How did the American Idols do tonight – vote now at 1-866-Idol and last two digits below
Tonight on American Idol, Ryan Seacrest telling folks “We started out with 100,000 and we are now down to 5 contestants-this is American Idol!”
He continued saying, “It is an exciting time. Meet the judges on Idol, Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell. Last week we said goodbye to Siobhan. It was a wakeup call to not forget to vote for your favorite.”
Frank Sinatra is Classic Theme with Harry Connick Jr. Mentoring Idols
This week Harry Connick Jr mentored the idols. Harry is a singer, musician and actor. He did his first recording at age 10. Later, at age 22, he recorded “When Harry Met Sally. Harry has sold over 25 million albums and told the crowd about them week, “Great songs can be interpreted in a myriad of ways.”
Frank Sinatra was the pinnacle of interpreting songs. Frank did it one way and the American Idols can do it their own way. Franks’ popularity has not waned. Although Sinatra died in 1998, he will be remembered as one of the most iconic performers of all time.
They showed a clip of Frank, good ole blue eyes, performing in a few scenarios. He’s a tough guy to measure up to.
For the American Idol Show, Harry offered to help the idols with the music as well as mentoring them; he did the arrangements and brought his band so American Idol kept him pretty busy.
When Connick came on stage, I thought, ‘Now there’s a guy that makes Ryan Seacrest look small, and that is unusual with the exception of Big Mike.’ Harry said, “These contestants are great singers and they are learning a lot. They were humble through the process and it was really nice to see that.”
Ryan asked Harry, “What is the key or the message for the contestants?” and Harry replied, “Well, with singing you have lyrics and the melody. Sometimes you forget you need to be singing words, even me, sometimes.
Nancy and Tina Sinatra were in the audience on American Idol
We were introduced to Nancy and Tina Sinatra who were sitting in the audience. Simon is a huge fan of Frank Sinatra, (his favorite singer) and he was given one of Frank’s monogrammed handkerchiefs and Simon said he was honored and it would mean something to him for the rest of his life.
Aaron Kelly – #5701 or #5706
Right away, Harry cracked a joke and put Aaron at ease. He showed Aaron how if he held a note, it would be off harmonically and tried to get Aaron to focus on listening. Harry liked Aaron and thought he had a sweet voice. Aaron was very nervous as he started off tonight on Idol with Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon”. He struggled a lot in the first 10 seconds, but he started warming up. He did pretty well with the song, but it was missing Frank’s punch and seemed to push his low range. My vote: 4
Randy said, “One of the things I was looking for was who’s in it to win it. I was asking who is going to bring it hard. Sinatra was the best ever, and here we got Harry Connick here too. Dude-you did a really good job.” Ellen said, “I thought the piano was a little pitchy. I was worried for you too, but you really pulled that off. Beautiful vocals.” Kara said, “I liked it but I don’t think it was as good as last week. I want you to learn a little more charisma. Frank was just about as tall as you, but he built everything up. You need to break out and fill up that stage. It’s not a negative honey, its constructive criticism.” Simon said, “First to the Sinatra’s, about the hankie, I will treasure this for the rest of my life”, then to Aaron he said, “Frank had a swagger, he was the king of cool. He was the lion and you were the mouse. It was a bit corny, but the one thing about you is that people like you because you do try hard and I will give you that.”
Casey James – #5702 or #5707
Ryan was kidding Casey when the camera came back, telling him, don’t screw it up. Ryan said, “We almost lost Casey not just because of the votes, but because of one of your friends.” Casey told the audience he got a call from a friend who doesn’t watch television who told him, that the group had a gig this Friday for $50.00 and free food.” Casey told him, “I’m playing on national television, dude, I’m busy but go ahead and watch on Tuesday.”
Casey said, “I have been listening to Harry Connick Jr. all my life. He’s hilarious, I couldn’t stop laughing. It was great because I was so freaking nervous.” Harry said, “I could tell the way he was singing it wasn’t about the lyrics it was about the groove. I think it is going to be a blast to see Casey singing with the big band. Casey had his hair up in bun; kind of like violinist David Garrett, and I thought it was the best look for him. I definitely didn’t like Casey tonight but he looked good. I missed his guitar. My vote: 5
Randy said, “This was like for me, your worse performance. When somebody sings and the orchestra sounds out of tune you know you are in trouble. It didn’t work.” Ellen said,” I think it was a bad idea to have the piano on stage. (Laughter) I feel like what Simon was saying about Aaron. It is about sound and swagger. I didn’t feel like you were moving around in an easy or effortless way.” Kara said, “It took you a long time to warm up. By the end you had it; at least you held some notes. I had never heard you hold a note for longer than 2 seconds, but you sound like a lamb. It’s got a little vibrato that is a little out of control. I’m sorry.” Simon said, “It was really uncomfortable. Good news bad news? Good news- the band was great. Bad news-you weren’t fantastic. I thought you came over a bit embarrassed and awkward, you didn’t feel comfortable. At least you have a gig next week. Kara said, “AWWWW” as did the crowd. Simon actually said to the audience, that was a joke, but you could see Casey was crushed. Harry said, “You did it better a few hours ago. Not that it helps but it is really hard to hear up here.”
Crystal Bowersox – #5703 or #5708
Tonight Crystal performed Summer Wind. Harry wanted to know why “Summer Wind” and Crystal told him for personal reasons. He said, “I knew she was singing about something, I just didn’t know what.” (I wonder if this impeded his ability to help her.) Crystal said, “It’s a different style of singing for me, but Harry told her, “It still sounds true to you.” After talking with her for a bit he told her, “You know what’s happening.” Later he said, “I don’t know why that song means something to her.” Crystal was dressed glamorously with a long gown and her hair coiffed. But her singing reminded me of Katie Stevens when I heard her. Not so much feeling though – the song was too big for her. She had great moments and others where she sounded weak and sharp. My vote: 3
Randy said, “I don’t know. It was a great arrangement and it was a pretty subdued performance from you. I don’t think you did anything different with it; it was ok but a little sleepy.” Ellen said, “At first it was like you were swallowing every word and then you started really singing. I wanted you to loosen up more. I would never know that you were that other girl; really impressive.” Kara said, “It was out of your element but I kind of liked it. I don’t’ see you singing this type of music but I liked your phrasing; that’s why I kind of liked it.” Simon said, “I love this song, I don’t know if I would have chosen it for you. The first half was too jazzy, and the second half got a lot better, but I’m not going to lie. It was not your best performance. You’ve had two ok weeks, now it is about being in it to win it. Nail it week after week” and then Kara piped in, “Without losing yourself.”
As they broke for commercial, I couldn’t help but think Siobhan would have nailed this theme.
Michael Lynche – #5704 or #5709
Harry Connick Jr., told Mike, “You my friend are in your element.” Mike said, “My band is a 12-piece band, and it has been a great experience for me.” Mike said the song he was singing, “The way you look” is contagious; everybody dances when the song is played”. Harry told him, “Think about your girl when you sing. When you see how she looks you say, “You look freaking (accentuating the word) gorgeous.” Mike tried the song again, and Harry said, “That’s what I’m talking about.” To the camera Harry said, “If he is lucky enough to find that fleeting moment of truth, there’s nothing anybody can say because it will be perfect.” Mike said, “I got it!” Mike also looked very dapper tonight. Michael was the best so far this evening. I give him a 2.
By the way, whoever did the wardrobe this week was right on with everyone’s looks.
Randy said, “Mike, Yo. Harry an unbelievable arrangement, Mike unbelievable singing. When it is great, it’s great and you sang it well. You threw out the gauntlet; all eyes on Mike!” Ellen said, “You seemed to have the most comfort on stage. You seem to have more experience and you move easier than everyone else; a lot of charisma and very good.” Kara said, “Mike you found the drama, you took us up you took us down, and on a journey and above all you didn’t lose yourself in the song. You still did things that I said, I know who this is. That’s Big Mike.” Mike said, “This has been a tricky night. We have Harry on stage, the Sinatra’s in the audience, and you are singing my favorite singer of all the time. And if I’m being honest with you, the first three performances have been ok but with this performance you are back in the game. I actually felt that you listened and everyone worked together. It all just clicked, and everything worked. Fantastic.”
Lee Dewyze – #5705 or #5710
Lee Dewyze said, “This week I’m singing “That’s Life”. Harry said about Lee, “I like him a lot, and my wife thinks he’s really cute. It sounded awesome.” Lee had a swagger and a confidence we haven’t seen before. His personality shined and his smile was there but not like Tim Urban, where it didn’t stop; it was appropriate. My vote: 1
Randy said, “Another great arrangement. But dude you stayed your rocker-self. I could hear the guitar right through that and I loved it.” Ellen said, “At first I was distracted by his Harry’s organ, and then he walked around like it was different than the piano. I think if tonight was the last night of performances you would have just won this whole thing.” Kara said, “I want to ask you a question. Do you think you can win? To which Lee nodded his head and said, “Yes I believe it.” Kara said, “Go home and write it down one hundred times. You can win this thing.” Simon said, “What I really liked, and Harry you did absolutely wonderful with these contestants. What you managed to do with Lee tonight. You started off working in a paint shop. Harry brought out your personality and your confidence, you gave it 110%! By far the best performance of the night!”
Source:
Fox Television, American Idol 5/4/2010
