Huh. Well, Jonny, I think this may be the first time you and I have had a significant disagreement over a singer. I have to say that while Adam’s “Ring of Fire” was indeed, IMHO, the “self-indulgent rubbish” that Simon called it, it was also beautifully crafted. Year after year, the Idol judges (especially Paula) yap about various singers’ falsettos and how great they are, when in point of fact they usually actually suck. But Adam’s falsetto is a work of art. He had absolute control over where he was taking it and what he wanted it to sound like. He had power and range, color and nuance. As a singer myself, I take off my hat to him for that amazing falsetto.
However, I also do not think that “Gay Elvis” has a prayer of winning this competition, because his over-the-top gay persona will alienate that vast swath of Middle America that he needs to vote for him. If I were advising Adam, I’d tell him to get a normal haircut, dye his hair back to a natural brown and get some clothes that don’t look like he swiped them from his sister’s date closet. (I LOVED retrokitten’s comment that he looked “high maintenance!” Oh so true.) I expect to see him be a big hit on Broadway one of these days. Maybe in the revival of Phantom.
A few other random thoughts:
Lil Rounds: What a mediocre perfomance, singing-wise. I still do not get what makes the judges gaga about her. Her voice sounds like that of a thousand other R&B singers. (And would it be declasse’ of me to comment on the size of that “trunk”? Pretty dress tonight, though.)
What is it about Blind Guy that makes me think “John Denver”? I just do not get him either. He is so lackluster to me that I can’t even remember his name.
Danny Gokey: Pretty good performance (quite good in the second half), and I quite like his voice, but he looked like he was ready to go on safari. Or to the Arctic. Or to have the sleeves tied behind his back. Cute glasses; otherwise desperately needs fashion advice.
Megan Tattoo: Bless her heart, I’d like to hear her sing when she is well. Stunningly beautiful girl. Too “quirky” to win the whole caboodle, though. What is with these odd songs she keeps choosing?
Allison Iraheta: Good performance, but I don’t see her going the distance in this contest. I wish she’d get her hair out of her eyes — not because it is a poor fashion choice, but because it makes it difficult for the audience to relate to her when they can’t see her eyes.
And am I missing something about Matt Giraud? I find him quite boring, singing-wise. Can someone put me straight as to what is special about his singing?
Anyone I left out bored me so much I can’t even remember them. Good lord, I’m getting notional! LOL!
Oh, and tonight, one of my two-year-old twins (just turned 2 yesterday!) ran over to the TV as soon as he saw Seacrest yapping, and said, “Idow! Idow!” So another Idol generation is born! LOL!
My run-down
Top male: Matt G. by far, despite the crowded male field. Solid all-around. Stay away from Coldplay, Matt, and you’ll be fine.
Top female: I’ll give an edge to Alexis depite the drumming she took from the judges. Allison was OK, though for me this was the least memorable since the start of the Top 36.
Bottom male (no jokes please): Adam. He’s one of the best vocalist and easily the best performer in the competition, but, ughhhhh, that was painful what I saw and heard this week. With the “judges’ save” he has more liberty to experiment, especially following David Cook’s path last season making songs his own (or at least emmulating a creative cover version).
Bottom Female: Still not terribly impressed with Megan, although much better than last week despite being sick this week.
In-between: Danny, didn’t like the verses at all, seemed very tentative, but did much better in the chorus... Anoop, better than last week, but I don’t see him going too much further... Kris, a decent singer, still see him being lost in the shuffle... Lil Rounds, out of her element, could have chosen the safe Whitney cover version but didn’t, average performance, too arrogant in the critique/discussion area... Scott, overshadowed by fellow pianist Matt, may not last much longer (if choreographers have anything to say, won’t last this round)... Michael Sarver, I liked his performance and actually overshadowed Adam this week, was curious about the vocals since they drew attention ahead of time to them and did notice it was hard to decifer the lyrics.
Awww...very cute! My niece and nephew are about 2 1/2. They are so fun at that age!
So good to see you back with us. I really do value your critiques since you know what the singing is all about.
So funny about the twins being Idol fans already. After all, they were here with you just before they were born.
What I like about Matt Giraud is that he is low-key, laid back, and way cool. He reminds me of Perry Como, when Perry (and I) were young.
Huh. Well, Jonny, I think this may be the first time you and I have had a significant disagreement over a singer.
Not so fast, LOL
I DO agree with you that Adam had control over what he was doing and used his voice for all it was worth.
But that's the pity of it too. He has the ability to sing a "straight" song beautifully, but week after week he chooses to sing in this vampy, skanky, faggy way that obscures whatever redeeming elements he might bring.
Anyway, it's okay to disagree ;)
Oh, and tonight, one of my two-year-old twins (just turned 2 yesterday!) ran over to the TV as soon as he saw Seacrest yapping, and said, “Idow! Idow!”
LOLOL!
Happy birthday to the Twins! Two years already?! Time flies :o