First on stage, Ta-Tynisa Wilson singing "Only Girl (In the World)" by Rhianna. She's wearing a cute, flouncy zebra print dress, complete with petticoat and white shoes and jewelry. In my opinion, she is shaky, sharp and pitchy throughout. Not a fan of this performance. J-Lo and Steven Tyler are fans, and love her for it. Randy is the voice of reason, and agrees with me that this wasn't a good opening.
Naima Adedapo (winner of coolest last name) is next, singing an upbeat jazzy version of Ella Fitzgerald's "Summertime". We are told that she designed, but did not sew, her canary yellow dress with bell sleeves, white lace at the neck and a train. Her dreads are pulled to one side, and held with a flower. When she turns around, we are treated to a massive colored back tat. The song is great for her, style and voice! With a surprise ending note, she solidified the judges praise. Jennifer tells her she is an "exotic flower" in a garden. Naima is thrilled and tells her that her name means "exotic flower". Good call Jen!! The boys agree that she nailed it, and I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing more of her.
Kendra Chantelle steps up to sing "Impossible" by Christina Aguilera. She's in all black leather and silver chains, with wavy blonde hair. She has a good range, and successfully pulls off loads of runs. Her upper notes are a bit shrill for me though. Could've done without those. I seem to remember thinking that back in Hollywood, though. I think shrill must be a trademark of hers. The judges are very pleased with the performance--telling her she is hot, the whole package, a fighter, and just scratching the surface. Randy even compares her to Lauryn Hill.
Next quarter starts with Fiona Apple's "Criminal" sung by Rachel Zevita. This is our girl who tried out a few years ago singing opera for the judges. I don't understand anyone auditioning with songs that are clearly out of the genres that AI caters to. Have you heard opera on the show before? Then why bring it to your tryout? Anyway......Rachel tosses off her black cape to reveal her red & black slinky dress, black and jewel bracelets. She throws the mike stand to the ground and prances around the stage. She's very into it, but the judges aren't feeling it. Steven calls her Broadway-ish and Jennifer asks her who she really wants to be. She has some talent, but I don't think she's found her way yet.
Karen Rodriguez takes the stage with a Spanish/English version of "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Her 70's retro teal, one shoulder drapy dress looked great, complete with large hoop earrings and volumized hair. She has great modulations and really connects to her song and her audience. I like the emotion that her voice exhibits. She says, "Love you, Mama" as she finishes. So sweet. The judges are equally impressed, and she's not going anywhere.
Big-haired Lauren Turner is next, singing "Seven Day Fool" by Etta James. I'ts not a familiar song, and I hope that doesn't hurt her. She's wearing a silver and black sparkly dress with a black belt, black tights & shoes. She wears big black chandelier earrings and bangles on her wrists. She has a robust alto voice, and I love it! She moves, she has soul and I wanna hear more. The panel loves her. Steven says she is a perfect, full, complete sentence. Great description of her!
Beautiful Julie Zorrilla comes out to sing Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway". She's wearing Skater Barbie's white beaded short dress with a bib jeweled necklace and platform wedges. I love this song & have high hopes! Unfortunately, I was not impressed. The judges really tear her up, all agreeing that this song was not right for her. Bummer. I think she has a stronger voice and more personality than she showed tonight, and I think she is in trouble.
Haley Reinhart is next with Alicia Keys' "Fallin". I'm totally jealous of her perfect spiral perm. She's in a little black dress with gold racer stripes on the sides, black pumps, huge long black earrings and a very cool square gold ring. She kind of copies Alicia in her runs, but makes the song her own overall. Good. J-Lo tells her she has different colors in her voice. Randy doesn't like it--calls it "karaoke". Haley is shocked. I am too.....not karaoke, as far as I'm concerned! Steven comes back with "If I agreed with you, then we'd both be wrong!" Love that guy.
Youngest contestant, Thia Megia, takes the mike to sing "Out Here On My Own" by Irene Cara from Fame. Her champagne colored ruffly dress is awesome! She starts the song a capella. Amazing. I am a fan. She has such a rich tone. So strong. The judges are wowed, and we all can't wait to hear more from her in this competition.
Reba McIntire's "Turn on the Radio" is to be sung by Lauren Alaina. She's the only contestant dressed casually, in jeans, a sparkly black shrug, black boots, and a heart graphic tee. She looks young and cute, and confident. She turns a country tune into a pop/rock sensation. She is the bomb. We all know the trio love her, as she's been a show-favorite throughout, and the love-fest continues.
Last is Pia Toscano, singing "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders, one of my all-time favorite songs!!! She looks great in a sequined black sheath dress, cinched in at the waist, black hose & heels. She owns it. Way to go! Strong vocal, ending on a full-voice high "oo". Impressive. She gets a standing ovation for her efforts. Obviously, we don't worry about Ms. Toscano!
Well, there you have it. We've heard from the boys and the girls, and now America will decide who gets to stay, who gets to go on tour this summer, and ultimately, who is our Season 10 American Idol! Happy voting & I'll break down the Results Show next time.
That's All I Know!!
~Karissa
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