Music

AMERICAN IDOL RECAP: Sing a song by your own personal Idol (3/28/2012 & 3/29/2012)

by Aaron Zorgel

Pop Hunter is re-capping the grotesque display of culture that is American Idol all season. Here’s what you need to know from this week’s round, which aired March 28th, and March 29th.

Top 9 and we’re feelin’ fine. This week, constants were asked to select a song that was originally performed by their personal idols. I always enjoy this round, because it gives you some idea of what each contestant actually wants to sound like. If you don’t already know what artist the contestants idolize, it either confirms or refutes your suspicions as far as their affectations go. Guest mentor Stevie Nicks showed up, looking as witchy as possible, and gave contestants some (questionable) advice this week. The big question on my mind this week was whether or not Phillip Phillips would be performing a Dave Matthews Band song. He’s been jacking that DMB swag all season, and if he fessed up to it during this episode, I think I might be a bit more lenient on him critically going forward.

Jessica Sanchez – Sweet Dreams (Beyoncé)

This might be one of my favourite Idol performances this season. Sanchez did a beautiful stripped-down version of Beyoncé’s 2009 hit “Sweet Dreams,” and the harp arrangement was both powerful and beautiful. It’s good enough for me to excuse Jessica’s awkward and cheesy exit through one of the prop doors when she finished her performance.

Colton Dixon – Everything (Lifehouse)

As if Colton’s musical idol is freakin’ Lifehouse. It’s not a bad peformance, but it’s no “Hangin’ By A Moment” if you know what I’m scratchin’ at.

Heejun Han – Song For You (Leon Russell)

To be honest with you, I didn’t know this song at all prior to Heejun’s version. There’s no way Heejun’s idol is Leon Russel. He gives a nice straight-up R&B performance, but it lacks personality. I think Heej’s days are numbered.

Deandre Brackensick – Sometimes I Cry (Eric Benet)

This poofy-haired falsetto clown needs to go. The judges liken him to Prince, which I feel is an insane over-compliment. Deandre lacks the presence of a proper R&B singer, and he comes off as more of a weird androgynous floppy-haired actor who belongs in a staged production of the Lion King.

Hollie Cavanagh – Jesus Take The Wheel (Carrie Underwood)

What a surprise! The blonde country gal’s idol is Carrie Underwood! Hollie doesn’t come close to Carrie Underwood’s perfromance, and while I feel her performance is competent, I think hers is one of the most affected and most phoney voices in the competition.

Phillip Phillips – Still Rainin’ (Jonny Lang)

HOW DID THIS ANUS NOT DO A DAVE MATTHEWS BAND SONG? I feel like he’s trying to downplay his imitation, which I am so not down with. If he would have just delivered a rockin’ version of “Trippin’ Billies” I might have come around on Phillip Phillips. Sadly, this is not the case.

Joshua Ledet – Without You (Mariah Carey)

As per usual, Joshua Ledet absolutely crushes it. Josh gave his rendition of this classic a lot of emotion, and a lot of soul. He’s still my favourite to win it.

Elise Testone – Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin)

I’m not a big Led Zeppelin fan, but I loved this. It’s nice to see Elise unchained in an environment we knew she’d be suited to. She sound really at home on this tune.

Skylar Laine – Gunpowder And Lead (Miranda Lambert)

Miranda Lambert’s catalogue is a perfect zone for Skylar. She’s sassy, razor sharp, and powerful on this song, and I think Skylar just might look forward to a career not so dissimilar to Miranda Lambert’s recent rise to prominence.

On Thursday, it was revealed that the bottom three vote-getters were Heejun, Hollie, and Skylar. In the end, Heejun was let go.

So long, Heej.