The Top 11 perform Elton John classics!
Across the screen, we read....Hope has been renewed. But no more second chances. Maybe getting rid of the "save" this early was a good thing. We don't have to hear Ryan Seacrest proclaim that someone MAY be leaving us tonight, every week. Got old quick for me. Anywho......
The judges come out of the giant garage door. Randy has gone Johnny Cash on us in his all black ensemble. Jennifer has on a
We take a look at Elton John's variety of schnazzy getups. This man likes getting his dress-up on. My favorite were always the glasses. And that he wore his costumes as if they were perfectly normal, like everyone else had one on too. That's style! In honor of the very "stylish" Sir EJ, the kids all get to glam up for a photo shoot.
They say that for Elton, "Every line counts--evey word means something."
First on stage is Scotty McCreery, wearing a black leather jacket, jeans, a grey tee and boots. Jimmy the Coach tells us that some people think Scotty is a one trick pony, but Jimmy says that's the best one trick he's seen a 17 year old do! While coaching Scotty, he calls him a "natural elegance". Scotty's voice is nice and smooth on "Country Comfort", the one Elton country ditty he could find. He says, "Love you Grandma" in the middle of the song, and melts the hearts of all the mothers/grandmothers out there. Good going, scrounging up a new fan base. The last note is on the bottom of the piano. He tells us that he's playing his new guitar, "Scarlett". Randy says that he has seasoned so fast. Loves how he is so comfortable and in-the-zone. Good job, Scotty.
Second is Naima Adedapo. She'll sing a reggae version of "I'm Still Standing" because she says she can relate to the lyric. Jimmy says that reggae can be hard to keep in tune, but this could be special. She wears a white and rainbow jumpsuit, red pumps, and far less accessories than usual. Truthfully, I didn't hate it. She kind of seemed in her element. I can see her trying to put something like this out. Jennifer tells her she thinks this is not a song to mess around with, but agrees that she took it where she wanted to. Randy thinks it was kind of corny. Steven entertains us, saying, "Boom-Shaka-Laka, Baby". He says, "Good for you for picking a song that fits you."
Paul McDonald is up to sing "Rocket Man". He wows us with his white roses suit again, with a red shirt and black tie. He says he had to, one more time......it's Elton John week!! He's on the acoustic guitar, and has some nice moments. Especially when he goes up to the high note the first time. He whispers the last few words. It wasn't too bad. I'm not a big fan of his, but I liked it almost as much as his "Maggie May". Steven talks about how it's ok not to hit every note, and that Paul is his cup of tea. Yeah, I can see that! Jennifer thinks he's holding back...that he has more to give. I think that's a good analysis.
Pia Toscano is up next. Jimmy tells her that she's somewhere between Fergie and Axl Rose (??) and not to worry about Randy's longing for her to sing up-tempo. As a friend said, "If Scotty can do country every week, and Naima do African dances, Pia can sing ballads!" She'll sing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me" wearing a nude/silver sequined short dress with nude platform pumps. She looks gorgeous. And when she opens her mouth, daffodils and sunshine come pouring out. This girl is one to watch!! She gives a massive run at the end, which I sometimes do NOT enjoy, but hers was amazing. Steven says she's done it again, and agrees that SOME people (Randy) were wrong about "no ballads". Jen says she takes us to an other-worldly place. Randy agrees that she slays ballads every time and that he was not saying don't sing ballads anymore, but that she should switch it up a little. They all tell her to surprise them next week.
Stefano Langone takes the stage. Jimmy works his vocal cords to the bone, making him repeat lines in the song "Tiny Dancer" until he got what he wanted. Stefano wears a grey vest and suit pants over a white unbuttoned dress shirt, and white sneakers. He pulls off the suit and sneakers combo better than anyone else I've seen! I'm a big fan of Stefano, and tonight is no different. I loved it!! He approaches the judges table at the end to take J-Lo's hand, and Randy attempts interference. Jennifer likes how he's been taking their critiques and connected more with the audience. Randy liked the money notes and tells him he's "right on!"
The sweet Southern Belle, Lauren Alaina is our half way point tonight. Jimmy says her voice plays well to Elton John. She sings "Candle in the Wind" wearing a black sequined short dress, wrapped by a taffeta black train. Her hair is wavy, and she has long drop earrings. She reminds me of Olivia Newton John when she started out. Young, 70's country...gorgeous sound....fit her perfectly. Steven says, "I've loved you since the moment you laid eyes on me." (!!) He also tells her that if she keeps singing like that, she'll be able to afford the rest of her dress. (!!!) Love some Steven Tyler. Jen says that this is the first time that eveyone in America got to hear what they heard at the first audition. Randy says that it was one of the greatest Lauren Alaina songs--very pro--very hot!
James Durbin sings "Saturday Night's Alright" wearing a short sleeve back graphic tee, ripped black jeans, a scarf, chains, and a leather vest. His hair is 10 feet high. During his performance, he tosses the mic stand, does a great herky (sp??) off the piano, and they set the red piano on fire. Good job pyrotechnic team! Oh, and he sounds good, too. Jennifer tells him it's like a full performance. She forgets it's a competition show when he sings. Randy likes how much he enjoys himself. James tells Ryan about the fire, "I didn't want to have a"Pepsi" moment. Ryan reminds him that the show is sponsered by Coke. Oops!
Thia Megia is up next. We learn that her brother is named Clia Megia. Hmmm. She will sing "Daniel". Jimmy tells her that we have to believe her in this song. She says she can relate to it because her brother went away when she was young to college. She wears a short white, belted lace one-shouldered dress. Still no color. She does seem more connected to this song, and to the audience. I still think she's pretty amazing for 16. Jennifer likes this place in her voice, and how she internalized the words. Steven says she sang a great EJ song well. Randy thinks she is still playing safe, but liked it.
A newly trimmed Casey Abrams takes the stage. Thank goodness. Jimmy tells him to change everything. He'll be singing "Your Song", one of my favorites. It's just Casey on a stool and the piano. He wears a grey suit, a striped button down over a black tee. The performance is controlled and subdued. Still Casey, but calmer. They all congratulate themselves for saving him. Randy calls it brilliant and tender. Steven likes how he is different every time. Hopefully, he'll get the votes this week.
Next up is Jacob Lusk to sing "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word". He gets a thrilling surprise visit from Mary J. Blige, one of the artists who covered that song. Jimmy advises him to not over-dramatize the song. Jacob?? Over-dramatize?? I'd be so shocked. There must have been a sale on grey suits over the weekend, because Jacob has one too. He only wears the coat, though, with black dress slacks, a black dress shirt, an untied red bowtie and his red hanky. I liked him better tonight than in the past few weeks. He stayed on key, pared down the runs. He makes some creepy faces tonight though. Thought he got Bells Palsy there for a minute. Steven loved it. Jennifer says you don't see that last note everyday. (?) And Randy wanted him to hit the modulation harder. Still not a fan, but I don't think I'm in the majority yet.
Haley Reinhart gets the pimp-spot. Jimmy wants her to bring all of the parts of Haley that we've seen (moves, tone and style) together at once. She sings "Bennie and the Jets" while laying. then sitting on the piano wearing a cute floral green and purple low cut sleeveless dress. This was a great song for her! The B-B-B-'s of the chorus were a little Buh-Buh-Buh for me, but that's my only complaint. The judges loved it, and I'm glad to hear them give her props instead of tearing her down this week. Randy declares it the best performance of the night!! Steven simply says, "You. Sing. Sexy." That's all there is to say, then, huh? :)
Well, tomorrow night we lose 2 of them. Who is it going to be?? I don't even know if I can predict, but I'll go out on a limb and say Thia and Paul may be done. We'll see very soon!!
Til then~That's All I Know!!
