Thursday, February 25, 2016

American Idol: Top 24 - 2nd Half - Duets

Amelia Eisenhauer and Kellie Pickler - "Suds in the Bucket" by Sara Evans. Amelia played her fiddle. She still seems a bit shy, but it was a fun performance. The judges liked it and felt it was a good song choice.

Kory Wheeler and Haley Reinhart - "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John. Kory auditioned with this song. The alternating call and response "Bennies!" made for a fun ending. The judges liked it.

Lee Jean and Chris Daughtry - "Home" by Chris Daughtry. Both played guitar. Lee is a bit too quiet and reserved to belt this the way it needs to be belted. I felt Chris dominated. The judges were positive.

CJ Johnson and David Cook - "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. Both played guitar. It had a kinda rocky beginning and then David dominated. CJ was too quiet. Somehow he seems to have lost a lot of chutzpah he showed in Hollywood Week. 

Manny Torres and Jordin Sparks - "No Air" by Jordin Sparks. This was just OK. He did a good job feeling the lyric. Harry said he had good charisma. I just don't feel he's good enough for the Top Ten. 

Jenn Blosil and Constantine Maroulis - "My Funny Valentine." This was a cool rendition of one of Constatine's big Idol songs. Both are quirky and charismatic, so they are a good match. She's quieter but sexy. Harry felt it was a shouting match, but Keith loved it - and so did I. But then, I've always been partial to Constantine. Here's some haikus I wrote about Constantine when he was on Idol. 

Tristan McIntosh and Kellie Pickler - "Best Days of Your Life" by Kellie Pickler. Kellie drowns her out at first but then it gets better. Why does Tristan only want to do country? I wish she would embrace the Alicia Keyes side of herself that J Lo noticed in her initial audition. Keith said the opening harmony was shaky. J Lo said she needs to feel more comfortable on stage.

Olivia Rox and David Cook - "Light On" by David Cook. Her dress is a bit weird. She can belt ipretty well and hang with David. J Lo agrees with David that if she finds her groove she will be around for a long time. It's a tough song to do, so I give her points for a valiant attempt. 

Adam Lasher and Haley Reinhart - "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley. Adam has a nice tone and pace. They are sweet together. Keith felt Adam was stiff.

Dalton Rappatoni and Chris Daughtry - "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder. They had good energy. The judges liked it although Harry said it was mostly about the band.

Trent Harmon and Jordin Sparks - "To Love Somebody" by The Bee Gees. This is a good song for Trent and it was my favorite duet of the night. J Lo said,"That was the Trent that I know and love and that surprises us."

Shelbie Z and Constantine Maroulis - "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. This song is a great showcase for her big voice, but it's so bombastic that she comes across like a female Meatloaf. J Lo felt Shelbie got lost. 

Sent home - Adam, Amelia, Kory, CJ,  Shelbie

Of this group, I'm a little sorry to see CJ go. He was great in Hollywood Week but really didn't do much in the Top 24 round.  I'm also sorry to see Shelbie leave. I think she deserved a chance to let America decide.  She was one of the more polished and likable contestants. Note that both contestants who sang with Haley were sent home. I was never that keen on her but I don't think it was her fault. 

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