It’s down to the wire – next week is the finale. After being out of the country for almost two weeks I was really disappointed to find out that Matt wasn’t one of the contestants singing last night. When I watched the Top 4 “Standard’s” show this weekend Dwight, who should have been voted off weeks ago, butchered every song he performed. In fact other than Brian it was quite a disappointing show in what is usually my favourite theme show of the season. Thank goodness Dwight was voted off – there was no way he could have lasted another week after that train-wreck. So what we have left are three very diverse Idols for the Top 3. Are they the best from the Top 22? No not quite! However one of them sure deserves to be there. This week Sass Jordan mentored the contestants and I thought she brought out some wonderful sides to the Idols especially Jaydee. Each Idol sang two songs – one chosen by the judges and the other song was one of three songs submitted by each contestant that viewers voted for online.
1) Jaydee opened the show with Burton Cumming’s “Break It To Them Gently”. Farley picked this song and I have to say it was a brilliant choice. I really enjoyed Jaydee in the early part of the competition but thought he was totally out of his league by the Top 10. I don’t think I’ve changed my mind about that since then and can’t imagine how he’s lasted this long. However – he really sang this song well – in fact I’d say he did a really good job. Great start to the evening.
Jake – best singing, made it a country song not Burton Cummings
Farley – fantastic job, took ownership
Sass – honestly if you went and recorded it….hit single
Zack – honest, human performance
2) Brian followed with Procol Harem’s “Whiter Shade Of Pale”. This was Jake’s choice and it was another excellent song choice. I love this song and I can’t imagine anyone singing it better than the original group but Brian sure gave it a shot. I love his vocals and he just seems so comfortable on the Idol stage. Polished performance and stellar vocals – he’s on his way to the finale as far as I’m concerned.
Farley – no question you captured the essence, fantastic, well done
Sass – born perfomer, we love him too
Zack – … who care’s dude you’ve got it
Jake – first of all didn’t disappoint the judges, got chills
3) Zack picked “At 17″ for Carly Rae. I loved this song originally recorded by Janis Ian and then fell in love with it all over again with Jan Arden’s version. I thought Carly Rae had the emotional connection to the song but the vocals fell flat for me. I love her passion and unique tone but I was not as sold on this performance as the judges were.
Sass – made me cry. Kudos to the other judges for picking great songs.
Zack – thought Ryan Malcolm’s “He Ain’t Heavy” and Kalan’s “Nature Boy” moved everyone across the country but none of them artistic or emotional held a candle to Carly Rae’s performance.
Jake – perfect song, showed vulnerability
Farley – beautiful heartfelt performance
4) Jaydee submitted two Elvis songs and Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire”. The latter won in the people’s choice and it was another solid, spirited performance for Jaydee. I don’t know how Jaydee’s lasted this long but I don’t think he’ll be going home tonight.
Zack – didn’t sound imitating, unique individual
Jake – sang really well, would love to be in black
Farley – stick to guns
Sass – had fun
5) Brian Melo’s second performance of the night was “Lightning Crashes” (Live). I enjoyed Brian’s sincere performance however his vocals weren’t as strong as they were earlier in the evening. Brian has a natural ability to sell a song and his stage presence is always impressive. He’s been consistent week after week and certainly deserves to win this competition. Even though Brian’s vocals weren’t as polished as they usually are it was still a gutsy performance.
Jake – judges wanted to pick this song but Brian had already submitted it for people’s choice. Absolutely fantastic
Farley – you’ve been very astute, picking the right song
Sass – you know you kicked Ed Kowalczyk’s butt
Zack – sounded tired to me, crown shifted sideways – game is wide open
6) Carly Rae closed the show with Dido’s “White Flag”. I really enjoyed the first half of Carly Rae’s rendition of the song although it was hard to understand everything she was singing. Thought her stage performance in the second half of the song was very distracting. I think Carly Rae is vulnerable this week and the two guys will be fighting it out for the Idol crown.
Farley – amazing confidence, sense of understanding
Sass – stellar performance
Zack – she is what she is
Jake – sang it really well, good vocals
Best vocal performance
Brian – “Whiter Shade of Pale”
Most surprising
Jaydee – “Break it to Them Gently”
Worst performance
Carly Rae’s “White Flag”
Going Home – Carly Rae Jepsen
Really surprised that two weeks in a row I’ve been so disappointed in Carly Rae’s performances. I thought the song choices were really good for her yet somehow the performances just fell flat for me. I’m also surprised I liked Jaydee – hey he can actually sing! Brian was amazing as usual – why don’t we just hand him the crown now!
Results show is one hour long tonight. Kalen Porter, Ryan Malcolm with his band Low Level Flight and Jacob Hoggard and his band Hedley all perform on the Idol stage.
diane@idoloutlook.com
