Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

The final four contestants on American Idol took on the original American pop idol last night, Elvis Presley. They visited Graceland, met Priscilla Presley and got singing advice from producer Tommy Mottola.

Soul Patrolman Taylor Hicks got the night started doing "Jailhouse Rock." He wore a burgundy pinstriped suit with black shirt and fitted pants that looked a little like a classic '50s suit. He rocked the house, having a lot of fun with the song and dancing his brains out as he delivered a version of the Elvis classic with his soul edge.

Judge Randy Jackson said that Taylor was in his element. Nice judge Paula Abdul said he looked fantastic and called him phenomenal. Tough judge Simon Cowell said that, "In the real world, that was a terrible impersonation." He said the dancing was hideous and called it "karaoke with a capital K."

Next to take the stage was rocker Chris Daughtry, who delivered a tasty version of "Suspicious Minds". He even worked the crowd a little bit, which admittedly is not his forte. Wearing sunglasses that made him look a little like a bald Brad Pitt, he was definitely the most stylish finalist of the night.

Randy praised him for the tender moment, although he said it wasn't his best vocal. Paula said that you forget how great that song is until you hear Chris sing it. Simon said that "Sunglasses aside, that worked."

Elliott Yamin gave up a smooth rendition of "If I Could Dream", looking every inch the professional performer. He's certainly come a long way.

Randy said that "You laid it out" and called it hot. Paula said that song was a big closer for Elvis and that it was his best vocal performance. Simon said that he'd come in as the underdog and chosen a song not many would know but it was the best performance of the evening so far.

Finishing off the first round, Katharine McPhee, the last remaining woman in the competition, sang a medley of "Hound Dog" and "All Shook Up". But something shook her up, and even though she had fun in the beginning of the number, she forgot the lyrics halfway through.

Randy only asked her what happened in the middle. Paula said that it was a fun song and it was good to see her dancing. Simon said that it looked like a desperate, manic audition, trying to prove that she could sing and dance. He called it "shrieky" and said it was "not great."

Kicking off the second round, Taylor got soulful with "In the Ghetto". His emotional performance was marked by some impressive high notes as he concentrated on the singing for his second number, a nice little way to have it all.

Randy said that finally he'd chosen a song in the right key and that it was hot. Paula said it shows a whole different side to him. Simon said that it was a world apart from the first song. He called it the perfect song for Taylor and said, "You just sung your way into the semifinals."

For his second number, Chris took on "A Little Less Conversation", which reminded me of the performance Jon Peter Lewis from season three of American Idol. Sadly, I felt it was lacking in comparison, as JPL did a high energy version, whereas Chris tried to make it into a rock anthem. It didn't quite work for me, especially the way he screamed at the end.

Randy said it was the right key for him, and Paula said that she adores him. Simon said that his first song of the evening was stronger. He said until the end it was a pretty flat performance.

Keeping the bar high, Elliott did "Trouble" for his second offering. Unbelievably, he actually made it exciting and what's more, he danced a little. This guy keeps getting better.

Randy called it his best performance ever on-stage. Paula also called it his best ever. Simon said that he'd come out fighting, showing personality. "You deserve to go through," he said.

Katharine chose "Can't Help Falling in Love" for her second song. She was overreaching for most of it, and her vocal quality suffered immensely, with one after another flat note.

Randy said that it was better than the first but it ran out at the end, with some pitchy moments. Paula said that she enjoyed the first song and that she has a lovely voice. Simon said it was not one of her best nights and compared it to apple pie with a gallon of cream on top. He said that the arrangement was too much.

Kudos to Taylor for taking advantage of the two-song evening to show both his fun and his soulful side. Elliott stepped up his game, and Chris stayed strong.

With a weak evening, following an uneven previous week, Katharine is in the most danger of going home. We may very well have an all-male top three.

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 2006 by Alyce Wilson

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