The World of Scott Mindeaux

American Idol 9 – Are you Ready?

So tonight is the Top 12. Are you happy with how the votes turned out last week? I certainly am not. I’m really upset that Paige has managed to stay. I liked Andrew during Hollywood week, but since then I have been quite bored with him quite honestly. Adam Lambert certainly should have been moved into the Top 12.

There is a part of me that wants to just crawl into bed tonight (I’m still sick) but I will proabably watch the show and see what these 12 do tonight. They are on a much bigger stage tonight and the audience gets huge, so if this group of kids doesn’t have their nerves in check they are going to freak out.

Will Paige’s inability to sing come through again tonight? Will Andrew bore us to death or will Tim Urban’s inexperience come forward again?

This is in America. You chose em, now let’s be bored for three weeks as we wait for these three to go home and wait for the REAL part of the competition to start.

How about we just skip to the Top 4? Lee Dewyze, Siobhan Magnus, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche

American Idol 9 – The Top 12 Revealed

It’s really late. I’m cranky and very, very tired. I had a bad day and it just got worse…

Here are my thoughts about our new Top 12…

So between Paige and Katelyn…..

They both didn’t do well….but Paige got to stay after that awful performance??? Really? I really didn’t enjoy much of Paige’s music choices these last few weeks. Yes, Katelyn wasn’t much better, but after that awful performance by Paige this past Tuesday, Paige should have gone home.

Then we get to the first set of boys.

So we’re down to Lee and Todrick. Does America really think that Lee was going home?!?!? Give me a break! I think if you’re going to pair people up like that, make it the bottom 2 in that group….it was WAY obvious that Todrick was going home compared to Lee. Come on….

So we’re down to Andrew and Alex.

For the last few weeks I have been utterly bored with Andrew. Alex on the other hand was raw and new, but wow, so much potential. Alex should have been given that chance, arguably I have enjoyed Alex’s performances these last few weeks over Andrew’s. Ugh! Pissing me off.

So America we are down to Lily and Katie.

Really? Again….does America think that Lily is really going home? Please. Katie, your time was up. Time to bow out and let Lily take the stage with the other 11 contestants to round out the Top 12. WHAT?!?!? ARE YOU SERIOUS??? This is really fracked up. Lily is going home?!? I don’t understand…

I don’t get it. Is this the Top 12 we wanted??

CONGRATS TO: Crystal Bowersox, Paige Miles, Didi Benami, Lacey Brown, Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens, Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelly, Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Tim Urban and Lee Dewyze.

Filed under: American Idol

American Idol 9 – Top 16, The Guys

One more night. 8 guys. 8 performances. We find out after tonight, who will move forward to the Top 12.

Are you ready?

THIS is American Idol!

Lee Dewyze
Fireflies

Lee, you know I’m a fan. This song felt a bit safe for you. It’s a fun little tune and you sing it well, but I think you’re strategically planting an easy song at this point just enough to ensure your Top 12 placement. If this is the case, you better bring it next week. No more safe songs….pull out all the punches!

Alex Lambert
Trouble

The first time I heard this song it was also on an Idol stage and Taylor Hicks sang that song. You start off a bit shakey but then you get into it. You pronounced Trouble in a unique way. The song seems a bit rushed don’t you think? I think you could have afforded to slow it down a bit. Your voice is so special and unique. So what’s missing here. You sing it like an Old Navy mannequin. Connection, connection. Make a connection to your song.

Tim Urban
Hallelujah

This is one of my most favorite songs and arrangements ever. You really surprised me tonight. Tonight was the first time that I got a sense that you really want this. Tonight you, for the first time, made me want to listen to more. Not the greatest vocal, but it was good Tim. This will ensure your move to the Top 12.

Andrew Garcia
Genie in a Bottle

Hmmmm…when I first heard you were doing Christina Aguilera I was a little suspicious. What were you going to do to that song? Well I’m not loving it really. It’s kinda hokey and seems a bit contrived. I think you are really reaching at this point. I want you to stay, but the last few weeks have been a bit sketchy. It wasn’t my favorite.

Casey James
You’ll Think of Me

Nice job Casey. This song is definitely something that is in your comfort zone. It was almost flawless in your performance. You were relaxed, you connected with the song and you touched your audience. Was it anything like Crystal Bowersox’s performance last night, no. But, it is enough to move you to the Top 12. You’ll be on the tour this summer and guaranteed some of the spotlight. Enjoy the ride Casey.

Aaron Kelly
I’m Already There

Interesting song choice. Are you make a statement. The beginning was a bit unsure and shakey. It got a bit better as we moved along, but there was something a bit insecure and immature about your performance. I can’t put my finger on it. It got stronger as we got to the end of the song, but it could be enough to push you out. Many have compared you to Archuleta. At this point of the competition however, David Archuleta was way ahead of you in performance factor. I’d be careful tomorrow night. You might be surprised.

Todrick Hall
Somebody to Love

What is that? You start off all high and then BAM, you start singing a whole register lower. That was so awkward. This is another song that was sung on this stage. Compared to the other Idol performance of this song, yours doesn’t come close. I’m not liking this. I have said several weeks ago that you should have been voted off already. Why you are still here amazes me for sure. Will enough “somebodies” vote for you to stay in? Was your performance enough to propel you to Top 12 stardom? In this reader’s ear, the answer is no. Sorry.

Michael Lynche
This Woman’s Work

I’m sitting here, quite speechless. I really have water in my eyes. I can’t believe what I hearing. What is this? WHO is this? Clearly, THE, BEST, SONG AND PERFORMANCE SO FAR THIS SEASON. Hands down. No one comes CLOSE to this performance. I’m still in shock, still moved, still amazed. I don’t know what to say…

WOW. You have to watch this again…really.

http://www.Rickey.org @ Yahoo! Video

Thanks to Rickey.org for the video.

Well there you have it. After tonight’s performance is it clear who is going to the Top 12? For me, most definitely it will be:

Michael, Lee, Casey, Alex and Tim. Todrick will go home. It’s between Andrew and Aaron on who will take the 6th spot in the Top 12. Do you think Aaron will get the votes or will it be Andrew. My bet, is that Aaron will stay and Andrew will go home.

Stay tuned…

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