American Idol - This week Haley Reinhart became the first contestant to receive criticism, that is stinging by this seasons standards but in 'Cowell' terms a mild reminder.
Following last weeks pattern Haley produced a lack lustre version of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song” for her inspirational song didn't when you compared it against James Durban’s “Don't Stop Believin’,” or Scotty McCreery’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” or Lauren Alaina’s “Anyway.”
Haley lacked passion, and vocally she was off the mark, add this to a poor song choice and she was left trailing from round one. Randy Jackson's summary of the first round made that point very clear, saying the other three finalists were tied for first at the halfway point.
But in a repeat of last week she came back fighting with once again the best performance of the night in her second number by a mile. Haley's “I (Who Have Nothing).” had power passion first class vocals and blew the others away.Her performance had the judges who actually shredded her first song heaping praise on her but also taking the credit for the improvement - it was due setting their high standards that transformed Reinhart. Really!
That said Reinhart does produce her best performances when she has been stung by harsh comments. She was certainly rattled after Randy continued to say “Earth Song” just did work for her making the usually unflappable Reinhart distinctly uncomfortable.
The second effort should have given her a fighting chance of progressing gives her a chance to survive, but maybe she has reached the end of her journey. If Haley does make it through she needs to come up with two good songs next time and mentor Jimmy needs to get his act together and give her some better advice.
James Durbin was not at his best either this week, to add to things he nearly fell walking down the steps to the stage as he tripped over the train on Alaina’s dress.
Durbin's “Don't Stop Believin’,” was followed by a cover of 'Journey' made famous by the cast of Glee, not the best choice but coupled with his first song overall the guy 'done good'.
Lauren Alaina bounced back from her struggles last week which saw her face the danger of the final spotlight for the first time. “Anyway.” was a good performance and coupled with her second, a cover of Martina McBride’s “Anyway” that was vocally good enough to earn Randy's “in it to win it!” plaudit.
Alaina said she was worried about her second song, however, because Elvis’ “Trouble” has a line about the singer being evil and she feared the audience would see her as such.
Yeah, right. It may not have been her best effort, but her persona is about as evil as a sunbeam.
Lady Gaga guest mentored this week, with the line “I'm not interested in judging them, I'm just interested in being a friend,” basically the same path as the judges, something Gaga was adamant she was not.
Interestingly Scotty McCreery seemed to get the best out of lady gaga's mentoring advice his Gaga-mentored performance of “Young Blood,” had Steven Tyler comparing him Pat Boone.
So who is in trouble Reinhart most likely but Durbin could be a surprise struggler for votes this week.
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