALL Idol contestants should be, "It's the Glory Note, Stupid." It's true. Randy said, "Feel free to take chances when you do your thing." Simon said, "You are a little stiff...you have got to loosen up and start believing you can make the finals next week." They're both right.
IN SUM, Not great, but not bad. Did he transpose the last two lines of the chorus? He sounded a little flat in parts, but the vibrato was mostly kept in check. Sorry, this song did not make me forget Steve Perry and Clay Aiken still owns this song in American Idol.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE
Katharine McPhee - "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelley ( sheeesh, another overperformed song which was most recently sang as a duet by Anthny Federov and Anwar Robinson accompanied by Kenny G in last season's FINAL NIGHT ).
Clive said he chose this song for Katharine so she could "soar along with the lyric and the melody." He chose this song so she could have a "Katharine McPhee moment." Hasn't he been watching her this season?
I said to Kat time and again --- LESS IS BETTER. SIMPLICITY IS BEAUTY. STOP OVER-DECORATING YOUR SONGS AND JUST SING THEM !
Kat, remember, if this were the NBA, this isn't the NBA ALL STAR GAMES, THIS IS THE SEMI-FINALS. EVERY POINT COUNTS. When you're free to score a basket, just shoot the ball straight, don't try to over-dazzle us with an under the foot then overhead dunk.
As Yogi Berra would say, It's Deja Vu All over again. It felt like Groundhogs Day watching her--great start in her mid-range, but as soon as she tried to belt, she started ORNAMENTING the notes ONCE AGAIN. Shades of her singing Elvis' CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE and causing it to be UNRECOGNIZABLE.
The arrangement did her no favors, either. Having Katharine drop out so the background singers could take the lead almost made it seem like she forgot the lyrics. I liked the intent of changing up the arrangement, but it ended up being a little overdone. She didn't really get shrill, but there were too many runs and melismas thrown in for no real reason ( I said that before -- less is better. But she isn't listening ).
Here is something you can take to the bank with you. WHEN THE JUDGES START THEIR COMMENTS PRAISING YOU FOR HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU LOOK, BE WORRIED, BE VERY WORRIED BECAUSE THEY ARE STRUGGLING TO SAY SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT WHAT COUNTS -- - *YOUR PERFORMANCE* baby.
So, Both Randy and Paula started out their critiques complimenting her look (oh, oh) and then rightfully criticized her performance. Then Katharine whined, "You guys have been hard on me the last couple of weeks" Pssst Katharine....that's because your performances haven't been very good. When Randy said her problem was song choice--well, admittedly that was a dumb thing to say, 'cause she didn't pick it--she still should have just smiled. Instead she snotted, "I didn't pick it!" She came off like an entitled brat.
Afterward, Simon stepped in like an indulgent parent and said, "I think you're actually being a bit unfair...Randy...she didn't choose the song...and I think apart from a couple of bum notes (a couple?) at the end, you kind of created a bit of a moment for yourself" Wow, he really wants her in the Final Two--unless he meant a really horrid moment. Cut to Katharine and she had a look on her face like, "Yay! Daddy loves me! Stuff it Mommy!" Just. UGH. Don't EVEN get me started on the shots of her parents in the audience...
BTW, Kat's dad usually tears up everytime he hears his little darling sings. Hand him some Kleenix please.
NOT A GOOD START.
Clive Davis chooses for Taylor Hicks - "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen - In Clive's clip, a big deal was made of Bruce allowing one of his hits to finally be performed on the Idol stage. In the past, he's always declined. I'll bet Clive sent him a few clips of Taylor, and I can imagine Bruce impressed enough to change his mind.
OK, LET ME SAY UP FRONT ---- Bruce Springsteen has had a lot of hits and many of them are great for the performing stage. IMHO, Clive chosed a BUM SONG. I HATE IT. IT IS *NOT* ( REPEAT, *NOT* ) a singer's song. THE MELODY IS REPETITIVE, NO POWER NOTES, NO GREAT HARMONIOUS SOUND. WHAT THE HECK WAS THIS CHOICE ABOUT ??
OK, Let's be honest ( and you fans of the Boss out there can butcher me now ), ARE ANY OF BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN's SONGS FIT TO REALLY SHOWCASE YOUR VOCALS ?
I think Clive's intent is really to see how well Taylor can PERFORM.
AS AN ARMCHAIR JUDGE, I CAN'T JUDGE TAYLOR ON VOCALS BECAUSE THERE IS PRACTICALLY NONE TO HIGHLIGHT !!
So, as he starts to PERFORM, Taylor managed to infuse the lyric with some passion, particularly at the beginning of the tune. The gun-shot motion he did with his hand cracked me up. Then the sax came in for a solo. Back to Taylor for a few more heartfelt lines, and it felt like the song was over. When Taylor moved into the audience to dance with Paula, that was a cute, cute move--shades of Bruce and an 18 year-old (still un-drugged) Courtney Cox from the classic 80's video ( If you don't have the video, go and search for it at GOFISH.COM or YOUTUBE.COM), it's a classic scene people never forget.
But isn't Paula too old to play Courtney ? On second thought -- no. Both of them look like they are on drugs.
But it was distracting and a little awkward. He moved back on to the stage, and suddenly the song really was over. The arrangement felt really choppy. Simon said, "That was OK, a bit pale by comparison to the original...it was ok, and Paula, you dance well for an old lady" ( WHOOOA ).
Folks, Bruce Springsteen had over 4 minutes to perform this song. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TAYLOR TO DO WITH 90 SECONDS ?
SHEEESH !
Judges' Choice
For the Judges round, a video clip featured each contestant being presented their judges' choice song by a local/state official. Elliott and Kat got their respective mayors. Taylor got the governor of Alabama.
It looks like the smaller the state in terms of population, the bigger the deal is with being a national star. Heck, Arnold Schwarzennager could care less about Kat Mcphee. He's got stars all over his state.
Paul Abdul does a great job choosing the song for Elliott Yamin ----- "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell ( just as she did a sloppy job for Bo Bice last year with SATISFACTION by the Stones ).
As usual, Paula, being her usual incoherent self, goes on with some rambling, unintelligible explanation of why she chose this song for Elliott. Something about soul and rhythm and love and being a funky white boy.
Hey, can someone be a funky Korean or Chinese Ms. Abdul ? ( who I hear is of Lebanese decent ).
Ryan had to ask her again, and she said, "It was in his vocal range." Yes Pauler, I gathered that from your choice already.
Despite Paula's incoherent babbling, I do have to give her props for picking a great song for Elliott. I can imagine him making a record like this.
It's obvious he loved the song. He came alive singing it. No flash here...just some really warm, smooth, soulful vocals. My only criticism is one I had last week--he should have moved around the stage just a little bit more.
The thing about Elliott is this --- IT IS OBVIOUS HE ISN'T A SEASONED PERFORMER AND OVER 15 WEEKS IN THIS SHOW MAKES THIS VERY OBVIOUS. But his voice is SUPERB as usual.
I didn't notice the sharpness that Randy did. I think the song could have ended stronger, but overall a very solid performance.
Paula babbled about something, and then Simon said, "I thought you sang that pretty good." Faint praise, but praise all the same.
OK, Let's cut to the chase..... THIS IS A 3 SONG NIGHT. THE KIND OF NIGHT THAT MORE OR LESS SHOWS WHAT YOU WILL BE LIKE IN AN ACTUAL CONCERT.
The problem with Elliott Yamin is he is in danger, very grave danger of the "B" word --- Boring people in a concert.
LOOKIE HERE --- WHO DO I SEE IN THE AUDIENCE ? NONE OTHER THAN *FUEL*. THE BAND THAT SUPPOSEDLY OFFERED THE PREMATURELY DEPARTED CHRIS DAUGHTRY THE LEAD SINGER's ROLE IN THEIR BAND.
Not surprising, this group is with SONY-BMG and who else is the mogul of this outfit ? Clive Davis of course.
HEY DUDES, I THOUGHT AMERICAN IDOL IS TOO CHEEZY FOR YOU ?
I GUESS THE PROSPECT OF BEING SHOWN TO 40 MILLION PEOPLE IS TOO HARD TO IGNORE HUH ?
Simon chooses the classic Judy Garland song SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW for Kat Mcphee.
This song is an ageless classic because it can be tailor made ( or in this case, Taylor made ?? ) to suit your style. The melody is so flexible, so wonderful, so timeless that you can create endless variations limited only by your creativity.
My all time favorite rendition after Judy Garland's was Eva Cassidy's OUTSTANDING VERSION that made me a fan after hearing her sing it the first time.
Cassidy's version was so great that Tamyra Gray stole the arrangement in Season 1 and re-did it. Of course you know that Kimberly Locke auditioned in Hollywood with this song and passed with flying colors.
With so many great singers doing justice to this song, I AM MORE THAN CURIOUS to see how Kat Mcphee would compare... IS she going to put her own creative spin on it ? Or will it sound like your standard High School Musical ?
Simon tells us, "I knew from the very first day, I met Katharine that this song was probably the most perfect song in the world for her. And tonight, she could have the moment we've been waiting for..."
So, did we have a Kat Mcphee moment ? If the definition of moment is making me forget Eva or Judy, NO.
BUT NONTHELESS, IT WAS LOVELY AND GORGEOUS AND THAT's ALL I WANT TO HEAR.
She starts singing sitting on the floor (shades of Fantasia's "Summertime", which actually was a moment), and she performs a sweet, tuneful version of the song.
I am not sure if she successfully conveyed in her rendition, the bittersweet yearning, longing for a better life that is in the lyrics of the song. But now, what made her performance very beautiful was this --- SHE ACTUALLY TOOK MY ADVICE AND K.I.S.S ( Kept It Simple Sister ).
She didn't strain on the high glory notes and just strove to sustain them. You've got to have the glory notes at this stage of the game to have your moment and yes, I can say she delivered. There were a couple spots where I thought she might go off the melody too much again but she held back just enough and stayed in control. Her tone and expression were lovely. Definitely a "moment" for her.
Randy and Paula praised her for not oversinging-- AND ALL I CAN SAY IS -- AMEN TO THAT.
Randy said it was her best performance all season. Simon said, "that was the single best performance of the competition to date." Overall--it was very good, but best of the competition?
I'd have to go back and review, but I'm not ready to be that effusive yet.
My dear judges --- let's not try to manufacture a moment when we're still waiting for one. It would be like scare mongerers from the left trying to manufacture the latest crisis to scare us into coughing more of our tax dollars for the government.
What does Randy Jackson do but choose the obvious song for Taylor that he has in mind ? I mean, since the Las Vegas auditions he's been comparing Taylor ( with his spastic moves ) to the unforgettable Joe Cocker ( who is still alive and still not having a heart attack ).
And in typical Ranyesque-speak, he writes a FAX tothe Alabama governor by starting it with --- "YO YO GOVERNOR RILEY".
Somehow, I'd like to vote for Randy Jackson for president and read his letter to Vladimir Putin or Ahmadinejad starting with those words.
Randy mentioned that the song YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL was written by Billy Preston and is Joe Cocker's signature song. Randy said Taylor "always gives me a Joe Cocker, Ray Charles kind of vibe...I know he's going to sing it like an old soul" Indeed, Taylor is a throwback to an earlier time, but I wish Randy had picked a song that was less overplayed. The song itself is so slight, there really isn't much to be done with it except repeat the same lyric over and over again--changing the dynamics here and there so it isn't boring.
I've attended several wedding receptions where this song has been sang so often that it is almost like HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Simon has already been comparing Taylor to a wedding singer and this isn't going to change the perception.
TWO BAD CHOICES FOR TAYLOR IN MY BOOK. WHAT's HE GOING TO DO WITH THIS NOW ?
Oddly, Taylor's vocal limitations were revealed here, particularly at the beginning of the song, but he belted it out in the right spots and did a nice job with a well worn song. Badly done, this tune would have certainly gotten him the label of wedding singer, 'cause this tune has certainly been sung at many a wedding over the years.
But Taylor showed his EXPERIENCE by showcasing his INTERPRETATIVE SKILLS. This is very hard to teach and really comes from instinct. I don't think you can be taught that even in music school. You have to FEEL IT to SING IT PROPERLY.
Even Simon was impressed. He said, "...That was so far and away, your best performance so far."
WHY IS SIMON SOUNDING SO UNCHARACTERISTIC TONIGHT ?
And why are superlatives being thrown all over the place ?
Look, I like what Taylor did with the LOUSY MATERIAL HE HAS TO WORK WITH, BUT NO,NO,NO THIS IS *NOT* HIS BEST PERFORMANCE.
For me, It would still be Takin It To the Streets.
PERSONAL SONG CHOICE
Elliott Yamin chooses "I Believe to My Soul" by Ray Charles ( originally ).
But note --- Elliott's idol is Donny Hathaway and Donny did a version of this song. I HAVE NO DOUBTS IN MY MIND THAT ELLIOTT IS DOING THE HATHAWAY VERSION.
Elliott's forte is really doing UPBEAT, BLUESY, JAZZY TUNES AND IT SHOWS HERE He injected his typically soulful vibe into his performance and he sounded terrific.
Now, I am going to add the terrible "B" word --- BUT. YES--- BUT !!!
As I said above, Elliott's ONE BIG PROBLEM IS HE IS COMPETING WITH 2 CONTESTANTS WHO WORK THE STAGE *VERY* WELL.
What does Elliott do ? HE GLUED HIMSELF TO THE FLOOR AND JUST SANG THE HECK OUTA THE SONG, CLUTCHING THE MIC AS IF HIS DEAR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT.
IF Kat Mcphee's problem is over-decorating songs, Elliott's problem is and has always been his INABILITY TO EXCITE.
NOT GOOD WHEN 40 MILLION PEOPLE ARE WATCHING AND YOU'RE TRYING TO CATCH THEIR ATTENTION. YOU GOT TO BE A SHOWMAN AND SELL YOUR SONG as the great Rod Stewart counseled a few weeks back.
In short, Visually, compared to Katharine and Taylor's stage moves--Elliott's paled by comparison. It's too bad, because the vocal really was very very good. At this stage of the competition, everything counts, and I'm afraid his lack of stage presence may cost him tonight. I think strictly on vocals, he was better than both Katharine and Taylor. BUT FOLKS, THIS IS *NOT* STRICTLY ABOUT VOCALS ALONE. IF IT WERE, WHY BOTHER TO PUT IT ON TV ?
Randy and Paula criticized him for picking an unfamiliar tune. I suppose from a competitive point of view that makes sense--the audience is more likely to be wowed by something they've heard before. But putting aside familiarity--the song was really perfect for Elliott's vocal talents. Simon gave him the Great Big Goodbye and Thanks For Playing Kiss Off--"Your songs are not going to carry you through to next week. That's the problem. However, you are a great guy, you are a great singer, and whatever happens, you will make your mum proud for what you achieved in this competition."
At this point folks, I am quite certain, after 3 performances, that Elliott will again be at the bottom 2 ( DUH, there isn't a bottom 3 anymore ). I am kinda sad because I WANTED HIM TO WIN THIS. It would be a Cinderalla story seeing how he had to work against all of the natural handicaps he's had ( 90% deaf in one ear, adult onset diabetes and of course, bad teeth and having to compete against a cover-girl stunner like Kat Mcphee ).
But Overall, I don't think E fully "let go" and he didn't quite hit any of his songs out of the park. However, his voice was smooth and well-controlled in all three performances.
IN SUM....
Would I love to have Elliott's CD on my car for a long drive ? With the right songs, ABSOLUTELY. PUT HIM ON THE STUDIO WITH 12 STANDARDS AND I'LL BUY THE CD IN A JIFFY.
BUT, Will I want to pay to watch him on stage ? That's another matter altogether.
Katharine McPhee chooses "I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues" a blues standard by Ella Fitzgerld. Kat, don't ruin this because Ella is one of my all time favorite big band singers. She is a demi-goddess to me. BTW, I'd have much prefered it had Kat chosen HOW HIGH THE MOON instead of this relative unknown. The melody is hummable and better known.
So, Kat decides to go oldies for her last song. Note that Kat always excels when she does old time classics and always garners praise. Strange, the judge's response seems restrained tonight.
I think it's because this song by Ella is not familiar. The great thing about Kat with this song is SHE HAD FUN for a change. She sounded great and it was fun watching her vamp it up ( and that outfit with the boots just gives me sweats with all the possibilities that go with it ). I can totally imagine Katharine on the theater stage or performing in a cabaret. And I don't mean that in a bad way. She brought "the girls" out for this last number. Smart move. And I don't mean that in a bad way either. Work it if you've got it, baby. "Over the Rainbow" was her best song of the night, but this song was leaps and leaps and bounds better than "I Believe I Can Fly".
Simon's response captured the mood of all 3 judges --- "I wished you could've ended your performance with Over the Rainbow Instead of this one"
But folks, be fair. Re-listen to this performance on MP3 at this site : www.rickey.org
IT's SURPRISINGLY GOOD.
WE HAVE WATCHED OVER 15 WEEKS OF KAT McPHEE, WHAT CAN WE SAY OF HER ?
Tonight is a Kind of a microcosm of Kat's entire AI run... moments of brilliance alternated with some pronounced stumbles.
Luckily, I think the brilliance outweighed the stumbles tonight and she might have, because of great stage presence and (unfortunate but true ) SHEER GOOD LOOKS, overcome the E train called Yamin.
So, Would I love to have Kat's CD on my car for a long drive ? With the right songs, ABSOLUTELY. Will I want to pay to watch her on stage ?
Why should I ? I have her sultry pictures everywhere on the Internet, most notably in Free Republic. Why pay if you can ogle for free ?
I am very content simply staring at them and imagining thank you .... :)
But to be fair, if she were in a good Broadway ensemble performing say, Oklahoma, my answer would be YES.
TAYLOR HICKS FINALLY GETS TO SING OTIS REDDING's "TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS".
He was royally stiffed by the producers when this song he chosed in Classic Love Songs Night was REFUSED.
I am now thinking, HEY, maybe it was better saved for Top 3 crunch time. It's no wonder his personal choice was his best. Taylor is very good at choosing songs that show off his vocal and performance skills. This was a perfect show closer.
Otis Redding's song is one of the great, classic soul songs. It was also Otis' swan song as he died not long after his OUTSTANDING and UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE OF THE SONG.
The main beef I have is always the same with Taylor's songs ----- He only has 90 seconds to sing this when Otis Redding had 4 full minutes and it requires that amount of time to build into the song and do it justice.
I can understand why a lot of people can't appreciate Taylor. His style does not suit very well for abbreviated songs that are cut by time constraints just as the momentum is about to build. This is true for instance with his past performances, most notably --- TROUBLE and IN THE GHETTO. Just as he was building momentum, he had to end it abruptly ( the musical equivalent of the premature ej____ if you get my drift ).
So, Taylor has to make the most of what remaining time he had with this Otis Redding song.
This was my favorite performance of the night. Taylor performed like this could be his very last on the idol stage--and that's how it needs to be done to stay in the competition. His wild performance incorporated the Taylorisms we've come to know--the passionate vocals and funky white-boy dance moves. For 90 seconds he went just a little mad, and it was awesome. Yes, He did get a little out of control at the end, but he pretty much delivered. But then Otis Redding went out of control with his version too... Just watch the video on GoFish or YouTube, you'll understand what I mean.
Randy was so excited he made up a dopey name for him, "Have a good time funky Taylor." Simon said, "Smart choice of song, good performance, hideous ending, I'll see you next week." I would imagine we will.
Now the same question I asked of the other 2 ....
Would I love to have Taylor's CD on my car for a long drive ? I already have Under the Radar. Just unleash Taylor's latent composing talent and soul and he sounds pleasant.
NEXT QUESTION....
Will I want to pay to watch him on stage ? Heck YES, where do I pay ???
IN SUM.....
Taylor clearly has the biggest presence of the three. His he was much more of a well-rounded performer than his competitors. If he doesn't make it to next week I'll be shocked. It isn't fair comparing Taylor to say, Elliott really. Taylor has had over 10 years performing for every imaginable venue in the South while Elliott has almost none.
I love Elliot but I don't think he did enough to overcome Kat's amazing OVER THE RAINBOW performance. She performed well tonight. Elliott performed well, but not enough to overcome his underdog status. Me? Besides the fact that I love an underdog, I think Elliott is the most talented vocalist out of the three. I'd love to see him and Taylor duke it out in the finale. But it isn't for me to decide.
So, I will bet this --- We'll see Taylor and Kat at the Kodak next week.
AND FINALLY, LET ME SAY THIS IN CLOSING --- IF THEY LET TAYLOR SING HIS OWN SOULFUL COMPOSITIONS, HE WINS HANDS DOWN. IF TAYLOR IS FORCED TO SING ONE OF THEM LAME SCHMALTZY DIANNE WARREN BALLADS, HE's DEAD AND KAT WINS THE IDOL CROWN ( which was originally designed with girls like her in the first place ).
