Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

On this week's American Idol, the contestants took on songs from the 21st Century. As tough judge Simon Cowell explained later in the show, this was a chance to show they could compete with other contemporary artists.

If that's the case, Lisa Tucker blew it when she started off with "Because of You" by the first American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson. All I can say is, "Duh."

Judge Randy Jackson said that it was just an OK version of a huge hit song. Nice judge Paula Abdul also said that it was a tough choice and that, while Lisa can sing, she should have taken a different twist on the song. Simon said the song was too big for her voice and there were parts during the performance where it was actually painful. At this, Lisa looked like she was about to cry.

Next up was Kellie Pickler, who stuck to her country roots with the song "Suds in a Bucket" by Sara Evans. While she didn't look like Dolly Parton this night, having gone easy on the hair and makeup, it was the treacly, upbeat sort of song that a star like Dolly could make shimmer like a bucket full of soap suds. By contrast, Kellie's version was lackluster.

Randy said he liked that she'd returned to her country roots but said the song was not exciting enough. Paula said that she's better than that song choice. Simon said that she'd had six years of songs to choose from but chose one called "Soap Suds in a Bucket." He critiqued on her for picking a "gimmicky, rodeo, lassoing whatever novelty song."

Pretty boy Ace Young said he was going with a rock song, and he performed "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. It wasn't a bad song for his vocal range, but his performance of it was bland. He seemed nervous.

Randy said it was the wrong song for him and he didn't sing it well. "There was no soul vibe," he said. Paula said it was refreshing after the first two performances but not her favorite choice for a song. She also took time to ask him about the scar he showed off during his performance, after which both Randy and Simon halted her immediately. Simon said it wasn't a great vocal, that it was more like karaoke. Incidentally, the scar came from a basketball accident, as Ace revealed after the comments.

"Soul Patrolman" Taylor Hicks wanted to show more of his vocal range this week, and he sang "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne. The song was a good choice to show off his voice, and he wore a more relaxed look of jeans, T-shirt and a leather jacket. He focused on standing at the mic and singing, just to show that he has the stuff.

Randy said the song was close to the album he would make but he said it didn't let him show off. Paula agreed that it was nice to see him stand behind the mic and sing. She also praised him for teaching America about his musical influences. Simon said he "quite liked" the song and called it an excellent vocal. The only problem was the styling, which he said was too "pop school," too "Clay Aiken." He said that he liked Taylor because he was different.

Mandisa sang a gospel song, "Shackles (Wanna Praise You)" by Mary Mary. This was a very powerful vocal at parts, but she talked through the first part of the song. I don't know what happened to her this week, but her hair looked like she just rolled out of bed, teased out an old hairstyle and let the clumps hang where they would.

Randy said there's no question she can sing but he didn't get the song choice. Paula said there was a new religion, the Church of Mandisa and 20 million people had just joined. She suggested that with her next choice she show more vulnerability. Simon, however, called it indulgent and said he didn't get it.

Rocker Chris Daughtry turned in his hardest edge performance with "What If" by Creed. Because it was a harder song, there was none of the vulnerability that makes his singing so appealing.

Randy said it wasn't his favorite song for him and that he was sharp at points. Paula said that she's one of his biggest fans. Simon said it was indulgent and that he has to start showing a different side of himself. He pointed out that Creed would never be caught dead on this show.

Katharine McPhee sang "The Voice Within" by Christine Aguilera. She was flat for part of it, and the performance was weaker than Christine's, though it did show she has some skill. To my ear, she was uneven at best.

Randy said it was a good song choice but that she didn't bring anything new to it. Paula said she wouldn't have changed a thing. Simon said she was the best tonight and said it was almost as good as Christina.

Country boy Bucky Covington did "Real Good Man" by Tim McGraw. Surprise, surprise, a country song. He definitely seemed more comfortable with his style, growling his way through it, but his enunciation was poor.

Randy called it the right song for him and said he liked it better than previous performances. Paula told him to be careful of his diction. Simon said that he couldn't understand a word and said if it had been a paid concert, he'd have left. He said it just sounded like he was "winging it."

Paris Bennett sang "Work It Out" by Beyonce. In addition to some scary hair — maybe she and Mandisa did their hair together — she tried to be sexy with some forced dance moves, which just looked ridiculous. The singing was good, but the dance moves were so distracting it was hard to pay attention to them.

Randy called it fearless and said it was the bomb. He called it the best of the night. Paula commented that "those weren't kid moves" and called the performance awesome. Simon said that it was precocious. He said it reminded him of a little girl pretending to be Beyonce.

Elliott Yamin ended the night with "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin Degraw, a song that Bo Bice did much more powerfully last year. While it wasn't as good as Bo, he put his own spin on it. He even got more relaxed on stage and did a few hip-hop moves. They seemed out of place for him.

Randy said he wasn't sure about the arrangement but that Elliott can sing. Paula called him "one funky white boy." Simon summed it up: "Great song, terrible arrangement, great vocal, and the dancing was hideous."

This was definitely a weaker week for most of the contestants, with props to Taylor, Elliott and Paris for rising above the rest. Elliott's effort to loosen up is going to make a difference in his staying power. Strong singers Mandisa and Chris made missteps but should be able to pull it out. Katharine showed that she's willing to take risks, which is always good provided you can pull it out.

I predict Bucky, Lisa and Ace will be in the bottom three. Who goes home is unclear, although many fans are predicting Bucky will be leaving. Kellie is certainly deserving of a place at center stage, but her fan base will probably save her.

More on American Idol:

Musings on American Idol Season 5 (2006)

Musings on American Idol Season 4 (2005)

Musings on American Idol Season 3 (2004)

Copyright 2005 by Alyce Wilson

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