I’m so excited we’re finally here. The live performance shows are my favorite part of American Idol because we get to see full, uncut performances from every contestant with a live band and live audience. Tonight, it’s the top 12 men (so no doubt each song will be highly edited down if we’re to fit in 12 songs in a 40-something minute show) who will each sing a song of their choosing. After this week, we'll whittle the top 24 down to a top 16.
From now on, I’ll rate each song on a scale of 0-5 along with a short blurb and then pick my favorite and least favorite performances of the night.
Adam Ezegelian (“I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister) – * * * ½
So here’s the thing. I didn’t understand 9/10ths of what Adam sang (except, you know, the word “rock”) and some of his vocal work was spotty at best. But, the truth is, a large part of me really doesn’t care. Adam had an absolute blast and I did too. Sure it felt like late night at drunken karaoke, but I dug it anyway in a shaggy Jack Black-ian way. I don’t think he’ll make the next round of cuts, but it was fun along the way.
Michael Simeon (“How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” by Michael Bolton) – * * ½
I’m sure Michael has talent, but this bloated ‘80s love ballad didn’t do him any favors. It was as thin, bland and cheesy as cafeteria pizza. (Harry was right as well about Michael’s pitch issues, I just couldn’t find a way to shoehorn that into the pizza analogy as hard I tried).
Savion Wright (“Hey Soul Singer” by Train) – * * * *
Savion has an infectious energy and an ultra-cool beachy vibe that jelled wonderfully with a bouncy arrangement of “Soul Sister.” He lost pitch (and focus) occasionally especially on the higher notes but with some grounding and more stage experience he could be a real winner this season.
Mark Andrew (“The Weight” by The Band) – * * *
I just realized who Mark reminds me of looks-wise: Casey Abrams, the jazzy bass-playing badass from season ten (and this amazing early 2000s Postmodern Jukebox cover.) Anywho, Mark did pick a perfect song and it fit him like a glove. Problem is, I almost thought it felt too comfortable. This is Idol and his “Weight” felt like a song he would play in the middle of a set at his local watering hole. If Mark stays, he needs to take more risks vocally and show us what he’s really made of.
Trevor Douglas (“The Best I Ever Had” by Gavin DeGraw) – *
I really like Trevor. I should restate that: I really want to like Trevor. He has good stage presence, some interesting musicality and a playful, geeky persona. But if Trevor wants to make it on Idol he’s going to have to do better than tonight’s performance. The song was sloppy and messy and uncomfortably pitchy. I don’t know if Trevor has a cold or had trouble hearing the band or caught puberty from Daniel, but there was very little to like here vocally.
Clark Beckham (“When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge) – * * * ½
“When A Man Loves A Woman” is a funny choice to me: it’s both very difficult to sing (as it rests on most male singer’s vocal break line) and feels like a first dance at a wedding song rather than a contemporary hit. But the notes that weren’t screeched were executed with passion and a rough-hewn, bluesy musicality.
Rayvon Owen (“Jealous” by Nick Jonas) – * * * *
The best performance tonight so far, Rayvon brought a buttery falsetto and rich tone to the slick Jonas track. He seems to be loosing breath at the end of some phrases, so working on breath support is a must, but overall he’s off to a good start.
Daniel Seavey (“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz) – * ½
I give Daniel props for playing the uke during his performances, but the rest of it was a bit of a train wreck. Sure, Daniel’s cute in a I-wanna-pinch-his-cheek kinda way but his voice is barely passable even by high school talent show standards. He shows signs of talent but it’s way, way, way too early.
Riley Bria (“Homeboy” by Eric Church) – * * * ½
If Riley can conquer his nerves and get better control of his pitch, he can go really far in this competition. He’s a killer guitar player and has a nice, innocent swagger on stage. There’s room out there in country music for someone like him.
Quentin Alexander (“I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins) – * * * * 1/2
This is the only performance I actually had to rewind and watch again. With a fierce originality and a soulful, haunting take on a blues classic, Quentin seems like the most fully formed artist in the top 12 men. Seriously, I would buy this single tomorrow. There were occasional wonky vocal moments, but it was so raw and beautiful that complaining about such things is really missing point.
Nick Fradiani (“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran) – * * * * ½
I’ve always liked Nick but have found him a bit bland. Until now. Like Mark, this felt like something Nick would play at a hometown set but unlike Mark he infused it with passion, vocal dexterity and a personal flair that made you believe every word he sang. He’s a pro and a dark horse as long as he keeps up the good song choices.
Qaasim Middleton (“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars) – * * * *
Qaasim has charisma and charm and energy and stage presence to spare. I just wish he had a little more vocal control.
Show VIP: Quentin
Who Should Go Home: Adam, Michael, Mark*, Daniel
*Even though Trevor’s performance was far worse than Mark’s, Trevor shows more potential at this point musically.
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