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"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.
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