American Idol this week featured the music of Motown. I thought it was an interesting choice and one I was looking forward to – to see how each contestant could make music from such a specific era relevant today and perform with their own unique spin.

We started with Casey Abrams singing Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” What a great song choice for him! I loved the whole vibe of the song – even if I didn’t like Casey’s hairstyle for the night. It kind of reminded me of a slicked-back Chewbacca hair during the performance. But I loved what he did with the song.

Thea Megia selected “Heat Wave” by Martha and the Vandellas. A bit more of an uptempo song for her. She is such a cute girl, but still so young. I think she’s so reserved and I typically hope the older contestants win because they know more about who they are, their own style, and have a better chance to not get manipulated in the “making of a star” cogs of Hollywood. She sang nicely, but it felt like simply a cover of the song to me rather than making it current and a song of her own. The judges didn’t gush and seemed to want more from Thea.

Jacob Lusk chose Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terrell’s “You’re All I Need to Get by.” I have to admit I was pretty excited to hear what Jacob could do with a Motown song. Although I was a bit distracted by his cream colored jacket, he certainly is a born entertainer. And you can absolutely tell that he loves music and loves to sing. Jacob got Steven Tyler to jump out of his chair, come onto the stage and give him a hug. “You know what was wrong with that performance? Nothing!” “You made us beg. You move me. It’s amazing!” Pretty soon, Ryan Seacrest had invited the whole front row to come up and give Jacob a hug.

Lauren Alaina – “You Keep Me Hanging On” by the Supremes. I like Lauren, and thought she did a good job. I liked the first half better than the second half. I wished she would have had a bit of a different take on the song to make it a bit more stylized, but she did good.

Just a side note – does anyone else find it awkward when contestants come down and sing to the judges?

Stefano Langore selected Lionel Richie “Hello” – one of my personal favorite songs. I was a bit worried as he started off shaky, and Lionel Richie is such an icon, I wasn’t sure I was going to love it. I was glad Stefano changed the song up and made it more his own. What a cute boy! I think he must have had girls swooning all over the country. Jennifer counseled him to connect more with the audience because his heart is in the song/message. All of the judges wanted more emotion. I thought it was great counsel for him, and needed – but felt bad for him as the critique went on quite a while. But I think the judges were giving good feedback because they truly do want him to take it to the next level. I’m liking (and remembering) Stefano more each week – so that’s also a good sign that he’s not fading into the background. He really can sing and I think may get farther in the competition than I first anticipated as he seems to be getting a pretty big fan base. My guess is he will get more votes this week than normal based on the demanding critiques from the judges.

And now for why I think American Idol should apologize… I thought it was totally uncalled for that Gordon Ramsey from Hell’s Kitchen was so rude about Stefano’s mom’s cooking – why in the world would they even include that in the show? It had nothing to do with anything – and Stefano’s mother had prepared a meal for all of the contestants – truly being of service and offering a gift of love – she wasn’t competing for anything – and yet the comments made were completely out of line. BOO! BOO! BOO! I would like to call for an apology from Chef Ramsey AND American Idol for that whole scene! Bad form!

But back to the singing… however I’m still incredulous and almost offended by the criticism of Stefano’s mother’s pasta. Ryan – you need to be more careful about who you ask to add in “playful” banter into the mix – as obviously there are times it backfires. BOO again! I knew Ramsey had a reputation for being a jerk in the kitchen – but this was totally and completely rude and unnecessary. I don’t know if they were trying to be funny – it did not work at all.

Alright, I’m off my soapbox (for now), until I think about it again and get mad all over.

But back to Haley Reinhart… one of our bottom three from last week. Smokey Robinson’s “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” was an interesting choice. She was counseled to connect this week – which I do think is an issue for her. It’s not that she’s not talented – I think it’s that there is something emotional missing from her performances. I wish there was something I would feel while she was singing but I just don’t get an emotional response. I was a bit worried though that she might trip and fall in those 4 inch heels. She seemed a bit wobbly on stage and I wasn’t sure if it was the shoes, or trying to get into the song. Ultimately she did a pretty good job, but I think she’ll be in the bottom 3 again this week – if not end up going home.

Scotty McCreery performed “For Once in My Life” version performed by Stevie Wonder. I loved that Scotty took the song and made it totally country – it’s a song I’d buy and I could imagine it doing well on the radio. So far, this was my favorite song of the night – totally a new and relevant version of the song that is completely Scotty! That’s what I’ve been wanting from every performance.

Pia Toscano selected Stevie Wonder’s “All in Love is Fair”. First I have to say she looked gorgeous – her dress was modest (at least in the front) and beautiful and elegant. It started a bit rough but she took the song and blew it out. What a beautiful rendition. She is truly an amazingly talented girl. Jennifer gave Pia the same critique as she gave to Stefano – there needs to be more of an connection and to own the stage. Randy wants something besides a ballad. Steven thinks she’s the “closest star in this American Idol universe”. There is no doubt in my mind she’ll have a recording contract, but can she carry enough of the American vote to win the whole thing? I’m not sure she’s connected personally with as many as some of the others – but she’ll go far for sure.

Paul McDonald – I think Motown is a great style for Paul to perform. He selected “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. First, what was up with the hair? I’m all for the messy look but when the hair distracts from the performance, something needs to change. Just sayin’. Paul totally made the song his own – I don’t think he can do anything without making it completely a Paul McDonald song. I’m just still longing for something big and large and powerful from him. I know it’s not his style – but I am starting to feel like whatever he sings ends up being the same as the week before and I worry that any album he puts out – all the songs will be too similar.

Naima Adedapo – “Dancing in the Street” by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. I think Naima needs to go on Project Runway. She has such a unique fashion sense and might do well showcasing her designs. Including African dancing in a performance was really taking a risk and I thought she did a good job – but I didn’t think there was enough of a mix of the song that made it really unique. I think it was one of my favorite performances that she has done, but I think there is not enough of a connection for America to keep her much longer.

And to the performance that I have been looking forward to all night… James Durbin.

James Durbin – what could he sing from Motown? Well – pretty much anything – but he chose to do “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder. I just always have a grin on my face when James comes up to perform. He’s truly such a talent and I can’t get over how much he makes everything stand out. What a great way to end the night. It felt like he was already a rock star performer – coming as a guest on the show. I think James has taken the lead in my heart over Casey – although it’s a close second. The audience seemed to agree as the standing ovation went on and on.

So final recap -

First, a call to Ryan, American Idol and Gordon Ramsey for an apology

Second, I’m thinking Haley will be going home, and Naima and Lauren will be in the bottom three. It wasn’t that anyone did a bad job either – I think everyone performed well tonight – but I am basing my predictions on personality, emotionality, and connection with the audience. What do you think?

Until tomorrow…

 

 

 

 

 

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