American Idol - Risk taking if you get it right will always work with both audiences and judges alike. Casey Abrams and Jacob Lusk this week were the singers who stepped out of their comfort zones this week. Casey Abrams sang a cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to show his versatility as a singer. Performance wise it was pitchy maybe at times he shouted but hey give him credit for trying something new, and to be fair it did work although not his best performance to date.
Jacob Lusk meanwhile covered Heart’s “Alone,” Carrie Underwood's version is well remembered on the way to winning season four. Lusk produced a performance full of freshness and should be commended for his willingness to experiment,
Lauren Alaina was sick but did a lot better than last weeks nervy effort as she recaptured some of the zest she lost. Lauren's personality plays a big part for her likability factor and even illness did not dampen her, even making fun of her condition by bringing Ryan Seacrest a surgical mask to wear during their pre-performance interview.
The performances of both these three guys should mean they will progress this week.
Scotty McCreery refused to try something different though as he stuck to country with Travis Tritt’s “Can I Trust You With My Heart,” which should please fans of country music, so McCreery does not need to sweat yet.
James Durbin's Bon Jovi’s “I'll Be There For You.” was good, safe while Pia Toscano tried something a little fresher when she took Whitney Houston’s “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.” up tempo. Both performances should good enough to make them safe.
Stefano Langone's Simply Red “If You Don't Know Me By Now.” had Randy Jackson comparing it to the Olympics, that comment apart he should be safe again this week.
Who struggled - Again this week it was the girls made things difficult, Haley Reinhart - the classic “Idol” contestant who hasn't found her comfort zone and so lurches around trying to decide who she is as an artist.This week it was Whitney Houstons “I'm Your Baby Tonight,” something picked up by Tyler as he commented she had covered Alicia Keys, LeAnn Rimes and now Whitney Houston on successive weeks.
Naima Adedapo went too safe with the show opening cover of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” She has the stage presence and the confidence of a star, but vocals this week were anything but star quality.
Karen Rodriguez said to mentor Jimmy Iovine she didn't want to be known for singing in both English and Spanish but did it again on Taylor Dayne’s “Love Will Lead You Back.” so Iovine must have been persuasive. The Spanish didn't work but overall her performance was an improvement on last week but if she stays which is a big 'if' then she will need to up her game considerably..
The only guy in trouble was Paul McDonald who was clearly still ill as he sang Elton John’s “I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues.” but sympathy should aid him.
The Simon factor - With the new “Idol” judges reluctant to be negative what would acid tongued Mr Cowell have to say. Jen and Steven Tyler definitely add a new bounce to the panel, and a sense of humour that was missing but it’s always a temptation after some of the performances to speculate the feedback Simon would have given.
Thia Megia, for example, would have driven him spare as a 16-year-old singing ballads that just do not suite her age, a pet hate of his
This weeks performances still have us with Lauren Alaina out in the front
Alaina, young, southern, pretty and very talented, better than previous winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, whom Alaina has already been compared to by the judges. Steven Tyler has had her as a favourite from the audition stages
Alaina has a blend of confidence that is tempered with humility, a sense of humour, that allowed her to gat away with calling the tetchy and aloof Ryan Seacrest “Peaches” still she maybe has his measure.
Tagged in American Idol Steve Tyler