The Idols all looked utterly miserable as they faced results night. At least being voted off at this point doesn’t take them off tour. However, being voted off this early doesn’t give them as big a leg up in their career.

The show opened with Simon being compared to the Kraken (a big, mean monster) in Clash of the Titans. Then Ruben Studdard, winner of Season 2, came out and performed. He’d lost a lot of weight and attributed it in part to becoming a Vegan (vegetarian). The whole time he was singing I kept thinking how big he was, like Big Mike, and I wondered who was bigger. I guess I wasn’t the only one because they brought Big Mike out to stand next to Ruben and believe it or not, Ruben won. Amazing!

Big Mike was sporting a pony tail. Hair comes and goes when you’re on stage, doesn’t it? Glue it on, peel it off, dye it pink. The pony tail looked blonde to me but Ryan called it a pink squirrel’s tail. Surely Big Mike wasn’t sporting a pink pony tail?

Finally they started the countdown to the bottom three. Lee Dewyze was first up. He attributed his successful night to finally relaxing, not worrying over the judges or being on stage and just letting loose to do what he would normally do which is feed off the audience. Relax and ye shall rise to the top because Lee was pronounced safe.

Casey James was up next. Casey’s secret to success was to go with the flow, pick songs he likes, and just give it his all. It worked because Casey was also pronounced safe.

Aaron Kelly had to sit through the judges discussing his love life and asking whether he’d ever been in love at such a young age. Simon finally let him off the hook by saying it wasn’t the Oprah Winfrey show. He was sent to safety to ponder singing love songs if you’ve never been in love.

Siobhan Magnus and Katie Stevens were called out side by side. I feared for Siobhan to be paired with Katie because Siobhan is so much more talented and entertaining, I thought surely it could only mean that there’d be an upset and Siobhan would be first in the bottom three. When asked about the judge’s harsh critique of her last night she answered, “It’s not my favorite Idol moment…” and added that she wasn’t defeated. She was right. No defeat for her this week because it was Katie who was sent to the stools while Siobhan cried tears of relief. Simon expressed his frustration that Katie wasn’t taking their advice.

Ryan announced that next week’s theme was the Lennon McCartney songbook. I know they’ll have fun with that! I sure will! Usher came out singing “OMG” from his Raymond vs. Raymond CD. I’m not a big fan of the song but I’ve got to hand it to him, Usher definitely has the flash and the dance moves. I’ll bet he blows ‘em away in concert.

Didi Benami was the next to get the news. They talked about how much better she did when she played the guitar and asked why she’d stopped playing the guitar. She said she was still basically a beginner on guitar and just wasn’t comfortable enough with it to bring it every time. The voters must have missed the guitar too because she was the next one sent to the stools.

Big Mike was next up with Ellen telling the world she called him Tiny Mike for his big, sensitive heart. I’m not sure I understood that right as it makes no sense to me but hey, we’re talking about Ellen who talks about Snookie’s Poof and compares the Idols to bananas. Mike was declared safe and he picked Ryan up off the floor and held Ryan up almost over his head.

Earlier they’d talked about Crystal playing the piano instead of the guitar. Apparently she’d taken lessons at one point but switched to a guitar because you can pick up a guitar and carry it around with you. I much prefer her with the guitar. Either way, Crystal Bowersox was sent to safety while Tim Urban and Andrew Garcia got called up side by side which is the kiss of death for one of them. They talked about Tim’s smiling in the face of the judges critique and he replied, “Every time I step on stage it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” I love his attitude and was sad to see him sent to the bottom three while Andrew went to safety.

Diddy was the next big entertainer to take the stage with his song, “Hello Good Morning”. He didn’t have the moves that Usher had and for the most part, his show was mostly smoke and mirrors, literally. If you can’t move me with the song you need to move me with the visuals. It didn’t move me.

They finally got down to the fate of the bottom three and Katie was sent to safety leaving Tim and Didi. Teflon Tim smiled while Didi looked utterly miserable. The smile really does help him because I wanted him to stay just for that reason. It’s hard to stick it to someone who keeps on smiling. There’s a life lesson in that.

It wasn’t the first time that Tim stood in the bottom two. He was there with Paige just one week ago and survived it. This week he survived the cut again and Didi was the American Idol to be sent home. She sang “Rhiannon” for the Judge’s Save. As hard as the judges have been on her through the weeks I didn’t anticipate a save for her. The judges could be seen in the background talking and laughing which was the kiss of death for Didi. It meant they weren’t having a truly serious debate and were just passing the time. The song ended and Simon told her that while it was a million times better than what she’d done last night, it didn’t save her. So the axe fell for Didi Benami.

Tags: aaron, aaron kelly, american idol, andrew, andrew garcia, benami, bowersox, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, degeneres, dewyze, diddy, didi benami, dirty money, ellen, ellen degeneres, kara dioguardi, katie stevens, lee dewyze, lynche, magnus, michael lynche, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell, siobhan magnus, stevens, tim urban, urban, usher

Category: American Idol 2010

This week’s theme of Soul and R&B was literally Ushered in by the artist himself, Usher. As a mentor, he seemed to genuinely want to offer helpful advice though the advice was often the same for several Idols on how to connect with the audience.

Siobhan Magnus

Siobhan ushered in the evening singing the Chaka Khan song “Through The Fire” in a dress and big, bulky boots. I loved the look of the boots with a dress, somehow that so suited her. She different and that’s a good thing. Usher thought she had a “unique vocal ability” and normally I agree but tonight she was off her usual game. The song was definitely pitchy. As always, Siobhan showed she can carry the big notes but sometimes it’s not about the big notes. I’d like to see her tone it down a bit and pick a song she can just have fun with.

The judges and I were on the same page. Randy thought it was pitchy and all over the place. He said it was not one of her shining moments and that she needed to trust herself with the big songs. Ellen compared her to “dessert before the meal”. Kara said the screaming parts worked but that the rest of it didn’t. Kara added that Siobhan has been consistent throughout the competition and that she was entitled to an off night. Simon thought it sounded like she was trying to sing while out of breath from running a marathon. Simon is getting bored with the screaming at the end. Siobhan answered, “Even if I didn’t kill it, I wanted to prove I was willing to try,” to which Simon replied, “You slaughtered it.” This was the first time the judges were hard on her and poor Siobhan could barely hold back the tears. I hope she’s not too hard on herself because as Kara said, one off week out of several is a pretty good batting average.

Casey James

Casey seems to be in his element these days. He just totally lets go and just follows his flow. He offered up the Sam & Dave song “Hold On I’m Coming”. Casey called this type of music his roots and Usher said that win or not, Casey was definitely an Idol to keep your eye on. Casey just looks so completely comfortable and at ease when he sings. The music just flows out so naturally. The look of sheer joy lights up his face when he sings and the guitar totally nails it. I’ve never seen an American Idol hit the guitar as well as Casey does. This is definitely what he was born to do.

Randy called it another hot night for Casey. Ellen said he was always so consistent, so good, but that the song felt a little generic for her, a little too safe. Kara believes he isn’t showing the range he is capable of. She wants him to show her everything he’s got. Simon called it his strongest week so far. Simon gave him three “reallys” saying that tonight “showed a different side of you as an artist. I’m really really REALLY impressed with you.” Go Simon!

Michael Lynche

Big Mike did his warm up with that fish lips thing he does. The fish lips are becoming his signature move, like a punctuation mark to a particularly potent moment. He sang “Ready For Love” by India.Arie. Usher thought he should work on letting everybody feel his energy and to make sure to project to the back of the room. Michael is almost becoming predictable by singing love songs and I’d really like to see him try something different. He nailed the song but overall, it didn’t move me.

Randy is loving every performance and thought Big Mike was in the zone. Ellen loved it. Kara thought that he’d totally mastered the intent of the song and called it one of her favorite performances. Simon said that this was the first time we could take Mike seriously as an artist. He did add that the song itself was gloomy. After the glowing reviews from the judges, Ryan said he feared for his life whenever Mike got good feedback from the judges and pantomimed the bearhug that would follow.

Didi Benami

Then there’s Didi. This girl can’t catch a break. She sang What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, a song that was apparently near and dear to her heart. Ryan tried to pry it out of her, the dirty details of her attachment to the song. All he did was frustrate her and fill her eyes with tears to try to hold back from the cameras. Way to go, Ryan. I feel so badly for Didi. She has a beautiful voice and she’s unique but she can’t seem to find her niche. If she ever does she might blow us all away but I’m not sure she’ll last long enough to find it. This song didn’t fit her voice.

Randy wasn’t feeling it either. The whole performance flatlined for Randy. Ellen agreed that it wasn’t her best performance. Kara thought she’d lost her way. Didi started out more as a singer/songwriter and now she’s just lost. Simon compared it to “swimming in jelly”. He said it was off melody, that she was no longer contemporary, and he agreed with Kara and I that Didi had lost her way.

Tim Urban

Tim Urban shook off the doom and gloom and brought a big smile to the stage earning the nickname “Teflon Tim”. Even when the judges are beating up on him, Tim just shines on with a great big smile. When asked why he was always smiling even after the judges cremated him he answered, “I had a blast singing and I wasn’t going to suddenly be depressed because Simon didn’t like it.”

Usher made the attempt to teach Tim how to be believable with the song he’d chosen, “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker. The effort totally failed. Tim tried to sing into the camera, a ploy that has worked for many an Idol such as Constantine Maroulis, one of the masters of the trade of working the camera. Tim however, is totally missing something when he tries. Not only does it not work for him, it hilights his negatives. Tim needs to stick with happy, joyful songs to match the big smile. Tonight it was like a high school kid at a prom, grabbing a microphone and singing to some girl in the hopes of getting lucky.

Randy compared him to a singing waiter adding that he was in tune but that there was no vibe, no swag to the song and that Tim needed to put a little grease on it. Not sure what he meant by that but okay, Tim, grab your grease and slide across the stage to another week. Ellen said she heard there was a drinking game going on where every time she called him “adorable” the viewers would have to drink a drink. The judges were in a weird way about Tim tonight. Ellen said he was walking like he was sneaking into a bedroom. It wasn’t clear whether the sneaking involved stealing something or having sex but if you add Randy’s grease… okay, I cannot imagine Tim that way so I’m not going there! Kara said he took the soul right out of the song. Simon compared him to a mouse picking a fight with an elephant and commented on the Teflon Tim smile to which Tim replied of the judges in general, “They’ve picked on me for a lot of things but I never expected it to be about smiling.” You just keep on smiling, Tim, because it’s one of your strong suits.

Andrew Garcia

Andrew took on “Forever” by Chris Brown. While it was one of his better performances it just didn’t do it for me. I keep hoping he’ll come out and wow me but it never happens. Randy, however, called it his best performance in a long time and said that “Andrew is back!” Ellen called it a strong performance. Kara said that nothing made her happier than to say that this was one giant leap in the right direction. Simon said it was miles better than the last couple weeks but that Andrew, as a person, came off as very boring. Simon predicted that Tim would make it through to next week because he wasn’t boring, making the point that personality is important.

Katie Stevens

Katie has totally continued the makeover which bumped her up a notch. She sang the Aretha Franklin song “Chain of Fools”. The song felt too old for her but it definitely did show off her strong voice. I’m beginning to think maybe she needs to match her voice and not her age because no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to match her age.

Randy called it one of the best vocal performances of the night and compared her to a young Christina. Ellen commented that she always sounded so mature. Kara thought she’d found her niche but that she needed to be younger and more commercial. Simon thought she came across as robotic and cold, totally disagreed with the comparison to Christina which sparked a debate among the judges as to what genre most suited Katie. They couldn’t agree and it finally moved to the next contestant.

Lee Dewyze

Lee sang the song “Treat Her Like A Lady” by the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose. Usher told him he had an incredible voice and that he needed to own it, that if Lee didn’t believe it neither would anybody else. Well he definitely made me believe it. This was his best yet for me and it was better than the original. I know I say that a lot but hey, I was there for the originals and I still remember them clearly. Lee has definitely found his niche and I think tonight raised him three notches on the totem pole.

Randy called it unbelievable and said it was the bomb. I think that’s the first bomb this season. Ellen called it the best performance of the night. Kara said it was amazing and could easily be a record. Did she just date herself? Today they don’t play records, they play CDs and MP3s. Simon said, “I’ve always believed in you even though you don’t believe in yourself. This is the night your life may have changed forever.” Simon’s powerful statement almost brought Lee to tears.

Crystal Bowersox

Crystal followed a different path this week coming on stage with stiletto heels and trading her guitar for a piano. Usher thought if she could make the piano second nature and pour herself into the singing she’d be incredible. She sang “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was too slow for me. I miss the more energetic songs from her, the lighter songs. This was just too heavy. Crystal totally nailed the song but it didn’t have the wow factor that most of her songs have had.

Randy called it another great performance. Ellen said, “You’re never not good. You’re always great.” Kara was glad she’d taken the risk and showed another side. Simon thought the choice of song was sensational but he added a warning: “Do not let this process suck the identity out of you. Don’t change into something you’re not.” Crystal answered that she wanted to prove she was a multi-faceted artist. That worked for Adam Lambert last season but I don’t believe Crystal should change it up that way. The makeover didn’t suit her nor did the song.

Aaron Kelly

Aaron finished the show with the song “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. It’s odd how many songs chosen are 30+ years old. I wonder how many viewers were around for the originals or even realize that these songs are oldies. It’s really cool when an American Idol takes an old song and reworks it so that it’s brand new. Aaron didn’t do that but even so, Usher thought Aaron had a chance of scoring high or even winning if he played his cards right. For me, the song didn’t have enough range or melody to showcase Aaron. It was too much of a straight line.

Randy thought it was just alright and a little rough. Ellen said it was a good song choice. Kara liked it but she didn’t love it. She wished he’d gone a little higher in his register. Simon wasn’t blown away but predicted that Aaron would be safe this week.

For me, Lee and Casey owned this week, knocking Crystal from the top spot. Who’s out? Honestly it’s hard to predict this week especially since I’m so often wrong. My out picks are always radically different than America’s out picks. My personal bottom three are Didi, Andrew and Katie.

Tags: aaron, aaron kelly, american idol, andrew, andrew garcia, benami, bowersox, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, degeneres, dewyze, didi benami, ellen, ellen degeneres, kara dioguardi, katie stevens, lee dewyze, lynche, magnus, michael lynche, miles, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell, siobhan magnus, stevens, tim urban, urban, usher

Category: American Idol 2010

Another Idol must fall. Tonight was results night and it was a biggie. The last man down doesn’t go on tour so the stakes were off the charts.

Big Mike’s wife looked much happier, laughing at a story Mike was telling. Apparently she and the baby are staying nearby in a small apartment so he is able to spend evenings with them.

Siobhan Magnus was first up. Simon had some comments about the screechy note and Siobhan said she added it last night in the hopes that it would be different enough to put her in the Top 10. Apparently it was because she made it. I’m sure if she hadn’t the Judge’s Save would have fixed it. No way she can go yet!

Paige Miles was still battling the rough voice, which helped to put her side by side with Tim Urban for the first seat in the bottom three. When Randy was asked which of the two would take the seat, he predicted Paige. But they fooled us. Instead of sending just one, both Tim and Paige were sent to the bottom three stools. No doubt a sigh of relief went through the others with only one seat left to fill. Tim said he wouldn’t have done anything different in hindsight, that he’d had great fun last night and felt the need to expand his horizons, which he surely did.

They left Lee Dewyze and Casey James hanging, waiting for their results the whole time Paige and Tim were getting theirs. Lee and Casey had been told to stand up earlier but were never freed from their torment. The announcement was made that next week would bring Usher, soul and R&B.

Miley Cyrus played the piano and sang “When I Look At You” to a backdrop of trees draped with Spanish moss and twinkling with starry lights. Swamp fog came rolling in as she sang, showing her off as the perfect Southern Belle from the bayou. Okay, so she’s not from the bayou, she’s from Nashville, but it still was an interesting theme.

Miley believes that the judges aren’t as rough as we might think, that they are simply offering tough love in the hopes of helping the contestants grow. Tough love must have worked for Lee and Casey because they were finally sent to safety.

Aaron Kelly made it to the Top 10 without much fanfare as Simon had predicted the night before.

Then it came to Didi Benami, who’d gotten the brunt of the judge’s harshness for several weeks running. She said the judges often confused her with their comments. She definitely did something right because she got the thumbs up for the Top 10. Was it the flirtiness? Did she tickle the fancy of men to be poking their fingers at the telephone keys?

Michael Lynche played the opposite end of the spectrum, selling love instead of sex. If you believe in love you have to vote for Big Mike because it’s all over him when he sings, and love is in the air for Mike who took the next love seat in the Top 10.

Crystal Bowersox got called up next. Randy reminded us that Kara wanted Crystal to lose the guitar while Simon loved the guitar and wanted it to stay. Randy asked, “Who do you listen to?” Crystal broke into an impish smile and answered, “Me!” She dropped a hint for us to expect something different from her next week and yes, we’ll definitely be seeing her again.

That left Katie Stevens and Andrew Garcia fighting for the last spot in the bottom three. I just knew it would be Andrew, who underwhelmed the judges and who’s had more bad weeks than good weeks since the Paula song. Somewhere that dude’s got a bunch of voters because against all odds, he was sent to safety while Katie took the last hotseat from which someone would be sent packing.

They didn’t leave her in suspense however, Katie was the first of the bottom three sent back to safety, leaving Tim and Paige to sweat it out while Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas took the stage singing the “Make A Wave” song. The crowd loved them, squealing with glee to show their approval.

Finally it was time for the bad news. Tim and Paige were left to sweat it out for who was going home. To his absolute amazement, Tim was sent to safety leaving Paige Miles to sing in hopes of a Judge’s Save.

Tim, the underdog who wasn’t supposed to even be in the finals, and who has taken such a beating from the judges, fought his way into the Top 10 proving that all things are possible in this world. His 110% effort week after week paid off. Way to go, Tim!

Before Paige could sing for hope, Simon figuratively threw a glass of ice cold water on her dreams telling her that no singing would save her, that it was the end of the road for her. They made a pretty big deal out of it being unanimous. Geez, they could have at least let her believe that someone might have argued on her behalf. I felt so bad for her. Yes, she had some rough weeks but truly, it should have been Andrew. He was the weakest link. Paige, I do wish America would agree with me more often because you would have been there. May your journeys continue to a joyful place of songs. Good luck!

So our Top 10 American Idol’s are: Lee Dewyze, Tim Urban, Aaron Kelly, Crystal Bowersox, Michael “Big Mike” Lynche, Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens, Casey James, Didi Benami, and Siobhan Magnus. Let the singing begin!

Tags: aaron, aaron kelly, american idol, andrew, andrew garcia, benami, bowersox, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, degeneres, demi lovado, demi lovato, dewyze, didi benami, ellen, ellen degeneres, joe jonas, kara dioguardi, katie stevens, lee dewyze, lynche, magnus, michael lynche, miles, miley cyrus, paige miles, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell, siobhan magnus, stevens, tim urban, urban, usher

Category: American Idol 2010