Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

In the first round of finalist competition on American Idol, the contestants performed songs by Stevie Wonder. This was a big challenge for many of them, but some performed with confidence and managed to make the songs their own.

First off was Ace Young, who struggled with his choice, "Do I Do". Much of the song sounded too high for his range, but he seemed to get more comfortable with it as he went along.

Judge Randy Jackson said that the song started out "not good" and finished up "just all right." Nice judge Paula Abdul disagreed, calling it fantastic and saying, "I love your spirit." Simon said that "luckily, this audience is easily pleased." He said it wasn't a great vocal and called the performance "a bit manic."

Country gal Kellie Pickler performed "Blame It on the Sun", turning in a very sedate performance that didn't do much to impress.

Randy called it a "nonevent", saying that all the spark he liked about her wasn't there. Paula said it was clear she was nervous and that she'd been out of her comfort zone. Still, she called the song choice too safe. Simon said that everything went wrong with the performance. He called it boring and commented about her look: a tight black dress and carefully coiffed hair, that it looked like she'd gone to the Dolly Parton School. He summed it up as "safe, old and boring" and said it was her worst performance so far.

Next up, Elliott Yamin did "It Knocks Me Off My Feet". His voice was nice, but his stage presence was poor. He clearly seemed overwhelmed, and what's more, he was wearing a white jacket that looking made him look like a manager at Baskin Robbins.

Randy called the performance not his best. He said at the end "you showed some flavor", though. Paula complimented him for not being afraid to show Stevie Wonder how moved he was by his music. She was referring to the videotaped segments of each contestant's encounters with Stevie. Simon said that it was the best of the evening so far but that there was no wow factor. He told him he had to start showing originality.

After Ryan Seacrest removed her shoes when she complained that her feet hurt, Mandisa sang "Don't You Worry About a Thing." For her, it wasn't as good. She seemed to be all over the place vocally.

Randy called it "not as great" as her previous performances but called it the best so far of that night's show. Paula said, "You can sing anything." Simon said, "Now we have a competition." He called it the best so far.

Bucky Covington sang "Superstitious." It was my favorite performance by him so far, but on the playback it just doesn't compare with some of the others.

Randy said it was not the greatest vocal but that he'd really enjoyed the performance. Paula said she enjoys hearing him singing Stevie and called it really good. Simon said it was "one of your best performance so far" but joked that the "Jessica Simpson hairstyle has to go." He was referring to the way the stylists had prettied up his hair.

Singing "Lately", Melissa McGhee sang some seemingly prescient lyrics when she sang the line, "This could be good-bye." Not only did she forget the lyrics while she was HOLDING SHEET MUSIC singing for Stevie Wonder, but she also forgot them on stage. Plus, she had some missed notes at the beginning.

Randy pointed out that she'd forgotten the lyrics and there were some flats and sharps but said, "You can sing." Paula, commenting on her outfit, said she should wear dresses more often. She said she loves her voice. Simon called it her best so far and said it wasn't perfect but it was edgy and contemporary.

Lisa Tucker sang "Signed, Sealed and Delivered." The lyrics felt too old for her, but she gave the performance her all, even throwing in some dance moves.

Randy said that the hottest part of the song was the end, calling the middle a little boring. He said she definitely can sing. Paula said she seemed a little nervous and noted that she'd been outside her comfort zone. Simon called it one of the best performances and said she'd taken control of the stage. He said she has the "it" factor.

Little Kevin Covais gave it his all in "Part-Time Lover." He actually surprised me by moving around the stage. Although the song really didn't seem right for him, he did it justice.

Randy said that he loves him and that he sang it good and in time. He also complimented his dance moves. He said it wasn't the best but very enjoyable. Paula said that he has his own style and complimented him for keeping in time on a difficult song. Simon said that Stevie Wonder would have turned down the television, calling it "appalling."

Katharine McPhee sang "Until You Come Back to Me" in a really dowdy dress. The song was risky for her, and she took control of it.

Randy announced "she's back" and called her performance "off the chain" and "unbelievable." Paula said there's something in her voice that pierces the heart. Simon said that he reminds her, vocally, of Kelly Clarkson.

One of my personal favorites, Taylor Hicks took the stage for "Living for the City". He knocked it out of the box, taking control of the stage an earning a standing ovation from the studio audience.

Randy said that all the gigs that he's played have paid off, and that he's fearless. Paula said that he'd made everyone smile and that he's a fun performer with "so much passion." Simon said that his appeal was he was like any dad who ever got drunk at a wedding and got on stage, but the difference is that he can sing.

Pairs Bennett was up next with "All I do." She had a lot of energy, but I didn't think it was her best performance. She was off in place.

Randy said the song showed the greatness they'd first seen in her and called it unbelievable. Paula said she's a seasoned veteran. Simon said she's "like a performing doll" and that she's very good.

Finishing off the evening, Chris Daughtry performed a rocking version of "Higher Ground." He was a natural on stage, and with the help of the backup band and some creative lighting, it felt like a rock concert.

Randy complimented him for finding a way every week to make it his own. Paula said that she enjoys him every week and that he's fantastic. Simon said, "Thank God for Chris." He said that there had been some good performances this evening, but this was the only real world performance. He said he loves it when people take risks and make it their own. He called Chris's performance the best by a mile.

I agree that Chris gave an outstanding performance, and I also give props to Taylor and Katharine. Paris did better than she has been doing and definitely outshined many of her competitors, including, this week, the powerful Mandisa.

The competitor most likely to go home this week is Melissa McGhee, who just barely made it into the top 12 and who would have earned no love for forgetting her lyrics twice. Also on the bubble is probably Bucky Covington, whose raw voice and poor enunciation may work for country music but don't gain him any points in competition. Rounding out the bottom three will probably be Kevin Covais, who might squeak through another week on his "squishable" factor.

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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