American Idol Final 3 Review and Recap - May16, 2012 - Who will go home?

After watching today's rehearsal to tonight's show, I was afraid I'd find this show less interesting, but I suspect it will be insightful and an enjoyable retreat.

It's fun to see the stage and audience of rehearsal in comparison to a packed auditorium, with all the musicians and backup singers in their costumes.


 Round 1 - The judges give the performers the songs they're supposed to sing.

1. Joshua Ledet - I'd Rather Be Blind (Etta James) - Introduced by Randy Jackson

This is nicely saucy and he works the mike and falsettos with grace and ease. He's got natural showmanship, I loved the way he did that finger move above his lip. He's wonderfully emotional and man that final scat is just ridiculous for a guy this young.

2. Jessica Sanchez - My All (Mariah Carey) - Introduced by Jennifer Lopez

JLo selected this song so that Jessica can be tender and emotional. She's technically very good, but there's a coldness there. Or maybe because she's so young that she couldn't connect to emotional level. But she didn't pick the song; the judges did. So I have to give her credit for doing it as well as she did.

3. Phillip Phillips - Begging (Madcon) - Introduced by Steven Tyler

This song really works for his style. He's really working the girls in the audience. I love the way he went into that quiet acoustic moment where he didn't have the band behind him. That was a nicely entertaining  musical spin on the number. This could have been a real concert.

 Round 1 Ranking 
Joshua
Phillip
Jessica
 Round 2  - Contestants pick their own numbers

1. Joshua - Imagine (John Lennon)

He's pretty much the contestant who most connects to the song emotionally. Clearly that upbringing in the church allows him to work the audience as though he were in a pulpit or choir loft. I really liked he held back from his normal way of revving it up. Interestingly, he changed out of his awful jacket that he wore at rehearsal this morning and wore a black tux.

2.  Jessica - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith)

Always tough to hear this song without thinking of David Cook's wonderful version. But this rendition is marvelous. She actually seems to get the emotional parts of the words, which she sometimes lacks. The turquoise jewelry is bigger than her torso! Ooh, that final money note is incredible.

3.  Phillip - Disease (Matchbox20)

I really liked the way he took this song apart and made it more funky, jazzy, smoky. He really seems so much more at home holding the guitar. So interesting the way he shirks the money money note Jessica yearns for. Like my statement last week, when left to his own devices, he chooses pretty safe stuff for himself.


 Round 2 Ranking 
Jessica
Joshua
Phillip




 Round 3  - Jimmy picks their numbers

1. Joshua - No More Drama (Mary J Blige)

Perfect song choice for him. He's moving around a lot, but his vocal style for this is quite strong and emotionally gripping.


2.  Jessica - I'll Be There (Jackson 5)

Not a thrilling song choice for me, but she seemed to handle it very well. I think that at this part of the competition, every little over the top flourish can add a few votes. Given how close this competition is, and that she had been saved a month ago, this might not have been enough. But it sounded good.

3.  Phillip - We've Got Tonight (Bob Seger)

Well, look at that, he's singing the original melody! Man, this was a really good song choice for him. He really connected with it and made it so sweet and sexy. It was so passionate that Steven Tyler couldn't keep from getting bleeped.
 Round 3 Ranking 
Phillip
Joshua




Jessica


So what was my cumulative result?

 Final Ranking 
Joshua
Phillip
Jessica

THIS IS TOUGH! I like them all. But it's still a competition and every little bit counts. I'll be happy no matter who continues to next week. Who did you think will go on next week?

Want to see my review of the rehearsal? Or maybe you want to review last week's show?

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American Idol - Review of the Rehearsal for the Top 3- 2012 May 16

I scored invitations to the rehearsal at CBS Studios this afternoon. It started about 12pm, though we had to line up starting 11am near the Grove here in Los Angeles.

It's been a while since I took the time to watch a tv show getting taped as an audience member. It's been longer since I've been in rehearsals for such a tv show. To be honest, it was somewhat tedious. But it was exciting to get to watch the Final 3 of American Idol rehearse.

First, before the performances, we got to meet Ryan Seacrest. He's actually a seemingly nice and smart guy. In fact, there was one point where he made a suggestion to change his lines so they were more interesting and vibrant. Clever and helpful! He was chatting with Nigel Lythgoe, the American Idol producer, who sat in the middle judge seat the entire time.

Two of the judges were there for most of the rehearsal: Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler. They were clearly interested in watching the performances. What struck me as particularly impressive, however, was their willingness to go out of the way to chat up the kids who came to the rehearsal. I really enjoyed how Steven Tyler talked at length to a young girl in a wheel chair and then went up and got an autograph from Phillip Phillips for her. Classy!

When Phillip Phillips, Joshua Ledet, and Jessica Sanchez came out, they first filmed them standing sternly. I never noticed that when they start the show, the camera swirls around the contestants in outfits that they aren't wearing that day. It's the costumes from the previous week. That's because they filmed the final three in groups of two, in case Phillip and Joshua were the final two, or Phillip and Jessica, or Joshua and Jessica. Amusingly, Phillip and Joshua were playfully elbowing each other and trying to not giggle as they were being filmed. It just reminds you that these contestants are just kids, none of whom is allowed to have a drink at the bar after the show.

Now the performances. Oops. No, I won't ruin your enjoyment. Let's just say I can't imagine who America will pick, because they were all so very good.

So... I'll leave that review for the actual show. See you in a few hours!

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American Idol Top 7 (again) - Review 2012 April 18

Top 7 - Second Chance - Songs of the past decade and Soul Train songs

Going to be a really tough show I think.

1. Hollie Cavanagh

Adele is big and this song fits her voice. First time throughout this competition where I thought she sounded good.

2. Colton Dixon

Lady Gaga? Really? Nice try on the rock sound, but he's not as butch as she is so it's not really working for me. Really weird faces today. Some bad low notes.

3. Elise Testone

Wow, this is so low. Her performance is always nice and slick, but it's not a wow song. It was a solid performance though.

4. Philip Phillips

Like Elise, this song isn't memorable. But he did it quite well with tremendous restraint, sex appeal and great vocals.

5. Jessica Sanchez

Love the stage. This is a really good performance, though not as sensual as it could be. This girl has some amazing vocal control at her age.

6. Skylar Laine

Skylar does Gaga with a twang? Hmm, not sure about this version. The performance is good though. Nice money note.

7. Joshua Ledet

Love his vocals. It's really good for his voice and he seems to feel at ease singing this.

Ranking from Top to Bottom for Song 1 Jessica Hollie Joshua Philip Elise Skylar Colton

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Soul Train

1. Hollie

Good song choice. Not as good as her first song, because her flat notes came back. Good money note.

2. Colton

Love the stage but this performance did not do much to impress me. There were a couple flat notes. The interpretation was nice.

3. Elise

Her voice is quite competent but there's a detachment there that makes it seem less exciting. She needs a better song.

4. Philip

That was a wonderful song choice, rendition and vocal for him

5. Jessica

For a song about Tenderness, she pounded it into the ground. I mean, she sounded great but she's always so much on steroids. She's a lot stronger than the last couple weeks.

6. Skylar

She's got natural entertainer skills. I liked this one more than the first one.

7. Joshua

His vocals are quite strong. I can see him selling records if he can keep the stress of homesickness at bay.

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Ranking from Top to Bottom for Song 1 Joshua
Philip
Skylar
Jessica
Hollie
Colton
Elise


So what's the final ranking for the night? This is tough. I'll arrange them as follows.
Joshua
Jessica
Philip
Hollie
Skylar
Elise
Colton

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American Idol Top 8 - Review 2012 April 4

Top 8 - Music of the 80s

1. DeAndre Brackensick

Somewhat tepid falsetto tonight to me. The scales are nice, and he looks very casual, but it's not very assertive. Why are they so into him?

2. Elise Testone

She's very polished. The slower parts were weaker, pretty flat, but her finale was very good.

Duet : Colton and Skylar
Fairly predictable Islands in the Stream. They don't really have good chemistry, but Skylar's voice matches this piece especially.

3. Philip Phillips

He's got his sound on with Genesis, but there are a couple flat notes. The weird faces and ticks are getting creepy.

Duet: DeAndre and Hollie
What is she wearing? Her voice fits the song pretty well.

4. Joshua Ledet

It's a good song choice for him, but I am starting to get biased because I think he overdoes it. Had no idea he was that young.

5. Jessica Sanchez

Like Joshua, she can over do it, but in this song she holds back nicely. Nice money notes. She's so young and sounds so good.

Duet: Philip and Elise
They really don't sing with each other, other than via harmony. Big question: Who was actually raspier? Nice sound.

6. Hollie Cavanaugh

She sounds better than last week. Well check that. Started to go off pitch bad. Better money note.

Duet: Joshue and Jessica
Quite a good sound to it. Looked good together

7. Colton Dixon

Good song choice. That was a pretty good interpretation and only had a couple weird notes.

8. Skylar Laine

Excellent. Best of the night.

Top
Skylar
Jessica
Joshua Colton

Bottom
DeAndre
Elise
Hollie

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American Idol - Top 9 - March 7 2012 - Recap and Review

Top 9 - American Idol
Stevie Nicks is the guest mentor

1. Colton Dixon

Too slow and boring start. He's trying to build up a ton of intensity, but the song isn't helping. One flat note. Not his best. Not getting why the judges are loving him so much.

2. Skyler Laine

She really has the country sound down. She's almost Carrie in her performance style and sound. Excellent

Trio of Colton, Philip, and Elise - Doing Fleetwood Mac
Colton sounds good here. Elise has the look but her dancing is too bouncy. Philip is a touch flat as he impersonates Joe Cocker (I think he feels awkward without a guitar).

3. Heejun Han

Adam Pascal look out because Heejun has your sound down. Surprisingly touching and sensitive. Impressive to say the least.

4. Hollie Cavanaugh

Although the sound of her voice is pleasant enough, it wasn't enough. The flat notes aside, she did better on the lower notes and sounded weaker on the big notes.

5. DeAndre Brackensick

The whole song is done in a strong falsetto, which may sell albums and get on the radio. I usually don't think do well with Idol voters, though.

6. Jessica Sanchez

The vibrato is now starting to get on my nerves. But her sound is quite strong even for a song that is potentially underpowered. Made me think of Celine Dion. Star quality through and through.

Trio Heejun, DeAndre and Joshua - Doing Michael Jackson
Joshua and Heejun seem good for this style but surprisingly DeAndre doesn't sound as at home until he got to do falsetto. TAs a group, there is no feeling of cohesion like the earlier trio, especially when it comes to ugh that dancing.

7. Philip Phillips

Man I love the sound of his voice and his rock sound. I feel like we're already watching his actual concert.

8. Joshua Ledet

Another emotional performance for the night. He sounded better tonight than on previous nights.

Trio of Skyler, Hollie and Jessica doing Madonna
Hollie still sounds weaker than the others to me. Skyler doing pop is surprisingly pitchy and awkward.

9. Elise Testone

Zep? Really? Wow, she pulled it off. Not sure she America wants to see Zep on Idol, but that was a fun, sexy performance. Even the screams worked, and well.


My Top (no particular order)
Skyler
Jessica
Joshua
Philip
Elise

My Bottom (no particular order)
Colton
Hollie

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American Idiot - March 24, 2011 - Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

This production of American Idiot impressed me. Typically, I strongly prefer London or Broadway productions over the national tours, but this particular show was executed particularly well.

I last saw American Idiot in July 2010, with the most impressive John Gallegher Jr as Johnny and Tony Vincent as St Jimmy. In this production, Van Hughes (who took over on Broadway) and Scott J Campbell as Tunny were particularly impressive.

The music is of course the main draw of the play. I still think the book is on the weak side and director Michael Mayer's decision to excise some dialog to let the music shine still rankles me. Not that I don't enjoy a rock opera, but a persisten drumbeat of nihilistic rage can IMHO be buttressed by some choice prose sans angry ennui.

Nonetheless, I am stunned that they crammed most of that enormous set from the St James theatre on Broadway into a traveling show. I still love the way the actors move an enormous scaffold, transforming it from a rock altar to a bus in mere moments.

I thought St Jimmy wasn't as menacing and evil under Joshua Kobak, but because of that, it was more apparent (despite the weak dialogue) that St Jimmy was really Johnny's expressed Id. I don't know why I didn't notice their matching jackets at the nightclub before, but in this production it helped highlight the psychological problems that a drug addled youth experiences.

Dancing still stellar. I love the choreography, especially during the sensual and scary scene with the drugs. And of course, who can't express elation - fantasy or not - at a good aerial ballet between Tunny and Extraordinary Girl.

One thing struck me with this cast in particular. Hughes, Campbell and Kobak had abs and bods of steal. Nice as eye candy, but Johnny and St Jimmy just don't strike me as characters who would think of doing crunches all day long. A small distraction, but it did affect my view of the characters.

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American Idol - Top 10 - March 21 2012 - Recap and Review

American Idol - Top 10 - Billy Joel Night

P Diddy was funny and Tommy Hilfiger was weird.

1. DeAndre

Only the Good Die Young. His voice was ok. Too light in the loafers. And the dancing wasn't exactly impressive.

2. Erika

New York State of Mind. She looks like Adam Lambert with her new hair. Vibrato doesn't match the song, to me.

3. Joshua

She's Got a Way of Talking. Sounds nervous, until he went into his Gospel sound. But I wasn't enjoying the Gospel interpretation.

4. Skyler

Shameless. Another number that was pushed which made it offkey. What is going on tonight?

5. Elise

Vienna. It's the first song tonight where she wasn't trying to overdo the song. Sounds good.

6. Phillip

Moving Out. An interesting take. Almost didn't recognize the melody, but I liked the sound. Vocals were much better than last week.

7. Holle

Honesty. She's always belting out. It doesn't offer enough of a build up. She has some pitch issues here.

8. Heejun

My Life. Now that was a funny albeit unconventional way to start off his song. He's really starting to enjoy the entertaining part. His voice though wasn't at his best. Oh nice change up towards the end.

9. Jessica

Everybody Has a Dream. She has a killer voice. That's all. Best vocal so far tonight.

10. Colton

Piano Man. Great stage. He's really into this song and it shows.

Top
Jessica
Phillip
Colton
Elise

Bottom
DeAndre
Hollie
Skyler

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American Idol - Top 11 - March 14 2012 - Recap and Review

Top 11 - Year they were born

Oops. A little undisclosed criminal past brings an end to Jermaine Jones.

1. Phillip Phillips
Nice rock sound again. He's moving like he didn't even have any surgery. Pretty amazing. Only a couple notes that wandered.

2. Jessica Sanchez
That was an amazingly energetic performance for a 16 year old. And that little pause was wonderfully dramatic.

3. Heejun Han
Passable sound, but it could be ramped up some. At least he fixes the notes that start flat.

4. Elise Testone
Nice sound for her voice. Good smokiness.

5. Deandre Brackensick
Glad he changed song but this was still sort of safe and tame. A couple odd notes

6. Shannon Magrane
Not loving the song. Straying flat again this week

7. Colton Dixon
I'm not sure about the song, but it works for his voice.

8. Erica Van Pelt
Oy stop the flat phlegmy sound

9. Skyler Laine
Seems like she has this one down. Mostly on pitch and good sound.

10. Joshua Ledet
He picked a really good song for his voice this week His best song that they've shown

11. Hollie
A good song for her but a couple of flat notes.



Top
Joshua
Phillip
Jessica
Elise
Skyler

Bottom
Erica
Shannon

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American Idol - Top 12 - March 7 2012 - Recap and Review

Men do Stevie and Women do Whitney

1. Joshua Ledet

Interesting sound. More gravel and soul. The dancing looks awkward to me though. Nice scat.

2. Elise Testone

Glad she changed her song but sounds like it was too last minute. The performance is so so. Some of the lower notes are too breathy and she's trying too hard.

3. Erika Van Pelt

Hmm, a couple flat notes to me. Nice build up. Controlled, though might be overly so.

4. Colton Dixon

Nice and sensitive performance. Sounds more on tune when he's not going reedy. Great finish.

5. Shannon Mcgrane

Was sounding ok, but an important note was very icky. Pretty lightweight to me.

6. Deandre Brackensick

His sound isn't my favorite, but he was good. I liked his rhythm and tempo for the piece.

7. Skyler

Good ramp up from a weak start. A strong finish. She impressed

8. Heejun

He's a pretty funny guy. Surprisingly tender tone. Couple odd notes and too safe, but good.

9. Holle

I like her tone but she seemed tentative in the middle. Nice money note with a lovely turn to tender.

10. Jeremy Rosado

It was awkward to me. It didn't feel quite there.

11. Jessica

This is a very risky song. Lovely control. A bit much on some vibrato tricks and too fast on them, but money notes are pretty darned good.

12. Philip Phillips

Great sound for this piece. Good interpretation and entertaining.

My tops:

1. Philip
2. Jessica
3. Skyler

My Bottom:

1. Shannon
2. Jeremy
3. Elise

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2012 Feb 29 - Top 12 Girls American Idol

Top 12 Girls

1. Chelsea Sorrell

Country girl with a gun. Singing in a Carrie Underwood fashion. Slightly flat. Score=50

2. Erika Van Pelt

Blond deep alto. Going for that fierce What About Love thing. Nice. Score=70

3. Jen Hirsh

Agoura Hills girl. A couple of off notes but a good smoky sound. Nice money note. Score=65

4. Brielle Von Hugel

Surrounded by the boys. She's doing the Dock by the Bay. Somewhat pitchy and trying too hard to look sultry. Score=45

5. Hallie Day

Has a husband. Sort of a Marilyn Monroe gal. Nice money note. Smokey sound. Score=60

6. Skyler Laine

Another country girl from a tiny town whose family owns the store. Energetic and good sound, with a fine money note. Score=75

7. Bailey

She was not on pitch at all. Score=30

8.

Texas girl Started pitchy but righted itself once she could start belting. Money note wasn't my fave.

9. Haley Johnson

Looks like a valley girl but sang Sweet Dreams in a deep alto. Not a good choice for me. Not at all on pitch on that money. Score=25

10. Shannon Magrane

16 yo girl whose Dad is a former baseball player. Not sure why she's trying to look and sound older. Nice gospel sound but lacks big pipes. Good money note. Score=60

11. Jessica Sanchez

Flipican? Nice sound, good buildup, and a good stage presence. Money note was ok. Score=70.

12. Elise Testone

Smokey sound doing soul. Was somewhat off but had a good tonality. Score=55

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2012 Feb 28 - Top Guys American Idol

13 Men

1. Reed Grimm

Geek from a family of singers. Not a great song choice for me, but he sounded good. His dancing is sort of Taylor Hicks, which is a touch goofy for me. They liked his song choice, but we didn't recognize it. I thought he was trying to make himself memorable already. Score=60

2. Adam Brock

Looks like a bearded accountant. He has a large black women inside him he said. White Chocolate? It's a nice sound, but fairly safe. Score=55.

3. Deandre Brackensick

Dreadlock Germanic kid. He's going falsetto. It's uneven. He didn't nail his money note. The judges are loving everyone. Score=30.

4. Colton Dixon

Shaggy haired kid whose sister lost out last week. Starts out on the piano and his voice seems reedy. Going for the rocker vote but seems light in the boots for that. Score = 50.

5. Jeremy Rosado

"Care bear" guy who's a bit light in the loafers. I did not like this safe performance. It was uneven to me as well. Score=45

6. Aaron Marcellus

Voice teacher with a retro fedora. His voice is okay but his performance is somewhat forced. Good money note. Score=55

7. Chase Likens

Good-looking Country singing student from Marshall University. Seemed pretty safe. Score=50

8. Creighton

I think he thinks he's on the fabulous side. Ok, he did Cynde Lauper's True Colors with a reasonable sound. Score=55

9. Philip Phillips

Handsome pawn shop guy. Doing Phil Collins with a very bluesy sound. A couple of odd notes but entertaining. Score=65

10. Evan Franckowitz

Young kid from Cincy with a Bieber vibe. Had an off note right at the start. Not a good song choice. He's flat and very tentative. Score=45

11. Heejun Han

Asian guy who's kinda funny. Seemed somewhat tentative but I like the sound of his voice. When he's singing Angel, it's hard for me to separate it from David Cook's awesome rendition. Score=52

12. Joshua Ledet

Southern guy who misses the crawfish. He's got a big gospel sort of voice. Nice money note.

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