‘American Idol’: Could you feel the rock tonight?
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The top nine rocked on 'American Idol' tonight. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
The “American Idol” contestants showed they know how to rock tonight. It was the best night of the season so far, because the performers were surprising and consistently good. What did you think?
From the judges, there was rarely a discouraging word, and I don’t think that helps viewers.
Jacob Lusk went with Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” and delivered his best performance yet. He was at his most controlled, and that’s saying a lot, because last week he seemed ready for the Metropolitan Opera. “Beautiful,” Steven Tyler said. “Perfect in every way,” Jennifer Lopez said. Host Ryan Seacrest couldn’t figure out if Jacob’s voice or hip thrusts were more powerful.
Haley Reinhart was determined to show she could keep pace with Janis Joplin on “Piece of My Heart.” The vocal was strong, but the delivery was strenuous, especially when she stomped around. “You’re a contender,” Lopez told her. “I couldn’t find nothing wrong with that,” Tyler said. And that would be a theme for the night.
Casey Abrams played his base on a pretty, folky version of Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Randy Jackson said Abrams had made Credence proud and — in a bit of hyperbole — revolutionized the bass. “I think you oughta put some wheels on that and ride that thing around town,” Tyler said of the bass.
Lauren Alaina, who’s only 16, gave a startling, mature performance of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Tyler raved, “Four months ago, you came in an immature little girl. Tonight, you are a natural-born woman.” Lopez marveled that she had tackled an Aretha Franklin song. Jackson said, “You took a very difficult song. You did a good job.”
In the performance of the night, James Durbin changed it up and delivered a restrained, soulful version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” It was unexpected and thrilling. Lopez liked his vulnerability, and Jackson seconded that emotion. ”That’s a really proud moment for you,” Tyler said.
Scotty McCreery loosened up and delivered a delightful “That’s All Right, Mama” in tribute to Elvis Presley. Jackson pulled out that chestnut, “Scotty is in it to win it. … This is a like a new Scotty.” Lopez felt there was a bit of rap flavor to it — and that wasn’t a complaint. There weren’t many complaints tonight.
Pia Toscano, looking beautiful and strutting confidently, revealed another side on Tina Turner’s “River Deep Mountain High.” ”You killed it,” Tyler said. “Amazing,” Lopez said. Jackson repeated himself, “Pia’s in it to win it.” And I guess that’s preferable to pitchy.
Stefano Langone was in pretty voice on “When a Man Love a Woman,” but he also seemed over the top. “Amazing, magic,” Lopez ruled. “I like it but I wasn’t jumping up and down,” Jackson said, a rare bit of criticism. “Tonight you nailed it,” Tyler said — a phrase he says a lot.
Paul McDonald delivered a very upbeat and folky “Folsom Prison Blues.” The results were weird. I think he probably sang his way out of the contest, even if he closed the show and won judges’ raves. “I loved it,” Jackson said. “You rocked the house,” Tyler said. “A perfect way to end the show,” Lopez said.
How would I rate them?
1. James Durbin
2. Jacob Lusk
3. Lauren Alaina
4. Scotty McCreery
5. Pia Toscano
6. Haley Reinhart
7. Casey Abrams
8. Stefano Langone
9. Paul McDonald
The results will be announced in a show at 8 p.m. Thursday on WOFL-Channel 35.
Post time 7-4-2011 09:37 AM
Post time 7-4-2011 09:52 AM
