Hollywood Week!

Hollywood Week is here! I actually like the way the show builds certain contestants up during the first round only to send them packing without much further airtime. I also like when I feel vastly overrated singers get a ticket to Hollywood only to be sent home when the judges come to the realization that they weren’t that good. Case in point for this was Vanessa Wolfe, the “authentic” country girl who turned into a deer in headlights on the Hollywood stage. American Idol rightly gets criticized for its overly sappy moments, so it was surprising to see Vanessa’s exit interview conclude with “ I took a risk, and it didn’t pay off.” So much for being better because of the experience.


My Top 5 Favorites:

1. Crystal Bowersox- She is the one who performed at the very end. I feel like the judges shortchanged her by giving most of the credit to her infectious personality. I had a different impression. I think the audience got so into her performance because of how great of a singer she is. Regardless, it looks like she has what it takes to make it very far this season. The same goes to…

2. Andrew Garcia- I thought it was funny choosing a Paula Abdul song to sing in honor of the former “judge”. There was nothing funny about a performance that was a hundred times better than the original. To alter a song like that so early in the competition shows supreme confidence. Usually the plan at this stage is to play it safe and not polarize the judges with bad song choices (see Maddy Curtis) or surprise arrangements (see Josia Leming from a few seasons ago). I hope he continues to be this brilliant.

3. Janell Wheeler- Her performance of “American Boy” showcased her wonderful, breezy voice. Add the guitar and her pretty face and we hopefully have a top 12 finalist!

4. Lilly Scott- Lilly has one of those voices that I just want to keep hearing and hearing. Choosing an Ella Fitzgerald song was perfect because it really showed off the effortless, jazzy quality of her voice. I thought she came across as a little too self-assured, but I guess having a lot of confidence isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

5. Katie Stevens- I think I might be underrating her as only #5 on this list. As Randy pointed out, she’s a great natural talent, and I think her personality will eventually catch up to her voice.


Other thoughts from last night:

The Two Most Overrated- Mary Powers and Tim Urban: Mary is the single mother who thinks she’s a punk rocker. If she continues to make it through, expect to see a lot of Pat Benatar and Joan Jett song selections. Her middle name must be “too much” because it sounds like she’s shouting and not singing. Judging by the look on Simon’s face, it seems Tim Urban is his personal choice to make it through the finals. I didn’t find anything great about his performance, but I don’t think Simon will let go easily.

It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To….Maddy Curtis. I thought she had such incredible control of her voice, and sending her home just because of poor song selection at this stage is a mistake. I understand that Skiiboski never amounted to more than a joke for some people, but he was a joke I wanted to continue to see. I think there was enough talent there to take him more seriously than the judges did. Mary J. Blige, the judge who knows best about great R&B voices, said that he has a voice that shouldn’t go to waste. Anyway, I accept the fact that he might not have been good enough to advance. I just wish he amounted more than being the first victim to Ellen Degeneres’ wit.

I know there were a lot of first round favorites who quietly made it to the next level. Were there any first round standouts that were secretly sent home?

CHRISTINA'S RESPONSE

Thank goodness for Hollywood week!  The contestants are better, the judges are better, and no more sappy backstories.  Ellen DeGeneres was an excellent choice by American Idol producers as the next judge.  She is such an improvement over Paula (and Kara and Randy) because she is actually honest and gives specific feedback, but she also adds a fun, intelligent humor to the show.  Even Simon was laughing.  I think they’ll get along very well together.

My top 5 favorite Contestants:

1.  Didi Benami – What a gorgeous voice!  I hope she makes it all the way to the top twelve.

 2. Andrew Garcia:  He was my favorite from the auditions weeks, and he’s still going strong.  Plus he’s smart if he can transform a Paula Abdul song like that.

 3.  Crystal Bowersox --  I agree with Mitch her best quality is not her personality but her voice.  That’s what’s going to get her to the top 12.

 4.  Janell Wheeler --  Beautiful voice and a good guitar player.

 5.  Casey James – Love the blues/country vibe and an excellent guitar player.

Like Mitch I’m not a fan of Mary Powers or Tim Urban, and I was very sad to see Maddie Curtis go.  I hope she tries out again next year.  It looks like this season there are many more stronger females than males.  I’m going to go out on a limb and predicting a female winner this year!