Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

While you would think that a week featuring the broad category of love songs would be easy for the American Idol contestants, it proved challenging, as many of them seemed out of their element. They received coaching from the famous opera tenor Andrea Bocelli and from composer David Foster.

Katharine McPhee kicked off the evening with a Whitney Houston song, "I Have Nothing", written by David Foster. Her low-cut buttercup yellow dress was eye-catching, but unfortunately, her performance didn't live up to the dress. Nor did it live up to the original Whitney Houston performance, as the judges soon noted. Through most of the song, she judge belted it, which is one of her bad habits.

Judge Randy Jackson said that the song was a good choice but it was too big for her. Nice judge Paula Abdul agreed, pointing to pitch problems. Tough judge Simon Cowell said that the problem with choosing a song like that was it was like saying, "I'm as good as Whitney Houston." He told her, "You're not."

Next was Elliott Yamin, performing a Donnie Hathaway song, "A Song for You." This was an outstanding performance, his best as far as I'm concerned. For the first time, he seemed comfortable enough on stage that I could see him doing this professionally. Outstanding.

Randy said he didn't like the arrangement but "you're dope." Paula cried and said that he'd moved her. She complimented how he's evolved as a performer. Simon said that seven weeks ago he'd said that Elliott was one of the best male vocalists ever in this competition and that tonight he was in a vocal master class. He called it superb.

Country girl Kellie Pickler chose "Unchained Melody" and gave it a "LeAnn Rimes twist." She was very weak this time around and somewhat robotic. The only saving grace was that she hit the high notes, demonstrating impressive range.

Randy noted pitch problems but said the high note was in tune. Paula said that at this point in the competition it's about greatness, and she didn't feel it from Kellie. Simon said it felt like a never-ending song and said that this song "deserved tears for another reason." He called it monotonous and bland.

After saying that she deliberately tried to choose a song that was suitable for her age, Pairs Bennett made the bewildering choice of Barbara Streisand's "The Way We Were", a song generally sung by mature singers because it talks about the sadness of losing a longtime love. She alternated between pained and gleeful as she sang, which didn't suit the lyrics. Also, much of the song was too low for her.

Randy, however, liked it. Paula said that she oversang it but called her the best female vocalist that night. Simon said it was a good vocal but old-fashioned. He said it sounded like she was imitating an older artist.

Soul Patrolman Taylor Hicks choice the James Ingram song, "Just Once". He started out uncharacteristically bland for him but ended strong. While he wore a snappy suit, it was the only part of his performance that really stood out this week. Still, even at his worst, Taylor's voice is so solid that it's pleasant to listen to.

Randy called it the wrong song for him and said it was like "weird karaoke." Paula said that he's born to be on stage. "We love you," she gushed. And Simon said that he looked uptight tonight and compared the performance to a hotel lounge singer.

Finishing up the night, rocker Chris Daughtry sang the Bryan Adams song, "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman". He gave a much more passionate performance than he has before, showing that he doesn't need to rock to impress. He wore a tailored long suit jacket that showed he cleans up well.

Ryan said he loved the jacket and loved the performance. Paula said she loved him. Simon called it a great performance and a good choice of song.

The top performances of the night were definitely delivered by Chris and Elliott, and I hope that Elliott got the votes he deserved for it. It's saying something that he finally won me over. Up until now, I've appreciated his vocal talent, but his performances always turned me off. This time, he proved he's got the stuff.

Taylor wasn't in his element this week, but he was still stronger than any of the women. We're likely to see an all-female bottom three. If there's any justice, Kellie will be the one to leave, but unfortunately, it's more likely that Paris will leave first, since she doesn't seem to have as strong of a fan base.

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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