GSNN PRIMES
American Idol
Season 4
Catch it: 8p ET Fox Tuesdays and 9p ET Fox Wednesdays

Today is

Inside GSNN

GSNN ShortShots
·
Monday
·
Tuesday
·
Wednesday
·
Thursday
·
Friday
·
Weekend
· Archive

GSNN Prime Recaps

GSNN News Archive

GSNN Extra

GSNN Originals
·
InSites
·
Numbers Game
·
On the Buzzer
·
State of Play
·
We Love to Interrupt

The Video Wall

Game Show Lineup

Contact Us!


In the world's ultimate talent search - where the eyes of a nation are upon the best undiscovered singers in the country, where the audience has the power to make or break you, and where a million-dollar recording contract is on the line, there is only one rule: If you can sing it, bring it.

Is your favorite still in the running? Check out the Idol Set List!

Recaps by Chico Alexander & Gordon Pepper, GSNN


FACT FILE:

Host: Ryan Seacrest
Judges: Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson
Creator: Simon Fuller (based upon "Pop Idol")
EP: Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Simon Fuller
Packager: 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America
Airs: Tuesdays at 8pm ET and Wednesdays at 9pm ET on Fox


Copyright Statement
ALL ORIGINAL MATERIAL COPYRIGHT 1999-2005 GAMESHOWNEWSNET.COM. All rights reserved.

No infringement of copyright is intended by these fan pages; production companies of shows this site covers retain all rights to the sounds, images, and information contained herein. No challenge to copyright is implied. 

Web design by Jason Elliott. Logo by Chico Alexander. 

"Round of 10: The 90s" - March 29-30

Another week of Idol, as we venture into the decade of the Macarena, the Power Rangers, and OJ. Tonight, I love the 90s!

First up, Bo Bice, who says that the 90s were a blur due to his obligations to the band. He survived, though, to offer "Remedy" by the Black Crowes.

What they say: Randy tries to steal Paula's hat (well, it was Bo's, but during the performance, Paula got it). He likes the outfit, and he's glad to see Bo out rocking. "I think you're on the right track, baby." Paula just says that she isn't giving the hat back. Simon didn't like the song. "I think the problem for me is that when you do that kind of band rock song, it was a little bit like something you'd see at a wedding."

What we say: It's pretty good. Actually, it's not bad, but Bo's game needs to be stepped up a notch. We already know you're a showman. We already know you rock. Now it's time to switch it up for the kiddies at home.

Next up, Jessica Sierra, who remembers her first concert, saying that is so going to be her one day. "On the Side of Angels" by Leann Rimes, the song.

What they say: Randy didn't think it was his favorite, but she sang it well. Paula: "This didn't showcase how great your vocals are. You're going to have to keep pushing for better songs." Simon doesn't think Jessica is likeable and the performance was forgettable.

What we say: Not bad, again. But intonation is off, and... well, it wasn't last week. And it's a shame really, because I wanted to see a follow up to that. And... hey, is that Nancy O'Dell? If she survives this week, she's going to, like Bo, step it up a notch.

Anwar Robinson sang for Bill Clinton's first inaugural parade. Today, he commits the cardinal Idol sin... Singing R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly." Prepare thyselves.

What they say: Randy is a fan BUT he is not a fan of his lower range. "It was just OK for me." Paula: "You've been with me since season 1. We have heard every rendition of 'I Believe I Can Fly' to the point where we were going to ban it from the song list. I have never heard such an incredible original rendition. You made me love the song as if I've never heard it before... Amen and God bless. Thank you." Simon thinks Paula needs an adjustment. "I think what Randy Jackson said was spot on."

What we say:  Over the last few weeks, he's had ONE good performance. The second half of the last couple of weeks. There is a saying in college basketball, and it stemmed from the 8-20 season of the Tar Heels in 2002. "Play 40 minutes of ball." Basically, it means you can't sing the hell out of it to end, or to begin. You have to come proper ALL THE TIME. Anwar... didn't. AND he has to pick better songs to focus more on his middle register.

Nadia Turner is next, and hopefully, we don't see the mohawk from hell. Apparently that was one of her favorite hairstyles from the 90s. One of her favorite songs was "I'm the Only One" by Melissa Etheridge.

What they say: Randy loves Nadia's performance style; "You really made something out of that song." Paula thinks that it was miles better from last week. Simon: "Miles better from last week." But that song may leave the crowd "a bit cold."

What we say: Infinitely better. Nadia's starting to diversify, and it's a good thing. Whether that performance got her out of trouble? I don't know. It was a mite sketchy at the chorus. And again, the range that you need to pull off that song isn't there.

Constantine Maroulis is a grunge man from way back, which inspired his style. But he switches it up tonight with Bonnie Raitt's bluesy "I Can't Make You Love Me."

What they say: Randy thinks Constantine was at his best tonight. Paula agrees, calling it refreshing. He's creeping into favorites category. Simon thinks he outsung Bo tonight. "You absolutely appeal to your target audience, and your target audience will LOVE that."

What we say: Still pitchy, but a good change up. Constantine may have won some more fans with that stage presence. We see the natural charisma that propelled him into the top 24 tonight, and that's a good thing.

Nikko Smith calls the 90s emotional, as this was the decade that his dad, Ozzie Smith, retired from the Cards. He never saw him cry before. Tonight, he gives us "Can We Talk" by Tevin Campbell.

What they say: Randy: "I don't know what happened. I'm so happy you're back into this competition. You're back. You blew it out. That was incredible." Paula calls another great week. Simon calls the breath of fresh air "a good copy of the original." Nikko'll take it.

What we say: Nikko's one of those performers who goes from strength to strength. He's obviously a big-voiced soulster, and he has no problem showing it off. Now let's see if he can apply himself with other choices.

Anthony Fedorov came to America in 1994, and he was instantly entranced. He hopes that we're entranced by Elton John's "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" and/or his new looks (sans glasses)

What they say: Randy thought it was alright. (read: bad). Paula thought it was a good job. Simon: "I thought that was excruciating. Middle, beginning, and end."

What we say: Hoo boy. He's all show and no voice tonight. It was all over the place vocally, he shouted the ending vocals, and my god, is that a Power Morpher he's wearing on his belt? Obviously took the 90s schtick a little too far.

Carrie Underwood relates her first date, her father, and a shotgun.

*stunned silence*

She comes on with Martina McBride's "Independence Day".

What they say: Randy says great more than a few times. Paula loves her natural performance. Simon: "You have something different. That 'it' factor."

What we say: Again, not my favorite song (but that's personal preference), but you have to admire Carrie for coming at it full force. The tone is right on, and the choice of sonce souldn't have been more suited for her.

And now, Scotty the Body takes the stage with memories of music and restaurants. Mm-hmm. He sings Brian McKnight's "One Last Cry." This is one of my favorites, Scott. Don't mess it up.

What they say: Randy called it very ambitious, but just "alright". Paula didn't hear Randy's pitchy comment. Simon thought that if this was a karaoke bar, he'd turn the microphone off.

What we say: You messed it up. Admirable range, but you overpowered it. This is a ballad. You don't need that much English on it. As a result, you had a compensatory ending.

One more performance, courtesy Vonzell Solomon. She started in the martial arts when she was 5 and earned her black belt at 9. PR reference #3: if this doesn't work out, she could always travel to New Zealand for a year and don spandex. For now, though, she has nothing. No, seriously, she sings "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston.

What they say: Randy said that Vonzell was on fire. Paula thought it was better than Whitney. "America is falling in love with you. You gave one of the top-notched performances of the sight." Simon thinks she pulled it off.

What we say: They always say if you're going to do Whitney, you have to be as good if not better. She was better. Part of that can be attributed to the background, but you know, for some good shots, you have to be fed. And she was fed. Very nice performance to round out the night.

So based on tonight, Carrie, Vonzell, Nikko, and Constantine needn't worry, but Anthony, Scott, Anwar and Jessica just might. Okay, you want something more sustaining for I Love the 90s. Well...

Best Week Ever: Carrie, Vonzell, Nikko, Constantine
Strange Love: Jessica, Anwar, Bo, Nadia
Awesomely Bad: Anthony, Scott

Roundtable Idol Live is next tomorrow.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE

Top of this Page
| Home | Inside | ShortShots | Prime Recaps | Archive | Extra | WLTI | Lineup | Contact |

© Copyright 2005 Game Show NewsNet