I think this season of American Idol is salvageable.  The talent of the Top 24 has been the worst in the show’s history.  But as soon as the four remaining pretenders are gone, we might have a real competition between some real talents.  You know who the 4 pretenders are:  Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Andrew Garcia, and Tim Urban, and not necessarily in that order.

Last night’s breakout performance was by Lee Dewyze.  Siobhan Magnus made her first misstep, and Di Di crashed and burned.  Here’s a rundown of the performances in the order they occurred:

Siobhan Magnus has been one of the most consistent contestants throughout the Top 24 competition.  She sang Chaka Khan’s “Through The Fire” which for some reason has become a modern classic, and I can’t quite figure out why.  It’s one of those sappy Roland-keyboard-heavy numbers that were so prevalent in the mid-80’s, and there were many others during that time that were much better.  It peaked at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100, and at #15 on the R&B charts, which means it wasn’t even a hit.  So Siobhan tackled a mediocre song originally sung by an incredible singer and the confluence of those two events conspired to spell her doom.  She made things worse by reacting poorly to the lambasting she took from the judges–she tried to argue with Simon and then pouted as the show went to commercial.  She continued to mope after the break when the cameras went behind the scenes into the green room.  Somebody call a waaaambulance!

Casey James had a breakout performance with his rendering of Sam & Dave’s classic “Hold On, I’m Comin’.”  He wasn’t as wooden as he has been in previous shows, and showed tremendous control and grit with his vocals.  Simon was right when he said that Casey has a ways to go in his on-stage development, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that he ends up in the final two of the competition.  The guy’s simply got the goods, and he’ll only get better with experience.

Michael Lynche went back to his strength and shed the kitschy image he had portrayed in his last two performances.  I had never heard India Arie’s “Ready For Love” prior to Michael’s performance last night, but checked it out on You Tube this morning.  Michael’s rendition is a spot-on duplication of the original, but there’s no denying that he can deliver a heartfelt, poignant song.  Still don’t think he’ll win, but this performance didn’t hurt him.

Poor Di Di Benami.  Her lack of range is now painfully obvious.  If it isn’t something she can turn into a Sixpence None The Richer sound-alike, then she’s completely lost.  “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” was a disaster.  I can answer the song’s question for DiDi—they get booted off the show.  Maybe even this week. 

Tim Urban.  Gimme a break.  The guy is a complete joke.  He’s in the Bottom 3 for sure, and with any luck, he’ll be gone tonight.

Andrew Garcia completely surprised me.  After picking him in the Bottom 3 for just about every show, I don’t think he’ll be there tonight.  He was finally able to recapture the magic that he brought to his seminal performance of “Straight Up” during Hollywood Week.  He reworked Chris Brown’s “Forever” into a classic R&B song and he’ll live to fight another day. 

It’s the Bottom 3 for Katie Stevens again this week.  Her vocals on Aretha’s “Chain Of Fools” were OK, but she just looked silly trying to be all sexy and sultry.  She’s just too sweet to pull that off.  She’s adorable, but she’s also not going to make it.

Even though he still has that deer-in-the-headlights look, Lee Dewyze made his finest showing to date.  He was finally able to let down his guard enough to render a scorching version of the classic Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose tune, “Treat Her Like A Lady”.  Now if he could just connect his voice with the rest of his body into a cohesive performing unit, he’d have it made.  Still looks like he doesn’t quite know what he’s doing up there.

I applaud Crystal Bowersox for stepping out of her comfort zone.  She shed the guitar and sat down at the piano for the start of Glady Knight and The Pips’ “Midnight Train To Georgia”.  And even though she looked a little out of her element when she stood up to finish the song, she still managed to pull it off.  I agree with Simon though—she doesn’t really need to prove that she has other facets to her performing repertoire.  She can make a living off of doing what she’s already proved she can do in the competition.  Why mess with a good thing?

It’s to the point now that if I ever hear “Ain’t No Sunshine” on American Idol again, I’m going to change the channel.  Somebody should have told Aaron Kelly to stay away from that song.  It’s been done to death, and much better, e.g. Kris Allen’s performance from Season 8.  Still, he definitely didn’t hurt himself and he’ll be back next week.

MY BOTTOM 3

Katie Stevens

DiDi Benami

Tim Urban

If there’s any justice in the world it’ll be the dreadful Tim Urban, but the girls think he’s cute, so who knows.  And you thought this was a talent competition! 

You can take the girl off the Disney Channel, but you can’t take the Disney Channel off the girl.  Mylie Cyrus’/Hannah Montana’s performance last night on American Idol was certainly animated—like a straight-to-DVD cartoon movie.  Despite her protestations to the contrary, Mylie Cyrus is a product, and one of the most smartly marketed products ever.  How do you promote your new movie that just happens to be opening in theaters on March 31^st?  Well, you get a slot as a mentor on the #1 TV show in America.  Never mind that your qualifications as a singing coach are somewhat dubious.  Now, teaching young girls how to dress and act inappropriately for their age?  At that you excel.  But I digress.  So, Mylie starts off at the piano singing “When I Look At You” from her new movie “The Last Song” in that unusually husky voice of hers.  OK, I’m starting to buy in—a little.  Then Hannah takes over.  When the guitarist “rips into the guitar solo” Hannah starts “banging her head”.  “Look America, I’m not Hannah.  I’m Mylie and I can rock.  No, really, I can rock!  Look, I got hair extensions and everything!”  Hannah, honey, it’s a BALLAD—from a teeny-bopper movie.  And Mylie certainly does not rock.  Now, “Party In The U.S.A”, I believe.  At least that’s pure, honest commercialism.  Trying to sell yourself as a true rockin’ artist is pure baloney.

Oh, by the way Paige Miles got the axe last night.  Shocker.  The only thing shocking was that Andrew Garcia wasn’t in the bottom three.  His place was taken by Katie Stevens.  Tim Urban was in there, too, as predicted.  So here’s how I rank the Top Ten going into next week’s round:

1. Crystal Bowersox.
2. Casey James
3. Siobhan Magnus
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Michael Lynche
6. Lee Dewyze
7. Didi Benami
8. Katie Stevens
9. Andrew Garcia
10. Tim Urban

During Kidd Kraddick’s interview this morning with Adam Lambert, Kellie Rasberry asked the question that’s been foremost in my mind during this season of American Idol.  “Why are the contestants having such trouble picking songs that most suit their talent and give them the best chance to win?”  (Or something like that.)  Adam said that part of the problem is that contestants can only choose from songs that have been properly licensed and cleared for performance.  Then there’s the added pressure from producers who want songs that will resonate with viewers.  Whatever the reason, the songs from the last few weeks have been so mediocre that Season 9 may go down as the worst ever on American Idol.  5 of the last 11 contestants have no chance of winning, and there is not a break-out star in the bunch.  Last night’s theme was Billboard Hot 100 #1’s.  Here are the performances in chronological order with my take on ‘em:

I found it ironic that Lee Dewyze performed The Box Tops’ classic “The Letter” just one week after their lead singer died.  Alex Chilton was only 16 when he sang “The Letter”, and he passed away March 17^th at the age of 59.  Chilton is regarded my many artists as one of America’s most influential rock musicians.  Dewyze is no Chilton, but at least he didn’t have that deer-in-the-headlights look as bad as he had in previous weeks.

Paige Miles is one of those suffering from bad song choices.  I still think she’s having problems with her voice, but that still doesn’t excuse her horrendous performance of “Against All Odds”.  “Pitchy” doesn’t even begin to describe it. 

Would somebody please tell me why Tim Urban is still on this show?  His performance of Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” was like watching one of those horribly contrived Brady Bunch musical numbers.  Come to think of it, with that hairdo, Urban is a dead ringer for Bobby Brady! 

With each week Aaron Kelly keeps getting better and better.  Even with a touch of laryngitis, his version of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” was one of the best performances of the evening.

Crystal Bowersox is the one contestant that has consistently picked songs that are perfect for her.  Kris Kristofferson’s masterpiece “Me And Bobby McGee” never sounded better.  Janis Joplin would’ve been proud.  The only thing she lacks is charisma.  Where Janis was raw emotion, Crystal is yeoman workmanship. 

I don’t completely agree with the judges on their assessment of Michael Lynche’s rendition of Percy Sledge’s “When A Man Loves A Woman.”  It may have been a tad loungey, but I liked how he pulled back and didn’t belt it out like it’s usually done.  Remember Michael Bolton wailing all the way through his version?  I’d take Lynche’s more delicate approach any day.

Andrew Garcia is gone sooner or later.  He sang “Heard It Through The Grapevine” in military cadence. “Don’t—You—Know—I—Heard—It—Through—The—Grape—Vine—Hup—Two—Three—Four”.  Abominable.

The innate talent that I thought Katie Stevens had doesn’t appear as if it’s going to materialize.  She shows none of the power she exhibited in her audition, and she seems like a fish out of water.  She sounded like she was singing “Big Girls Don’t Cry” at a school assembly.  She’ll be gone soon. 

With just a little more animation Casey James could have a chance to win this thing.  He’s got the whole package—good voice, great looks, killer guitar licks—but he looks like he’s having about as much fun as he would at the dentist’s office.  His performance of Huey Lewis’ “The Power Of Love” rocked harder than the original, I only wish Casey acted like he really believed what he was doing.  He just doesn’t seem engaged. 

Didi Benami is the most charming contestant on the show; she’s just not a great performer.  Though her performance of “You’re No Good” was cute, it was contrived.  Unless she does something spectacular, and soon, she’ll be gone in the next couple of weeks. 

“Superstition” wasn’t her best performance, but Siobhan Magnus is still a strong title contender.  She certainly has a voice that could crack a mirror, but she needs to rely less freely on that screech that she does in every song.  I’d like to see her do a straight ahead rock song like Heart’s “Barracuda”.  That would be right in her wheelhouse.

Here’s how I rank the performances last night, though it’s anybody’s guess as to who gets the boot.  There are 5 solid candidates for that honor.

1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Casey James
3. Siobhan Magnus
4. Aaron Kelly
5. Lee Dewyze
6. Michael Lynche
7. Didi Benami
8. Katie Stevens
9. Tim Urban
10. Andrew Garcia
11. Paige Miles

So, what is up with Ryan Seacrest?  Looks like his ego is getting the better of him.  Surely the producers aren’t telling him to get into these confrontations with Simon, are they?  I guess it ramps up the conflict and gets people talking, but it just makes me squirm.  And then Ryan ticked off everybody on the West Coast when he tweeted right after the East Coast show and revealed who got voted off.  The result was that American Idol had it’s lowest watched regularly scheduled in-season show—EVER!  I don’t care who you are, you can’t do that and not catch some serious flak from the muckety-mucks.  That kind of stunt could cost FOX millions in advertising revenue!  We might hear more about this as the days go by.  I think it just shows that Mr. Seacrest may be short a few synapses in the cerebral cortex, if you know what I mean. 

Two of my picks yesterday for the bottom three were correct—Lacey Brown and Tim Urban.  I can understand Paige Miles’ inclusion in this bunch, but I still think she has a lot more upside than Andrew Garcia.  Let’s face it–Andrew’s still living off the one performance of “Straight Up”.  He hasn’t topped it and I don’t think he will. 

Final result?  Lacey gets the boot.

If you haven’t heard my interview with Kris Allen, click here.

This week the finalists are cut to 11 as we enter the long home stretch of American Idol Season 9.  It was Rolling Stones week.  Don’t know if it’s because of performance rights negotiations or what, but the producers’ choices of really old bands like the Stones are ironic because they’re the favorite bands of some of these contestant’s grandparents. 

Here are my evalutions in performance order:

Simon’s critique of Michael Lynche’s “Miss You” was dead-on, as usual.  (Simon consistently has the most constructive criticism of all the judges.)  Michael’s dancing was indeed “corny”.  My wife liked it, but one of her favorite artists of all time is Barry White—nuff said.  Oh, and the singing was—whatever.  A far cry from last week’s slam dunk.

Didi Benami was at the bottom a couple of times early in the competition, but she’s safe this week after her performance of “Play With Fire” which is a really obscure Stones song I’d never even heard before.  She struggled with the awkward lyrics, some of which are arcane references to London landmarks.  Way too British for an all-American girl. 

Loved Casey James’ take on “It’s All Over Now”, but I think Simon nailed it.  He’s just a guy with a guitar standing on a stage.  Sure, he can play; but there are thousands of great guitar players in this country who will never be stars.  Casey’s eventually got to have that “moment” or he won’t win.  Unless, of course, only women are allowed to vote.

Ellen had one of the best lines of the night when she told Lacey Brown that because of her fondness for sitting on the edge of things she should not visit the Grand Canyon.  Once again, Lacey sat down on the edge of the steps and did a ho-hum version of a song.  This time it was “Ruby Tuesday”.  Good song choice, but lackluster performance.

Andrew Garcia tried to break out of singular-caper equine territory with a soulful take on “Gimme Shelter” but he was like a Shetland out of his pasture. 

You’d think that with her obvious talent Katie Stevens is bound to have a breakout week at some point.  She’d better do it fast; her version of “Wild Horses” was way too tame.

Tim Urban.  Who?

Like I said on Friday, I look forward to every one of Siobhan Magnus’ performances, and last night she didn’t disappoint.  Simon has been talking all season about having “a moment” where your star quality shines through, and Siobhan had a blazing moment with “Paint It Black”.  She started off in dulcet tones, crescendoed into a raking screech, and then pulled it back to a silky sultriness all in a minute-and-a-half.  By far the best performance of the night.  She’s an odd duck, but with her supple voice and interpretive gift she can make any song her own. 

I caught a glimpse of the great voice the judges have been ascribing to Lee Dewyze during this competition.  “Beast Of Burden” has never been one of my favorite Stones’ tunes, but Lee’s decision to take it acoustic really worked for him.  He showed more vocal range and emotion than in previous appearances.  Still, I keep thinking, “Been there, done that”.

I knew Paige Miles was sick!  I had commented to a couple of people around the office that she sounded hoarse when she was singing “Smile” last week.  It was revealed last night that she has been battling laryngitis which explains why she struggled last week with what is basically a simple song to sing.  She battled back this week with a strong performance of “Honky Tonk Women”. 

Aaron Kelly (aka Little Edward Norton) was a little less creepy last night.  “Angie” was the perfect song for him.  It’s one of Mick Jagger’s best vocals, and Aaron did a nice interpretation.

Crystal Bowersox did the exact same song she did last week, or at least that’s what it sounded like.  She’s going to have to change it up some or she’ll be moving into one-trick pony territory.

So, here’s how I rank ‘em, strictly on last night’s peformance. 

1. Siobhan Magnus
2. Lee Dewyze
3. Crystal Bowersox
4. Casey James
5. Aaron Kelly
6. Michael Lynche
7. Didi Benami
8. Paige Miles
9. Katie Stevens
10. Lacey Brown
11. Andrew Garcia
12. Tim Urban

The last two are a toss-up, and I won’t be sad to see either one of ‘em go.

Predicting who the American public will vote for on American Idol is a fool’s game.  After Tuesday night’s performance there is no logical reason why Paige Miles is still in it.  Her rendition of “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin was one of the most abysmal performances EVER in the round of 16.  On the men’s side, Andrew Garcia has no star potential whatsoever.  Like Kara said this week, he peaked in the Hollywood auditions when he did “Straight Up”.  His attempt to turn another female Pop song, “Genie In A Bottle”, into a cool acoustic interpretation seemed like an act of desperation.   “Hey, you really liked “Straight Up”, so here’s another Pop song just like it.  Don’t you like this one, too?  Don’t ya? Please?”  Pathetic. 

Turns out that I wasn’t that far off in my predictions, as I had named Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott as possible boot-ees.  They both were shown the door last night.  Katelyn’s wooden performance of “I Feel The Earth Move” obviously didn’t move anybody.  I feared that Lilly’s song choice might do her in.  “I Fall To Pieces” is just too old and her take on it was too kooky.  Still, one of them should still be in the competition because it’s a joke that Paige is still in.  And I picked her to win the whole thing!

Song choice probably did Alex Lambert in, as well.  That “Trouble” song sounds like something from Hee-Haw.  “Gloom despair and agony on me….”  And my gut was right on Todrick Hall (see yesterday’s blog).  There’s just something inauthentic about him.  And in the Hollywood team competitions he came off as petty and catty which can’t have helped him. 

So, here’s your Top 12 and how I rank ‘em, like that means anything.  What’s your ranking?  Would love to see your comments below.

1. Michael Lynche—He and Crystal Bowersox are in a dead heat at this point.
2. Crystal Bowersox—See above.
3. Siobhan Magnus—Can’t wait to see what she does next.  Best singer in the competition.
4. Lee Dewyze—I don’t get this guy at all, but the judges love him.
5. Casey James—His movie star good looks and guitar playing are what keep him in the chase.  Certainly isn’t his singing.
6. Aaron Kelly—Creepy Edward Norton rides again.
7. Katie Stevens—I think she’s going to have a break-out performance next week; I know it’s in her.  If she doesn’t, she may be out.
8. Paige Miles—If she can get back to her up-tempo, belting ways she could be in the Top 10, at least.
9. Tim Urban—Who’da thunk it?  From afterthought to the Top 12.  Even he’s surprised.
10. Didi Benami—Got back in the competition with her excellent version of “Rhiannon”.  Don’t know if she can pull off two in a row.
11. Lacey Brown—She’s adorable and talented, but her performances have been erratic. 
12. Andrew Garcia—Please.  Gimme a break.

I take back what I said earlier this AI season.  Two things, actually.  I had said that the winner this year would be a woman because the men were so lame.  I also said that Michael Lynche didn’t have a chance to win; not because of his talent, but because he is so burly and imposing.  After last night’s performance of “This Woman’s Work”, not only did Michael throw down the gauntlet for the men, but he also staked his clam to be the rightful heir to Luther Vandross.  High praise, yes, but it was absolutely one of the best performances on American Idol—ever.   

THE GOOD

• Todrick Hall—His performance of Queen’s “Somebody To Love was, as Simon said, made for Broadway; but, that’s not a bad thing.  Just don’t know if he’s stand-out enough to make it.
• Tim Urban—I’ve thought all along that this guy was a joke, but gotta give him props on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.  The song’s been done to death, though.

THE SO-SO

•  Andrew Garcia—His “I-Can-Turn-Teeny-Bopper-Dance-Songs-Into-Acoustic-Ditties” act has worn thin. 
• Lee Dewyze—Really?  Do we need another gravelly voiced male singer on the radio?
• Casey James–If I were a psychologist judging his performances, I’d say that Casey exhibits a flat affect.  Absolutely no emotion.  Sings like he’s made of wood.

BUH-BYE

Andrew Garcia for sure.  Lee Dewyze or Casey James would be my other pick, but it just might be Todrick Hall.

I have a theory as to why Idol is so lame this year.  There’s a reason why there are only a handful of true music superstars.  As simplistic as it may sound, it’s because that’s all there is.  There is only one Celine Dion.  There’s only one Billy Joel.  There’s only one U2.  There’s a couple of Kelly Clarksons and maybe a couple of Carrie Underwoods, but that’s it.  Sure, there are talented people in the world.  It’s intriguing to believe that there is an endless supply of Susan Boyles out there just waiting to be discovered.  But the truth is superstar talent is rare.  So, after 8 consecutive seasons I believe that the sea of superstar talent in the US has been fished dry–for now anyway.    

Last night the women brought us another pedestrian show as a couple of contestants walked through their performances. 

FRONTRUNNERS

1. Crystal Bowersox—Continues to be the class act of this show.
2. Siobhan Magnus—Weird duck though she may be, she’s the best singer in the competition.

PEDESTRIANS

1. Katie Stevens—Previously one of my favorites, but she has faltered in the last few weeks.  I thought Kelly Clarkson’s “Runaway” would be right in her wheelhouse, but au contraire.  Yawn.
2. Katelyn Epperley—Talkin’ about a walk-through.  If she was feeling anything on “I Feel The Earth Move” you certainly couldn’t tell.

REBOUNDERS

1. Lacey Brown—This was Lacey’s first truly good performance since she got to the Top 24.  Her problem is that the only style she seems able to do competently is “Sixpence None The Richer.”  I don’t think that’s going to get her much farther.
2. Didi Benami—See Lacey Brown.

DON’T KNOW WHAT TO THINK

            Lilly Cox—Her performance of “I Fall To Pieces” was spotty, and I really didn’t like it. Don’t know what the public at large will think, but at least she’s taking risks.

BUH-BYE

1. Paige Miles—In our in-office pool that started when the Top 24 were announced, I picked Paige to win the whole thing.  Her earliest performances displayed powerful vocals and a comfortable stage presence.  But the last two weeks did her in.  Last night’s version of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” was BRUTAL.
2. Katie, Katelyn, or Lilly—I guess picking three is a little bit of a cop-out, but they each have their strong points.  Katie and Katelyn could survive because they’re both adorable.  Lilly comes off as a little kooky, so that may not help her even though her performance was better than the other two.

Three out of four ain’t bad.  My predictions were 75% accurate.  Haeley Vaughn is gone—FINALLY!  John Park has been, well, parked.  Jermaine Sellers is not a happy feller.  They’re all out.  But I really didn’t see Michelle Delamor’s ouster coming.  That was kind of a shocker.  I bet she gets a second chance though, as the judges will be giving a couple of dispatched contestants another try. 

One of my favorites from last year performed last night.  Danny Gokey, as predicted, is putting out a Country album, but I was nonplussed by his first single, “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me”. 

Here’s who’s left and how I rank them:

1. Crystal Bowersox
2. Michael Lynche
3. Katelyn Epperley
4. Katie Stevens
5. Casey James
6. Siobhan Magnus
7. Paige Miles
8. Aaron Kelly
9. Lilly Scott
10. Todrick Hall
11. Alex Lambert
12. Andrew Garcia
13. Didi Benami
14. Lee Dewyze
15. Lacey Brown
16. Tim Urban

I am really looking forward to next week.  Not for the performances, but because the show’s are only going to be one hour!  Those two hour shows filled with complete mediocrity were just too much.

Well, it wasn’t worse, is all I can say.  That’s not saying much.  The girls were decidedly less than scintillating last night.  This crop of Idol hopefuls is turning out to be lackluster. 

There were a couple of outstanding performances:

Crystal Bowersox—Of all the contestants, Crystal is displaying the most raw, natural talent.  Her belting of CCR’s “Long As I Can See The Light” was effortless.  She isn’t awed in the slightest by the big stage, and looks like she belongs there.  Don’t know how much of a market there is for bluesy female singers these days, but there’s always one in every AI competition.  Could Crystal be the one to finally break through?  I’d lay even odds on it.

Siobhan Magnus—Simon nailed it when he called her a strange little person.  I’m not sure if she’s strange or if her elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top.  When she was taking her criticism from the judges, she spoke up to respond to something Kara said.  At that point the camera flashed to Siobhan’s mother and she had this look of apprehension on her face that said, “Oh, pleeeez don’t say anything stupid.”  All that aside, this girl can WAIL!  She was dressed like a high school kid from the ‘50’s, and she launched into a scorching version of Aretha Franklin’s “Think”.  Don’t know what the public is going to make of her in the long run, but simply based on talent, Siobhan’s a contender.

One To Watch

Katelyn Epperly—This girl from West Des Moines has serious talent.  If she can realize how good she is before the competition ends, she could walk away with the crown.  She’s got the look, the smile, the self-composure.  She just needs to exude confidence on stage.

Who’s Out

Haeley Vaughn—This has got to be the week.  Talk about bad karaoke!  Her version of “The Climb” was execrable.  She needs to go home and have a slumber party with her Miley Cyrus wannabe friends.

Didi Benami—She almost didn’t make it last week, and her performance of “Lean On Me” wasn’t strong enough to save her this week.  It’s a shame, cuz I think she really can sing.  She just keeps picking the wrong songs.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that Lilly Scott didn’t help herself last night.  The judges loved her version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”, but I thought it was boring and annoying.  The song is just not going to resonate with the average AI viewer.

Who do you think’s gonna get the heave-ho tonight?