It's been a little quiet here for over 24 hours, so let's make a little noise...
Some reports :
American Idol continues to dominate the airwaves. Tuesday's show averaged 32.5 million viewers and a 13.5 rating/32 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, according to preliminary estimates from Nielsen Media Research. "Idol" started strongly, with 28.7 million viewers, but grew to 35.5 million viewers by 9:30 PM. On Wednesday, the show averaged 27.8 million viewers and an 11.4 rating/28 share in the adults 18-49 demographic.
Which on-going weekly show in the past 10 years has this kind of ratings and surpasses it ? <--- That's a trivia question ( and no, I don't know the answer ).
Now for my suggestions as to which song fits which singer for the 1950's night ( the guest interactor will of course be Barry Manilow, who recently had a number 1 album featuring songs from the 1950's ).
The great thing about this theme is this --- you have literary thousands of great songs to choose from for over a decade and you are not limited to one composer's catalog. This night was meant to highlight your versatility and yet, allow you the freedom to sing within your comfort zone.
BASICALLY, any DECADE BASED (e.g., 50's, 60's,70's ) theme is great for the singers.
So, what should each singer pick for 50's night ?
IMAGINE YOURSELF HIRED TO BE THEIR VOCAL ADVISER. WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE THEM TO SING TO ENDEAR THEM TO 35 MILLION WATCHERS SO AS TO GUARANTEE THAT THEY'LL STAY ON ??
Since I don't have a spoiler (yet), here are my suggestions ( let's see how good my ESP is. NOTE: I usually got a few of them correct in the past seasons )...
ACE YOUNG -
If Ace wants to show off his range instead of it's limits ( without resorting to falsetto), he should try "CRY" by Johnny Ray.
If he's still insecure about his range ( and I suspect it is limited because Mario Vasquez kicked major ass with Stevie Wonder's DO-I-DO and Ace DID NOT ), he should limit it to a song that will do justice to his woman-killing personality --- CRYING IN THE RAIN by Everly Brothers would probably help.
KEVIN COVAIS
His purpose is to keep the granny vote AND to add the teen vote and ( he already has the Vote For Worst recommentdation ). CHOOSE A PAUL ANKA SONG ----> PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER or PUPPY LOVE ( the later will cement his AWWW factor and keep him for a few more weeks before the inevitable axe falls ).
Kellie Pickler.
Baby, this night was made for you. Patti Page made a song that was a big hit in the 1950's and I couldn't even think of a song that fits your personality and naivete and background as this one. SING --- TENNESSEE WALTZ. If you do justice to this, you'd make every woman who has ever been cheated on cry and make them forget your disastrous Stevie Wonder night.
Katharine Mcphee
This theme is perfect for Katharine. She has a big band quality to her voice that fits this theme to a "T". In fact, I dare say she'd make women like Connie Francis and Rosemary Clooney proud if she chose their songs.
2 possibilities :
“Where the Boys Are” Connie Francis- Katharine really has a Connie Francis voice, soaring, smooth and clear. Listen to teacher dear --- CHOOSE THIS SONG and you'll be a star.
Now, if you want to try a fun side and challenge your performance skills a little to get out of the -- she's just too stiff and pregnant looking mould -- try Rosemary Clooney's MAMBO ITALIANO. You're raven haired, look spohisticated and in fact, could pass off as Italian marble statue. C'mon girl, challenge yourself a bit and make yourself unforgettable ( and I don't mean singing this song either ).
MANDISA
Mandisa's real main weakness is her low register. When she starts low, things sound a little uneven. Therefore, we need something that could give her the oooomph factor.
ORANGE COLORED SKY by Nat 'King' Cole. Now this song will highlight her uplifting, fun and exuberant side. The final big band backup boom in the end can (if done right) potentially bring the house down.
TAYLOR HICKS
There are plenty of great songs for Taylor in this genre. His throwback style fits into at least 50 years in the past.
SOME POSSIBILITIES :
1)SWANEE RIVER ROCK ( Ray Charles ). You already gave us a teaser in your pre-Hollywood audition tht made a believer of Randy and Paula, now give us the full version ( and yes, let your inner Ray go in this song ).
2) Any Two Chuck Berry songs --- Johnny B. Goode or Roll Over Beethoven ( you could wail on this one, and you'd brign the house down if they allow you to play the harmonica). That'll keep them rolling. I' sure that'll keep you for another week, but please, slow down next week.
3) "Train Kept a Rollin’”-Johnny Burnette- If you stay in total Taylor land, he’ll pick this, which Aerosmith later covered.
Eliott Yamin
I really like to see him work the stage like Taylor does but I'm not sure if you won't feel awkward doing that. So, lets get back to basics this week and highlight your smooth, soothing, pleasant vocals.
Let's see you try -“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” by The Platters. Now, the high, soaring ending of this song will show us if you have the vocal chops of say, Clay Aiken. I'd like to see how you can sustain the final high note for 6 seconds without choking....
That'll tell us if Simon's statement that you are "potentially" the best singer in this competition, correct.
You're always about potential, you admitted, NOW GO AND REACH FOR IT, REALIZE IT NOW, OR NEVER !!
Paris Bennet
I fell in love with Paris during the pre-audition when she, at 17, showed us she could do Billie Holiday and highlighted the fact that this young lady could sing the blues. Her "CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT" in the Hollywood audition was outstanding. There really is nothing that Paris cannot sing.
But then I fell out of love for her when she started to choose bland songs in the first two weeks. My faith in her returned when she did Stevie Wonder Proud.
1950's WILL BE A CAKE WALK FOR PARIS I predict inspite of her age. Why ? She's got the spirit of her grandmother, the great Ann Nesby in her.
One song that really stuck to me was -“Fever” by Peggy Lee-She already sang this IMPRESSIVELY in the Hollywood auditions, she’d be smart to reprise it and show us the full version.
BUCKY COVINGTON.
There are a lot of great southern music he can choose from in the 1950's albeit, most were NOT delivered with the rocky growl he's used to doing.
Possibilities :
WALK THE LINE by Johnny Cash ( he'd endear himself to Johnny's millions of fans here and abroad if he deos justice to this ).
HEARTBREAK HOTEL by Elvis --- Hmmm... can Buck do Elvis ? remains to be seen.
YOUR CHEATING HEART by Hank Williams ( now this, I'd like to see ).
Chris Daughtry.
Alternative Rock meets the 50's ? Now this is a challenge.
POSSIBILITIES :
1) “Smoke Stack Lightenin’” by: Howlin’ Wolf- It can really show off Chris’s vocal growl ( but can he sing something without screaming for once ?).
2) -“Train Kept a Rollin’”- Johnny Burnette- This song could fit Taylor as well. However, if Chris wants to stay within his comfort zone ( and he's done nothing but that since the beginning ), this classic will keep him rocking till the next round.
LISA TUCKER
Another singer for whom this genre is perfect for. Lisa might be 16 but she has not shown us that Jimi Hendrix style of singing she claims she's a fan of. Most of her songs are too Disneyesque, perfect for someone like --- DORIS DAY for instance.
Hence, here are some perfect songs for her :
1) “Maybe” by The Chantels- Since Lisa is a Whitney Houston wannabe, I can't think of any singer to emulate than the Whitney's of the 1950's. This would be great for her.
2) “I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy March- This was covered in of all movies -- SISTER ACT. Lisa is in very grave danger of being the next to go but I want to keep her instead of the less deserving Kevin. The advantage of this song is -- IT ISN't ANNOYING, yet RECOGNIZABLE.
3) Now if Lisa wants to be lovable ( and her cute cover girl smile shows that she is), she has to make the Grannies vote for her and forget Kevin. I have the song for her --- -“Guy is a Guy” by Doris Day ( and Lisa has that Doris Day vibe ).
Comments/Critiques as to why these songs are good/bad/fitting/not fitting welcome.