‘American Idol’: Which singers treated Elton John right?
Lauren Alaina, shown performing last week, was a standout tonight on 'American Idol.' Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox
It was Elton John night on “American Idol.” And it was a night that I missed Simon Cowell.
The judges were just too complimentary. Sorry may be the hardest word, but we need to hear it more often from the judges: Sorry, that wasn’t good enough.
Scotty McCreery put his country twang on “Country Comfort” and gave a shout-out to grandma in the audience. The judges raved. “I love everything about your voice,” Steven Tyler confided. Jennifer Lopez was wowed by the 17-year-old’s “amazing instincts” about performing. Randy Jackson was thrilled by how fast Scotty has matured on the show. It was a nice performance, but did it rate hosannas?
Naima Adedapo took a big chance by turning “I’m Still Standing” into a reggae anthem to the troubled world. Jackson found it “corny,” and J.Lo liked the concept better than the payoff. Tyler was more complimentary and said she picked a song that was right for her. I think there was a huge payoff; the exciting performance was unusual for “Idol.”
Paul McDonald started by putting a soulful spin on “Rocket Man” and built to intense moments. Jackson and J.Lo — they have a conversation when they critique — encouraged Paul to give more. “You been watering that suit?” Tyler asked about Paul’s rose-covered costume. “It’s a super-quiet tune,” McDonald said of his song. Was he too quiet?
Pia Toscano was determined to make Jackson like “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” She unleashed that big voice on that ballad, and it was oh so familiar. Yet the judges were enchanted. “That’s just about as good as it gets,” Tyler said. “It’s crazy what you do with your voice,” Lopez said. “Unbelievable,” Jackson said. Pia accomplished her mission, I guess. What else can she do?
Stefano Langone went with “Tiny Dancer” in an odd arrangement that still showed off his fine voice. He also played to the judges with amusing results. He held out his hand to J.Lo, but Jackson held out his hand. J.Lo liked that Stefano connected to the audience. Jackson liked that Stefano moved around the stage. “You nailed it,” Tyler said.
Lauren Alaina tenderly delivered “Candle in the Wind” and gave it a becoming country flavor. “Very hot,” Jackson said. “Gorgeous,” said J.Lo. “You keep singing like that and you’ll be able to afford the rest of that dress,” Tyler joked — the line of the night. It was the best performance up to that point.
James Durbin moved through “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” like a rock star. He’s 22, and he looks like he has been doing this a decade. “You enjoy yourself,” Jackson said. “Just don’t wear out your welcome. Don’t be up there too long — you’ll wind up like me,” Tyler advised, gaining laughs.
Thia Megia delivered “Daniel” as a salute to her brother. The results were pleasant but forgettable. “Very beautiful,” Lopez said. Too safe, Jackson said. “You sang a great Elton John song well,” Tyler ruled. I think she is definitely in trouble.
Casey Abrams, who was saved by judges last week, delivered the greatest Elton John song: “Your Song.” He was sensitive, sweet and controlled. He looked good, too, after a trip to the barber shop. ”Absolutely brilliant,” Jackson said.
Jacob Lusk met Mary J. Blige in practice as he worked on “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word.” He has a great voice, but he has an overbearing style. It was just too much — he was so dramatic he seemed ready for the opera. Tyler loved the whole thing. Jackson liked it (“brilliant”) but urged Jacob to pick his moments. I especially missed Simon Cowell at this point.
Haley Reinhart closed the show with “Bennie and the Jets” from atop a piano — a pose that made her seem like a lounge singer. When she climbed down, she unleashed a powerful rock voice and awkward moves. It was very odd. The judges were floored. “That was it, Haley,” J.Lo enthused. Performance of the night, Jackson ruled. Really?
How do I rate them?
Top tier: Lauren Alaina, Casey Abrams, James Durbin.
Overrated: Scotty McCreery, Pia Toscano, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk.
In jeopardy: Thia Megia, Paul McDonald, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo ( I loved her, but I doubt viewers did).
Former “Idol” champ Fantasia returns for the results show at 8 p.m. Thursday on WOFL-Channel 35.