American Idol
This Is American Idol - The semi-finals this season had three singers in Wednesday’s performance with poor showing in the voting last week to prove the judges were right in awarding them a wildcard slot..
Naima Adedapo, Stefano Langone and Ashton Jones were still in the contest not because the viewers like them, but because the judges did.
The fact they were not among the top five vote-getters of their gender last week, meant they all knew that they had to pull something special out to convince the public.
Adedapo sang a cover of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” with an indifferent version of the song, lacking power that was until she spun it into a dance-filled reggae performance that arguably gave her an advantage over the others. Not the best vocals of the night but her stage presence was unmatched, credit to the girl she gave it her best - so over to the viewers.
Langone took Stevie Wonder’s “Lately” and turned it into a dance mix. An 'OK' performance he was a little to animated on stage and I would say it was a performance that may leave him sweating on progressing further.
Of the three Ashton Jones, looked most vulnerable. She singing between Casey Abrams, and Paul McDonald who was followed by Pia Toscano meant she was right in the meddle of three of the strongest performances on the night.Ashton's Diana Ross impersonation with “When You Tell Me You Love Me” lack any fizz and average, which is most likely down to nerves but hey she needs to stop dwelling on last week. Unfortunately this may be her last chance to prove herself.
The night though proved a struggle for most of the girls with some of the early fan favourites failing to step up and are now left in the biggest danger.
Karen Rodriguez was a good example, first the good news - Jennifer “You look so beautiful tonight” but what about the critique on her performance of Selina's “I Could Fall In Love.” a big fat nothing oops the kiss of death.
Thia Megia version of Michael Jackson’s “Smile,” was again very average. When the judges agreed she put on a baby pouty face, she should be safe but she needs to up her game and pick better songs as well as handle criticism.
Haley Rinehart cover of LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue”, a tricky song to sing but Rinehart performed it fine and was one of the nights better vocals even though Randy thought it 'a little boring.”
Toscano again received nothing but praise and deserved it for Celine Dion’s “All By Myself,” a strong vocal performance that impressed both the judges and the audience alike
Alaina's version of Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine,” was a touch flat with the judges not altogether convinced by the performance but it was still one of the best female efforts of the night.
In contrast to the girls none of the guys let their guards down this week.
James Durbin, Jacob Lusk,Scotty McCreery, and Abrams all were on the end of complimentary feedback and look to have cruised through.
Durbin was praised for having the ability to swap Judas Priest for Paul McCartney, Abrams and Lusk just kept on doing what they are naturally good at . “You are a rainbow of talent, man. You are a plethora of passion,” Steven Tyler told Abrams.
McDonald's feedback was less bullish more because he chose an unknown Ryan Adams number even so his vocals should keep him in.
Scotty McCreery looked more confident with a country song, Garth Brooks’ “The River,” Scotty is a bit of an anomaly in the competition with his teenage prowess and that big deep voice, still America loves country and the boy can certainly sing.
