This is the point in the competition when I think we really start to see who has a chance to win this thing – and who doesn’t. And because of that, I’m sometimes tempted to fast forward through the contestants who will probably be gone in a week or two or three.
But tonight I will resist the temptation and soldier through every single performance because I am just that selfless.
Not to mention obsessive.
Katie Stevens – “Breakaway” – She did what the judges suggested last week and picked a song by a younger singer, but I don’t know, dog – it was a little pitchy for me. It was a lot pitchy, in fact. She has a big voice, and she seems to be finding her way in terms of wardrobe and stage presence and whathaveyou, but I felt like she took a couple of steps backward with her vocals this week.
Siobhan Magnus – “House of the Rising Sun” – Siobhan perplexes me. Because on one hand she’s very skilled technically, but on the other hand there’s something about her stage presence that’s a little off-putting. It’s almost like I appreciate her, but I don’t necessarily enjoy her. And to me this song was a wee bit boring. She was pitch-perfect, but somehow I wasn’t interested. And she’s so talented – don’t get me wrong – but there’s a piece of the Siobhan puzzle that I feel like I haven’t found yet.
Lacey Brown – “The Story” – For the first time I feel like she really showed us what’s special about her voice. It was a great song choice, and I thought, “Oh, I GET IT NOW – she has sort of a Susanna Hoffs / Kate Bush thing going on.” And tonight, it totally worked. She wasn’t trying too hard – just doing her thing. Loved it.
Kaitlyn Epperley – “I Feel The Earth Move” – I really liked her performance last week – loaded with feeling, a little moody – but tonight felt more like karaoke. Nothing interpretive, nothing new – just a bland cover of a song that most of us have heard a million times. It was almost too straightforward. I wish there had been a surprise WOW moment in there somewhere, but not this week. I hope she’s still around for another chance in the Top 12.
Didi Benami – “Rhiannon” – Oh, this was absolutely the right song for her. Great interpretation, great vibe, great voice. She reminded me of a young Shawn Colvin, and that is ALWAYS a good thing. I think this was a Big Moment for her. It got a little rough in spots on the chorus, but it was definitely my favorite performance of the night (so far). I feel strangely proud of her.
(And also: I think maybe Ryan has a wee crush on her? Anyone else picking up on that?)
Paige Miles – “Smile” – She was so tentative at the beginning, and then it seemed like she was about a half a beat behind her music once the tempo picked up. This performance was so much more hesitant than what she’s done in other weeks that I almost wondered if she’s having trouble with her voice? Maybe a touch of laryngitis? I want to hug her and bless her heart.
Crystal Bowersox – “Gimme One Reason” – In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that this is one of my favorite songs of all time. And it would be so easy to do a straight cover of this song – because it’s brilliant without a single modification – but Crystal put a very bluesy, original twist on it. She’s so talented. Head and shoulders above the rest of the girls. Didi may have been my favorite tonight, but I think Crystal was the best.
Lilly Scott – “I Fall To Pieces” – This is a song where quirky vocal stylings don’t necessarily work for me, and I thought the whole thing was a little weird. That being said, she probably did enough to make it through to next week.
As far as official predictions? I think Katie and Paige will probably be the two to go, but Kaitlyn didn’t do herself any favors in the Remember Me department.
What did y’all think?
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Sorry to say, I’ve yawned more this season than any other. I do love Crystal and Lily though. I did too much fast forwarding tonight! I hope it gets better!
I know! I really like Crystal and Didi, but besides them, I’m just not impressed. Looking forward to the guys tho, so I’m not giving up on this season yet! It’s always more fun when they start doing theme nights and have guest celebrities on.
I thought Crystal knocked it out of the park this week. The others spent their time scurrying around the field looking for the ball. *BIG YAWN*
I actually got to watch it tonight. And I’m with you – Crystal and Didi.
Crystal SLAYED me tonight. Loved it so, so much!
Think you’re right about Katie and Paige, but I’m so over Kaitlyn.
And YES to Ryan’s crush on Didi. He’s especially huggy and grinny with her.
You’re awesome.
This is the first season I’ve had a real favorite from the very beginning. Crystal just seems head and shoulders above all the other girls in terms of talent, confidence, and just knowing what she’s capable of. I worry that she just isn’t the “type” for the big win, though. (And we all know it could be in her best interest to not win the whole thing, anyhow.)
I really want to love Katie… she’s so cute! But when is she ever going to use something besides her “big voice”? Every now and then we need a little restraint.
I have the same issue with Siobhan. Man, the girl has pipes! But I feel like she is almost screaming some of the songs at me.
Lacey: Eh. Meh. Whatever.
Kaitlyn: Yeah, cute and karaoke.
Paige: So wanted to love it. LOVE this song. But she ruined it for me. Bye-bye.
Didi: Nice. Better than last week. Why does she make me think of Brooke White? Must be the guitar.
Lily: Her voice is becoming a cliche. It reminds me of Hannah Montana’s nemesis with the “deviated septum.” Sorry to those who love her, but I’m growing weary of watching her. I’m sure she’s still safe, though.
My thoughts on who will go? Paige is my best bet. Then Katie, Kaitlyn, or Lacey.
I struggle because Lilly Scott reminds me of “The Albino” from the Princess Bride…..
Ditto on Crystal. She was REALLY good yesterday. :) Much better than the rest.
I always love to come read your recap and I agree 100% with you on every point (even the Ryan DiDi observation!!! I totally agree.)
Totally agree with your eval, BMama. But I’d like to thank Amy for finally explaining to me why I found Lilly so off-putting: She IS the Albino from Princess Bride! Now my life can continue with her properly catagorized in moviedom.
For the record, loved Didi; prayed that Paige would get it over with. She never found the key and made my teeth hurt. Poor child! I’m afraid her day(s) are numbered.
Yes! That’s it… Lily IS the Albino. Must share with my 18yo (but she may hate me for it).
I linked up. It’s been fun, because this is my very first season of Idol– that’s right!
But I think it’s Paige’s night to go.
Um, Ryan’s gay. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) So no, he definitely doesn’t have a crush on Didi.
I think Crystal is definitely the best of the girls. I thought she rocked last night!
Totally agree about Paige and Katie, even Katelyn. In trouble. Crystal and Didi are my faves and I really like Lacey. This is definitely the girls’ season
Siobahn – Close your eyes. I agree there is something about watching her that makes her a little off, but when you close your eyes she is really, really good.
But Crystal is totally my favorite. Totally.
Wee crush? Ryan is crazy in love with Didi!
Susanna Hoffs! That was the other singer Lacey reminded me of but I couldn’t remember her name! I loved Crystal and Didi last night.
Ditto on Crystal.
In Simon’s words, Lily took a risk with Patsy Cline.
Ditto on Ryan’s crush on Didi.
Good post!
Siobahn gave me chills!! I forget if it was last week or the week before but Ryan is a little gaga over Didi.
Lacey, Didi and Crystal were my faves of the evening. I could listen to an entire album of their voices any time.
Poor, sweet Paige. What on earth happened? I thought she might burst into tears and I just can’t figure out what was wrong – I agree that she seemed behind the music or something – it was just so sad.
Oh my, last week when Didi almost cried….I think Ryan had tears too. He totally is crushing on her.
Crystal = Love.
I agree with you totally on Crystal & Didi (and Siobahn, too). I really like Lacey, and hope she sticks around. She just seems like a cool girl. Lily creeped me out this week. It would be great to see a love connection for Ryan & Didi. Oh, and why is Kara sitting so far away from Ellen and almost on Simon’s lap? Did anyone else see that? Kara irritates the tar out of me this season. Can’t wait to see the guys tonight. (Need a life much?)
P.S. Seacrest is NOT gay!
Love Crystal!! I noticed the crush, too, and I don’t think he’s gay. Does anybody else think that something is wrong with Crystal? First, she as sick last week and this week she sat down after singing which normally I would have taken as arrogant, but I don’t get that vibe from her. My hubby thinks she’s pregnant.
About Crystal… I read somewhere that her hospitalization was due to some complications of diabetes. If that is true, she just may be a bit tired. The schedule these guys keep is pretty grueling and it may be making it hard for her to regulate her blood sugars and any insulin doses she needs.
I am totally opposite you on Siobhan. I didn’t get her at all before now and felt like she was a little too much for me, but I LOVED LOVED LOVED her performance this week. It brought tears to my eyes. It was just so hauntingly beautiful and fit her voice SO WELL. I adore her.
I love Crystal but I am so over that song, that I just didn’t get into it. And I’m not that crazy about Lilly to begin with, but there is NO ONE that can do Patsy Cline better than Patsy Cline (twice I just typed “Pasty” Cline and didn’t even realize it). I just think it was too quirky and weird to even compare.