Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

On this week's American Idol , the eight remaining finalists performed music by Queen, with coaching from the band itself.

First up was country boy Bucky Covington, who did "Fat Bottomed Girls", a choice that was good for him. He did a bit of a countrified version of it, which was bland for most of the song, although he did kick it at the end.

Judge Randy Jackson said that he had a lot of energy although he was a little pitchy. Nice judge Paula Abdul said that he'd done a great job and that she liked the country rock version. Tough judge Simon Cowell said it was a good choice for him but that the song was bigger than him. He called the performance mediocre.

Pretty boy Ace Young attempted to rock it out with "We Will Rock You". His attempt at a pop version of it fell flat, and no efforts at whipping up the crowd could make up for it. He tried to get Queen to agree to a different arrangement for him, but they refused.

Randy said that his performance was just karaoke. Paula said that she liked how he tried to change it but that it was a little pitchy. Simon said that Randy was being generous and that it was "a complete and utter mess" and that it didn't work. He said it was like "We will rock you gently."

Country girl Kellie Pickler took on "Bohemian Rhapsody", easily one of the most difficult Queen songs to sing. She was competing not just with the original performance but also with previous American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis. She looked out of place in an all-black rocker outfit and opened the song like it was a country ballad. It was just too sweet for the lyrics she was singing. When the song kicked in, she was, at best, a pale imitation of Heart.

Randy said that it was a "fly jacket" and that she'd worked it out. Paula called it extremely ambitious and that she'd started hesitant. But she said she showed her "rocker chick" side. Simon called her a very brave girl and said that although the lighting started out making her look like Night of the Living Dead, it worked.

Just like Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington had a lot to prove during country week, rocker Chris Daughtry should have made this his night. Instead, he chose the unknown song "Innuendo", title track for the 1991 album and never performed on stage by the band. He had some pitch problems at the beginning, and despite his great voice, the performance was boring.

Randy said that he's one of his fans and was expecting big things from him that night. He said that he'd delivered. Paula complimented his last night and said that his performance superseded the band itself. Simon said it wasn't a very good song but that it was the best vocal that night, the most believable. He said it was a shame he didn't choose to entertain the audience with a song they loved, because it could have been a moment for him. He said it was too indulgent.

Katharine McPhee sang "Who Wants to Live Forever?" She delivered a very emotional performance, but at times it sounded like she was pinching her voice and just belting it out instead of singing.

Randy said it was pitchy in spots but good overall. Paula said that she made the right decision with the song and that she has a glorious voice. Simon said it was "almost" a moment and that there were tuning problems in parts. He said that she should thank the lighting crew for making her look amazing and that she was one of the strongest tonight.

Next, Elliott Yamin performed "Somebody to Love". It was a truly weird arrangement, and I've decided I hate his facial expressions. Every single song he sings, he smiles and opens his eyes so wide I wonder if he has eyelids. In fact, between the arrangement and the expression, I barely managed to listen to his voice. I know he's supposed to be talented, but I always find myself tuning out during his performances.

Randy called it the hardest song of the night with the chord changes. He commented that there were pitch problems but that he loved it. Paula called it the best vocal of the evening and the best Elliott Yamin performance. Simon said that he chose a tough song but that it was an in and out performance. Overall, he said that he'd pulled it off.

Taylor Hicks did "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" because he wanted to dance, a nod to comments last week that found his performance bland, I think. OK, he flubbed the mic stand kick, but he didn't lose a beat. His vocals were terrific despite moving all over the stage. I thought he rocked out.

Randy said that he'd spent two weeks wondering, "Where's Taylor?" He then announced, "Taylor's back and he's kicking and taking names." Paula called him a breath of fresh air and said that she doesn't know if they should give her a record deal or a straitjacket. Simon asked him, "Are you drunk?" and called the performance ridiculous.

In the money spot for the night, Paris Bennett sang "The Show Must Go On". She went for a rocker lock, which seemed strange for her but looked good. She turned in a good vocal, although at times she was drowned out by the band.

Randy said that it started rough but she worked it out. Paula said that the whole country just found out she's a powerhouse. Simon said he found it all a little weird.

Is it just me, or are Simon's assessments getting less helpful than usual? I think maybe he meant that her performance seemed strange for her, out of character. And there's the problem with Paris, I think. She's so willing to completely change from week to week that it's unclear who she is.

Top performance of the evening was delivered by Taylor and Elliott. Katharine and Paris gave it their all, but couldn't match the intensity of the original songs.

Sadly, the people who deserve to be in the bottom three may not relate to who actually will. Chris, who before now has been a favorite to win, might find himself for the first time in the bottom three. Despite her heroic efforts at a song that ultimately was too big for her, you'll probably see Paris in the bottom three, as well. Ace is a veritable lock for the bottom three, and his weak performance practically guarantees he'll go home. But again, as previous shows have shown, anything is possible.

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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