American Idol 5: Eight Male Finalists

March 8, 2006

Published on March 8, 2006 By Jamie Burnside In Entertainment

Tonight was the final eight male finalists' last chance to try to crack the top twelve. In general I found the performances to be a bit average, as it seemed as each performer was interested in not making any mistakes at this point in the competition.

***Paula Abdul had one of her worst nights of the series. She hasn't had anything to say lately, and her comments on tonight's performers were neither accurate nor insightful.***

Tonight's Performances: (Excuse the brevity of tonight's recap. I have lots going on tonight.)

1. Gedeon McKinney, after a truly "WTF moment" on his vignette, sang "When a man loves a woman". It was reasonably good, but not spectacular. Grade: B

2. Chris Daughtry sang "???". Once again, Chris sang a song that fits his voice. Of his three performances to date this one was the weakest, but the ladies will vote for him regardless. Grade: B+

3. Kevin Covais sang "Vincent". Kevin did a better job at this one than Clay Aiken did a few years ago, still that was Clay's weakest performance.

I could just picture Kevin dressed as a mountie as he sang that song. I don't know why... Grade: B

4. Bucky Covington sang a country song called "Wave on wave". Bucky is funny-looking and awkward enough to be quite disarming. That, coupled with a pretty decent voice make him a really interesting contestant.

I'd say that his song tonight was fine. Nothing spectacular. Grade: B

5. Will Makar tried "How sweet it is". This song was a bit below-average. Will hit a few good notes while singing, but it was like the backup singers carried most of the song. Grade: C

6. Taylor Hicks started off with a great Easter Bunny vignette, and then drove it home with a good Doobie Brothers song, "Takin' it to the streets."

This was nearly that "breakout performance" that I have been expecting from Taylor. I think that he will have one or two better ones in himself before the competition is over, but still tonight's was pretty special. Grade: A-

7. Elliot Yamin sang Brian Adams' "Heaven". Elliot had a tough act to follow, and he wasn't very good either. (Brian Adams sings that song a lot better!)

Part of Elliot's problem tonight is that he is probably becoming the victim of high expectations. He has been so good so far, that we're anxiously awaiting what will come next from him. When he has an average night, it is a little disappointing. Grade: C-

8. Ace Young sang a Michael Jackson song. I'd bet the title of the song was "Butterflies". This song seemed weird to me, but it turned out alright. Grade: B-

Tonight's Best: 1) Taylor Hicks (by far) 2) Bucky Covington

Rough outings: 1) Will Makar (is it the end of the road for him?) 2) Elliot Yamin

Comments

Jenia

on Mar 09, 2006

Gedeon McKinney: That poor man's Martin Lawrence has got to go, but he'll probably survive a while longer because America doesn't know any better. Chris Daughtry: He's the only one who can actually sing. Kevin "Lucky Lisp" Covais: He has to go. Be honest - there are many of us who can sing so much better than he . . . sans lisp. Bucky Covington: How he got this far is an enigma. Might as well keep him on longer just for the curiosity factor. Will Makar: Awesome karaoke performance. Should be going home. Taylor Hicks: Acting like you have cerebal palsy ain't cool. He voice is nowhere near Michael McDonald. Hope this freak goes home. Elliot Yamin: Weak vocals and his inbred looks don't help any. Ace Young: This fool obviously is trying to woo votes out of females with his "I'm so cute" look into the camera. Please . . . that falsetto was worse than anything Sway ever mustered. If there's any justice in this world, that Jared Leto wanna be will be on his way out, which means he'll make the final five.

just john

on Mar 09, 2006

I know we all thank you at the end of the season for your recaps but I'll say thanks early on. I always enjoy your opinions.

I think we will see the end of Will and Kevin tonight. Neither performer really has chops or experience. I like Kevin. He seems like a very confident young man. He's just not what this completion is about though.

I think I finally have my top six in mind. (in no particular order)

Chris - He might have some difficulty in the themed nights but if he stays true to his style he will blow us away.
Taylor - The Soul Patrol will carry him through. I think he knows that he will make the final 12 and has not shown us what he's 'got' yet.
Elliot - I'm rooting for this guy all the way. He has a good voice and great musical timing for someone with no training.
Ace - This clown will make the top six if he stops singing all of these little songs. I don't like him but there is just no way to take votes from him. I would really like to see a woman in this spot. I'm just not sure there is one to beat the pretty boy with an average voice.
Mandisa - She doesn't have the 'look'. As far as big people go, Ruben just had that something that distracted you from the size of his body and made you look at the size of the person inside. Mandisa has already shown us she is a powerful woman. I can't wait for her to show us some personality. I know she has to be loaded with it.
Paris, Katherine or Lisa - I would gladly substitute Ace for any of these ladies. Paris hasn't impressed me in a couple of performances. Katherine could really be a break out if she gets it together. Lisa is a great singer but I feel like I am watching Star Search every time she takes the stage.

I don't want to count Kellie out yet but this week was the first time she took the stage and I didn't feel sorry for her life. I was into the music. It also doesn't hurt that she is cute, although, her whole country dumb thing is a bit annoying (just as it is with Bucky).

InBloom

on Mar 09, 2006

Taylor still remains my favorite from the men AND women...he has a cool personality and unique style. However, Elliot and Chris (and possibly Ace) will definitely give Taylor a run for his money. I like Chris, too...strong, unique voice as well.

If I had the choice, Will and Kevin would go home...nothing personal against them (I actually like Kevin)...I just think they are the least talented of the group.

AndyT

on Mar 09, 2006

I just like to take the time to thanks Jamie for his recap too.

Since I always read them before the show starts over here.

Dynosoar

on Mar 09, 2006

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