American Idol 8: Top 11 Performance Review (Randy Travis Is One Scary Looking Dude)

[Jay]

American Idol 8



Top 11
Performance Review
(Randy Travis Is One Scary Looking Dude)

Last week we said goodbye to Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez. This week features the music of the Grand Ole Oprey. I’m not a fan of country music nor a connoisseur so this week may be a little difficult to appreciate and understand.

Michael Sarver
'Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up)'
by Garth Brooks

There were too many words in the song. Allthewordsfeltliketheywereallstrungtogetherliketh issentence. My ears were hurting after the performance.

Randy:A cool song choice. Not sure it brought out your vocal capabilities.
Kara:I missed the big notes from you. It’s impressive you could remember all those words.
Paula: This song allowed you to have fun. This is the genre that suits you so well.
Simon:I couldn’t understand a single word. A bit clumsy. It felt like karaoke night.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B-





Allison Iraheta
'Blame It On The Heart'
by Patty Loveless

The rocker chick sang this country song well. It was a dynamic and convincing performance. I think this girl can sing anything.

Randy:I thought it was dope.
Kara:You made this song your own. You are getting better every week.
Paula: Another rock solid performance. You are an amazing artist.
Simon:I thought it was a little tuneless in parts. It was good.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B+






Kris Allen
'She’s Gonna Make It'
by Garth Brooks

It was a safe, bland, unremarkable ballad. The girls will love it. I didn’t.

Randy:You took a chance to showcase your vocals. Who knew you had those tender moments.
Kara:It was beautiful. It was very Kris Allen.
Paula: I think it was an honest, pure, vulnerable performance.
Simon:I thought that was terrific. A great choice of song.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B-






Lil Rounds
'Independence Day'
by Martina McBridge

Lil toned down her powerful R&B voice and it was successful. She didn’t try to blow the roof off the theater.

Randy:An ambitious song choice. It didn’t feel comfortable for me.
Kara:You did what you felt. Not the best performance but good for standing your ground.
Paula: Your vocals were spot on. It would have worked better if you sang one verse and went to the chorus.
Simon:It came over as someone forced to sing at a wedding. It felt and looked uncomfortable. It just wasn’t you.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B+




Adam Lambert
'Ring Of Fire'
by Johnny Cash

An interesting and unusual Eastern arrangement to this classic. I liked the music but not so much the vocals. The frequent longing looks into the camera is quickly becoming tiresome.

Randy:Imagine 9 inch Nails doing a country song. It is current, young, fresh, hot.
Kara:It was strange but I liked it. I’m confused and happy.
Paula: You are one who stands out. Great song choice. Loved the Middle Eastern feel.
Simon:What the hell was that? I thought it was absolute, indulgent rubbish.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B




Scott MacIntyre
'Wild Angels'
by Martina McBride

It was a song firmly in Scott’s comfort zone. I’m afraid he may be pigeon holed into this image of a safe, not unpleasant, inoffensive, middle of the road performer.

Randy:I’m looking for hot crazy vocals from you. It was a nice good performance.
Kara:Up your game a little bit, deliver it. You bring class and poise to that stage.
Paula: An impressive, lovely performance. The piano separates you from the audience.
Simon:I don’t think you are choosing good enough songs to make you feel emotional.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B-





Alexis Grace
'Jolean'
by Dolly Parton

One of the better vocals of the evening. I liked the bluesy injections into the song.

Randy:A bunch of pitch problems. A good song choice but it wasn’t a great performance for me.
Kara:You lost your edge a bit. A little flat for me.
Paula: That song was more effective for me. I enjoyed the vulnerable, soft side.
Simon:It was a little OK. I didn’t hear a lot of originality.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B+




Danny Gokey
'Jesus Take The Wheel'
by Carrie Underwood

It started slow and picked up in the middle. It sounded to me as if Danny struggled with the vocal range.

Randy:The verses were a little pitchy. You got to better support the verses.
Kara:When you hit your stride, you are like no other. The front half was not spectacular.
Paula: I think you were brilliant. Carrie Underwood would approve.
Simon:I agree with Paula. The only problem is what you are wearing. It’s like you are on a polar expedition.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B




Anoop Desai
'You Are Always On My Mind'
by Willie Nelson

What is it about this week? Is it the theme? This was another super safe, boring, forgettable vocal.

Randy:You can really sing. You proved it tonight. The arrangement was dope.
Kara:To do what you did tonight was amazing.
Paula: Anoop is back. The song fit you like a glove. Honest, tender sweet vocals.
Simon:You just managed to go from zero to hero. One of my favorite performances of the night.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B






Megan Joy Corkrey
'I Go Walking After Midnight'
by Patsy Cline

I liked this song and performance. It wasn’t bubbly and cutsey and gag worthy. Megan didn’t shake and shimmy like a plate of J-E-L-L-O.

Randy: I was quite impressed. A perfect choice for you.
Kara:Perfect song. Perfect look.
Paula: You are a consummate professional.
Simon:You were better this week than last week.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
B+







Matt Giraud
'So Small'
by Carrie Underwood

I am a fan of Matt. His performances true, honest and heartfelt. This was more of the same.

Randy:My favorite performance of the night.
Kara:There is nothing small about you.
Paula: You are an authentic performer. You pierced my heart.
Simon:I don’t think you get enough credit for your singing. I think you outsang Danny. One of the best tonight.
Jay's Grade on the Night:
A-



Who should be eliminated? Michael.
Who will be eliminated? Megan (don't call me Corkrey).

I’m glad Country week is out of the way. Country week has never been one of my favorite themes.

Oh my, Randy Travis has a GIANT melon called a head. When he grins, it’s very disconcerting.

Tune in tomorrow night for the live results show. Comments? Please feel free to contact me at Jay@tvfunspot.com.

To join in the discussion of American Idol this season, or anything TV Related,
Sign Up as a Member at the FunSpot!

For More American Idol 8 News Visit: SirLinksalot: American Idol
Images Courtesy of americanidol.com