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.
