G'morning, Jonny. The problem with Lisa is that she doesn't have that indefinable 'it' factor. She's lovely, sweet, has a good voice, never sings a bad note, and she puts her heart into her performances. But she's as bland as bland can be, which makes her very forgettable.
Bucky just flat out can't sing or perform. If the voters get it right, he'll be going home tonight.
I didn't have a favorite performance last night, although it was the best overall night so far.
I guess if I had to pick a favorite performance it would be Katharine's, but only because she finally seems to have overcome her vocal-coach-mom-anxiety thing.
BUT -- and this is big to me -- whoever controls the AI songbook needs to do their homework (truth in advertising people, truth in advertising). "Come Rain or Come Shine" is NOT A 1950'S song, and it's not an Ella Fitzgerald song. It was written by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and was published in 1946. The earliest recording of it was the Sy Oliver/Tommy Dorsey version recorded on January 31, 1946, and the song has been covered by a huge list of performers (the ASCAP database lists 112). It's a great standard, but not a particularly hard song to sing.
The performance I disliked the most was Kellie Pickler's rendition of 'Walkin After Midnight.' That was HORRIBLE, just horrible. I mean, the woman in the song is not walking after midnight to pick up tricks, but that's exactly how Hickler sang it. Slutty, cheap, trashy, totally missed the meaning of the song, and she was also flat in several places. For the first time in AI history, I actually found myself hating a contestant.
I had mixed feelings about Chris' performance. What he did was OK, but I really dislike how he turns every song into alternative rock. Simon said he refuses to compromise, as though that's some kind of good thing. Sometimes it is, but not in this case. Actually Chris is refusing to step outside his ultra narrow comfort zone. On the other hand, what he does within that comfort zone is good, and he is playing to a 2006 audience.
Taylor: I disagree that his performance was all that bad. His song choice was lousy. 'Not Fade Away' is one of those early rock songs that are all about the then-fresh, new rock beat and the instrumentals than about the lyrics. What that song is all about is its hard-driving rock beat. The lyrics in songs like 'Fade Away' are almost an afterthought. It certainly is not a good choice for a singing contest. If Taylor just had to do Buddy Holly, there were better choices for him. However, Taylor did try to perform it in a genuine 1950's style. Problem is, it doesn't work as authentic for him.
The bottom three based on last night should be Bucky, Kevin and Kellie. If I had my personal choice, I would send Kellie home. Ugh!
Just as an aside, I was thinking last night that none of them have reached the level that they ALL did the very first night when the public started voting on who to eliminate. When it was 12 girls and 12 boys. Man both of those nights the whole group was just right on, IMO. I've been waiting for another one of those nights, and it just hasn't happened.
Becky
I thought last night was the best week so far, too, but I'm partial to the 50's anyway! If they do a 60's night that should be good too.
I mean, the woman in the song is not walking after midnight to pick up tricks, but that's exactly how Hickler sang it.
Glad I'm not the only one that thought that!
Simon said he refuses to compromise, as though that's some kind of good thing. Sometimes it is, but not in this case.
I agree with this, too. I thought Simon seemed a bit 'cautious' with his comments last night.
LOL. Your assessment of how Pickler performed the song was spot on. :) I didn't like it either.
The performance I disliked the most was Kellie Pickler's rendition of 'Walkin After Midnight.' That was HORRIBLE, just horrible. I mean, the woman in the song is not walking after midnight to pick up tricks, but that's exactly how Hickler sang it. Slutty, cheap, trashy, totally missed the meaning of the song, and she was also flat in several places. For the first time in AI history, I actually found myself hating a contestant.
ROFL!! I don't think Manilow was that thrilled with her either. IIRC, he told her that she was singing the song wrong during practice. Either the Gherkin ignored him or his advice just went over her head.
Manilow probably had to take some aspirin after she left :)