American Idol 5: Seven Finalists and Standards.

April 18, 2006

Published on April 18, 2006 By Jamie Burnside In Entertainment

Tonight, the Idol contestants worked with Rod Stewart on the classics of American Standards. The performers on the show seemed to be more on their game than usual.

Rod Stewart was pretty cool. He was friendly, approachable, and very humble. Of all of the guests that Idol has ever had, Rod seems like the one that would be the most pleasant to be around. (Barry Manilow probably isn't all that bad either.)

The Performances:

1. Chris Daughtry sang "What a wonderful world". He sang a sentimental song without sentimentality or feeling. It seemed boring and hollow to me. I don't know what the judges were thinking with all of their praise. I thought Chris' performance was pretty poor. Grade: C-

2. Paris Bennett sang "Foolish things". The way she sang this song was absolutely right. Paris is good at the oldies. Grade: A

3. Taylor Hicks sang "You send me". This song was fun, and was good enough to entertain. I hope that Taylor gets a chance to sing a blues song some day. Grade: B+

4. Elliot Yamin sang "It had to be you". Elliot actually looked like he was happy to be there. The confidence was good on him. The song turned out well, and was probably Elliot's best so far. Simon's comment that he didn't have enough personality bothered me. What about Chris? Elliot showed a lot more heart than Chris tonight. Grade: A

5. Kellie Pickler sang "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered". The song wasn't very interesting, and her pitch on a number of notes didn't seem quite right. Grade: C

6. Ace Young sang "That's all". After "We Will Rock You", how can I ever take this guy seriously again? Tonight's song seemed okay, but who really cares? Grade: B-

7. Katharine McPhee sang "Someone to watch over me". Katharine reminded me of one of Johnny's musical guests from "The Tonight Show". It was a really cool, and beautiful-sounding performance. I am just beginning to think that Katharine may have a chance to nudge Chris into second place by the end of the season. Grade: A

Tonight's Best: 1) Katharine 2) Paris 3) Elliot

Tonight's Worst: 1) Chris 2) Kellie 3) Ace

Comments

just john

on Apr 19, 2006

I have to sort of agree with you on Chris. That was one of my all time favorite songs. I still remember the date in time that I heard it first. It is the moment I began to love the music of the great Satchmo. I think Chris would just have a hard time impressing me with that song.

Does anyone know I can't stand Pickler? She proved why she doesn't belong there. Her timing was way off by the end of the song and instead of adding the jazz style intonation that Rod Stewart suggested she sang Bewitched, Bewildered and Bothered in straight time. I just don't think she has the vocal skills. To be a musician you have to know music. She knows how to sing not how to read music ad understand what the composer was looking for.

Did anyone else notice that when she first started with Rod Stewart she didn't have an accent at all and by the end she was back to her aw shucks persona?

Dynosoar

on Apr 19, 2006

Kelly screwed up, but I think the ax should fall on Ace, what was up with his Steven Segal look?

Thanks again for the review, I got home in time to watch the very end of Kathrines song...was she really THAT good?

OckhamsRazor

on Apr 19, 2006

To be a musician you have to know music

Amen. Someday maybe we'll insist that people that JUDGE music know something about it, too - but this show will die that day.

InBloom

on Apr 19, 2006

I actually liked Chris...people keep whining about how he is only one dimensional, but he showed another side to his vocals tonight, so in my book, that was good.

My top three for the night were Katharine ( I knew she would do the best tonight...the theme definitely fits her voice), Chris, and Taylor, with Paris not too far behind.

Jamie Burnside

on Apr 19, 2006

what was up with his Steven Segal look? I was telling my wife that I thought that he looked like Jean Claude Van Dam.

Dynosoar

on Apr 19, 2006

Or perhaps a Waspy Antonio Banderas???

AndyT

on Apr 19, 2006

I don't have a definite favourite anymore for this year

I don't think Chris is as good as Bo Bice from last year. The rock route is definitely for Chris. He does extreme rock really well, but it doesn't really fit into the whole 'American Idol' thing. He should be in a band not on TV.

I imagine he might struggle with the finale Idol pop song, and if he wins, the pop/rock album.

Katherine is gorgeous and she does sing reasonably well. I don't think she is as good as previous female Idol winners vocally, but she looks amazing on stage.

I have a feeling that the Kelly charm is starting to wear off some people, even though she still has a lot of fans. She's also the new favourite at VFTW now that Kevin has gone. Entertainment wise, she is the best choice to be the winner. But if there's a recording contract involved, it will probably destroy her life and American Idol's reputation (it is what happen here in the UK with Pop Idol).

Paris is actually very good. Her young confidence might rub some people the wrong way but she sure can sing and perform. She doesn't seem to appeal to people though, much like LaToya London in Season 3. She needs to say or do something to make people like her.

Taylor would be my favourite if I have to choose something, but not as favourite to win. Like Kelly, he has a lot of fans and charm. He can also sing which is a bonus.

He's needs to do some wow performances to be a contender.

I think Ace is ripe to leave. He's been in the bottom three nearly every week but always manages to survive - Scott Savol anyone? Sorry for the long reply but this season is a little strange for me.

Hey Jamie, I think it'd be great if you can comment on songs/albums you heard on previous Idol contestant. Maybe post recommendations?

Jamie Burnside

on Apr 19, 2006

Hey Jamie, I think it'd be great if you can comment on songs/albums you heard on previous Idol contestant. Maybe post recommendations?

Interesting that you say that, as I have just acquired 4-5 CDs of past Idol contestants. (My aunt mailed them to me. Apparently they came via my cousin.)

Here's what I know so far:

I loved Clay Aiken on Idol, but the CD of his that I have isn't any good.

I have seen Carrie Underwood's video.

Ruben's, Fantasia's, Diana DeGarmo's, and Justin's CDs are in my home. I will listen to them soon.

I love that Kelly Clarkson CD with all of those hit songs. (The one with "Behind these Hazel Eyes" on it.) I'd definitely recommend that.

Bo Bice's video (of the song that he sang poorly on Idol) sounded pretty good.

I have heard a clip of Julia DaMato's single. (It is on her website.) It isn't anything special, although I am hoping for her to do something impressive.

A former Hollywood Round contestant, Elizabeth Pha, has a good website with song clips. She seems to be searching for a niche audience.

That's all I know about the Idols. . .

AndyT

on Apr 20, 2006

Thanks for the comments.

I have that Kelly Clarkson CD too and I totally love it. I heavn't heard anyone elses. Will probably check out those web sites.

J Burnside

on Apr 29, 2006

You have the same last name as I do!!!

Im from New Zealand.

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