Kevin's LEC

Time for the top 10.  Should be an exciting show and one I’m looking forward to.  I expect great performances from all the remaining contestants and my expectations are high, and I’m in a good mood and want to give good reviews to what I see.  Tonight is Soul and R&B with Usher as the mentor.  I never would have looked at Usher before but after his interview with Ryan he seems to be ok.

Siobhan Magnus takes the stage first with “Through The Fire”.  I agree with Usher that Siobhan has a voice that really distinguishes her from the rest of the group.  Great start to the song.  It always amazes me how much of  a range Siobhan really has.  Great song choice.  I think I’m hearing a few pitch issues but it is not taking away from the overall performance that much.  She got her ‘Scream’ in early.  All in all a good performance but did not wow me.  Randy agreed pitch issues good but not best performance.  Ellen DeGeneres went off on a tangent of hiking??? Not best performance from her as well as Kara DioGuardi.  Lower register was not strong enough for Kara.  Simon Cowell critiqued it sounded like she had run a marathon and was singing while out of breath and attacked the crowd for booing.  I love how Siobhan admitted it was the biggest challenge she has taken, however I disagree with her statement that she killed it.  Randy just hit a key point with ‘Trust Yourself’.

Casey James is next up with 1966 “Hold on I’m Coming” by Sammy Dave.  Usher commented really good voice and I guy to keep your eye on win or not.  Rocking the personality and the guitar.  excellent quality and sound tonight.  I’m really enjoying the performance better than I have in the past.  Sounds like pitch is where it needs to be.  This suits your style perfectly and I think you know this is where you need to be.  Be careful not to get to cocky.  Randy comments ‘This was another hot night for you’ and a perfect selection and choice.  Ellen brought up his consistency however felt it was a little generic.  Kara feels he has more range in him and would love to see him with an acoustic guitar and to show it all.  Simon feels it was his strongest week thus far.  You were not a sound alike, sounded authentic, and is really impressed this week with Casey.

Michael Lynche makes his approach “Ready For Love”.  Projection is a key and I hope big Mike takes the advice offered by Usher.  A good tender moment starting off.  Keep feeling the song and it should go well.  One of your better performances in my book.  Pitch is questionable on occasion.  Tell us with your eyes and your voice.  Keeping your eyes closed the entire performance is a bit unnerving.  I’d rather you wear sunglasses.  All in all one of your better performances.  Randy kicks off comments by saying he likes the guitar and sensitive side.  Ellen doesn’t like people singing behind her back but felt it was beautiful.  Kara keeps the up tempo with saying it was wonderful, lovely and tasteful.  Simon feels he can actually take him serious as an artist and believed the performance.

Didi Benami with “What becomes of the Broken Hearted” Honesty is definitely a good  thing and if she makes the connection while singing it will be amazing.  Come on make me feel don’t be afraid to let you emotions get involved.  Your so close.  Technically I think your there but it’s emotion is not reaching me.  Come on you can do this.  It’s not too late get into it.  Your falling a little flat and your performance is showing your nerves.  Definitely not a wow moment and at best a fair performance.  Randy whole performance flat lined and didn’t get.  Ellen didn’t think it was not her best performance.  Kara felt it was over done.  You’ve changed and lost your way.  Simon  is puzzled and felt it was like swimming in jelly not easy to get through, so over the top, it just didn’t do it.

Tim Urban with “Sweet Love by Anita Baker” Didn’t believe him and feel that is one of his biggest issues.  He got it in practice and I hope he carries it to the stage and we feel that connection.  Pitch problems right off the go, I’m not feeling the connection nor am I believing your performance.  Project, I’m straining to hear you over the band.  Tim I would have to say your performance is falling flat very much like Didi did and it is very frustrating for you both are good.  Your pitch is all over the place and I feel I should be watching something else.  Randy has pluses and minuses, it felt like a singing waiter.  The good part is that it was mostly in tune.  It fell flat.  Ellen understands there is a drinking game when she calls you adorable.  Even though mostly in key you were sneaking into a bedroom.  Kara felt it was Broadway, and Vegas.  Simon felt it was a mouse picking a fight with an Elephant.

Andrew Garcia with “Chris Browns Forever” I have no idea what song.  Needs more than just to connect.  Pitch is good but what is with the flat performances.  Better than Tim and Didi but not by much.  It just seems like your singing the song.  I’m just not feeling it.  Come on guys, it has got to get better than this.  Not my favorite performance tonight and just not really getting it as a whole.  Randy feels you are back and this was the best performance in a long time.  Ellen felt it was an amazing strong performance.  Kara felt tonight was a huge jump in the right direction.  Simon felt it was miles better but the only problem is a person you are very boring.  Show personality and care.  I agree with Simon 100%.

Katie Stevens brings out “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin  I’m glad you listen to Usher and I think you can do good by personalizing as well.  Love the attitude right off the bat.  Sounds good and you have the voice.  You and Siobhan turn into Miss Hyde when your up there on that stage and really knock it out.  I love how you are connecting with the song and the attitude is there.   Your voice, eyes and body language are all telling the story.  I’m loving this performance.  Knock it out girl.  One of the best performances of the night and dare I say for you thus far.   Randy feels nice vocals.  Ellen Great vocals.  Wishes the song was more current and would like to make it more current.  Kara best performance tonight.  Simon thought it was pretty good, very robotic and cold and don’t agree with the type of artist Kara see’s you as.

Lee Dewyze is coming up with “Treat her like a lady”.  Own it is the advice that Usher gives him and I agree. You must believe it and we will.  Let’s hear it.  Love the courage to be up there with an acoustic guitar.  Your vocals sound in tune and pitch sounds good.  keep getting into it.  There you go.  This is what I was looking for.  Very believable performance.  I love your dynamics and control of tempo.  Good performance maybe not a moment yet but very close perhaps next week.  Randy best performance you have done.  Ellen, best performance of the night.  Kara Unbelievable.  Simon go home watch the show back and understand this is the night your life may have changed forever.

Crystal Bowersox sings “Midnight Train to Georgia”  Usher gave you high praise.  Your vocals are good, you have a connection that is almost second nature and it is a joy to see.  I think you would have shined more without the back up singers.  I really don’t think you needed them.  I’m glad you ditched the piano.  For the first time I’m starting to take you serious and not look at you as a street performer.  Great Job.  Randy Like the way you switched it up.  Ellen your never not good.  Kara is so glad you took the risk.  Simon your choice of song was sensational, uncomfortable with the piano, backup singers needed to disappear.  Don’t loose who you are be comfortable with you.

Aaron Kelly closes the show with “Ain’t no sunshine”.  Great start and introductions.  You never have a problem connecting with the song.  I have been wowed by your performances in the past and tonight is another one that i will remember as a stand out of the night.  Such innocence, purity and control.  Absolutely wonderful. Randy just alright, Ellen Liked it, Kara Liked it.  Simon compared to other performances tonight you were a cupcake.

It’s results time who goes home and who stays.  Based on last nights performance I really feel that it’s Paige whom should go home.  I know Paige is so much better than what she showed last night.

Top 11 performance.  I love the harmonies.  Interesting choice.  Choreography is not the strong point.  I am enjoying the song.  Is the spinning camera making anyone else dizzy. lol  Why  couldn’t all of you sound this strong last night during your individual performances.

LOL they left Andrew behind in the Ford Commercial, I wonder if that is a sign.

1. Siobhan – Safe and going on tour.
2. Lee – Safe
3. Casey – Safe
4. Tim – In the bottom three as well.
5. Paige – Randy was right in guessing Paige was in the bottom three.
6. Aaron – Safe
7. Didi – Safe
8. Michael – Safe
9. Crystal – Safe
10. Andrew – Safe
11. Katie – In the Bottom Three

I can agree with Paige and Tim but in no sense and order in this world should Katie be down there.  Thank you Ryan – Katie is safe.

Paige Miles goes home and based on last nights performance I can’t say I’m too surprised.

Simon and Kara seem to be getting closer every week.  Kara even admitted that Simon enjoys giving Kara a hard time.

1. Lee Dewyze – Miley indicates lacking stage presence needs work I agree.  Great song choice Lee.  Much more personality than last week and that I’ve seen from you so far.  Feels like you are connecting a little better.  Love what your version of the song.  Jazzing it up with the horns made it hot.  Great performance.
• Randy – Knocked it out of the box.
• Ellen – Comparing him to a pen I think.  Fantastic.
• Kara – Raised the bar for yourself never sounded better or seemed more comfortable.
• Simon – Really surprised you choose that song.  Seemed corny, you were missing last weeks point and it was not a moment.
• I disagree with Simon 100% you brought back a classic.
2. Paige Miles – With Phil Collins song “Against All Odds” – Sounding pitchy at the open to me.  Watch that tone girl.  Very rough don’t know if it’s your voice still healing but it is not sounding good at all.  I don’t know but are you singing in the key that’s right for me.  Hitting the big notes is great but you have to hit all the notes in between.  I’m sorry but this is coming across as a train wreck I just do not like what you have done tonight it was a terrible performance.
• Randy – Honestly terrible.
• Ellen – Positive you didn’t fall down.  Look stunning.  Passing to Kara and Simon.
• Kara – You stopped competing and listening worse we’ve heard from you and all over this season.
• Simon – Had here critique herself.
3. Tim Urban Taking on Queen “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – I look forward to it.  You need to knock it out tonight.  So far great.  Pitch is good.  Interesting switch up on the key.  Have fun just don’t break anything.  Way to hit the audience and connect.  You are in your element tonight.  I’m enjoying immensely seems it a bit forced so you just need to relax a tad more I think.  All in all one of your better performances but expect to be dinged.
• Randy – Vocals were so boring, bad karaoke.
• Ellen – Felt like it was an audition for High School Musical it was corny
• Kara – Ellen hit the nail on the head.  Didn’t change it up enough.  Acted like you already made it.
• Simon – Sliding around was a good distraction from the song.  Completely and utterly pointless and silly song choice.  Your not taking a part in this.
4. Aaron Kelly – Problems with your voice.   I’m pulling for you kid.  Wonderful choice.  I think it will gentle on your voice.  Absolutely rocking it out.  Country all the way and I love it.  It’s as good as watching the original artist.  You need to come out of your shell a bit.  However I can see where you may not be feeling the best.  One of the best two of the night.
• Randy – Not a perfect performance.  Thank you came out and started singing.
• Ellen – Perfect voice.  You are so good.
• Kara – Best song choice of the night.  You know how to pick the right songs.
• Simon – Very brave for what you’ve got. Making yourself old fashioned.  0% chance you are going home.
5. Crystal Bowersox – Me and Bobby McGee – Miley is absolutely right you can do it take the risk.  I think it’s a perfect song choice for you.  Opening felt a touch rushed but before the first chorus you had it where it should be.  Great vocal.  If you are having pitch problems I’m not seeing it.  However it feels like I’ve seen this performance countless times before.  I think you could have made it more your own.  I feel you played it safe and stuck too close to the original.  Someone of your caliber should be making it more your own.
• Randy – That’s what is called being a star.
• Ellen – Nothing wrong with the performance only thing we are missing a connection and personality.
• Kara – Felt more, loose the guitar. 
• Simon – Wouldn’t change anything. 
• I feel you are being giving more praise than you deserve by the judges.  You do have a great voice and can do a considerable amount but I feel disappointed for you can do so much more.
6. Michael Lynche I love the song choice for you that is the best song you could have chosen.  This is it.  I’m tired of saying I’m looking for more.  Let’s see.  That’s it big guy. Wonderful that is where you need to be.  That is the sweat spot.  Chills and I don’t get ‘em often.  Best performance from you that I’ve seen.  Tonight you just entered the competition in my eyes.  Keep fighting and keep going you are moving in the right direction.
• Randy – Not perfect song choice, not best vocal but loved what you did.
• Ellen – Safe choice like driving the speed limit.
• Kara – Technically it was really good felt it was a bit boring, over indulgent.
• Simon – Almost too much, keep it simple remove the band.  You made it very lounge.
7. Andrew Garcia – I agree loose the guitar I’m sure you can do it as long as you don’t forget your lyrics.  Unique intro to the song.  Finally you are showing personality.  Vocals sound good.  After the unique intro all I can say is it seemed a bit routine and familiar.  I’m not wowed, it’s a good performance, I know you can do better.  Make it your own next week, don’t be afraid to make changes that enhance who you are.
• Randy – Was not good.  Wrong song choice not the kind of vocalist you are.
• Ellen – Not enough to get a bunch of people onboard not a good song choice.
• Kara – Your really confused you were being moved like a puppet.  You have to go back to that moment and figure out what you did.
• Simon – Problem was the arrangement was horrific you sucked the soul out of the song.  Made yourself really corny.
8. Katie Stevens – Big Girls Don’t Cry – Big Song I know you can do it.  Excellent pitch good song choice and I love your voice.  I don’t know if you’ve made it your own enough.  I love your performance. and it would seem your confidence is getting better.  All in all a good but not great performance.
• Randy – Not best performance and a little pitchy.  You listened and I like that.
• Ellen – Think it was your best performance so far.
• Kara – This is it for you pop with R&B leanings this is where you belong.  Mad pitch issues.
• Simon – Think you meeting Miley was great for you.  Do I believe you are believable.  Good performance.
9. Casey James – Power of Love – Good pitch I already like you but this seems to be a text book performance of this song.  You have the talent and skills to make this your own.  It just feels like your breezing through.  Work for it.  Nothing should be easy and safe.  You didn’t wow me tonight like I know you can.
• Randy – Was not a fan of the song choice you did it well and it was believable.
• Ellen – Best vocal of the night.
• Kara – You are on another level.
• Simon – That song was old fashioned 25 years ago.  Did not make it current.  No effort, no originality.
• I agree with Simon.
10. Didi Benami – Come I’m tired of seeing no changes show me something new.  I love the quality in your voice.  It’s a believable performance.  You are knocking it out.  Close to the original not much change up but I am enjoying you performing this you are really getting into it and connecting with the song. Great job and vocals.  Next week show me more you. 
• Randy – Loved the idea of it.  Pitch all over the place.
• Ellen – Don’t get the song choices tonight not the right one for you.
• Kara – Felt you were playing a character it felt like it wasn’t you.  Left me confused.
• Simon – Certain irony, like the bad part of a musical.  Didn’t sound like you.
11. Siobhan Magnus – Have confidence for you are one of the top runners in this competition.  Wow what a voice.  Great song and you performed it well.  I’m not being wowed.  You have your own sound that I love and I feel like we’re missing that tonight.  Did not like the screeching at the end.

    Randy – Thought it was great.

    Ellen – More please.

    Kara – Not best performance.  Loved the end note.

    Simon – Real split, some will like it, some won’t.  Reverse the screaming do it at the beginning.

All in all there were some good performances, however I didn’t see any risks or anyone trying to changeup the songs to their own personality.  Simon I think Crystal failed in making it relevant and pushing herself as well.