"Week Two": July 18-20, 2005
Okay, it's performance
night, and here's Brooke Burke to hand the stage over to
the remaining 13 singers. Once again, the world and INXS
will decide.
First up, singing "What I Like About You" by the
Romantics, here's Chicago's very own Marty Casey!
What they say: Dave likes the stage presence.
Jon agrees. Kirk just calls it "awesome".
What we say: Not exactly his best performance,
as I don't even think that he knows what he's doing. Could be a help though,
given the song. Now if he can just get out there a bit more :)
Last week was Daphna's birthday, so as a gift,
Heather gives her the song that she was going to sing. That said, here to sing
"I Hate Myself for Loving You" by Joan Jett, from NYC, it's Daphna Dove!
What they say: Dave wishes Daphna a happy
birthday, calling himself a fan and saying she did a kickass job. Tim loved the
kick, but says that she needs to extend herself.
What we say: Sure looks good. Sure sounds good.
She just oozes sex appeal. She owned that song. But the little curtsey at the
end... I didn't get it.
Last week, Ty had TWO kick ass performances.
Going for number 3 with The Killers' "Somebody Told Me", here's LA's Ty Taylor!
What they say: Dave cites Ty on his "theatre
experience". Andrew says that he needs to keep in mind that he's looking for a
band. Kirk wants to see something "diverse".
What we say: One... two... THREE! Ty has come to
win. He's definitely a favorite.
Now we go to the bottom of last week, as Suzie
wanted to prove herself to the band. She got another chance, and she's using it
with "Roxanne" by the Police. From the TO, here's Suzie McNeil!
What they say: Dave says she nailed it. Andrew
said the style improved, while the song was sang with due seriousness. Tim says
that she did herself proud.
What we say: Not the best song choice. But kudos
to Suzie for trying to make the best of a bad situation. In the end, though,
she's just killing the song here. Like *raspberries*.
Last night, he was stumbling through the lyrics
of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." Tonight, we'll see how his all-nighter fares.
From Sydney, Australia, here's Mig Ayesa!
What they say: Dave calls it unbelievable. Garry
says it was funky. Tim says he's excited.
What we say: Listening with a cautious ear
here... Now I'm watching. Seems like he was spending all of his time trying to
remember the lyrics, and forgot how to move on stage! And the fall down... uh,
man down?
The next song from Neal had to have some melody,
said our resident rockers. So Neal took his prize from last show and went to
town on the "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams. From Queens, here's Neal Carlson!
What they say: Dave wanted to see something
different, and he got it. "To see you stand there and deliver that song was
right on." Garry questions whether or not Neal got it right.
What we say: Off-pitch. Seriously. Definitely in
trouble.
A few acts ago, we saw vocal diversity and and
surprising generosity from Heather. How is she going to change it up tonight?
Performing "It's Only Rock'n'Roll" by the Stones, from the United State of
Atlanta, here's Heather Luttrell!
What they say: Dave calls her sweet and sexy,
wanting to curl up into her cocoon. Tim says that she gets better.
What we say: Nailed it. Had just the right
amount of bluesy rasp to grasp that song.
Last week, JD got an encore for "California
Dreaming". This week, he's got duty with a fellow Canadian's hit, Alanis
Morissette's "Hand In My Pocket". From New Glasgow, NS, here's JD Fortune!
What they say: Dave calls JD on the masculine
arrangement, saying that it reminded him of "Faith" by George Michael. Andrew
said it worked. Garry says that he has the most focus on the prize. Meanwhile
the rest of the rockers are looking at JD's comment that "while the rest are
learning INXS songs, I know them, because I love them" like "What the hell..."
What we say: Another interesting twist on an old
favorite, and JD gives it due justice. One of the best, if not the best of the
night.
So as we come out of break, country almost
spelled death for Toronto's Tara, so she takes out Black Sabbath's "Paranoid".
Here Tara Sloan!
What they say: Dave asks her "What made you pick
that song?" Tara says that it's just one of the best metal songs ever. "And it
slightly different from 'Take It Easy.'" Andrew & Tim give her props as well.
What we say: Tara... Ozzy Osbourne you ain't.
That was way too forced, and you know it.
Song selection was a factor in this next act, as
Deanna gave up what she really wanted to do (which Daphna did). Now she's trying
her damnedest to feel "The One I Love" by REM. From Kingston, a town Vickers
knows all too well, here's Deanna Johnston!
What they say: Dave thought about the different
moves in emotion. Tim didn't think it was the best performance. Andrew wanted
more of the softer side of the song.
What we say: Very mellowed out version to start.
She made it work then. The emotion and the band were in sync from there on. But
something didn't quite work, and I think Andrew nailed judgment on this one.
From REM to Hoobastank, as we get another
favorite, a strong one amongst the females. From St. Paul, MN, singing "The
Reason", here's Jordis Unga!
What they say: Dave didn't really like that
song... until now. Jon likes the way she looks, sings, and pitches, even when
pushes. Kirk says, "Big hair, big belt buckle, big voice, big future."
What we say: Weak to start, but recovers nicely.
Form there, she doesn't let up, and it shows, as she makes the song hers. That's
what's gonna get you the prize. And having the rest of the rockers behind you
won't hurt either.
Two more rockers, one... a cloner. Will she step
it up with Jimi's "Purple Haze"? Let's find out. From Chi-town, here's Jessica
Robinson!
What they say: Dave wants to know about song
choice. Jessica says it was different. Garry calls the song choice brave, but
not as different.
What we say: Just what the hell is she looking
at? Audience... over here. Aside from that, it was just same old, same old. Sure
she did something different, but damn, was it safe or what?
Last song, as Daniel Boone takes the stage for
Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama". On guitar from Beaverton, MI, here's
Brandon Calhoon! And he's not wearing any shoes tonight either. Could be a good
sign...
What they say: Dave thought it was a great song
for him. "Two words to add... Brandon Calhoon." Kirk thought timing was better
this week, wanting him to lose the guitar for next week.
What we say: He has the look, the sound, and the
attitude of the quintessential old-school rocker. I love this performance, it's
among the best tonight. Intonation's a tad off, though.
After this episode, I am convinced that Brooke
Burke is the worst thing to happen to the word "Rock" since the dude who
invented the Pet Rock. But what's the best thing to happen to this stage
tonight?
ROCK STARS: Brandon, Ty, Suzie, Jordis, JD
ROCK SOLID: Daphna, MiG, Deanna, Heather
BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE: Jessica, Neal, Marty, Tara
Seems like three of the four earned definite
slots at the bottom, but which three? That's for you to decide.
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