Courtesy of Michael Becker/FOXShane Avery
Staff Writer
We’ve FINALLY made it to the Top 13!!
Last week, American Idol finally unveiled its season 13 Top 13 and I don’t know about you, but it’s been a LONG time coming. No messing around here, and we’re going to get right to the gauntlet!
The theme tonight is “This Is Me”, which means the contestant will sing what song defines them as an artist and as themselves.
1. Dexter Roberts – “Aw Naw” by Chris Young
The country boy kicked off the show and while I’m going to admit to liking how he sounded, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one finding fault with the volume on the mic. It didn’t appear like he was comfortable with the key of the song. I do still love the guy, but this performance definitely wasn’t memorable. Harry mentioned that maybe he wasn’t comfortable with the ear piece. Maybe? Or just nerves?
2. Malaya Watson – “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars
Oh dear.
I have loved this girl from the start, because of her voice and her personality. However, tonight definitely fell flat because the vocals just were not there. Harry picked up on her nerves, which she agreed with. I don’t think she’ll be in danger of going home yet, but she’s definitely going to have to be aware of controlling her voice when she’s moving around the stage.
3. Kristin O’Connor – “Beautiful Disaster” by Kelly Clarkson
The gorgeous young Kristin really brought the emotion with her cover of original Idol queen Kelly Clarkson, but did her voice deliver? I’m torn.
There were some beautiful spots that I felt Kristin really nailed, but other parts were very off. All 3 judges made sure to mention once again that all of the contestants were bound to be nervous heading into tonight, but Jennifer had advice for all of them:
“Stop thinking”.
Simple, but effective!
4. Ben Briley – “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash
PERFECT SONG CHOICE.
It also happens to be the best performance of the night (so far). Ben exploded on the stage with his energetic Cash cover, and I can’t rave about this enough. Ben felt right in his element and I’m echoing what Harry said again:
BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT (SO FAR).
Ben needs to keep this up because he could be a serious contender this year.
5. CJ Harris – “Radio” by Darius Rucker
I’m not really sure what is happening tonight. Maybe I’m just on a high from Ben’s performance, but I was really let down by CJ’s follow-up. I felt the song didn’t really suit CJ especially after his incredible performance of “Shelter” last week. This wasn’t what I wanted to hear from CJ and I truly hope America keeps him around so he can rebound from this. I just don’t feel Darius Rucker fit him.
What do you guys think?
6. MK Nobilette – “Satisfaction” by Allen Stone
I love this girl. Have to get that out of the way first. Secondly, I REALLY enjoyed this!!
MK gave the audience (and those at home) something different this week when she went up-tempo and showed off a new side of herself in the process. She seemed comfortable on the stage and her voice never wavered. I have to add that her brief falsetto in the track was PITCH PERFECT.
I really hope MK has fans out there because this girl could be a future star. Her personality, voice and determination really make her lovable. I also have to repeat Jennifer’s sentiment: not knowing the song before, MK has made me a fan of it.
7. Majesty Rose – “Tightrope” by Janelle Monae
Time for some energy!!! This was another perfect song choice tonight, as it fit Majesty’s personality to a T. She delivered it effortlessly and the way she moved onstage felt very natural. She didn’t look like she was thinking about the performance and just let herself go.
I see big things for this young performer and I’m hoping she can continue to impress week after week. I don’t see her being in trouble this round at all.
8. Jena Irene – “The Scientist” by Coldplay
Powerhouse performance by a powerhouse vocalist. I’m not really sure what else to say about this girl, because her voice just captivates me every time she sings. Keith mentioned that she was a tad pitchy at the start, but she definitely rebounded. I’m not sure I completely agree with that, but I did notice one thing during this:
Does anyone else feel that Jena sounds similar to Demi Lovato? Or just me?
9. Alex Preston – “Beautiful Mess” by Jason Mraz
I’m speechless.
This was easily the best performance so far, and I can’t rave about this enough. Alex delivered an incredibly touching rendition that felt very reserved but also very expressive. His vocals were crazy good.
The red spotlight was perfect as there was nothing too crazy going on during the song.
One of my favorites of the night, and easily the best vocals so far.
10. Jessica Meuse – “Crow & a Butterfly” by Shinedown
It seems we’re leaving the best vocals for the end of the night, because Jessica followed up Alex’s great performance with another. Her pitch was spot on, and it was really different from anything we’ve gotten from her before. Loved the tone and the song completely suited her.
No doubt in my mind that Jessica will make it through to next week.
11. Emily Piriz – “Glitter in The Air” by Pink
Risky song choice when you’re not doing acrobatics during it.
Emily delivered a beautiful vocal for the song, and I am really impressed. I was worried about her hitting some of these notes, but she carried them off with ease. I have to give this performance major props. The emotion was spot on and I loved every second of it.
12. Sam Woolf – “Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty
One thing I’ve always loved about Sam is that he already knows the kind of artist he is. There was never question in my mind that he didn’t know who he was. I will agree with Jennifer that he needs to let loose a bit, because he does appear to be (in her words) slightly like a “Deer in the headlights”.
I do love the guy though. His tone is PERFECT.
13. Caleb Johnson – “Pressure & Time” by Rival Sons
Sold by the first note!!!
And what a way to end the show!!! Caleb just exploded on that stage with his performance and had Jennifer and Keith on their feet. We’ll get Harry there eventually.
His vocal range was crazy good and he hit every note perfectly. I am SO impressed with Caleb and can see him going very far in the competition.
I’m not even going to try and predict who’ll be in the bottom tomorrow, so let me hear from you guys:
Who’s in trouble??
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