The World of Scott Mindeaux

American Idol 9 – Top 16, The Girls

Here we go America. Tonight, we find out which of the girls will be in the Top 12. Tonight is make it or break it – no second chances.

THIS is American Idol!

Katie Stevens
Breakaway

Oh no…not a good way to start the night. Katie you’re singing a bit flat in some parts. The performance was a bit sleepy. I was kinda bored and its only 6 minutes into the show. This is the performance that will determine if you make it to the Top 12. That was not the performance.

Siobahn Magnus
House of the Rising Sun

WOW! Starting the song acapella. This is singing. Week after week you have been steady. You know how to sing, you feel your songs and you sing it with conviction. Something many of your fellow contestants haven’t figured out yet. Probably you and Crystal are the only two of the girls to figure this out. Congrats! Great performance!

Lacey Brown
The Story

It’s cute! Like the eye contact you make with the camera and that voice is so perfect tonight. Why couldn’t you have sung like this the last few weeks? If there was any doubt why you are here, this was the song and performance to remind everyone. Nice job Lacey, welcome back.

Katelyn Epperly
I Feel The Earth Move

Is that the earth of my dinner moving around? This is what you got? This is what you’re offering on the eve of the Top 12? This was so boring and uninteresting. It’s bordering on being cheesy. Come on Katelyn, you seriously just hurt yourself with that performance. The Earth didn’t move, that was just your votes going to another singer.

Didi Benami
Rhiannon

Again….thank you, thank you. This is the way its supposed to be done. I loved this arrangement and you sang it well. Simple and clean. The last few weeks have been on the edge and you have definitely gotten yourself a seat in the Top 12 with this performance. Nicely done.

Paige Miles
Smile

Ummm…. if you could see my face right now it has a look of confusion. I”m sure there are others out there that agree and don’t get this. Dude…the singing sucks on this song. There was nothing, and I mean NOTHING good about that performance. What the hell happened? It sounded like you sang that song for the first time tonight and just learned the words. That was pretty awful. You’re going home I’m afraid.

Crystal Bowersox
Give Me One Reason

Did ANYONE think you were going to give us a bad performance tonight. That rocked Crystal! You had me up and out of my sofa clapping along with the audience. That says a lot! There won’t be one judge, including Simon that will have something bad to say. This was a performance, not a contest performance. Well done Crystal. Well done.

Lily Scott
I Fall to Pieces

I’m laughing. YOu are soooo funny. I’m not sure if you did this song to poke some fun at the show. It’s cute. Really. Its sung well, but not sure it was the song to choose for your spot in the Top 12. Here’s the thing. YOu have the last spot tonight…you have been consistent the last few weeks, so I think and you think you know you’re going thru to the Top 12 and this was a bit gratuitous.

So which two girls are going home. First up will be Paige Miles, then following in her footsteps will be Katelyn Epperly or Katie Stevens. I think it will be Katie. Tune in tomorrow night to here the Boys sing, then on Thursday, we will find out who will make up our Top 12. For the next 10 weeks we will whittle down to the Top 2 where they will duke it out for the title of AMERICAN IDOL.

American Idol 9 – Top 20, The Girls

Tonight the girls are back.

After a little switcheroo event last night the girls play 2nd night this week in our Top 20 event. 10 more performances tonight, another night of voting then we find out on Thursday who will be going home.

4 contestants go home – 2 girls and 2 guys.

THIS is American Idol!

Crystal Bowersox
As Long as I Can See the Light

We’re glad you’re ok Crystal and what a great way to start the night. Vocals are good and tight. Decidedly a little bit of Gospel mixed with Country. Well…that’s what it sounds like to me. Nice opening Crystal. Hope the rest of the night goes as well as you did. Congrats.

Haley Vaughn
The Climb

Ok..that was a cute piece..but seriously, the smiling needs to stop. I’m glad you can be happy all the time. Ok…we need to watch our pitch. There are a few notes that you lose it on. You’re kinda all over the place. As Simon will undoubtedly say it was karaoke.

Lacey Brown
Kiss Me

Ummm….is this a slight repeat of last week. There is something about your voice that I just don’t like. What did you sing during Hollywood week that made you go through to the Top 24? I think its the frequency of your voice that annoys me.

Katie Stevens
Put Your Records On

How cute are you? There are some pitch issues, but you’re having fun up there and that’s what counts. Kara is dancing in her chair and the audience is bopping around too. Oddly I’m going to say that you need to know where to breath. Seems that there are times that you run out of breath before the end of the phrase.

Didi Benami
Lean on Me

You’re trying to hard. This seems so forced and over-rehearsed on your stage movements. I don’t think you got it from last week. You’re not connected with the song, you act like you are, but you aren’t. It kinda sucked.

Michelle Delamor
Arms Wide Open

I think I”m just tired. If not, then I’m bored. Come on Michelle, you can do better. Seems like if the song was just a bit lower, you might have sung it better. It’s a great effort. I do agree that it was an unexpected choice, but I don’t think it worked.

Lilly Scott
A Change Is Gonna Come

Yes! Finally. Something interesting to listen to. Nothing more to say.

Great job Lilly.

Katelyn Epperly
The Scientist

Ooops…did you almost forget the words?? There was some hesitation there in the beginning. You’re trying to sing this song like you’re in a hotel lounge.

I think you’re being over dramatic.

Paige Miles
Walk Away

I like your voice…but you need to annunciate. The song was fun and there was a lot of energy. Kara wrote this song and I think she’s going to like it.

I like Kelly’s version better.

Siobahn Magnus
Think

Nice way to end the night. This song is a bit unexpected for your style, but you know it kinda works for you. No..I take that back..it definitely works for you. Nice job Siobahn, we’ll see you next week. That was a wicked note there near the end. But the ending kinda just ended. But nice job!

So my favorites??? Siobahn, Crystal and Lilly Scott.

The scary ones? Didi, Lacey and even Haley.

American Idol 9 – Top 20, The Guys

Here we go America… we’re down to the Top 20. This week another 4 contestants will be voted off – 2 girls and two guys.

The girls were supposed to perform tonight. Apparently a medical emergency with Crystal Bowersox pushed the boys to perform a day earlier than they thought. How will this affect their performances tonight. We all hope Crystal is OK.

I’ve had a few drinks from the press/media night at the new Lazy Dog Café in Irvine so hopefully those Champagne Mojitos didn’t do me in!

So lets get moving…the boys are up!

THIS is American Idol…

Michael Lynche

This is a Man’s World

Nice style Michael. Definitely commanding your performance and you are in control. Good vocals. Way to start the night Michael.

John Park

Gravity

You know what is missing from this song? Soul. You’re not into it. While technically you sang it well, it was missing something. You’re not into it dude. You look bored. Honestly.

Casey James

I Don’t Wanna Be

This song was totally you. However, it felt like you struggled with tempo. It wasn’t an AWESOME performance, but I think you’ll probably make it to next week. I think the electric guitar was a distraction for you as much as you probably thought it was a security thing. You’re there to sing not play.

Alex Lambert

Everybody Knows

I liked it when I closed my eyes. I’m smiling inside. A huge improvement over last week. You’re still nervous, you can see it, but you’re not letting it take you over. Nice job this week Alex. Tonight is the way you need to perform from this point on.

Todrick Hall

What’s Love Got to do with it

Different arrangement for sure. It was too loungey for me. I don’t know something struck a chord – and it wasn’t a good one. I kept closing my eyes and thinking it was a bad drag queen performance in a side bar in NE DC. This was too forced.

Jermaine Sellers

What’s Goin On

Ummm…What’s goin on with this song? You missed the mark again this week Jermaine. I thought you were going home last week and I didn’t have to deal with listening to you again this week. So help me out America, stop the madness. I didn’t  get this song at all this week. You’re adding flourishes here and there….stop it, sing it like it is.

Andrew Garcia

You Give Me Something

Pick a song a bit more relevant and younger. It was ok..but it was blah. You sang it ok, but it could be more. Get the audience out of their seats and get them excited that you’re up there.

Aaron Kelly

My Girl

Well the judges said to have more confidence. Do you have it? The beginning part of the song was a bit iffy for me, but towards the middle and ending I think we did see a stronger, more confident Aaron. Again, why are you picking songs older than you by almost 3x. I want to here something more current from you. Otherwise, it was ok.  A bit pitchy in some places, but definitely a difference from last week.

Tim Urban

Come On Get Higher

What was this song tonight? This is coming across as a high school contest being performed at a school assembly. Where is the performance quality? Sorry dude. You show a lack of experience.

Lee Dewyze

Lips of an Angel

You’re going to go far Lee. From the first note – you have it. You have that magic mix. Love the voice. What the notes, there were a few pitchy notes, but the whole performance makes up for it. I rely think the pitch problems are fixable and just some training will fix it. Thanks for a real performance tonight. Yummy…luv the tatts dude.

So who should GO HOME?? Todrick, Jermaine or Tim Urban. Honestly…

What do you think?

So hopefully Crystal will be cleared to sing tomorrow night. The girls will have their time in front of Randy, Ellen, Kara and Simon.

Filed under: American Idol

American Idol 9 – Top 24 Results

Are you ready?

Is the person you couldn’t stand the last two nights going home? Did America vote the right persons off? Stay tunes….THIS is American Idol!

There was a little bit of tears as we saw the first group song of the season. Moreso, I was excited to see Kris Allen and Alison Iraheta!

So the group sang American Boy - a contrast to last night’s American Woman. I’m always amused how the choreographers give them all these robotic steps. There were a few times where it looked like Casey was a little lost and other times where it looked like they were lip-syncing. My how clear my TV is! I finally bought a Flat Screen and can see every pore on those kids! First time ever I get to watch Idol in HD!

So we’re back from the break and already, Ryan askes the back row of girls to stand up. Siobahn, Haeley, Michelle, Katelyn all safe. So we’re down to Katie and Janelle.

Oh no! Janelle is going home. I was really rooting for Janelle. I know her performance wasn’t the greatest, but I really wanted her to stay. In my opnion, Haeley should have gone home. The whole time Janelle and Katie were standing there, Janelle looked very nervous and fidgety. She’s really holding true to herself and is exiting with style. Isn’t weird how the 2nd performance of their last song always sounds better than their previous performance? We’ll miss you Janelle.

Allison Iraheta is back and I have missed her so much from last year. I miss that sultry, raspy voice of hers. Tonight she sings her released single, Scars. Nicely done Alison. Scars will be added to my iTunes library for sure!

Here we go, next set of girls. Paige, Lacey, Lily and Crystal all safe. So we’re down to Ashley and Didi. I said last night that Ashley would go home. What do you think? Ashley Rodriguez goes home. Another gracious contestant.

So here we go, first set of boys. Back row, please stand up. Michael is safe. John Park is up. I think he’s going home. Did America agree? No, John is staying. Cutey Aaron is also moving forward. Here we come to Todrick and he is another I think will go home. America keeps him in. So we’re down to Tim Urban and Joe Munoz. Joe looks really nervous. I think between these too, Tim should go home. Tim will probably get girl votes. I liked Joe’s performance last night. OMG, Joe is going home. Tim is in shock and VERY surprised. So am I. Tim should have gone home. Joe I’m so sorry. Here we are listening to your final performance and again, it is way better than last night. Good luck to you Joe, hope to run into you around town. Last night you should have ditched the guitar and did the performance just like you did tonite.

Kris it is sooo good to see you. Thank you your part in helping out with the Haiti effort. Please download the song by purchasing his song from iTunes and 100% of the fees will go to the Haiti effort. It was a very moving performance Kris. Thanks again for being there on the ground in Haiti and lending a hand.

So here we go the last elimination of the night. Casey James, of course is safe. Jermaine is up. What are those? Glassless glasses? Jermaine was on my list of guys to go – he is staying. Lee Dewyze is staying. YES!! We we go and we’re down to Andrew Garcia and he makes it thru! You better bring it next week. So we are down to Tyler and Alex. Tyler I thought for sure would go thru from a popularity point of view. Alex is here too. Alex looks dejected and looks like he is prepping himself for bad news. WHOA! Tyler is going home. I think he played that 70s rocker thing too far.

It certainly is always sad to see the goodbye footage. Good night Janelle, Ashley, Joe and Tyler.

American Idol 9 – Top 24, The Boys

Well tonight we have the boys. Will they up the ante and blow the girls’ performances out of the water? Did any of them make a song change today as a result of the comments the judges made towards the girls?

It’s hard to tell if this years set of guys has what it takes comapred to previous seasons. Last season had some hard hitters, but this year I’m not so sure who that is.

THIS is American Idol!

Todrick Hall

Since You’ve Been Gone

Interesting take on Kelly’s song – it’s almost unrecognizable. Vocally I think you’re doing well. I’m just lost with my brain trying to play the original version in my head vs what I’m hearing. You looked like you were having some fun.

Aaron Kelly

Here Comes Goodbye

You’re 16 and have real potential Aaron. Your performance during Hollywood week got lost, but you picked back up and you made it thru. As I usually do, I close my eyes and just try to listen. You have some weak moments, but overall I think you sound like someone with more experience. Song choice is questionable. But great job.

Jermaine Sellers

Get Here – Oleta Adams

Sounds like you are struggling with key. Watch the pitch there Jermaine…whoa…those high notes needed some help. Now we’re just screaming. Ouch…..the pitch is awful dude. The judges are gonna rip you one. If Oleta heard that performance she’d say “Go Away” instead of “Get Here”…

Tim Urban

Apologize – One Republic

There is something very young about your voice. You haven’t developed the ability to do a vibrato. You also have a weird stage presence. The vocals are spotty, doesn’t sound like you rehearsed.

Joe Muñoz

You and I Both – Jason Mraz

Hehe…at first I thought you were singing in Español. But you’re not. I don’t know this song, but you’re performing it well – I don’t know this song, but after hearing it I want to look up this song by Jason Mraz. Nice job Joe.

Tyler Grady

American Woman

Ok….let me say first….the hand gestures…a bit gay – I wasn’t too into the opening, but when you and the band got into it, I was a bit surprised. You definitely have a voice and this was definitely a good choice for you. You have good control and you hit those notes. Maybe I was wrong about you.

Lee Dewyze

Chasing Cars

First off… he’s a cutey for sure!  Nice intro…but you’re getting a bit pitchey on the long notes. Make sure you keep your ears on the monitors. Yep…I think that if you didn’t keep going flat you would have had an awesome performance. You kinda remind me of Danny GOkey from last season. Luv the raspiness in your voice.

John Park

God Bless the Child

Ok….this is English right??? That makes two songs were I thought another language was being sung. Ok…so we’re into the next few verses. Your voice is ok and you have good control with the runs but it wasn’t exciting. I’m not sure this was the best song choice for you. Again…here we go with choosing songs that are way older than the performers. Be more recent dude….

Michael Lynche

This Love

Great song choice Michael. Its lively and you seem to be having a good time up there. You’re squinting a lot on stage and I think you were in Hollywood as well. The song was fun, but didn’t really show off what you’re fully capable of.

Alex Lambert

Wonderful World

Ok…you’re a bit stiff up there. I close my eyes and what I hear doesn’t match what I see. I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing. There is something very innocent about your style and your voice sounds like it lacks experience. Way to go with the mullet!

Casey James

Heaven

Oddly it sounds like you’re struggling a bit with this song. It’s like you’re holding back. I guess I expected a little bit more from you tonight. this was a subdued Casey. You rocked it during Hollywood week. You’re a looker for sure, but you sound good too.

Andrew Garcia

Sugar We’re Going Down

Let’s end the night with a bang! Can you deliver? Ok…so I feel a bit lost. You seem to know the song, and feel comfortable..but I’m not sure it showcases your full vocal range. Was this a safe choice for you? The performance was ok…nothing spectacular.

So who needs to stay and who needs to go home?? Home: Todrick Hall and Jermaine Sellers. However Tim Urban and John Park have a chance to go home too.  Tyler will stay for eye candy factor. Lee should definitely stay. Another keeper is Casey, of course.

Tune in on Thursday for the results. Thursday 4 people go home, 2 girls and 2 guys.

Filed under: American Idol

American Idol 9 – Top 24, The Girls

Well we are finally at the LIVE episodes of American Idol.

Welcome to the Top 24!

Are you excited??? Do you think we have a good group this year?? Well don’t forget to vote at the end of each performance show and vote for your favorites! Tonight we have the girls from the Top 24, then the boys will sing on Wednesday night. Results night will be on Thursday where 2 girls and 2 guys will be sent home.

Paige Miles
Alright Now by Free

It’s gotta be hard being first up. It was a little shaky at the beginning but I think you got your swing. You’re not nervous anymore. Great first song and great last note. It didn’t “WOW” me, but it was ok. OK, no need to share that you need to pee….

Ashley Rodriguez
Happy by Leona Lewis

Wow and I don’t mean in a good way. THis song is so “low” for your range it seems.

Janelle Wheeler
What About Love by Heart

I was disappointed…you are one of my Top 4, but that wasn’t very good tonight. This song was too big for you. Stick to the folk-type songs. Your Hollywood performance was AWESOME! Tonight was not.

Lilly Scott
Fixin a Hole by The Beatles

Now this is the FIRST real performance tonight. The song choice was a bit obscure, but you did great.

Katelyn Epperly
Oh Darlin by The Beatles

There was no theme tonight, but yet these youngsters are picking songs older than themselves. The song is boring. THe singing is good, but I’m bored.

Haeley Vaughn
I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles

Ok, another Beatles song tonight. Its a bit different that you are mixing up this song. This is such a widely known song that when you depart, it almost feels like a mistake. I think you’re having some tempo problems too. But it was kinda fun.

Lacey Brown
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

I luv this song. The beginning was a bit uncertain. But once you got into it, I liked it just a bit – but I don’t think it was right.  It seems that it could have come down a bit in key. Ok, the male background voice was annoying in a couple of places. At the end you looked like you knew you didn’t do well.

Michelle Delamor
Fallin by Alicia Keyes

I thought I knew this song and I do, but the first few bars I was a bit confused. Now its coming back. Stop with the stage theatrics..concentrate on the singing. It feels like you’re rushing this song. THis song isn’t meant to be slow and deliberate.

Didi Benami
The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson

OMG…I just had a flashback to last year with Megan Joy Corkery . Regardless I liked it. It was real, genuine. Nice job Didi. The last note was a bit pitchy tho. None of he judges liked it. I did.

Siobhan Magnus
Wicked Game by Chris Isaak

A little Chris Isaak eh?? I was skeptical at the beginning, but you did the long note and I was hooked. I think when you settled in you sang better. Great vocal control.

So far, one of my favorites tonight. Siobahn’s guy friend in the audience was cute btw!

Crystal Bowersox
Hand In My Pocket by Alainis Morrisette

Well she cleaned up. This is a great song choice for her. I think the judges will agree that she was able to bring a bit of Crystal to the song and not a copycat. I think the harmonica was distracting. You should be singing, not blowing.

Katie Stevens
Feeling Good by Michael Bublé

Last performance of the night. Hot and sultry is how it’s going to be eh? There were some pitch problems and some uncertainty in your voice. I like your voice. Once the tempo picked up your started to rock. I think you held back a bit…it was safe. Katie’s brother is cute in a geeky kinda way! Yummm!

So who were my favorites tonite? Definitely Siobhan Magnus. Next will be Lilly Scott, Haeley and Crystal. However, I hope Janelle doesn’t fall off this week.  Who scared me? Katelyn and Ashley.

Don’t forget we have the boys performing on Wednesday night. I hope and pray they do way better than the girls did tonight.

Filed under: American Idol