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Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2009 > March > 17 > Entry
‘Scary’ performance on American Idol’s country night!
Howdy American Idol Fans! Tonight is Grand Ole Opry night so put on those boots and get ready to YeeHaw through what is bound to be an interesting, if not down-right entertaining two hours. (Sorry, couldn’t resist myself) Randy Travis has come to tutor the Idols on their country songs. So let’s get started! Don’t forget to vote on our Idol Poll and tell us who you are ready to see gone!
Michael Sarver is singing Garth Brook’s Ain’t Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up). Randy Travis warns him not to lose a word in the fast “licks.” I can’t really tell if he likes him or not.
My take: I’m not familiar with this song but it has some serious lyrics running fast, fast, fast. That was impressive and he looks like he’s having fun but missing a bit of something I can’t quite put my finger on.
Judges take: Randy thought it was a cool song choice but didn’t think it showed off his vocal capabilities. Kara liked the personality he showed off but she missed the big notes. Paula said the song allowed him to have fun which made the audience have fun. Simon couldn’t understand a single word he was singing and gives him a 1.5 out of 10.
Allison Iraheta sings Blame It on Your Heart by Patty Loveless. Randy Travis says that he’s been around the business for a long time but he’s never heart the maturity in the voice of someone who is 16 years-old before.
My take: I’m surprised that a young, strong rocker type was able to completely convince me that she could sing country music. This was a great song choice for her. It was a really pleasant surprise how well she did.
The Judges take: Kara thinks she can sing the alphabet and each week she gets better and better. Paula wants her to start experimenting in all side of her vocals but she is an amazing artist. Simon thought it was good and a little tuneless in parts. Maybe verging on precocious. Randy thought it was dope!
Kris Allen sings Garth Brooks to Make You Feel My Love. Randy says that Kris is a strong ballad singer and made the song his own and Garth will be proud.
My take: Randy Travis is right. Kris is a strong ballad singer and sings with such passion without going over the top and being fake. I thought his falsetto was smooth and wonderful. Great song choice.
Judges take: Paula is surprised and thought it was honest and vulnerable performance. There were a couple pitchy moments but an overall smart choice. Simon thought it was terrific, really, really terrific. Great choice of song, didn’t go over the top, probably the first time Simon thinks he has a really good shot at doing well in the competition. Randy said “tender moments from his dog Kris.” Kara didn’t even know it was country, it was really Kris Allen.
Lil Rounds is singing Independence Day by Martina McBride. Randy says she needs to slow it down just a little so she can get in all her licks. He says if she sings like he just heard, she’ll nail it. She’s got pipes on the top end.
My take: Honestly, I was a little bored for the first half of the song, then she busted it out at the chorus and it was much better. Lil can sing but doesn’t quite have the passion for the country music that comes through when she sings her R&B.
Judges take: Randy thinks it didn’t feel comfortable for her, wrong song choice. Kara agrees and thought the second half was great. Paula thinks everything is great tonight. Simon struggled with Lil’s name, calling her Little, but thinks she sounded like someone who was forced to sing at a wedding and she felt and looked very uncomfortable. Basically, all the judges wanted to see her take a country song and turn it into “Lil.”
Adam Lambert looks nothing remotely like a country singer. Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash is what he is singing and when he started singing a version that was a little Middle Eastern in nature with a sitar, Randy Travis just didn’t know what to say about Adam and it threw him for a loop. Randy doesn’t normally see guys with nail polish and he was just…well… speechless.
My take: I rewound this a couple times and I have to say…I may be one of the few people in America that liked this. Adam has an amazing voice and I have a feeling the more I listened to it the more I would like it. I imagine most of America will HATE it.
The judges take: Kara thought it was all a little strange, but it left her confused and kind of happy. Paula thinks he stands out and is true to himself. She thinks he is raising the bar on himself each week. Simon says “I think what Randy was trying to say was what the hell was that?” Simon thinks there are a lot of people throwing their television sets out the window. He thought it was indulgent rubbish. Randy comes back by saying, “It’s current, it’s fresh, it’s young, it’s hot!”
BREAK FOR A SISTER PHONE CALL…
My sister can’t believe I liked it. “Honestly, it frightened me.” My 16 year-old nieces says “he’s very scary but the guy liner was hot.”
Scott Macintyre is singing Wild Angels by Martina McBride. Randy thought to himself he was going to be in trouble. But after hearing a bit, he thinks Scott surprised him more than anyone so far and he’ll go out and do fine.
My take: The song was nice and the piano was once again awesome and I like it more when the tempo picked up toward the end, but he didn’t blow me away this week.
Judges take: Paula says another impressive and lovely performance but she feels the piano has become a bit of a crutch and it separates him from the audience. Simon thinks Paula is being stupid. Simon thinks he is choosing songs that aren’t good for him. Randy is looking for those hot, crazy, amazing vocals…after all this is a singing contest. Kara wants him to up his game a little bit and wow them.
Alexis Grace does look a lot like Dolly Parton without the bustline and she is doing one of her songs Jolene. Randy thinks Alexis did a great job with Dolly’s song and understands what telling a story is about. He thinks it is perfect.
My take: I love this song…we sang it constantly when I was a kid. First the Dolly Parton version then the Olivia Newton John version so I have high expectations and I loved it! In fact I enjoyed it so much I stopped typing and just listened. I think she did an awesome job keeping it “Dolly” but added just enough of “Alexis” to make it interesting to me again.
Judges take: Randy thinks she tried to bend it a little too much, too bluesy. Kara thinks it was flat and it was missing the edge that they all fell in love with (personally, I thought there was just enough edge for the song). Paula thinks it was a great song for her and appreciates that she took an artistic approach. Simon thought it was okay but a little too “sound alike” to the original. He thinks they will forget about it in 10 minutes.
Danny Gokey was really nervous singing Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel for Randy. He tried and tried and I could feel his embarrassment. Randy says when Danny was singing the parts that he knew, there was a soulfulness that singers that make a living at it wish that they had.
My take: I am choosing to ignore his couple pitchy spots. Once again, Danny was amazing. I would buy this guys record tomorrow.
The Judges take: Kara didn’t think the front half of the performance was great but the rest of it was spectacular. Paula said that she disagreed because artists build a story and she loved it and thought he was brilliant. Simon’s only problem is what he is wearing. It’s like he is going on a Polar Expedition or something. Randy thinks the verses were a little pitchy but he’s a great singer.
Anoop Desai and Adam were the two I couldn’t wait to see how they handled country week. Anoop is singing You’re Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson. Randy said all the doubt he had about anyone trying Willie’s song went away before he made it through a few lines. Randy said this is the best anyone has heard from Anoop.
My take: Chills. I hope he never does another silly pop performance again. Stick to ballads Anoop. Chills still lingering.
Judges take: Paula said Anoop is back. This song fit him like a glove and his vocals can be tender, honest, sweet vocals and he touched her heart. Simon said that he just went from “zero to Hero.” It was a good choice of songs. It was one of Simon’s favorite performances of the night. He admitted he was wrong and he really does to deserve to be in this competition. Randy said this is the reason they wanted here. Kara said that was a classic, almost untouchable song. The best performance of the night.
Megan Joy is singing Patsy Cline’s I Go Out Walkin’ After Midnight. Randy immediately thinks this has been done every possible way. It was totally unexpected and unique. He thinks that if she goes out and does this song this way, you would have to like it.
My take: Another one of my personal country favorites. I like Megan but I like my Patsy Cline country, country. I thought I would love Megan’s take on it but I was luke warm. Maybe if I watch it again later…
The judges take: Randy thought was going to be a little bit of a train wreck but he thought it was a perfect choice for her. Kara, perfect song, perfect look and not many people with the flu could get up in front of millions of people and do what he could do. Simon thought she was better this week than last and she should have the flu every week. Actually, they said she had been to the hospital and back and has Influenza B and is very sick. You never would have known until after the song.
Matt Giraud is quickly moving up my favorite list. He sings Carrie Underwood this week. Randy Travis doesn’t think it is the best song choice until he hears him sing it. Kind of sounds like Randy thought that of a lot of people this week.
My take: I’m telling you this kid was incredible tonight. The emotion and soulfulness he brings to his music is heartfelt and it sucks you in. Again, I found myself watching and listening rather than typing. So I rewound it and found myself watching it again! I know you are going to think this odd, but he reminds me of Michael Buble’ behind that piano and the emotion with which he sings. I know they are different genre’s but it is the comfortableness inside their own skin that makes it work. Downloading this one for sure! Incredible, amazing, outstanding!
The Judges: Kara says there “aint nothing small about you.” Amazing. Paula applauds his authentic delivery and tells him he is piercing her heart. Simon thinks he has been overlooked with his vocals so far in the competition. Tonight he thinks he out-sang Danny tonight. AAAWWWWW, I can’t believe Simon just said that he reminds him of Michael Buble. I can’t believe it. I’m not nuts after all. Randy said he was his favorite tonight. You hear Simon say Buble and Randy says Justin Timberlake and look at the miles between those two, Randy says, “you got it goin’ on baby.”
One more reminder to vote on our Idol Poll! After the recap…Michael Sarver goes home tomorrow. What do you think?
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Comments
By MC
March 19, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this
I love everything about Adam. He seems pretty laid back and easy going and I love the way he flashes his beautiful smile! I thought his song this week was fabulous and showed more hard work and artistic creativity than anyone else did. I hope he goes far in this competition.
By Kim
March 18, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
Ha, ha, Hillary - it’s funny that I started out by saying that I hate Travis and you started out with how you love him! Just goes to show how different tastes make the world go round! Obviously you aren’t alone since he has sold millions of records. We agree on Anoop though - I’m really looking forward to seeing the results tonight! And gcwall - I agree that overall this has been one of the best groups. I want Scott and Michael to be the next to go - but beyond that it’s going to be really dicey for me! Tonight is especially important because the remaining 10 will be on the tour!
By gcwall
March 18, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
This has been one of the best turnouts in Idol history and could easily have been the last fifteen rather than twelve. Some of these kids have heart, others soul, and they can sing like nobody’s business. It has been a delight to watch them go for it, and unlike seasons that have come before, most of these singers love music for music’s sake. When asked what type of music I like my answer is music just as my favorite color is color.
By dreamscape
March 18, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
I thought Michael Sarver stunk last night! I dig Garth Brooks, but this isn’t my fav song and Michael still butchered it. Allison was good, as usual. I thought Kris Allen was the best of the night. That song is so pretty and he did it justice! Lil stunk, and I think Simon was getting her name confused with Lil’ Kim, which is actually hyphenated for Little. Adam was bizarre but good. I think he is going to eventually freak people out to the point of voting him off. Don’t give him too much credit…he did say he found that version of the Johnny Cash song from a different artist. It was not his arrangement, which is a common misconception every season, and it drives me nuts when these people get credit for someone else’s version of a song! Scott is soooo boring, and not a very good singer compared to the others. He is an awesome pianist though. Alexis is so cute and I dug her version of Jolene. Danny didn’t do his best. I know he is a good singer but he was weak on the beginning of this song. Anoop did great! I was glad. Megan Joy (Corkrey? - is she dropping that?) is unique and I like it. I liked her version of This Patsy Cline song. Matt is so boring! He’ll be gone soon…maybe. I believe the producers of this show alter the results of the votes more than we’re lead to believe.
By Kelle
March 18, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
Tina, I’ve often thought of Guns N’ Roses Axl Rose when Adam sings. He has a way of sing/screaming that is more singing than screaming and I like it. Particularly odd for me since I generally don’t care for hard rock or metal music. Adam is just plain unique.
By Tina
March 18, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Country night..Yeehaw! I’m not a big country fan, although, I can listen to it at times. I am like you Kelle, I am probably the only other person that liked Adam! His vocals are just so amazing. I think I could listen to him sing anything. I’d love to see him sing some Guns ‘n Roses or Nine Inch Nails. Definitely HOT! And I love Matt and Anoop..well he came back last night and definitely deserved to be in the top 13. Some great performances. I think Michael or Scott should go home tonight. I’m bored with both. Love this season!!!!
By Lee
March 18, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
Adam, lessee, rouge, eye liner, painted fingernails. A bit much, don’t we think?Get lost.
By Heather
March 18, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
Let me start by saying that every year, I absolutely dread country week. I do not like country music and wouldn’t buy country music. My only exceptions are a few Carrie Underwood songs - and maybe some Faith Hill. I guess the “crossover” type artists have some decent songs. That being said, I was very pleasantly surprised last night. No, everyone was not good, but a couple of singers that needed to rise to the occasion certainly did. Anoop was awesome and made me remember why I liked him so much in the beginning. He definitely needs to stick to the ballads. And Kris - I was afraid that the judges would think that he didn’t do enough with the song, but amazingly that’s what they liked about it. It was a great performance and I’m great he left the guitar for it. My other fav’s of the night were Matt and Danny. Danny was not as great as other performances, but I didn’t think it was terrible - especially seeing his rehearsals. The most shocking part of the evening for me was Adam. While I was listening to him, I thought - oh, the judges are going to eat this up…..in a good way. Boy was I wrong! I was super surprised that they did not love that take on this song. And even more surprising was that I didn’t hate it as much as other songs he’s done. I didn’t think it was as musical theater as most of his other performances. I can’t say that I really liked it, but I didn’t despise it. I don’t have any real strong opinions about the girls from last night. No one really stood out for me. Right now for me, it’s all about the guys.
By Hillary
March 18, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Let me just start off by saying I love Randy Travis! He’s such an amazing singer. I was glad to see him on there and I’m excited for the performances on the results show. I thought Kris and Anoop were the best of the night! I’ve liked both of them all along (although Anoop wasn’t great last week) and I’m glad they’re finally getting recognized. Matt, Alexis and Allison were pretty good. Michael blew it with his song. I suspect even Garth Brooks has trouble with that song and to pick it to sing when you’re kind of in jeopardy was a bad risk. His comment that the country fans would understand him and like it was way off. I love country music (and that song!) and I didn’t like it at all. Adam should just know that you don’t mess with that song or with Johnny Cash anything. Adam’s a little overdone and way overhyped for my taste. Megan (and what is up with her name? Is she Megan Corkrey, Megan Joy, Megan Joy Corkrey? Ryan’s said it all different ways. Is she trying to change it up now?) sang pretty good (especially considering she’s sick) but the long elegant dress still wasn’t enough to hide her awkward “dancing.” Scott was less than lukewarm. It wasn’t awful, but it also wasn’t good. Lil’ ruined that song. It’s a sad and powerful song. You can’t rush through it and sing it sho cheerfully. Hello, it’s about abuse! And finally, Danny Gokey. I’ve not liked him from the get go (OK, he wasn’t bad in the auditions but that was when he was competing with the likes of Bikini Girl — it’s not hard to look great next to someone like that!) and last night was no exception. He butchered that song - plain and simple, and while I don’t think Simon should be walking fashion runways anytime soon, he was right about the bad clothing choice. It seems like Danny’s always wearing that ugly white jacket. I just do not get the obsession with this guy. He’s a mediocre singer who I still say is getting the sympathy vote. And no, I’m pretty sure Carrie Underwood would not buy that version of her song.
By rene
March 18, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Kris and Anoop surprised me, and I like them both. Matt is also showing some real promise. Allsion was solid as always, Danny was a good as usual too. Adam went too far.Yeah, he’s a “rocker” but when you twist a standard song THAT much it is disrespectful to the artist and genre.He’ll probably do well in the competition, but I think that he’s just too over the top in performance and screaming. It’s going to get old week to week.
By Kim
March 18, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
It was certainly an interesting show! First of all - I can’t stand Randy Travis. I do like country music, cut I HATE his stuff - he is an artist that will make me hit “scan” when he comes on the radio. It may have been editing, but it seemed to me like he did very little mentoring, he would just “good” or slow it down or speed it up. I thought this genre fit Michael pretty well - that was okay for him. I was impressed with what Allison did - she payed homage to the song but made it hers. Kris really stepped it up - I loved him last night. Lil bored me to tears - all of it - HATED it. STUPID song choice - that song is a powerful story and only singing one verse of it should be against the law. She has a good voice but I am seriously started to doubt her skills as a performer - it’s like she hasn’t really found herself as an artist. Adam - my reaction was much the same as Kara’s - horrified and entertained all at the same time. As I was watching him, I thought it sounded like Led Zepplin - and I think it was Kara that said it had a Kashmir feel to it - so that was like your Buble moment with Matt. I love Led Zep - so I think that is why I kinda liked it - but it was SO over the top. I KNEW Simon was going to say it was self-indulgent -ha! Scott - I just really don’t like him. He bores me. He has mad piano playing skills, but he does nothing for me. I have no interest in seeing him in concert or buying his music. Alexis - I like her - I never saw it before, but she does kinda look like a young Dolly! Her performance was fine - good but nothing special for me. Danny - I love him to pieces - but this wasn’t one of his better performances. I love this song, but he did start out a little weak then thankfully finished strong. ANOOP - my boyee - thank goodness he was saved! I thought his performance was the BEST - major chills. It was unbelievable that he was able to do that with a Willie Nelson song! Willie is actually another artist I don’t like for the most part - I sat through a concert of his once and it was absolute torture - but Anoop made me LOVE this song! My quirky buddy Megan - I have to give her props for turning in that performance with the flu. I too love Patsy Cline and that song, and though no one can do it like Patsy, I appreciated Megan’s spin on it. Matt - still don’t get it. I liked him last week but this was another blah week for me. When he was playing I was in the other room doing something, so I was just listening rather than watching and I think that can make a big difference. I guess I need to watch it again on Youtube or something, but he just doesn’t quite work for me. As for who goes home - I think I want Scott gone the most at this point, but I would be okay with Micheal leaving too. I did my bit to help that along by voting for everyone BUT those two - ha! But of course - I voted for Danny and Anoop the most! :)
By Trisha
March 18, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this
I just don’t think Adam is all that great. I did in the beginning, but now I just think he screams a lot. Also, his ego is getting on my nerves. I still love Danny and Matt is becomming another favorite. I also love Allison’s voice. She has a unique sound that I think would be recognizable no matter what she sings. All in all, it will be a tough competition this year.
By Shantei
March 18, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this
Ok, maybe I chose the wrong words to say(it was late lol). But he did suck me in when he was singing it. And Michael, I do agree with you to a certain extent, but if he would have sang it the way Johnny did, they would have blasted him more like they did Lil.
By Kelle
March 18, 2009 7:19 AM | Link to this
Shantei, I’m not sure I personally would go as far as saying Adam’s performance was sick and twisted. I just liked Middle Eastern flair and it was all Adam…all performance…all vocals…I do wonder if he wouldn’t be much better as a stage actor/singer than a pop star. But the again, it takes all kinds to be a pop star. P.S.: I did download the song from iTunes! :)
By Michael
March 18, 2009 7:02 AM | Link to this
I know this won’t matter to many of you, but here goes: Adam showed great disrespect with his version. Even if you will never do a country song in your life, you just don’t do that to Johnny Cash. It was awful. Anoop was great. I think Scott or Michael should go, but neither probably will.
By Shantei
March 17, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this
Anoop melted my heart 2nite! How he stared into the camera as he was singing was the topper!! Danny was good as usual. And I am also one of the few people who liked Adam 2nite Kelle’! The way he put his sick, twisted version on the song was wonderful! I also thought Lil was good as well. A little slow in the beginning, but good. Kris was good. Megan was weird, but good. Allison was ok. Alexis was ok. My bottom 3 would be Scott, Matt and Micheal.Any one of them could go home.