Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2005, Fox Broadcasting

Last night was the first big start of the finalist competition on American Idol.

They do a theme each week. This week, they could sing any song, but it had to be from the '60s. It could be a ballad, a rock song, a Motown tune, anything.

Up top, host Ryan Seacrest explained that Mario Vazquez had dropped out for personal reasons and he was being replaced by Nikko Smith. I'm glad to see Nikko returning to the competition, though sad to see Mario go, because he was one of my favorites.

Jessica Sierra started out with "Shop Around" by Smokey Robinson. She did a country version of it that was just sort of blah. Judge Randy Jackson said it was really pitchy and just OK. Nice judge Paula Abdul said that she's a big fan of her and she has a good vibe, though carefully avoided critiquing that specific performance. Tough judge Simon Cowell said that it was very boring and uninspired.

Next up was music teacher Anwar Robinson. He sang "A House is Not a Home," written by Burt Bacharach. While there might have been better Bacharach selections for him, he showed off his soulfulness and took some chances near the end. Nevertheless, Randy said it was just a safe choice. Paula said it was strange to see him doing such a bland song because they've come to expect more from his flawless voice. And Simon said that he looks great, he has a fantastic voice but now he wants to see his fun side.

Mikalah Gordon took the stage next with "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield. She sounded once more like she has marbles in her mouth. For the life of me, I can't see how this girl stays in the competition. Randy called the performance rough. Paula even said it was not her favorite. And Simon said that her confidence exceeded her ability that night.

Constantine Maroulis did "You Made Me So Very Happy." Although his beginning was shaky, he recovered and showed the potential that got him into this competition. Randy called it his best performance to date. Paula said it was really nice, especially the last note. Simon joked that if this was "Smoldering Idol" he'd win, meaning that he has strong charisma.

Lindsey Cardinale did "Knock on Wood" by Eddie Floyd. She was pitchy, flat and totally unimpressive. Randy noted that everyone seemed nervous. Paula didn't have much to say. And Simon said that 13 million TV sets had just had their volume turned down.

Next was Anthony Fedorov, whose performance of "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" like his other previous performance, just put me to sleep. Randy said he felt like he was in a bad hotel with a below average performer. Paula even said it was not up to par. Simon capped it off by saying it was akin to the office Christmas party where someone gets up, tries to entertain people and fails.

But there were good times coming with Nadia Turner, who did "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me." Her performance was sweet and soulful. Randy gave her props and said the show had finally started. Paula said, "You're in it to win." And Simon said that in a competition of hamburgers, she's a steak.

Another crowd favorite, Bo Bice, took the stage next with a high energy performance of "Spinning Wheel" by Blood, Sweat and Tears. This was a song he'd performed with his band, so he knew it well and it showed. He really took command of the stage. He even jumped on the supplementary stage behind the judges. Randy said, "You're one of my dogs. You're fearless." Paula said he was already a super star, and Simon said the stage can make you or break you and that Bo looked like he'd been doing this for 20 years.

Vonzell Solomon had a hard act to follow. She performed "Anyone Who Had a Heart," originally performed by Dionne Warwick. It was middle of the road at best. Randy called it an ambitious choice and said that she had a good instrument. Paula said that she looked beautiful and sounded lovely. But Simon said that so far she's stayed in the middle and she has to do something great.

Then Scott Savol stepped up with another consistent performance, doing "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" by The Temptations. He really got into the spirit of the song. If you closed your eyes, you'd think you were listening to the single. Randy said, "You're back" and that he'd enjoyed the performance. Paula said it looked like he was having fun. Simon said he thought that Scott would have a problem but that he did good.

But Carrie Underwood was next with "When Will I Be Loved" by the Everly Brothers, a total yawner of a country rendition of the song. Randy said he'd had high hopes for her but tonight was just OK. Paula said that now was the time to take risks and this song was safe and boring. Simon said she's one of three people who know who are musically in the competition. Apparently, who she is musically is a country singer who would probably be better served competing on "Country Idol."

Finally, Nikko Smith performed the Jackson 5 song, "I Want You Back." It was an appropriate song, with lyrics like "give me one more chance." He had a lot of fun with it, and I think it's important to keep in mind that he had less preparation time than the other contestants. Randy said he'd done a good job and generated some excitement and that he was glad he was back. Paula complimented him for doing his own thing. But Simon differed and said it sounded horrible. He said he must be the only one in the audience who could hear.

I'm not certain how many people will be eliminated, whether one or two. I'm guessing it will be just one. The ones most likely to leave, it seems, will be those who played it safe, people like Vonzell, Anthony and Lindsey. Much as I hate her enunciation and think she'll leave eventually, Mikalah made a more interesting song choice. If it were simply based on vocal performance, Lindsey or Anthony would be leaving, but that's not always how it works.

There were a lot of strong performances, though, and choices will start getting tougher soon.

More Musings on American Idol:

American Idol, Season Four

American Idol, Season Three

Copyright 2005 by Alyce Wilson

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