Elliott, Chris, Katharine, and Taylor should all go home tonight and count their blessings. Regardless of what the outcome of this show is, they (along with the rest of the 12) have rubbed elbows with some of the greatest names in the music industry. Tonight was no different. I mean - Tommy Mottola? Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, and Gloria Estefan are no joke. I would be writing down every word he said. The guy knows talent! There's no denying that!
Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977. I was two years old and 22 days from my 3rd birthday. Do I remember most of his music? No, I do not. But, I would recognize that voice anywhere without even knowing the song. And, I will tell you this - if you do not know who Elvis is, I would like to meet you because you, my friend, may be proof that there is life on other planets. I honestly do not believe that there has been a more renowned music legend. People want to sing like him. People want to talk like him. People want to look like him. Heck, they just want to be him! Even after nearly 30 years, he is still that huge.
This week, I am reminded that American Idol is indeed a game. Every week, the challenge becomes a little more difficult, and by now, the contestants have to have realized that they either paly the game well, or they are out! Elvis Presley was such a stylized singer that I am fully aware that it may be difficult for the contestants to sing a song by him without sounding like they are trying to be him. His voice was so unmistakable that even today, he doesn't sound like anyone else, and no one else sounds like him. His voice transcended rock and roll, blues, country, and gospel. For the fans that he has to this very day, there is no denying that he is the King.
TAYLOR HICKS in his own words - "It's music, man. If music is in your heart, you feel it, you play it, you sing it, you perform it, you bust your buns doing it."
"Jailhouse Rock" (1955) Song Difficulty = 5
I am willing to say that Elvis Presley played a major part in helping to set the standard for rock and roll. This song is evidence of that fact. Knowing that this is an Elvis classic is second only to breathing. I'm not slighting Taylor in the least. His delivery of the song was very good and in true "Taylor" fashion. He had fun with it (like I knew he would) and he did that spastic dancing (just like I wanted). Taylor Hicks is a breath of fresh air, particularly in this stage of the game. However, there are certain songs that, no matter how well you do, your attempts may sound like an average imitation. I'll be the first to tell you that Taylor is anything but average. To me, though, this was just a "fun" presentation. No worries, though. I'm sure he's safe.
"In The Ghetto" (1969) Song Difficulty = 9
If Taylor didn't ask for that date, he sure was blushing like he did! Hehehe! Meet Ryan Seacrest - King of Putting People on the Spot! This is actually one of my favorite Elvis songs, and Taylor did such a beautiful job. Loved the gravelly high note and the perfect falsetto. (Think it's the first one I've heard from him). Taylor's voice was definitely made for this era of music, and it hinged on gospel just a bit tonight. It contained a passion that is just reminiscent of old spirituals. I loved it. Now, I have a new favorite Taylor Hicks performance.
CHRIS DAUGHTRY in his own words - "It's something I've always wanted to do ever since I started this. I wanted to have a lifelong career in music."
"Suspicious Minds" (1969) Song Difficulty = 7
Thank you for clearing up my confusion, Chris! Such a distraction! I've got a job to do here! Good grief!!! Earlier today, I likened Chris' voice to the result of having swallowed crushed glass. It's so raw and sexy. No, I cannot write that enough. I am not a major rock fan of any kind, but I am a fan of great vocal chords. Chris just happens to own a pair (of great vocal chords)! Loved Tommy putting a new twist on telling Chris to work on singing more from his diaphragm. It did, in fact, produce a better sound. Anyway, I have always loved Chris' softer vocal side; it's just the right mix for me. All around, this was pleasant and uneventful (hence Simon's "That worked"), but Chris can still coast for another week.
"A Little Less Conversation" (1968) Song Difficulty = 8
Let me ask a question: Do you think Tommy Mottola is a fan of Chris Daughtry's? Okay, these guys came out swinging the second time around. Allow me to just commend Chris on his articulation and diction. There were lots of words, and he was perfectly clear. However, I did not like that yelling at the end. Not too cool. But, once again, a decent performance, and enough to get him through.
ELLIOTT YAMIN in his own words - "I still don't think words have been invented to describe how awesome I feel."
"If I Could Dream" (1968) Song Difficulty = 9
I dug my nails into my palms and plucked a few hairs from my head. Why do they insist on showing Elliott in rehearsal looking like some AMATEUR? Yes, I was upset...initially. But, after his performance, I was in awe. They only succeeded in showing me what a dedicated and hard worker he is and how much this means to him. I mean, he did a great job on a song that I am unfamiliar with, and he made me want to hear more of it...perhaps go out and buy it. I said this last week, and I'll say it again...Elliott's voice begs for complexity. He sounds better on these types of songs. The intricacies and the modulation was superb. The judges were certainly glowing tonight with praise and positivity all around. While this was indeed the best performance of the three, this was actually the first time that I sensed Elliott's vocal struggle. It was very slight and hardly noticeable right near the beginning, and he needed a little more control of his vibrato in the first stanza as well. Other than that - still the best vocalist of Season 5!
"Trouble" (1958) Song Difficulty = 8
I don't know whether or not any of you have ever been to a black church - but Elliott definitely brought it home tonight! I was really into this one! Now, I'm giving him props, because I heard Tommy Mottola tell him that the song demanded attitude. There's probably no one who has talked about Elliott's shyness more than me. He sometimes would seem to be stuck in the middle of the stage like he was afraid to move. But, tonight he threw caution to the wind and showed me more attitude, personality, and enthusiasm than I have ever seen from him. He was amazing, believable, and fearless. Congratulations to you, Elliott!!!!!
KATHARINE McPHEE in her own words - "I think it's such a great vehicle to reach people...."
"Hound Dog/All Shook Up" (1956/1957) Song Difficulty = 8
Once again, the whole point of the competition tonight is to pull off these songs without sounding like a bad imitation of a superstar. An Elvis song for a female? Double the difficulty. Sometimes, girls have to play games with the guys and there is no special treatment. Ryan, sometimes there's no sugarcoating it! There is a little girl awkwardness to Katharine that she displays when she is not singing. That is endearing to me because although she possesses this phenomenal voice, she's still human, and she has that ability to connect with viewers right then and there. But, when she gets onstage, her attitude suddenly changes. Sometimes, she's sultry and sexy, and for some that works. Sometimes, she's stiff and robotic. Then, there is the part tonight that was a little bit mad and crazy. I can understand that she was singing another signature Elvis song (in the words of Mr. Mottola), but it just seemed a bit silly. I mean, her vocals started out well, but then she was doing all the running and jumping around and she lost her breath and FORGOT THE WORDS. It was just a little mistake, but very noticeable on such a demanding song. Afterwards, she just sort of deflated. She tried the big finish, but the shrillness and over-singing came back. Wow. Thank goodness she's got another chance for redemption. Sorry.
"Can't Help Falling in Love" (1961) Song Difficulty = 8.5
I've said it over and over and over again, but I love Katharine singing a ballad. This was much, much better than her first performance - just like last week. There were some sharps and flats throughout the song, and once again, she ran out of air, which caused a flat at the end of the song. The audience will remember it because it was right at the end. Also, there was that shrillness again when she went to the more powerful parts of the song. I'm not sure if she is really letting go on when this happens because her voice seems to give way, and her diaphragm is not there for backup. She has struggled noticeably for two weeks. Tomorrow's finish is questionable, to say the least.
Idol contestants, your work was cut out for you: Take an Elvis song and make it your own! Who's staying in the game?
Great review, Gwen. I loved it from start to finish! And you're right, if there is someone who hasn't heard of Elvis Presley, I want to meet them, because he probably has to be the most recognized musician of all time. I can't believe his fan base, to this day. I mean, it's crazy. My co-worker, who's 36, is just WILD about Elvis, like I can't believe.
Wasn't it a distraction, up until last night, when Chris let us know what he wears under those pants?
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
It was a very strategically placed distraction...I had a hard time concentrating afterwards. Then, I smacked myself in the head when I saw his wedding band!!! Bad Gwen! Bad!!!
Yeah, read my review, and you will see just HOW distracted I was, last night, after that comment from Chris. Married or not, that man is just HOT, SEXY, and YUMMILICIOUS!
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
05-10-2006 01:37 PM
I hope they all feel that way.
