Last night, the three performances we replayed several times were Mandesa, Taylor, and Eliot.
For those of us who did Junior High in the '50s, it seemed that Taylor captured it. The music was fun, it was playful, and it made you want to dance around and scream out the words to the song. He owns the stage like Mick Jagger or Tina Turner do. There's nothing wrong with his singing; it's energetic. I'd go to Las Vegas just to watch him perform, if that's where he ends up. He's an original, who found and developed his skill.
Mandesa got the blues down. Watch or listen to the performances of Etta James, early Tina Turner, etc. Mandesa might be better. She might almost be better off getting on with her career.
Elliot. He's talented, he's confident, and he's respectful of this opportunity. I like his growth. I wish he would do some Freddie Cannon, to portray a little more youthful fun.
You know who put me in the time machine? Paris. The dress, the look, the sound, the moves. Go to the R&R Hall of Fame; Paris had that 50s look and style, magnificently.
I LOVE what Barry Manilow did to save the show. Last week was a disaster; not everyone can do Stevie Wonder justice. Barry Manilow taught them (and the audience) that music involves communication, sincerity, talent and fun.
Ahhhhh....just like the good ol' days. <^..^>
Oh...and PS I like Kellie Pickler. She has been given the opportunity of a lifetime, and seems to be respecting, learning from, and enjoying it.
I love all your comments -- especially this one.
"Respectful of this opportunity" -- that's Elliott in a nutshell.
I don't think he could fake anything if his life depended on it, he seems that sincere. When he smiles, he means it.
But why did he go that route? That song didn't suit him at all, IMO.