Top 12 Finalists Compete on American Idol 9

Top 12 Finalists Compete on American Idol 9
Posted by Reality Rehash on March 17th Leave a Comment Listed under » American Idol
The Top 12 Idol hopefuls hit the big stage tonight on American Idol. You could clearly tell that they had their makeovers, which helped improve some of the contestant’s looks. Tonight the theme was songs from The Rolling Stones and I was sure the singers would hit some rough notes. Michael Lynche started off the show by singing “Miss You”. He seemed really comfortable on the big stage. I didn’t think it was as fabulous as last week’s performance, but he had nice energy to start the show off with. Randy said that he slayed the song and it was a great way to start the show. Ellen thought it was amazing and Kara thought he delivered a good performance on stage. Simon said he’s definitely confident after last week, but thought his dancing was a little corny. He said that he sang the song well, but it was verging on desperate at times. Ryan then got in Simon’s face when he was asking him for more constructive criticism from him, which was kind of funny and awkward all at the same time. Up next was Didi Benami, who chose to sing “Play with Fire”. I really liked her tonight because it was a really emotional performance. She seemed to forget the words a couple times but managed to wrok it out. Randy thought she was on fire tonight and that it was one of her best performances. Ellen said that she lost her way but got right back into the song. She thought she sounded great. Kara liked the intensity that she had as she attacked the song. She liked her sweet voice and erieness. Simon agreed with everyone. He likes that she’s starting to show the type of artist she wants to be. It was a cool choice of song and he’s been a fan of hers for the past few weeks. Casey James sang “It’s All Over Now” and it seemed like a good rock performance. His vocals were on and he looked like he was having a good time. Randy likes him playing the guitar and his doing the bluesy rock vibe. Ellen said that for most women their hearts will race just looking at him, but for people like her (which created a pause and laughter from everyone with what she seemed to be implying), which followed with her saying “Blondes”, she thought it was fantastic. Kara thought that he was a rock star tonight. She liked the country, blues and soul in the song. Simon thought that he looked great and sang it well, but it was like an audition performance. He needs to use the stage more. Following Casey was Lacey Brown singing “Ruby Tuesday”. I thought it was a cute performance but she’s done better in the past. Randy said it was an interesting arrangement but he was pleasantly surprised. Ellen thought it was weird with her sitting down when the song was more upbeat and vice versa. It was a little sleepy for her but she is a fan of hers. Kara said it was 50/50 for her because she had issues with hitting some notes and thinks that she can do better. Simon said she performs like an actress because the performance was very thought through. There was nothing wrong with vocals – she just needs to stop over thinking things and let herself go. I agree – she just needs to let lose and have fun more on stage. Andrew Garcia chose to sing “Give Me Shelter”. Sadly, it was probably my least favorite performance of his so far. I thought that it didn’t fit the kind of singer he is. His voice isn’t strong enough for that song. Randy said it was pitchy everywhere and it wasn’t great. Ellen thought it was his best performance yet (weird Ellen!) and loved it. Kara said she wanted him to feel the lyrics and he mostly didn’t. She wants to see him passionate because he’s missing the connection with the songs. Simon thought he gave it 100 percent and thinks he may have been better in rehearsal. They have given him a lot of mixed criticism so of course he chose a different type of song to sing. I agree with that, but still, I really wasn’t feeling Andrew tonight. Up next was “Wild Horses” sung by Katie Stevens. I thought she was better once she hit her higher register and thought she looked cute. Randy thought she sang it really well but did have some pitchy moments. Ellen said she almost wore what she has on. Katie started pitchy but then sounded amazing once she got into it. Kara said it’s never technically perfect when Katie sings but she did make some nice variations with the melody. Simon thought it was the only week where she’s chosen a strong song. He didn’t like the second half of the arrangement because he thinks she lost her emotion, but she was able to connect with a song for the first time. Tim Urban took a risk by singing “Under My Thumb” and changing the arrangement into a reggae song. I thought it was kind of cool, but Randy didn’t get it and didn’t like the way it was changed up. Ellen felt like she was at a resort. He sounded great but it didn’t wow her. Kara applauded him for doing something different with the song but agrees with other judges too. He did make it his own though. Simon said the same thing as Kara but thought it was a crazy decision and it didn’t work. Following Tim was Siobhan Magnus who sang “Paint it Black”. I LOVE this girl. I loved the drama she brought to the song and she has crazy awesome vocals. Randy thought it was hot. Ellen loves her look, her sound and how she sang the song. Kara said she’s having flashbacks of Adam Lambert and it was the best interpretation of a Rolling Stone’s song tonight. Simon agrees – it was the standout performance of the night. He thinks a lot of people that will love and hate her performance, which is a great place to be compared to being indifferent and boring. Yeah, she was on her A-game tonight and she is totally shooting up to being one of the season’s favorites. Lee Dewyze gave a shot at “Beast of Burden” and he’s totally one of my favorites too. Not only because he’s from the Chicagoland area as am I, but he’s just so freakin’ cute and good at singing. Randy really liked that he performance in a singer songwriter way. It reminded him of a cross between Rob Thomas and Dave Matthews. He thought it was dope and one of his better performances. Ellen thought he sounded great but was expecting a little more from him. Kara said he’s growing faster than anyone else on the stage. She wants to celebrate his growth. Simon really likes him as a person and his story. What holds him back is his personality. He chose a safe song tonight but he has an incredibly good voice. Simon wants him to have a moment, stamp his mark on the competition and stop thinking people are better from him. True story, Simon. Lee needs to start believing in himself and then he’ll shine. Paige Miles sang “Honky Tonk Woman” and it seemed like she got her confident back after last week. But she seemed like she was forcing some of the vocals. Randy thought she did alright, but wishes she had more energy within the song. Ellen liked that she was all over the stage and thinks she has good star quality. Kara said she attempted to do a lot with the song but got lost a little. Even so, the Paige they know is back. Simon asked what was going on with her voice and she said that she has laryngitis. Simon said under that condition she did great. The song was a bit generic and she’s better than that. She hasn’t quite connected with a song to make her unique and contemporary. Following Paige was young Aaron Kelly, who sang “Angie”. Randy said he’s born to sing and likes his tender moments. Ellen said he’s trying to do his hair like hers. She liked his song choice and next to Siobhan he had one of the stand out performances of the night. Kara said when he connects with the song it’s very powerful. Simon said he chose the perfect song and sang it within the limits of his vocals. It was one of his strongest performances up to date. Ending the night was Crystal Bowersox. She sang “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and was freaking awesome. Randy didn’t think it was her best but he loves her and he wasn’t disappointed tonight. Ellen said she sings with ease and is born to be on stage. She is still missing some personality when she performs but added that in tonight. Kara agrees and thinks she’s so comfortable on stage. Simon asked her if she over thinks things on stage and she said that she has a lot on her mind. Simon said she came into the Top 12 as the clear favorite, but she chose a song that didn’t have what it needed. It was the first time that she was beaten out by best performance so far – by Siobhan (agreed!). Simon thinks she doesn’t have it in the bag yet and Crystal confirmed that she doesn’t think she does. My obvious favorites of the night were Siobhan, Lee and Crystal. I think the Bottom 3 could be up in the air a bit, but I would put Lacey, Andrew and Tim at the bottom of the pack. You can tell that the separation between the great singers and the okay singers are starting to show. Tune in tomorrow night to find out which Idol hopeful will be sent home. Written By: Aubri Yeganegi