A now and then theme for this week? I can't wait to head more of the same... then see what Idol's definition of "now" is. The Adele catalogue is "Now", right?
Top 4 (Again), Song 1: Now, which is 2013
Angie Miller "Diamonds" by Rihanna
Same old same old, but a great re-arrangement. But that high note? Yikes. Bet the judges will single out the note as being brilliant, though. Or ignore it completely, because telling the truth would be criticizing the producer's favorite! Can't have that!
Amber Holcomb "Just Give Me a Reason" by P!nk and Nate Ruess
What we have here is a really good karaoke version. Amber sang the song well enough, but there was absolutely no connection to the lyrics. The original song, like all of P!nk's ballads and mid-tempo songs, are so personal and heartfelt... but Amber performed it like an Idol victory song.
Candice Glover "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
Idol is trolling us by putting these two songs back to back, right? Candice takes a song that doesn't apply to her at all, and still connects to it in a way that makes it seem like her song, all the while singing the hell out of it. As usual, another master class by Candice.
Kree Harrison "See You Again" by Carrie Underwood
You know, this is probably my favorite song on Carrie's album... and Kree improved on it, in almost every way. You can see it in Kree's face that she got the song and was singing it from where it should be sung from. Spectacular.
Top 4, Song 2: Then
Angie "Someone to Watch Over Me"
Terrible arrangement. Angie doesn't have the vocal prowess to do what this arrangement required, and it showed. Such a simple song, and this take on it ruined it all.
Amber "My Funny Valentine"
Harry Connick, Jr. for the win. Him calling out Amber for not knowing what she was singing was absolutely perfect, and was completely right. I'd dare say this was Amber's best performance so far, the first time I've ever bought into the judges hype. I don't know if this performance will win her votes (and she should still be the one to go home), but in the moment, this was fantastic.
Candice "You've Changed"
I vote that Harry Connick, Jr. replace Jimmy Iovine, and mentor the contestants each and every week. His tips here are, again, spot-on, leading to complete and utter perfection. By the end of Candice's run on the show (and if this was her end... shame on you, America), I don't think you'll be able to pick out a 'best performance'. Girl is a star.
Kree "Stormy Weather"
Alright, now here's where Harry stumbles a little bit. I totally get and agree with him about how runs and singing songs straight... but there is a line between showy runs and making a song their own. The little licks that Kree uses at the end of some phrases, to me, would be perfectly fine for standards. Runs, not so much. Personal preference, I suppose. I do think Kree got a little bit in her own head here, trying to strike that balance. Overall, the result was quite good, but could have been better if she was freer, if that makes sense.
Wrap-Up
Overall, this week completely made up for last week's stinker of a week. All four contestants brought their A-game (for the most part). While I don't quite understand the value of having a standards theme on Idol (I never have), they are almost always my favorite. This season is no different.
And the judges weren't blatantly throwing contestants under the bus for no apparent reason this week! Huzzah!
Timm's Votes
I'm throwing all my weight behind a Kree/Candice final. I've been pretty clear with that from the get-go.
Kree - 25
Candice - 25
I will freely admit Candice won this week, but Kree needs my support.
I would guess that Angie is safe... and I'll pick Amber to go home. Who will be in the bottom 2, I don't know.
