Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2006, Fox Broadcasting

The American Idol finalists tackled standards from the Great American Songbook, and for the first time in weeks, they showed why they belonged to be there. Rod Stewart, who has recently released a number of successful album of standards.

First up was rocker Chris Daughtry, who did "What a Wonderful World", proving that he has range. His beautiful tenor shined through an emotionally moving performance.

Judge Randy Jackson said that "for everyone who thought there wasn't another side to Chris, you just slayed them." Nice judge Paula Abdul said that he's in this to win and that he'd broken the world. Tough judge Simon Cowell said that he had to take some credit for this performance, by advising him to push himself and do something different. He called it a great performance.

Next was Paris Bennett with "Foolish Things". Her performance was technically fine but otherwise bland, and her business woman suit looked strange. Her performance certainly can't compare to jazz greats like Carmen MacRae, who delivered a many-hued version of this song, touching on a range of different emotions.

Randy said that she should stand proud and that this was her greatest night ever, with every note in tune. Paula said that tonight's performance reminded her of her audition and that "this is your genre." Simon called her stylish and cool but remarked that she talks like Minnie Mouse and sings like a grown up. He called the performance terrific.

Soul Patrolman Taylor Hicks sang "You Send Me" by Sam Cooke. He gave a really smooth performance and an electric ending. Not only will this performance electrify his fans, but he likely made some new ones.

Randy said that different music makes a big difference and that he's in his element. He liked how Taylor put himself in at the end. Paula said that Sam Cooke would be proud of him and called the ending superb. Simon said it started as lame cabaret, "and then, magic."

Then Elliott Yamin took the stage to sing "It Had to Be You". His vocals were good, but his performance was so cheesy that I'm sure I wasn't the only one who lost interest.

Randy called it an excellent song choice, saying it was relaxed and controlled. Paula called it the perfect song and liked how he made it contemporary. She compared him to Harry Connick Jr. Simon called it a good vocal but said that tonight personality would be key and that his performance had lacked that. "So I'm slightly concerned for you."

Country girl Kellie Pickler did "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." One of the lines seemed to describe her perfectly: "Simpering, whimpering child again." She was off pitch in the middle and near the end, she got ahead of the band. She seemed to have no clue what the lyrics were about. Dreadful. Even she admitted, when it came time for the comments, that she'd butchered it.

Randy called it pitchy in spots. Paula said that she looked exquisite and that she loved the beginning, which started very vulnerable. Simon called it a boring song that didn't suit her. He said that she didn't need the "Bewitched and Bothered" in the title: "It could have just been 'Bewildered'."

Pretty boy Ace Young sang "That's All", wearing a suit! He really hit his own with this one, although I still hate his falsetto.

Randy said that he'd had a little trouble at the bridge but that he'd worked it out. Paula said that it was a whole new Ace. She said she loved it and that it was a magical night. Simon said it wasn't bad, although it was a little nasally in the middle. He called it a charming performance.

Finishing up the night was Katharine McPhee with "I Only Have Eyes for You". Despite a dumpy looking business suit, she sparkled, giving a many-hued performance.

Ryan said that this is her element and said that she sailed on this. He called it excellent. Paula said she feels "like she's falling in love with the essence of who you are." So I guess she liked it. She called her elegant. Simon said that she'd made the others look like good amateurs, and that she'd looked like a returning pro.

This week, the finalists showed their stuff, which only makes the voting more difficult. Katharine, Taylor and Chris stole the show, with a respectable performance by Elliott and a better than expected one from Ace.

Based on previous results, the ones most likely to be in the bottom three are Ace Young, Elliott Yamin and Paris Bennett. Much as I'd like to see Kellie Pickler go home this week (she'd certainly the most deserving), she probably has a strong enough fan base to save her from a center stage appearance. Despite turning in a better performance, Ace is the most likely one to go home, with Elliott also in danger.

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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