The Top 10 guys took to the stage last night on “American Idol.” Did their Week Two performances get them out of the judges’ dog house from last week? The Dish breaks down the night.
After a rough first go-around for both the guys and girls last week, Michael Lynche got the show off to a stellar start. Finally a potential contender emerges out of the darkness. Singing “This Is A Man’s World” by James Brown, Michael gave a performance worthy of someone around the Top 5, which if he keeps this up, could be where he winds up. All four judges praised him and, as usual, Simon said it best, “It was like from being a pussycat to a lion in one week.”
It was going to be a lot to live up to after Michael’s performance and John Park taking on John Mayer’s “Gravity” was as flat as one of Mayer’s ex-girlfriends abs. (That’s a Jennifer Aniston reference!) Simon sealed John’s fate in the competition when he remarked, “I think Purple Haze may get their lead singer back,” referring to John’s Northwestern University a capella group in Chicago. He’s probably packing his bags for the cold right now.
During Casey James’ taped segment I’m sad to learn that he and I can never hang out. Who doesn’t own a TV? He takes on a song that past “American Idol” contestants Elliot Yamin, Bo Bice and Chris Richardson have tackled, Gavin Degraw’s “I Don’t Wanna Be.” I have no clue if they sang it better but I can tell you none of them tackled it playing a guitar. The rule about contestants playing instruments didn’t come into affect until after their respective seasons. Casey’s guitar playing was definitely more impressive than the singing though.
I feel like this show has gotten away from the amateur singing competition it once was back during the early years. The past few seasons so many contestants seem to have a ton of experience performing and it shows. I have to say it’s kind of cool to see Alex Lambert’s story. He’s truly just a kid who can sing, that got a lucky break here. He took on John Legend’s “Everybody Knows” and lost the nerves from last week. I’m a fan and I hope he sticks around. I think to watch his transformation over the course of this season would be a fantastic thing.
What I don’t understand with Todrick Hall is – if Kara DioGuardi said they hadn’t liked anything Todrick has done since his first audition (where he sang his own material for them) then why did they put him in the the Top 24?
“What’s Goin On” Jermaine Sellers is you’ll be going home this week after your dull performance of this Marvin Gaye classic.
Andrew Garcia lost the guitar and a bit of his vocal moxie taking on James Morrison’s “You Give Me Something.” The judges were harsh on him and I’m wondering if his rabid Internet fan base is still supporting him 100 percent? Normally I would scour the message boards and Twitter to get some sense of that but it’s 1 AM and I’m too tired. (See below why I was up so late)
Why would a 16-year-old kid take on such an old school song? Aaron Kelly sang a very uninteresting version of “My Girl” by The Temptations. The only explanation I can think of is that all the little girls who are enthralled by him thought maybe he was singing “My Girl” right to them? The judges were mixed but I say go back to the pop/country vibe, Aaron.
The judges (minus Simon) were brutal to Tim Urban with Ellen telling him should act and not sing. I did tell you last week he looked like a kid on the Disney Channel. Ellen thought he might be good on “Glee.” Three things will save him this week. First, votefortheworst.com has him as their chosen target. Second, Simon thought he did really well. Third, his cute factor, I’m sure he still has the young voters on his side.
Last to perform was Lee Dewyze with a cool rendition of Hinder’s “Lips Of An Angel.” Now that’s a song no one has ever chosen to sing on “American Idol.” Lee sort of came out of nowhere and has proven after two weeks he deserves a spot in the Top 12. Like Alex, he his very little performing experience and for him to go far on the show would take it back to its roots.
By the way, I spent last night checking out a former contestant’s new gig which is why I got home so late. Last night was opening night for the LA production of “Dreamgirls” at the Ahmanson Theater with Season 7’s third runner-up Syesha Mercado playing the iconic role of Deena Jones. Great show. Great job by Syesha. Absolutely worth staying up late to see. Check out our interview with Syesha about “Dreamgirls” HERE.
Predictions to go home: John Park, Jermaine Sellers
Predictions to make top 12: Michael Lynche, Alex Lambert, Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban, Aaron Kelly, Lee Dewyze
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