Top 5 Archives

American Idol 2011: Top 5 elimination show recap – Jacob says goodbye

It was no surprise that Jacob Lusk was sent packing on “American Idol” Thursday night. I’ve been ready for him to go ever since he told me I don’t like what I see when I look in the mirror. Not that I know what that even means, but I took it as an insult. Anyway, he’s gone and we have a Top 4: Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart and James Durbin. I have to say, I’m quite pleased with this season’s Top 4.

Pardon me while I sound like a broken record, but can someone tell me why oh why the Thursday results shows are an hour long? While this week’s episode wasn’t as painful as last week’s, it was still filled with too much filler and Fox pimping.

The opening number “Happy Together” sounded decent, but it was so long. The Hell’s Kitchen filler was pretty entertaining, but the Ford video was a snore. Lady Antebellum took the stage as “Idol” further embraces the country genre this season. Then there’s more filler.

Finally, Ryan starts with the results. James is up first and is sent to the far side of the stage. I knew immediately that he was going to do that two groups of two thing with the last person being safe and then asked to join the group they think is safe, which they never actually do. Pardon that run-on but there was no other way to express that thought.

Lauren is up next and she is sent to the opposite side of the stage. It was pretty obvious to me that she was going to be in the bottom, because there’s no way I thought James would be. America loved his tears Wednesday night.

Time for another performance. This time it’s Jennifer Lopez performing “On The Floor.” And it’s CLEARLY pre-recorded but they tried very hard to make us think it wasn’t. Even going as far as pretending Jennifer was off changing clothes after her performance. It sometimes make me wonder if they fake this, what else do they fake…

More results. Jacob is told to join Lauren. Even more obvious that’s the Bottom 2. Haley is sent to join James. Finally, Ryan tells Scotty he’s safe and tells him to join the group that is safe.  Like every season, he refuses, so Ryan pulls him over to James and Haley’s group and tells them they’re all safe.

Ryan also points out (like I did last week) that Scotty was NOT in the Bottom 2 last week with Casey, meaning he’s never been in the bottom.

So it’s Lauren and Jacob in the Bottom 2 and Lauren is already crying. That girl needs to get a hold of her emotions and fears or she’s going home next week.

Jacob is eliminated and gets to sing one last time. For the first time this season, I enjoyed his performance. He actually seemed to have some personality at the end. Good for him.

I almost thought it was Lauren who was going home since Ryan earlier said the results might surprise us. I guess the surprise was that she was in the bottom instead of Haley. Speaking of Haley, she has really turned her position in this contest around. She very well might make the Top 3 and possibly the finale. That is unless Lauren’s fans were scared by her spot in the Bottom 2 and step up their voting next week.

Another question that comes up is where will Jacob’s votes go? Not to Scotty. Not to James. I guess they’d most likely go to Lauren. But even that seems weird. Next week is going to be very interesting. The ONLY thing that I’m 98 percent sure of is that Scotty will be fine next week and the week after, thus putting himself in the finale. But who is going to join him? James? Or is that too obvious. Lauren? Will her fans vote harder now? Or Haley? Has she finally convinced America to vote for her? This is so uncertain it’s actually kind of exciting.

What are your thoughts, hopes and predictions?

 

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American Idol 2011: Top 5 performance show recap – Haley wows

I wasn’t completely pleased with many of the “American Idol” Top 5 Now and Then song choices, but all and all, it was a pretty good show. In my opini0n, Haley Reinhart and Scotty McCreery were the only two contestants to bring two equally good performances.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a new “Idol” drinking game, here’s an idea. Take a drink every time Randy Jackson  mentions Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross.

As always, I’ll review each performance then assign the letter grade I think each one deserves.

In order of performance

*James Durbin, (Now) “Closer to the Edge.” I wasn’t sure about this song choice. Haley caught flack for doing an unreleased Lady Gaga song, well what about this song by Jared Leto’s band? Seriously, who even knows this song? Actually, I ended up liking the song itself, but not really James’ performance. It had a very rocky start and it took him a long time to get on key. I really think this was James’ worst performance of the season. And this is coming from someone who became a James fan last week. (Note: I will NOT respond or acknowledge any hate-responses from this review and grade). C-

*Jacob Lusk, (Now) “No Air.” Really? This is the song you choose? Out of ALL the songs available from the past few years you choose this. He was SO flat through most of the song. And he looked awkward. And please, Jacob Lusk, never grab your crotch on stage again. I don’t need that visual haunting my dreams. And can someone please tell me why Jennifer Lopez refuses to speak her mind? Why does she always beat around the bush? If she doesn’t like the performance she should just say it. Let’s see, his performance was worse than James’ so that leaves only two grade options for him. I’ll be nice. D+

*Lauren Alaina, (Now) “Flat on the Floor.” I really think Lauren needed to pick a Carrie Underwood song that had crossed over to the pop charts and more people have heard. But in the end, it was a good performance. She handled the up-tempo and heavy song nicely. And she looked great. A-

*Scotty McCreery (Now) “Gone.” I barely know who Montgomery Gentry is, but I really liked the song and I really liked Scotty’s take on it. He had great stage presence, good moves (for the first time if you ask me) and pretty much rocked it. It’s one of my favorite Scotty performances. A+

*Haley Reinhart (Now) “You And I.” OK, I’m not a Lady Gaga fan. I think she’s overrated and kind of fake. And I’m also not a fan of Idol contestants picking songs no one knows. But I think Haley did a great job with the song. I mean, she made me like a Gaga song. I really don’t know why the judges only ever choose Haley to criticize. They let Jacob and James get by with less-than-perfect performances. Why can’t they give her a break? Especially when she was BETTER than the two of them in the first round. A

*James Durbin (Then) “Without You.” For the second week in a row, James performed one of my favorite songs. And he killed it. I don’t care if there were pitch issues (I didn’t hear any this time – did the first round, but not this one). I mean, forget the C from earlier. Forget it all. This was an amazing performance. And there was so much emotion there. If I had a heart, I probably could have cried. I’m kidding. I  have a heart! A+

*Jacob Lusk (Then) “Love Hurts.” Hmm. Why was he so nervous about doing a rock song? Because all he did was take a rock song and turn it into a nasaly church hymn like he does everything. I’ve concluded that I don’t care what he sings, I’ll never like it because he always sounds like  he’s singing out of his nose. I know voice instructors and I’m pretty sure there are some techniques to shake that bad habit. I just didn’t like it. He praised Sheryl Crow’s soft, emotional version and I thought that was what he was going to jump off from. No. Instead, he comes out and oversings it and screams a lot. I don’t care what the judges say about that last note, there’s a difference between singing a note that high and screaming one. C

*Lauren Alaina (Then) “Unchained Melody.” Ugh. Bad song choice. Girl, you’re 16! Not 60! And I thought “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith was your parents’ song? Hmmm. In the end, the performance was just OK. There was a moment where Lauren climbed to the top of her range and had us waiting for more, but then, because of the bad song editing, she dropped it way back down and the song never regained momentum. Weird. There were several moments in the song where she could’ve let loose and owned that song but she didn’t. It was almost like she was afraid of the song.  B-

*Scotty McCreery (Then) “Always on My Mind.” I almost suggested this song for Scotty in my blog earlier this week, but I thought doing another Elivs song would’t go over well. I should’ve known these softy judges could care less. The performance was solid. He didn’t take the song to any new heights, but after his energetic first song, it was OK to relax with this one. It balanced out his night well. A

*Haley Reinhart (Then) “House of the Rising Sun.” This song choice for her really scared me. But then she freaking delivered it. If this wasn’t a family show and a family website, I would’ve used another F-word back there. This performance was insanely HOT. Best Haley has ever been. This was the moment Simon Cowell would’ve said “Well you little minx,” which is quite high praise from him. Hot, hot, hot. A+

The averages

James: C- | A+ | A- (with some extra credit for emotion)

Jacob: D+ | C | C-

Lauren: A | B- | B-

Scotty: A+ | A- | A

Haley: A | A+ | A+

And now, the impossible task of trying to figure out who will go home based on America’s votes. As always, these picks are based on just that — NOT my personal opinions, but what I THINK the outcome of America’s votes COULD be. After last week, who knows if there’ll be a Bottom 3, Bottom 2 or what. So, my predictions this week will be different.

100 percent safe: Scotty McCreery and James Durbin

Not 100 percent safe: Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk

Possibly going home: Jacob Lusk

My Thinking: I think Scotty and James are just fine. In fact, that’s probably going to be your finale, America. As for who goes home this week, it should 100 percent be Jacob. But he got more praise from the judges than Haley. But is anyone really listening to these softy judges? Who knows. Jacob will probably go home, but if it’s not him than it would probably be Haley. Even though I think if it’s not Jacob then it should probably be Lauren. OK, my brain is officially fired.

What are your thoughts on tonight’s show?

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American Idol 2011 Top 5 Performances & Phone Numbers

Are you ready for some ‘Now’ and ‘Then’ performances on American Idol 2011? Well I hope so because that’s what you’re about to get! Each of the remaining five singers will be performing one modern song and one song from the 60′s. Let’s see who really wants to win it tonight because there isn’t any room left for errors.

Join us in our Idol Chat room while we review tonight’s show and then and see what other Idol fans are saying right now on our Idol Facebook page.

American Idol 2011 Top 5 ‘Now’ Performances:

  • James Durbin – Closer to the Edge – 1-866-436-5701 & 5706
  • Jacob Lusk – No Air – 1-866-436-5702 & 5707
  • Lauren Alaina – Flat on the Floor – 1-866-436-5703 & 5708
  • Scotty McCreery – Gone – 1-866-436-5704 & 5709
  • Haley Reinhart – You and I – 1-866-436-5705 & 5710

Get all your tour & ticket details here and see which of the 44 stops is closest to your town.

American Idol 2011 Top 5 ‘Then’ Performances:

  • James Durbin – Without You – 1-866-436-5701 & 5706
  • Jacob Lusk – Love Hurts – 1-866-436-5702 & 5707
  • Lauren Alaina – Unchained Melody – 1-866-436-5703 & 5708
  • Scotty McCreery – Always On My Mind – 1-866-436-5704 & 5709
  • Haley Reinhart – House of the Rising Sun – 1-866-436-5705 & 5710

You can get these songs on iTunes or the originals for free from SuperPass.

Tomorrow night we’ll find out which singer earned the least votes and that singer will be eliminated so vote wisely and be sure to cast your unofficial vote in our Idol poll below (poll to be posted after the ET broadcast so no complaining about the votes!) and then share your opinion on tonight’s performances!

poll by twiigs.com

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American Idol 2011 Top 5 Perform Tonight

American Idol returns tonight with its Top 5 performances and this week we’re getting a double dose of songs from each of the remaining singers. Jacob, James, Haley, Lauren, and Scotty will each perform two songs to help fill the 90 minute run time of tonight’s show. The Idol theme tonight will be one song will be modern (little vague, maybe 21st century) and the other an oldie from the 60′s.

The modern song choice will be a welcome change from last week’s “hits from your favorite 8-tracks” edition which I really didn’t enjoy, but I’m glad lots of other readers did. I’m not so sure about the 60′s selections, though I could be pleasantly surprised. If any of the American Idol 2011 Hopefuls take a peak at Branden’s list of song suggestions for this week then we’ll probably do just fine.

Can you believe we’re down to just three weeks left in the competition? The May 25th finale is going to come rushing up on us and I can’t wait. Let’s hope this season finishes out strong and makes sure everyone comes back for next year.

Giveaway Reminder: You’ve got another chance to enter and win 2 tickets to the Idol finale and win a free musicskin for your iPod/iPhone/etc. Yours for the taking!

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American Idol 2011: What should the Top 5 sing?

This week’s “American Idol” theme is “Now and Then.” That means the Idols will have to sing two songs: one current song and one song from the 1960s (please let there be a ban on The Beatles just this week — we’ve had enough Beatles). Hmmm. OK. Now how in the world am I ever going to suggest songs for them this week? It’s going to be even more of a shot in the dark than normal. It’s crazy, but I think I’m up for it. So what should they sing?

(Click on the “Now” songs to hear them on youtube)

*Lauren Alaina

Now: “You Lie” by The Band Perry. It’s very country. But I think that’s the route she’s going. Right? I guess it could be too country for her and could be a risk, but hey, Scotty McCreery has made country fans out of a lot of people. She can do it, too.

Then: “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys or “I Fall to Pieces” by Patsy Cline. Normally I wouldn’t pick a Beach Boys song. Their stuff, for the most part, is happy and fun but has no substance. Except for this song. This one has a lot of meaning and heart. I could also hear her doing some Patsy Cline since she’s a country girl and all.

*James Durbin

Now: “Sing” by My Chemical Romance. This is actually a pretty perfect song for James. It’s a song that shows great voice range. It’s edgy. It could easily lend itself to even more edge. James could have one of his pretty sweet visions with this one.

Then: “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the best song from the ’60s for James and this is the only one I could pick. It’s a great song and it has been done on “Idol”  before, but I think James could do something fun and fresh with it.

*Haley Reinhart

Now: “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perry. I really wish Haley could just sing Adele again, but that would be a bad idea. “Jar of Hearts” kind of has that Haley sound. I’m not sure why the producers and judges don’t think she knows who she is. I know. And I could hear her singing it. It’s kind of dark, though. So her second song would have to be more upbeat.

Then: “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield or “California Dreaming” by The Mamas and the Papas. I’ve been wanting to hear her do “Son of a Preacher Man” all season. Someone tell her!

*Scotty McCreery

Now: “Country Girl (Shake it For Me)” by Luke Bryan. I’ve only got three things to say about this song: 1) It’s country. 2) It debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100. It’s a hit. 3) It sounds like Scotty.

Then: “Bad Moon Rising” Credence Clearwater Revival or “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. I’d really like to hear Scotty sing some CCR. They’re pretty southern rock, right? Southern rock and country kind of go hand in hand. He could handle it nicely. And if not CCR, then Johnny Cash. You can never go wrong with Cash (unless you’re Paul McDonald).

*Jacob Lusk

Now: “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green. I already suggested this once for Jacob. This song is everywhere (and that’s becoming a bad thing) but people love it. And if it’s even allowed on Fox since Cee Lo is on NBC’s “The Voice,” Jacob should do it. He needs to get America’s attention if he wants to stay any longer.

Then: “In The Midnight Hour” by Wilson Pickett. Jacob REALLY needs to shake things up. He needs to rock things out. If that’s possible. If he doesn’t, he’s going home.

What would you like to hear the Top 5 sing this week?

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