Last night on American Idol the top nine contestants hit a high note performing hits from artists in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.
Aiding in the contestants’ performances, Gwen Stefani styled the ladies of the competition with wardrobe from her LAMB collection while Will.I.Am of The Black Eyed Peas coached the guy competitors in the studio. It’s great to see Gwen Stefani on Idol but the next time she graces Idol viewers with her presence, it had better be with her No Doubt band mates on stage. Will.I.Am coaching the contestants on Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame week seemed questionable at first. He makes great music and is definitely a great performer but he’s not exactly a great singer. However, last night’s performances were all incredible. So maybe the contestants needed a break from being coached in the studio in order to be coached about performing.
“I don’t know what was more power there, your voice or your hip thrust.” – Host, Ryan Seacrest to Contestant, Jacob Lusk
First to perform was Jacob Lusk, who sang Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” with a co-writer of the hit song. The footage shown for his introduction focused on Jacob changing his song due to the first choice not connecting well with his morals. Finally, viewers got to see that song choice is not just about what’s fitting for the voice! But would a song like Beyonce’s “Ego” work better next time? His comment about America not facing them self in the mirror if he gets put in the bottom three was bold and untrue. Clearly, Jacob is getting quite a big ego in this competition and that is what will factor into America not voting for him. The other component is his voice, which is not unique to many churchgoers across the country. His voice is typical gospel, not fascinating at all, and will not lead him to becoming the next American Idol…hip thrusts and all.
Scotty’s Elvis performance was one of the most thrilling of the night. This was the best performance from the males and one of the top three performances from Scotty all season long. He made Elvis proud and will be sure to make other legends, alive or not, proud in the coming weeks. James took on beautifully a classic Beatles tune, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and Casey played the bass like no other contestant could. Johnny Cash definitely fits Paul, so hopefully America can get an encore before the season is over. With more time and control, Paul could show America one of the most exciting Cash covers in a long time. Time aside, there weren’t any major faults to point out, except that Stefano is still in the competition.
As for the ladies, Haley may have misinterpreted what the judges have been saying to her over the weeks about their Janis Joplin comparisons. The judges never asked her to sing a Joplin tune. Like Randy pointed out after her performance of “Piece of My Heart,” the panel only said that her voice resembles that of Joplin. Her attempt was exceptional but Haley has a ways to go to get that epic level of Joplin. Of the three ladies that are left in this competition, it was Pia who stood out the strongest. Lauren’s performances of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” really only showed the potential that she has to hit a home run with the song after more time and practice. Pia took on an up tempo Tina Turner number and was “spectacular,” as judge, Jennifer Lopez shouted. Last night’s show as a whole was spectacular.
With only three ladies left this season, the guys are clearly now dominating the competition and have proved themselves to be forces to be reckoned with. The boys were absolutely on fire last night and showed that they could easily knock Haley and Lauren out of this competition. Though the competition is so great right now that the matter of a male or female winning is not even significant. Just having the right contestants make it into the top 5 will be gratifying.
Watch American Idol Wednesdays & Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.
*Photo Credit: Michael Becker / FOX
