How did the top 8 of American Idol do this week? Well, this is just one girl’s opinion but here goes…

First, Congratulations go out to Jennifer Lopez for being named by People Magazine “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” Obviously she’s gorgeous but I always wonder how anyone could really choose – because there are so many types of beauty. But congrats nonetheless.

And now on to the American Idol performances of the week.

We began with Paul McDonald who wore an outlandish wild suit that rivaled anything Steven Tyler might wear on stage. He performed Bob Seager’s “Old Time Rock & Roll”. I felt that Paul was still holding back on his performance for some reason – I’m not sure if it’s intimidation from the stage or if it just sounds smaller than when he’s singing in studio with the mentors for the show – but I keep waiting and waiting for him to totally break loose and let his vocals fill the auditorium. It felt more that he wears the costumes to make up for a lack in his performance to me.

I also must say that I have found myself longing for more critique from the judges rather than “I loved it”, “good job”, etc. This week I kind of wanted Simon back. Gasp. I loved Simon. And I love that this season has not been as mean. But I also want a bit more from the judges and not just gushing love. I do like the fact that the mentors have been a bit more open and honest with the contestants in guiding them and kind of want more of that from the judging panel. It feels like since they don’t have a say anymore – they don’t really say much.

Off my soap box…

Lauren Alaina sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. I actually liked it except for a few off notes. And I think it’s cheesy when the contestants start on the long staircase, but she did a pretty good job. She’s a darling girl and I find myself wanting her to do well. But I’m looking for more confidence from her. She seems a little timid still. I know that will come as she has more performing under her belt and I’m certain it’s difficult to stand up each week knowing that judges, America, and bloggers such as myself, will critique every aspect of her performance. That’s got to be intimidating. But she’s talented and I want her to let it shine – so I can feel that she’s confident but not cocky.

Stefano Langore sang “The End of the Road” by Boys to Men. He did a good job vocally but I can’t get past his facial expressions – they are almost too earnest, pleading, and trying too hard. I wish he looked like he was enjoying himself rather than straining – that would go a long way with me. When he smiles after the song is over – that’s what I’m looking for – genuineness – but IN the performance and not just afterwards.

Scotty McCreery chose George Strait’s “Cross My Heart”. I like the song. I like Scotty. He can sing almost anything and sound amazing. Now I wish someone would teach him to hold the microphone in a bit more masculine way, and do a little more with his facial expressions when singing – he seems to have a half smirk always and I’d like a bit more “realness” – okay I know I’m being picky – but I’m just saying what I think. Also – if he had a hat for the truly country songs – I think that might work well to make him look a bit more like a fit on stage. There were a few rough parts where the back-up singers kind of overpowered him or threw him off but he recovered well and I really do love his rich deep voice.

Casey Casey Casey… what can I say? I really do like Casey Abrams. He ignored the advice from his mentors and sang “Nature Boy” by Nat King Cole. I actually think it was a mistake – as the song is perfect for an intimate nightclub jazz setting, but not for American Idol. There are millions of youth who have probably never even heard jazz – and the dissonance and mood of the song likely will not connect with most of the American Idol teen crowd. However, Casey is likeable and I hope he makes it through. The judges gave him a standing ovation and loved it, but I’m just shaking my head that such a dated and acquired taste for the song style might put him at risk.

Haley Reinhart performed Blondie’s “Call Me”. If you’ve kept up with my blog at all, you know that Haley just isn’t my favorite. And this week was no different. Randy said it sounded a bit karaoke, and I had to agree. I know others really like her, but I think she might be headed home this week.

Jacob Lusk took the advice of his mentors and performed “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. I know he must have been shocked to be in the bottom three last week and it seemed to have squelched some of the joy out of him. He’s always been a bit over the top for me, but incredibly talented. However, this week it seemed as though he was sad, didn’t have much confidence and the joy was gone. That just can’t happen to a singer as great as Jacob — come on Jacob — get back your happy soul – that’s what we love seeing! I did like the advice the mentors gave to him about “not preaching to America and Don’t do corny” – as I think that’s what hurt him last week. He’ll do well, even if he goes home this week but I wish we could see his spirit soar again before he moves onto the next phase of his career – so I hope he sticks around another week or two.

And then came James… James Durbin everyone. The next American Heavy Metal rock star. Wow. He performed “Heavy Metal” by Sammy Hagar. And pled with America to “Give metal a chance!” For some reason when he performs it’s not cheesy for him to approach the judges table, and totally rock out. Okay, I really don’t like heavy metal – it’s angry, dark, screaming to me – but… I have to say that even with all of that I really love James Durbin. I think the reason he wins me over each week – even when I don’t like his song selection – is that he truly loves the music, loves to perform, and it’s a joy participating in the performance with him. He draws America in. I still predict James as the overall winner of American Idol this season … and that’s why… he draws America in – to the music, to his passion, to his life, to his challenges, and to his love of performing.

So, until tomorrow night we’ll be waiting to see who America has chosen to send home. I think it will be Haley Reinhart. But the bottom three will be Haley, Paul McDonald, and Jacob Lusk or Stefano Langore. However, with Casey’s choice this week, I won’t be too surprised if he’s in the bottom – but I hope he’s not. I could go either way with Lauren.

Obviously safe will be Scotty McCreery and James Durbin. Any thoughts from you? (Please keep it polite … I love differing opinions… just not angry rants and cussing me out.) Thanks

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