This is the kind of music that lulls me to sleep - in a good way. The American classics have the tendency to promote the feeling that all is right with the world. I'm certain that during the eras in which the songs were written and sung, people had their share of worries and problems, but the songs gave a sense of perfection and security. This genre gives us the reason to escape into the world of music. No matter what the problem may be, we can get away, if only for a moment. The Idol contestants have bounced back this week, and at the same time, tightened up the competition.
CHRIS singing "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong - Chris just may have reached out and touched his audience tonight - in a way that he has never done before. The whole setup - with the acoustic guitar and him sitting on the edge of the stage was perfectly suited to this song. I have to admit, when I heard the song choice, I asked, "Why?" - but only because we hear it everywhere - in commercials, the grocery store, department stores, previous seasons of American Idol, and so on. But, tonight, Chris portrayed a vulnerable and personable side of him that I had only ever read about. The good thing about it is that although rock is his choice of vocal style, Chris' voice is really quite flexible - he's got a wonderful tone. In my opinion, parts of this song seemed almost too safe, but there were parts that were raw and edgy. That, I feel, is what opened Chris up to us. Well done!
PARIS singing "These Foolish Things" by Billie Holliday - I don't think that I have ever commented on so many hairstyles for one person before, but I loved this one. It was so serious and cute - like a day at the office. I have to admit that earlier today, I was so obsessed with noting how suited Elliott and Katharine were to this genre that I momentarily forgot about Paris' audition, which was the reason that she became one of my favorites in the first place. This...was...absolutely...perfect. Her rendition of the song was fluid and effortless, and the pitch was spot-on. She reminded me of why she is such a powerhouse - so young with a voice this stunning! To tell you the truth, I immediately rewound this when she finished and watched it again. Honestly, she should do a recording of the American standards. Her voice is so perfectly in accord with these types of songs that it gave me goosebumps.
TAYLOR singing "You Send Me" by Sam Cooke - Taylor seems like he's such a great personality. You know those people who light up a room when they walk in? That would be Taylor Hicks. I'm loving Rod Stewart for backing Taylor up about his dancing. That's why I love him. At first, this song seemed a somewhat cautious, and I thought Taylor was holding back. Not that it's a bad thing, because regardless of what Taylor does, he always sounds good. But, the end of the song was super...Taylor sounded like a nice mix of Michael McDonald and BJ Thomas tonight, in my opinion. He's so good! Every year, I ask myself where they are going to find more great talent. And this time, along comes Taylor Hicks! This guy is like no one else in any season of American Idol. It doesn't get any better than this!
ELLIOTT singing "It Had to Be You" by Frank Sinatra - So, my question is: Is Elliott's girlfriend still in town? Gosh! What more can I say? His...voice...is...amazing! I cannot say that enough! This performance tonight had me longing for an Elliott/Paris duet. Can he release the album already?! Elliott did seem to be a little more loosened up tonight - even more than last week. But, Simon is probably right this time. I mean, I've expressed this before - but, I don't think Elliott is truly aware of his vocal ability. Although he seems to become more confident with each passing week, he hasn't fully let go. He's not as confident as he should be. If I had a voice like that, you couldn't stop me or shut me up. Without a doubt, whatever album he releases will do well. The talent is there. I mean, just listening to him sing gives me chills. But, if he threw himself into the song, it would blow us out of our minds! Here's to a great vocal performance!!!
KELLIE singing "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" by Ella Fitzgerald - The thing I love about Kellie Pickler is that she never loses her sound with a song. It's there every single time, and most times it does nothing to mar her performance. Tonight, she started out on the right foot. But, right there in the middle, there was a slight key change, and when she started "I'll sing to him...," it was horribly flat and nasal. She was right under the note...not quite there. The uncertainty on her face let on that she felt it too. Was that why Simon dropped his head? Hmmmm. She brought it back around near the end, but for the first time, the strain of the song on her voice was very, very noticeable. She stepped up to the plate with Bohemian Rhapsody last week, so I was expecting no problems here. But, I'm worried about Kellie this time around because the numbers are getting smaller and smaller, and we know how fickle the voting can be.
ACE singing "That's All" by Nat King Cole - A haircut wouldn't hurt Ace at all. I loved the look. Ace was in the bottom three last week, and my guess is, no matter how many times you've been there, it's just not a good feeling. What do you do about it? You give a better performance. Ace was much more improved tonight. I loved the jazzy, contemporary arrangement of the song. He did have a few transition problems, and that falsetto still needs some work. His higher register does have the tendency to sound nasal. I do feel that it will take his fan base to get him through again tonight. Although this was an adequate performance, it's getting down to the nitty-gritty, and I don't think this will suffice.
KATHARINE singing "Someone to Watch Over Me" by George Gershwin - I don't know how I felt about Katharine telling the audience she couldn't hear. They were cheering for you!! But, fantastic is right, Rod Stewart. I said it last week - when Katharine sings the right song, she's sensational!! Tonight, she did not let me down in any way. I had also noted that sometimes her higher notes were shrill and a little painful, but tonight they were softer and perfectly adjusted to this type of song. This was good. Really good. When she finished, I had to remind myself that this was actually a competition and not her concert. This girl's vocals are no joke! Absolutely brilliant!
So...wow! I going to go pull out all of my classic CDs now. Tonight...was pretty phenomenal! In the words of my favorite judge..."I absolutely loved it!"
My top picks: Katharine, Paris, and Taylor
My middle picks: Elliott and Chris
My bottom picks: Ace and Kellie
My overall top 4: Katharine, Taylor, Chris, and Elliott
This is the kind of music that lulls me to sleep - in a good way. The American classics have the tendency to promote the feeling that all is right with the world. I'm certain that during the eras in which the songs were written and sung, people had their share of worries and problems, but the songs gave a sense of perfection and security. This genre gives us the reason to escape into the world of music. No matter what the problem may be, we can get away, if only for a moment
Gwen that really touched my heart. You expressed yourself so beautifully there. I love the music from that era, and you described it perfectly.
I also loved your review. I'd write more, but I'm still swooning over Taylor's "You Send Me"
Fuscia, I've heard that comment about Taylor more than once today. He has quite the following. Right about...now...I can see him taking home the trophy.
I've loved Taylor since the auditions. I have almost everything he has done on CD or MP3. You really hear what a great vocalist he is when you aren't distracted by his handsome self. I hope he does win it.
04-19-2006 08:25 PM
I'd write more, but I'm still swooning over Taylor's "You Send Me"
I hope he does win it. 
