Here is a recap and vocal review of Season 11's American Idol Top 12. Tonight we had the chance to watch our singers perform songs from the year they were born. Some of them were born in the 90s which makes me feel old. This is what I thought:
1- Phllip Phillips - Boring. I know he is sick and all, but I was bored! Sorry!
2- Jessica Sanchez - Terrible song choice, too much vibrato and completely lacked accuracy of syncopated rhythms. She'll stay because she's so good.
3- HeeJun Han - The poor dude has awful diction and the worst microphone technique ever! His personality is cute, but not enough to be an Idol!
4- Elise Testone - Finally, you showed us a soft and vulnerable side. Perfect song choice that showcased wonderful tones and phrasing, but got too loud too soon. Hold back, girl- there's tons of beauty in your voice when you keep it soft and build up slowly.
5- Deandre Brackensick - I felt like I was in the 70's when he started. His phrasing, his facial expressions and even his outfit made the performance so cheesy! He has a great voice but it was cheesy CHEESY!
6- Shannon Magrane - Yes!! You did it, girl! You relaxed, emotionally connected and gave us a great performance! The voice was in control and the dynamic contrast was very effective into building up the song! Wonderful job for proving yourself this week!
7- Colton Dixon - Great voice but also boring! He is going to need to step out of his comfort zone in order to stand out!
8- Erika Van Pelt - Great vocal mix and technique, effective key change and interesting ending! She reminds me of Kelly and could surprisingly win this thing!
9- Skylar Laine - She is such a firecracker - has killer stage presence and style! I can't believe how much potential she has for her age!
10 - Joshua Ledet - I did not like the song choice, but it showcased impeccable range and control. Not sure that it deserved the standing ovation, but strong enough to continue.
11- Hollie Cavanagh - The notes just soared above her so effortlessly. Loved the song choice and the key fit her voice perfectly. She almost didn't get that last note but did a great job closing the show!
Tonight we also witnessed this season's first controversy. I was creeped out by the way the producers decided to address the disqualification of Jermaine Jones. Additionally, I was upset that we were not presented with a Jeremy Rosado comeback performance in its place! What a waste of a spot as I was never a big fan of this "gentle giant."
Looking forward to tomorrow's elimination round. I predict HeeJun and Deandre are in trouble. We shall wait and see... =)
I completely and absolutely disagree with many of your commentaries. Phillips Phillips, who usually does not grasp my attention really soared, sans the last note where he yelled a little. With a little bit of vocal coaching he could potentially win the competition. Jessica was absolutely fine, she doesn't need to consistently be IN THE POCKET to successfully pull of this song. It actually bettered Gloria Stefan's bland music. She was in control of her voice, her vibrato was complimentary to the song, and melodic interpretation was great. Heejun...I'm with you there. I also agree with your commentary on Elise, who managed to show a "soft and vulnerable" side, a side that she seemed to be lacking from the way they edit her as a tough girl. Deandre, that was his own fault for letting himself be swayed to pick a song he wasn't comfortable with. He sounded lovely, and yes there were some minor performance things, but he wasn't the worst. Shannon- woah. We must be listening to absolutely different things. Yes, she for the first time since singing on the show, sang well but there were major vocal issues. She is pushing her voice to compete with the other girls and trying to be load when she can soften it and allow some vulnerability. I have to disagree with you. She was NOT in control of her voice, but being 16 she will be great in 2-3 years with more training. Colton is by far a great showman, he wasn't boring at all. He managed to take a song that was unknown by many and effectively entertain everyone in the audience. Agree with you on Erika and Skylar. Here is my major problem with your critique. Joshua not only had the perfect song choice but he effortlessly molded it into his own genre. Out of all the contestants he picked the song that made his voice shine. Hollie's voice doesn't soar so effortlessly. I feel like she has a problem between mp-mf. That doesn't exist right now. She can sing softly and she can sing loudly. Thank goodness she doesn't scream when she sings. Frankly, it wasn't the best but it was an improvement to her previous performances. She will be safe and hopefully improve as the weeks continue.
ReplyDeleteWe are all entitled to our own opinions! I completely stand by all of my critiques! :)
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