Lil Rounds, Scott McIntyre, Ju’not Joiner- American Idol Top 36 Batch 3 Performance Night
Tonight, in what may be considered the best group among the hopefuls, batch 3 of the American Idol Top 36 battle it out for a spot in the Top 12. Each of the contestants chose songs from The Billboard Top 100. Starting off tonight’s round of performances was Missouri native Von Smith.
Smith performed Marvin Gayes hit “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Paula Abdul all agreed he was better than his previous performances. Simon Cowell on the other hand, said that Smith reminded him of Clay Aiken- and that he looked “appalling.”
Next up was 17-year old Taylor Vaifanua who performed “If I Ain’t got You” by Alicia Keys. DioGuardi says she hit the notes and has talent, but wants to see more of Vaifanua’s personality to come through. She even ssaid the performance left her “cold.” Abdul expressed that she whished Vaifanua sang something else, as the judges have already heard it during Hollywood Week. Cowell said her performance was”bland.”
It was Alex Wagner-Trugman’s turn to take the stage after the show returned from the break. The 19-year old sang “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” by Sir Elton John. Cowell said he enjoyed watching but not listening to him.
“The Winner Takes It All“, an ABBA hit, was 16-year old Arianna Afsa’s song choice. She took liberties with the melody of the song, to which the judges didn’t like. Abdul said it would have been better f she stuck with the original melody.
Ju’not Joiner sang ” Hey There Delilah.” Jackson said he loved it. DioGuardi thought it was so smooth and very fluid. Abdul expressed that the great thing about his performance was tht he changed it, She added that ” the liberties you took really paid off.” Cowell commented that it was “actually better than he thought it was gonna be.” And that it was a liitle bit “safe.”
Kristen Mcnamara’s version of “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman was somewhat well received by the judges. DioGuardi said she liked her hair and called her a great singer. She added “I see you doing more like a Kelly Clarkson song.” Abdul felt it was a little safe; she said the vocals were great but prefers Mcnamara’s Hollywood Week song. Simon felt it was an odd song choice but praised her for her good voice. Cowell did criticise her style and went on to say it looks like her mother styled her for a pageant. Jackson said it’s a very easy song; and that he felt he was at karaoke.
Self-confessed “drama queen” Nathaniel Marshall performed Meatloaf’s “I Would Do Anything For Love.” Marshall’s performance was a combination of rock and disco and received a lot of feed back from the judges. Simon thought it was verging on excruciating but did say that on a positive note thinks people will remember him. Randy said it’s hard for him to imagine what type of record they would make with Marshall.
“If you wanna be taken seriously, you have to pick a song that shows the serious side of you.” says judge DioGuardi. Paula Abdul likened the sound to Boy George, further adding that Marshall’s rendition “took the magic out” of the song. Marshall later on sat on Abdul’s lap and gave his headband to Cowell.
Felica Barton, Joanna Pacitti’s replacement, sang “No One” by Alicia Keys. It was a good performance, save for a few pitch problems. Her soulful voice really was an almost perfect match for the song. Abdul raved ” Your talent is unbelivable. I am so glad we brought you back.” Cowell thought the first part was better than the 2nd half, and felt that it was a copycat performance. Jackson said it was hot and DioGuardi rounded up the feedback with “I noticed you tonight for the first time.”
Vision-impared Scott McIntyre sang “Mandolin Rain.” Jackson said “Everytime I hear you sing I can feel the passion. Job well done.” “You move mountains when you step on that stage. I want America to see you play,” said DioGuardi. Abdul seconded DioGuardi’s statement and added that McIntyre is one of AI’s finest. Simon on the other hand, wasnt crazy about the song. He did say, however, that he’s growing on him. Cowell further added “In a sea of forgettable people tonight, you are the only one I’ll remember. I’ll be amazed if you didn’t make it.”
24-year old Kendall Beard chose “This One’s For The Girls” Kara noticed some pitch problems. Paula said “You take the prize on the best outfit. I think you did a good job.” Simon thought she did the right thing tonight. Cowell says “I think you could have chosen a song that better suited your voice. it’s just not my cup of tea. ” Randy felt that the song choice was good but added “It just wasn’t your best vocals.”
Puerto Rican Jorge Nunez’ rendition of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” got a standing ovation from gave judge Paula Abdul. Abdul exclaimed “You sound so good!” Simon said he’s a very good singer. Randy said the vocals were really really good. Kara said “You were born to sing! You have that gift of touching people when you sing.” A tearful, yet ecstatic Nunez expressed how he felt in Spanish.
Rounding up tonight’s performances was Tennessee native Lil Rounds. She sang “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige. Simon called her brilliant added it was his favorite performance of the night. “I think you have great great prospects in this competiton. You are undoubtably one of the best.” Randy said she had unbelievable vocals; Kara said she was great. “I have a sneaking suspicion we’ll see you for more lil rounds,” Paula closed.
Tonight, America votes. Will early favorites Lil Rounds, Scott Mcintyre and Ju’not Joiner take the coveted spots in the American Idol Top 12? Or will one of the other contestants take it away from them. Find out tomorrow who joins Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and the rest at the American Idol Live results show.
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March 5th, 2009 at 3:15 am
I love Adam Lambert and I hope he wins.
http://adamlambert411.blogspot.com/
May 7th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
for me, american idol this year is much better than the previous one.