Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

The top three finalists of American Idol each performed three songs this week: one song chosen by famed producer Clive Davis, one chosen by the judges and one chosen by the contestant.

Kicking off the night, Elliott Yamin performed Clive Davis' pick, "Open Arms" by Journey. He said he chose this song for him to demonstrate the power of his voice and show he could do a rock song. Elliott did a decent job, concentrating on pure singing, but unfortunately, he did have some pitchy sections.

Judge Randy Jackson, who played bass with Journey from 1983 to 1986, said that it was a special song for him. He said that "you worked it out" although he noted a little trouble in the chorus. Nice judge Paula Abdul said that he has an excellent voice and said he did a great job. Tough judge Simon Cowell called it a good choice of song but said he was a little stiff in his performance. He advised Elliott that he had to loosen up and start believing he could make the finals.

Next was Katharine McPhee, whose song, courtesy of Clive Davis, was "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly. Personally, I hate everything that R. Kelly has ever done because I think he's morally reprehensible, but Katharine didn't chose this song, which Clive thought would give her a chance to dig deep in a modern classic. It was one of her better performances. For once, she didn't have many rough patches until the end.

Randy said that she looked amazing but that he didn't believe she was the quality of singer who could match a song like that. Katharine talked back a little to Randy, which was probably a bad decision. Paula also started out with comments about her dress, which she said was a gorgeous color. She called her incredible. Simon said that Randy was being unfair about the song choice because it wasn't her decision. But he said, apart from some bum notes at the end, she'd created a moment for herself.

Clive's pick for Soul Patrolman Taylor Hicks was "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen, for which he'd sought special permission. He said he wanted to give him a chance to really bring it home. The song was really fast, but Taylor kept up with it and had fun, even bringing Paula up on the stage in the audience to dance with him. This makes it easier to forgive the cheesy moment where he played out a gun while singing, "This gun's for hire."

Randy said that he knows how to have a good time. Paula called him incredible. Simon said that it was OK but paled with comparison with the original.

The judge, namely Paula, chose "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell. He gave a really smooth rendition, and seemed comfortable on stage, much more than in the first round.

Randy called it a good song choice but said he was sharp for most of the song. Paula said that this is the kind of artist he is, and that he "pierces to the heart." Simon said it wasn't the best song but it suited him well and that he did good.

For Katharine, Simon chose "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", a song he said he'd always wanted to see her perform. She sat on the stage and delivered a very emotional version but still made it her own without going over the top.

Randy said that this was her best vocal of the season. Paula said that her magic is when she doesn't go overboard. Simon said he was very happy for her, that she didn't need to layer too much. He called it the best performance of the competition to date.

Randy chose the Joe Cocker song, "You Are So Beautiful" for Taylor, the first time he'd sung a Joe Cocker song all season. Considering that he's a huge Joe Cocker fan, the song was a natural choice, and he did not disappoint, delivering a soulful version but still making it his own.

Randy called it a great tender moment and said he did the song proud. Paula said that, "You are a star." Simon called it his best performance.

In the final round, the contestants chose their own songs. Elliott performed "I Believe to My Soul" by Ray Charles, performing the Donny Hathaway version, one of his favorite performers. It seemed like a strange arrangement, kind of disco, which was distracting. Still, he had solid vocals.

Randy said it wasn't the perfect song, but "you can sing". Paula said that he nailed it and called him a "funky white boy." Simon said that his songs are not going to carry him into the final round but that he's a great guy and a good singer.

Katharine chose "I Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues" by Ella Fitzgerald for the strange reason that she didn't want to compete with a contemporary artist! Why, then, would she pick one of the greatest jazz singers in all time. Despite vamping it up in a minidress and boots, she couldn't hide a lackluster performance.

Randy said the performance was OK and criticized her for comparing herself to Ella. Paula said that the magical performance of the night for her was "Over the Rainbow" and said she did a great job. Simon said she'd had a good night but he wished she'd reversed the order of the songs so that everyone would remember her performance on "Over the Rainbow."

Capping off the night, Taylor chose "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding, another obvious choice for him. It was a great song for his voice, and he managed to get in a little dancing, too, for his fans.

Randy said that his new name is Have a Good Time Funky Taylor. Paula said that she'd waited all season for him to sing that song and loved it. And Simon called it a smart choice, although he criticized his dancing as "hideous." He said, "I'll see you next week."

Kudos to Taylor for a strong night. Elliott's strength has always been that he's consistent, and while he might not have generated as much excitement this week as he did last week, he remained on with his vocals.

Katharine had another uneven week, with a really strong performance on "Over the Rainbow." But some fans might resent her for knocking Chris out last week, so she just might be the one going home.

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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