American Idol Recap: Top 11 - Beatles Week Part 2

As if the first Beatles week wasn’t bad enough (technically it was the John/Paul songbook, but they WERE the Beatles)…Guess what kids?! We’re back for another with the top 11 and a new set of Beatles songs they can desecrate. Ryan seemed enthusiastic as he announced the Idols. It was Amanda first and it ended with Ramiele.

They all lined up and Ryan wished them luck before sending them off stage again a totally pointless display. Randy looked preppy in his powder blue V neck. I don’t know dawg. He just didn’t have that yo factor today. Paula looked drunk in her sparkly shirt, but then what else is new? And, of course, Simon looked calm and polished in a white sweater.

Before things got underway, Ryan asked the judges for advice for the idols. Randy recommended that they pick the right song. There are a lot of them to choose from, after all. Paula recommended that the ones who can take risks should continue to take risks. Finally, Simon said he felt this competition was half talent oriented and half vocally oriented. To win him over tonight, they just need to sing well. Obviously that would be easier for some than it will for others.

After Ryan gave a little tribute to the Beatles, as opposed to last week’s Lennon McCartney songbook, we were on our way. I have to say, I enjoyed the shots and clips of the Beatles, but was absolutely dreading the idols’ versions. I had three favorites last week and while I think they will pull through for me again, it’s everyone else I am afraid of.

Amanda Overmyer aka Skunky (if you don’t read my column regularly you might not realize I nicknamed her that) was first. Her memorable moment was playing on the big stage. After all, it was better than the flatbed trucks she is used to playing on. All I have to say is…wow. Words cannot express the thoughts running through my head at this moment.

What She Sang: “Back in the USSR”

What She Wore: Black tanktop and black jeans

How She Sounded: She said…Are you ready? I said..No. Wow. So, I can understand what Skunky is saying this week, but then she kept repeating “Back in the USSR”, so it wasn’t hard to figure out that was what she was mumbling. Come to find out that the performance does not improve one bit when you can understand her lyrics. She still slurs. Her performance value is stagnant. She’s loud and unamusing. I’m trying to pull a Paula and find one nice thing to say about Skunky, but I’ve come to the realization that I cannot even rely on her looks or hair like Paula would, because like her song those things suck, too.

What the Judges Said: Randy felt it was the perfect song choice, but there were some issues. She was a little pitchy (C’mon Randy, a little?!), but it was still good. Paula felt it was sketchy at first. She had bad timing and was pitchy, but she’s who she is, and that’s what she loves. Simon felt it was predictable and a bit of a mess. It was the same thing as last week and the weeks before that. Amanda commented that she wants to show America what they would see at her concert. Simon reminded her she wasn’t selling tickets yet.

Wow. It was nice to see Simon bashing her for a change because what was with him liking anything about her? I’m guessing a momentary lapse caused by his infatuation for Seacrest.

Speaking of Seacrest, Ryan sent us to a break, with promises of Kristy Lee Cook and David Archuleta when the show returned. When they commercials ended, it was Kristy Lee Cook up first. She likes to look through her photo book before going on stage because she misses and loves her family. Her most memorable moment always comes from being the last man standing, which seems to happen at every elimination ceremony.

What She Sang: “You’ve Got to Hide your Love Away”

What She Wore: A Black plastic-y, pinstripe type, long sleeved dress.

How She Sounded: She didn’t seem to change too much except for the gender of the his and her. She just wasn’t suited for this song. She claims that she was going to sing with her heart, but apparently it is broken. She screams through part of it, other parts are pitchy, and it’s generally off beat. What’s up with her changing the melody anyway? It was written the way it was for a reason! John is rolling again between her and Amanda. It’s very, very depressing, but it should assure that unless someone else refuses to sing that she will be the one to go home.

What the Judges Said: Randy loves that song, but felt it was an interesting arrangement. It was not emotional enough and it was too safe. Paula felt she should have stuck with the melody, though she looked pretty. It was good on the high notes. Simon feels she needs hypnosis. She’s a bad performer. It’s like listening to musical wallpaper. You can notice that she’s singing, but you don’t remember it.

David A was up next. His most memorable moment was hard to choose. He loved being able to sing “Imagine” and he hated forgetting his lyrics in front of 30 million people. He had to keep going, but it was hard so he tried to concentrate on the positive.

What He Sang: “The Long and Winding Road”

What He Wore: Brown suit jacket, white printed shirt, and jeans

How He Sounded: David managed to redeem himself this week with a slower rendition that was beautifully performed. This is one of the ones where you don’t compare him to the Beatles; you just enjoy what he offers. I have to say though, with the notes spot on and the sound just gorgeous, I think that the Beatles would have been honored to hear this particular rendition the way it was done. This is what American Idol is all about.

What the Judges Said: Randy couldn’t talk right away due to the screaming crowd. He loved it and it was hot! He felt he could have done a few runs, but it was very, very nice. Paula felt this was the most exciting performance. He came back strong and he’s wonderful. Simon felt last week was a mess, but this week he was amazing. He made Simon’s point that you need to sell the song and be memorable. David is the master class.

After the break it was time for Michael Johns to hit the stage. Before we got to Michael, Ryan did a live commercial for the iPhone. The judges did a Coke spot. It was pretty boring. Finally, on to Michael, his moment was singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Hollywood Week. He was excited to do the Beatles again because he loves how versatile they are.

What He Sang: “A Day in the Life”

What He Wore: A purple, short sleeved button down, tie, and black pants

How He Sounded: Michael has such a sexy voice, so I was hoping for something hot. This is a long song, so I wasn’t sure how it would work out. It’s also one of my favorite songs by the Beatles. He managed to take all the best parts and gave a decent performance. There were some notes that were off, but the arrangement was good. I liked the middle more so than anything else. The problem is that when you’re as good as Michael is, you expect a bigger game and I don’t think he brought it tonight. He is still one of my favorites though and he was still, at his worst, one of the best of the night so far.

What the Judges Said: Randy felt it wasn’t one of his best performances. It wasn’t the right song for him. It wasn’t good. Paula liked his dress rehearsal and it sounded good, but he needs balance. Simon felt it was a mess. The right notes weren’t hit. It wasn’t a minute and a half song. Michael needs to nail the song like David did and he didn’t do it.
Brooke White was up after a commercial. Her favorite moment was “Let it Be”, last week during the Lennon McCartney songbook. The moment was so big for her. She’s been playing piano since she was seven years old and everything just sort of came to fruition.

What She Sang: “Here Comes the Sun”

What She Wore: A yellow dress with minimal ruffles

How She Sounded: I never expected Brooke to be one of my favorite performers, but I have to say she’s grown on me quite a bit. I don’t mind her doing the Beatles because I feel that she is respectful of their work. She reminds me of a younger Carly Simon. I think regardless of whether or not she wins, she will have a career in the music business for a long time to come. She just lights up on the stage and she manages to bring emotion to her songs that a lot of performs leave out.

I don’t know that this was her best song. She had a little bit of oddness when she was dancing, but regardless I know she won’t be going home and she won’t be the worst that we’ve heard tonight. It’s likely that she will be one of the better ones.

What the Judges Said: Randy felt it was awkward. She wasn’t connected to the song. It was not hot. Paula cannot help but smile watching her and listening to her. She also likes the low tones to her voice. It could have been more challenging and she shouldn’t have played it as safe. Simon knew she would pick yellow. The performance was terrible. The dancing was horrible. It was forgettable. It’s all about song choice.

David Cook came next. David’s most memorable moment was last Tuesday. He loved having that rock star feeling that came from last week. The judges comments didn’t hurt either. It made him feel like he was headed in the right direction.

What He Sang: “Daytripper”

What He Wore: A black leather jacket, dark gray vest/shirt combo, and slacks

How He Sounded: He was playing his guitar and working with the band as he sang. I have to say. I wasn’t sure last week, but this week I am sure. Short of the other David, this has been one of my favorite performances of the night. He’s an amazing rocker and will be a nice addition to the rock albums that are available now. This could have easily been something that you would hear on the radio. His voice was perfect and the song just came through naturally. It was awesome.

What the Judges Said: Randy loves him because everything is like he’s performing at a concert. It was solid though maybe not his best. Paula thinks he’s ready to go sell records. It was cool. Simon didn’t think it was as good as he thought it was. He looked smug and the voice box was stupid. The element of surprise is gone. It was predictable and he didn’t like the version.

Carly Smithson was up after a break. Carly loved last Tuesday. Hearing Simon say she was comparable to Kelly Clarkson was a big thrill. Tonight she is singing something more ballad-like.

What She Sang: “Blackbird”

What She Wore: A red satin top and black pants

How She Sounded: Her voice is so amazing. I’m a big fan of this song, as well. When Sarah McLachlan did it she took it into another direction. Carly used her lower range and offered a strong kick to it. Normally, she does the rock twist, but just being able to listen to her sing was so impressive. She gave David a run for his money tonight. Actually, I have to say, it would be hard to beat her as the best of the evening. She was absolutely stunning.

What the Judges Said: Randy felt it was another great performance. It was very nice. It was very cool. Paula feels her tone is great and the arrangement was beautiful. She’s fantastic with a Capital F. Simon didn’t think “Blackbird” was the right song choice, but then it didn’t seem like Simon was fond of the song he once claimed was called “Sparrow”. It was indulgent. Carly explained why she chose the song. It had to do with being beaten by the music industry and being able to fly on American Idol. Simon felt uncomfortable though, because now he sees them all as broken birds.

Jason Castro was up after the break. His memorable performance was “Hallelujah”. Despite an awful bad note, no one seemed to care. He had to learn some French to sing tonight’s song, which was a challenge.

What He Sang: “Michelle”

What He Wore: A Cream button down with Blue Trim and Jeans

How He Sounded: I love this song. I don’t love Jason singing it though. It’s not that he’s completely horrible. It is little things that annoy me when it comes to Jason singing this song. Like the beautiful sound of the Beatles singing it in their own classic way. It’s the pronunciation of Michelle and the way he doesn’t seem altogether comfortable with it. It’s the odd facial expressions that slip every few seconds. It’s the goofy grin and the oddity of the whole performance. He should have skipped learning French because this whiny version didn’t do anyone any favors. I would have gladly passed here. I don’t like crybaby singing.

What the Judges Said: Randy said he loves this song, but it was a little interesting. He doesn’t know. He didn’t get it. It was alright. Paula felt he had a charm about him. However, he was disconnected because he was away from his guitar. It was awkward and like a polka. Simon felt that the second Beatles week was a bad idea, especially since last week was much better. His face sold the whole thing, but had he been on radio Simon would have turned him off.

Syesha was set to go on after another break. Her most memorable moment was being in the bottom three. She needed to be there to kick her in the butt and to get the inspiration to go forward. She is singing this week’s song because she did it in a middle school Beatles medley.

What She Sang: “Yesterday”

What She Wore: A green patterned tank dress

How She Sounded: This is, by far, one of the most popular Beatles songs ever. Her rendition is much slower, somewhat whiny, and sort of suicidal. It just reminds me of a girl who broke up with her boyfriend and decided to sing a song before jumping out the window. We already know she can do a ballad, so the need for her to squeal through this just bores me and makes me want to get rid of her. Most of her notes were fine when she wasn’t screaming. It was just the most boring rendition she could have ever managed and it didn’t do her any favors at all. I like Whitney Houston, but with Syesha trying to be her on a Beatles ballad…I just wasn’t buying its authenticity or appeal.

What the Judges Said: Randy felt it was a very good performance. Paula loves seeing her change. The vulnerability was beautiful. She needs to connect more with the audience, but it was beautiful. Simon thought it was the best performance she has ever done. That being said, it wasn’t incredible. She chose a good song. Brooke should have actually sung this song, but this song and the performance she gave should keep her on the show.

Chikezie was up next after a break. Chikezie’s memorable moment was in Hollywood Week. He got compliments from all of the judges and it felt good. He was thrilled to do the Beatles. His favorite Beatle is John Lennon. We have something in common.

What He Sang: “I’ve Just Seen a Face”

What He Wore: A black jacket, orange t-shirt, and jeans

How He Sounded: He’s not horrible. He gave the song a little R&B spin. However, the song is just incredibly odd in this arrangement. The minute he brought the harmonica in, and tried to speed it up and turn it into a hoedown, I was over it. Jesus, what is with this guy and hoedowns? It’s incredibly annoying. He just keeps singing the same line over and over and it’s just as scary as the last time. Thank god the Beatles aren’t coming back next week.

The final performance was with Ramiele Malubay. Her memorable moment was making friends with the American Idols. David Cook is like her big brother and Brooke is like the mom of the group.

What She Sang: “I Should have Known Better”

What She Wore: A hat, yellow and black corset top and black pants.

How She Sounded: This just turned out weird for me. Last week sucked and this week is just ridiculous. She made sure to dance and make things more up tempo, but it was just incredibly campy and strange. It was a bad song choice with safe, mediocre vocals. It sounded like she was trying to channel Debbie Gibson in her “True Blue” days. I was ready for this campiness to be over just about as soon as it started.

What the Judges Said: Randy liked it, but he wasn’t jumping up and down. It was happy, but it was alright. Paula felt it was better than last week. She needed to pick the right song. Simon felt like Chikezie was on the harmonica. The problem was that the entire thing sounded amateurish. She didn’t show the best of her ability.

The best of the night: David Archuleta was the first impressive performance. Another favorite was David Cook. Those were my favorite male performances. They both reminded me of something that you would expect to hear on a CD. They were incredibly impressive. For the girls, Carly and Brooke were my favorites. Overall, Carly stole the show.

The worst: Jason was forgettable, whiny, and altogether awful. Chikezie was just altogether awful. Syesha made me want to jump off a bridge just to end the agony. Kristy Lee Cook was just about how she always is…not good enough to make the cut. Ramiele was overly campy. Skunky was Skunky. She is never any good, so it’s not like I can say anything nice about her.

Everyone else was alright or forgettable. When it comes to who should be going home I would say Skunky, but no one seems to listen to me. It took Sanjaya a few weeks before he got to leave, so I guess she will likely be around next week. Jason and Kristy are probably on the shakiest ground though Chikezie wasn’t too great either, so I’m guessing it will be one of those three.

Technorati Tags: American Idol, recap, Beatles Week, Skunky Overmyer, Amanda, Chikezie, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns. David Archuleta, David Cook, Brooke White, Ramiele Malubay