Last week... Lazaro in the top 3? Of course he was. Ugh. I had Burnell on my list, and he was absolutely the worst last week, so it's not a shock. He is going home early, but not crazy early. So, whatever. Initially, I thought maybe the save could be in play with Burnell, but then I thought better of it: that save is obviously reserved for a situation that jeopardizes a Kree/Candice finale. MAYBE a Kree/Candice/Janelle final 3. This is not that challenge.
This week's themes are the Bacharach/Hal David Songbook and "Songs You Wish You Wrote". Ugh. Aka, songs from the 60s/70s and a bunch of ballads. Gotta love it.
Top 6: The Burt Bacharach / Hal David Songbook...
Angie Miller "Anyone Who Had a Heart"
For someone that struggles a bit with performances being a little overdramatic, this arrangement doesn't do Angie a whole lot of favors... but other than that? Solid. They picked a great key for Angie's voice, and she sounded great, but the performance did seem to be on autopilot a little bit. Solid base for Angie to build on later tonight though.
Amber Holcomb "I Say a Little Prayer"
Of course someone would do this song... and it's done exactly as you'd expect it to be done. I absolutely love the song, don't get me wrong... but I'm so over it. The song Amber put on during the second verse, though? HOT. But not really the right song for that. But HOT.
Lazaro Arbos "Close to You"
Yikes, old Lazaro is back. Weak song choice, and massive pitch problems throughout. Add into it the usual Lazaro diction/performance issues, and this is a new low for Lazaro.
Kree Harrison "What the World Needs Now"
This performance is a bit of a mixed bag for me. The very beginning started off quite exciting, but the second part was a bit of a drag, the key change was fantastic, then the ending wasn't up to the OMGKREE level. Perhaps it's the saccarine song. I don't know. I'm very excited for a second Kree song tonight though.
Janelle Arthur "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
This is EXACTLY the song I wanted to hear from Janelle... but I'm underwhelmed. I've heard some great, re-imagined, pure country versions of this song, and this wasn't one of those. I really hate to say it, but this was very lounge singer like. Unfortunate.
Candice Glover "Don't Make Me Over"
And then we have Candice. Candice's Burt Bacharach is literally on a completely different level than anyone else. Candice sings the song in the original style, then fast forward to completely current with ease. Absolutely spectacular.
Top 6: ...and Songs They Wish They Wrote
Angie "Love Came Down" by Kari Jobe
THAT'S the Angie that I love. While I am a little concerned that this was very similar to her Colton Dixon performance, it won't matter. Wonderful.
Amber "Love On Top" by Beyoncé
I didn't feel this performance at all. I didn't like how the song sat in Amber's voice, didn't like the staging, didn't like the look, didn't like anything. Not the worst of the night (ahem), but probably the worst from Amber so far (for me).
Lazaro "Angels" by Robbie Williams
Lightyears better than his first performance of the night, but still pretty bad. Can the judges use a reverse save, and just give him the boot right now?
Kree "Help Me Make It Through the Night" by Kris Kristofferson
Pains me to say this, but I'm not feeling this performance either. A little sleepy for my tastes, and she didn't look too confident as she was performing. I understand it wasn't a big vocal song, but Kree felt to be holding back. Disappointing.
Janelle "The Dance" by Garth Brooks
This is, unfortunately, a very similar performance, results-wise, to her first performance. I was very excited to hear her sing this, but I was disappointed in the execution. I really wish Janelle made it her own a bit, as the karaoke approach didn't work for me. I'm nervous for Janelle.
Candice "Lovesong" by The Cure
You know, I typically hate when they proclaim something 'one of the greatest performances in the history of Idol', as Randy Jackson did... but you know what? That's accurate. Sure, she took a page from the Kris Allen Playbook (borrowing the Adele arrangement of an older song), but I don't even care. This was easily the best Idol performance in years.
Wrap-Up
I was previously holding out for more of two-woman race, but after tonight, there is a clear-cut front runner, and her name is Candice Glover. This is the Candice show and everyone else is jockeying for second place. What a night for her.
Also, what a night for Lazaro. In the other direction. Eek.
Timm's Votes
Well, what my votes would have been had I watched live.
Candice - 40
Kree - 10
I wanted to put 50 for Candice, but Kree's night wasn't a failure. I'd also throw some votes Angie's way, but I don't want to take any more from my girls. So, 40/10.
I'd probably name Lazaro, Janelle and Amber my bottom 3, with Lazaro going home. That said, Lazaro was SO BAD and the judges SO honest that he'll surely get a wave of sympathy votes. God, I hate America voting.
*checks results*
Kree/Candice? Then Janelle/Angie? Then Amber/Lazaro? And Lazaro is mercifully cut? I take it back... America, sometimes, you get it right.
Also, how fabulous was KELLY CLARKSON?!?!
Shut up, it's my blog, I can fangirl Kelly if I want to.
