Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2005 Fox Broadcasting

Last night's theme on American Idol was a welcome change. They performed songs from musicals. While this might sound unusual, given judge Simon Cowell's dislike of the genre, the arrangements turned the songs into pop songs.

Scott Savol started out the evening performing "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha," at the advice of his mother. He sounded a lot like his other songs, doing a pop ballad, but he seemed stiff and the rendition was lackluster. The one consolation is that it's possible to do a lot worse with that song. Judge Randy Jackson said it's a tough song, that it was a little shaky but he'd ended with a bang. Nice judge Paula Abdul said it was a heartfelt performance. She praised him for taking his mom's advice on what song to sing. Simon said it was "more of a tap than a bang" and that it was ordinary.

Constantine Maroulis, who is really coming into his own, sang "My Funny Valentine" from "Babes in Arms." The one word I'd use to describe his performance: smoldering. Randy said he's never bought the rocker thing, that this is more Constantine's genre. He said this was the best he's ever done and that it was unbelievable. Paula said she's falling in love with him, that he was a great role model for guys getting into musicals (whatever that means), and that it was remarkable. Simon said that Constantine has grown in confidence. He gave the vocals a 7 but the "pouting" a 9 1/2.

With "Hello Young Lovers" from "The King and I," Carrie Underwood showed off her vocal strength. If she would just stick to songs that aren't country, I'm sure that she could attract more of a following. When she does songs like this, she is a natural performer. Randy said that the song was boring but that sang it well, that she was controlled and sang brilliantly. Paula said she looked stunning and the performance was elegant. And Simon said that she sang it well, although the song was mind-numbingly boring. He said it reminded him at times of a washing powder commercial from 1965, in other words, old-fashioned.

Vonzell Solomon did "People" from "Funny Girl." Even when she sings a Barbra Streisand song, she reminds me of Dionne Warwick: nice voice but ultimately bland. Randy said she keeps getting better, that performances like hers made him think a girl might win the competition. Paula called the song a bold choice and said that she'd hit the high note that even Barbra doesn't go for. Simon said it was good but not great, that it left him cold and was clinical.

Faithfully boring, Anthony Fedorov sang "Climb Every Mountain" from "The Sound of Music," another challenging song. His beginning was wispy and weak and the rest of it was all over the place. Even Randy said it was not very good, that it was sharp and flat. Paula said it was an interesting song choice and that she liked what he did with it. Simon said it was hideous and that everything about it was horrible.

Nikko Smith did a song he loves, a duet from "West Side Story" called "One Hand, One Heart." He did have a female vocalist to back him. I thought he seemed really comfortable, performing the song as an R&B ballad. Randy said that's what he loves about him, that he keeps it contemporary and that it was a good job but not the best. Paula called him the Comeback Kid and the true epitome of R&B. Simon said that the big notes at the end couldn't make up for the rest of the song, which sounded out of tune.

Music teacher Anwar Robinson sang "If Ever I Would Leave You" from "Camelot." It was similar to his previous performances, and I'm beginning to think he has no emotional depth on stage. He's very good; there's nothing wrong with his performances. But he doesn't generate excitement. Randy said that he's one of the best singers in the competition. Paula said he's technically the best on stage. Simon said that he seemed very comfortable this time.

Now Bo Bice picked his song at random, demonstrating why that's a bad idea. He sang "Corner of the Sky" from "Pippin." It was an upbeat song with a '70s rock vibe but not terribly exciting. Few people would recognize the song, either. So while he did well with the song for what it was, it was a poor showcase for his talent. Randy said that once again he was consistently great. Paula called him a winner. But Simon disagreed, saying he'd had two bad weeks, that the song was a mess. He said he loved him as a vocalist, but it was time to pick himself up.

Finally, Nadia Turner did "As Long as He Needs Me" from "Oliver." She really looked glamorous on stage, in a white evening gown. The song showed her range as a vocalist. She really needed this. Randy said it was a great performance. Paula called it beautiful. Simon said this was the strongest she'd been in three weeks.

As an afterthought, he said he'd ask Ryan Seacrest not to choose the musical themes any more, a dig at the theme of musicals.

It seems to me the most likely person to be eliminated this week is Scott Savol, for two main reasons. First of all, news came out this week that he'd once been arrested for a domestic disturbance involving the mother of his son. Even though other contestants have defended him, saying that he's a sweet person, and even though he's reconciled with his son's mother, I think that will be a definite strike against him. Secondly, his weak performance is likely to cost him points.

The next candidate, of course, is still Anthony Fedorov. He seems to have some sort of fan base, but they can't keep rescuing him forever. He hasn't put in a good performance since I can remember.

I don't know if Nadia will be in the bottom three again this week. Maybe her powerful performance was enough. If she wants to improve her chances, she needs to keep making strong song choices and smile more. She tends to grimace when she sings, which might turn voters off.

It's possible that Anwar Robinson will find himself in the bottom three, as he did last week, simply because he's failing to connect with viewers emotionally.

More Musings on American Idol:

American Idol, Season Four

American Idol, Season Three

Copyright 2005 by Alyce Wilson

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