Gamble and Huff, Country songs.
Published on May 10, 2005 By Jamie Burnside In Entertainment

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Tonight's show featured first country songs, and then songs written by the songwriting team of Gamble and Huff.  I like the G&H songs; but since I didn't recognize any of the country songs (except the Faith Hill song), I wasn't all that much into those.

As I was watching, I realized that this year (more than others), the top four finalists are the four best-looking contestants from the top-twelve.  Pop music being so image-driven, I think that good looks will help the eventual winner (and whomever else gets signed) to sell records.

The Contestants:

1) Carrie Underwood: I have written it before, but I think it needs repeating. Carrie's voice often seems to get drowned-out by the background music.  I wonder what's up with that.  She doesn't have a weak voice, does she?

She had fun singing her first song, and the judges seemed to be really into it.  Carrie's voice sounded better for the second song, but folks just weren't showing the love.

Carrie gets bonus points for a nice shirt.

2) Bo Bice: Bo's country was passable, and he seemed to have a "hit" with his second song.  Still, I was still left "wanting more" from Bo.  Let's hope that he "knocks our socks off" next week.

When he sang the country song, he sounded like Lee Greenwood, didn't he?

3) Vonzell Solomon: I wonder what was up with Vonzell after she sang her first song.  She was apparently upset about something.

Like other contestants in previous seasons, Vonzell had a stab at the Faith Hill song.  She did better than previous performers, but still wasn't as good as the original.

Vonzell's second song was great.  (That's one of my favorite songs: "Don't Leave Me This Way.")  Vonzell does an awesome job with those "disco diva" songs.

4) Anthony Federov: Anthony sang really well tonight.  This was as close as he's sounded to Clay Aiken since they got out of the auditions.  His voice sounds the best when he can "air it out".  He is a bit weaker in the buildups to the main choruses.  (Sorry musicians out there.  I am not up on the lingo!)

Randy isn't "feeling it" for Anthony, is he?

Tonight's Best and Worst:

Stronger: Anthony and Vonzell (my opinion!)

Weaker: Carrie and Bo

Tomorrow's results' show will be close.  I predict some sort of upset.  (Carrie or Bo may go...)

 


Comments
on May 10, 2005
Vonzell did not sing a Faith Hill song. She sang a Trisha Yearwood/Leann Rimes song. Of course she sang Leann's pop version of the song "How Do I Live" instead of Yearwoods "country" version.
on May 10, 2005
Shows what I know... I need a C&W primer.
on May 11, 2005
I was searching for this show last night and couldn't find it. Maybe they didn't show it in my area, don't know. Well, I definately could "see" it from your description.

Thanks as usual Jamie. What would we Idol fans do without you?!
on May 11, 2005