American Idols Season 10 top 12 ladies sang last night for the first time for America. Their performances last night were very important because they will very soon go from being the top 12 ladies to being the just the top 6. The ladies sung for America’s votes as the guys did the night before. How did they stack up? Well some did well and some didn’t and I will be happy to give you my opinion on each as I recap and critique last nights show.
The Performances
The first girl up to the microphone was Ta-Tynisa Wilson, who sang “Only Girl.” It seems this year it is risky to do currently popular songs. While she dressed in a really sexy outfit and took the stage with a good presence, I have to say this was not a good vocal performance. She was all over the place and went flat more than a few times. I am putting it nicely my husband called her performance “Unbearable.” I don’t like to be mean, but I a nothing if not honest, and with all the talented contestants this year everyone has to be on their A game.
The second lady to sing was Naima Adedapo, who sang “Summertime.” She had on a very interesting outfit that showed off her back tattoo perfectly. I don’t think she sang badly, however, I hated the arrangement. After Fantasia sang this song amazingly on Idol several years back this arrangement just didn’t cut the mustard. Not to mention I don’t ever think it is a good idea for a new contestant to come on and do a song that a past Idol contestant did brilliantly and made it a really memorable performance because you are going to end up being compared, and that is not always a good thing. So I just have to say good voice, bad arrangement. With the contestants being cut in half so quickly though, this could have really hurt her.
Third to perform on stage was Kendra Chantelle, who sang, “Impossible.” This was a good sultry, and powerful performance. Most men probably enjoyed her outfit to boot. It was not an amazing performance, but it was a pretty darn good performance. So I have to give props to Kendra for coming out of the box ready to fight.
Number 4 was Rachael Zevita who sang, “Criminal.” I am a bit torn about this performance. It was kind of old fashioned and kind sexy. This girl just seems to young to me to be playing the sultry songstress. The vocal was good for the most part, when she walked behind the judges she seemed to get a little “pitchy.” Pretty good vocally and she made a good attempt at a stage presence, I think the song and arrangement were too mature for her I think, and my husband said she came off kind of stalker like.
The 5th contestant to perform was Karen Rodriguez ,who sang, “Hero.” Even with Simon gone I don’t know if it is safe or wise to bring out a Mariah or Whitney song. Her vocals were nice and sweet and switched back and forth from English to Spanish effortlessly. The song was mostly nice, some of the power points were not hit has hard and as powerful as they could have been, it kind of reminded me of a nice clean beauty contestant performance. A decent but not stellar job.
Lady number number 6 was Lauren Turner, who sang, “Seven Day Fool.” Although I have never heard this song before I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this performance. This girl was in it to win it. She gave a good powerful performance that showed and incredible range and what seemed to me be a polished performance. One of my favorites of the night.
The 7th lady to perform was Ashton Jones, who sang, “Love Over Me.” Well this lady came out wanting everyone to know she is a Diva. She had attitude in spades. If you have attitude that is showing like that you had better deliver, and I think for the most part she did. She reminds me of someone but I just can’t pin point who, but she is petite, adorable, and has a big booming voice, and enough confidence for all 24 contestants. Some people don’t like to see a lot of attitude so I wonder if that will hurt her. It was a good performance though.
Number 8 up to sing was Julie Zorilla, who sang, “Break Away.” She looked adorable however, that is where the my compliments have to stop. This was not a great performance. There were too many flat moments in the song and when it wasn’t flat it was weak. I am sorry have to say this, but again I have to be honest.
Up next was Haley Reinhart, who Sang, “Fallin.” When I realized she was going to sing this song I held my breath, Alicia Keyes has a style all her own, and I have never heard anyone sing this song even close to as good as the original is. I have to say though I was impressed by Haley, she did not sing it exactly the same but I think she worked out, and hit some really good notes and really got in to it. Her performance really impressed me. it showed a lot of range and a bit of a jazzy style. Randy was not kind, I don’t know what he was listening too, Steven and Jalo agreed with me.
Thia Megia was up next and she sang, “Out Here on My Own.” This is a song I would love to have performed and in all fairness I was kind of judging her based on how I would have performed it, which was not fair. My husband was really impressed by this young 15 year old, and I have to agree that for her age she sang the song beautifully and in perfect pitch. This was a good performance, and she is adorable.
The 11th person to perform was Lauren Alaina, who sang “Turn on the Radio.” I liked this little country ditty. I think it was a fun energetic song. i think she could have a good country career if she wants one. My husband was not as impressed as I was, but I enjoyed the performance. It is not the kind of song where someone is going to have a incredible performance with, but it was a good solid upbeat performance.
The final contestant to sing was Pia Toscano, who sang, “I’ll Stand by You.” A lot of people are saying this was the performance of the night, and I also think it was very good, it was pitch perfect, but no risks were taken, but she sounded nice and she is beautiful so I think the well tuned and lovely vocals secured Pia Toscano a spot on the show. She got a standing ovation, so I guess that pretty much says it all.
Tonight (March 3, 2011) is the elimination show. Since there are going to be so many eliminations all at once I am sure that some very good people and some favorites will be heading home. The competition is really stiff this year and I certainly have my favorites. I am looking forward to the elimination show tonight to see who will be staying on the show and going through to compete. I have one particular favorite and if he doesn’t make it I will be so disappointed. I will make you come back and read my recap tomorrow to find out who that is and if he made it or not. Of course if you read my recap yesterday you might have already guessed.
