The long awaited All-Star rounds of the American Idol competition began this week and the remaining 12 contestants got an opportunity to sing the Stevie Wonder song of their choice. Fortunately, for the contestants and ultimately the listening public Mr. Wonder has a wide range of songs to choose from.
Before getting into my recap of the show, I need to state that I have been duly reprimanded by the over 50 crowd for assuming that they are the ones keepingt Kevin Covias in the AI competition. I just want to state for the record that I have the utmost respect for the baby boomer generation and I have nothing but love for grandparents who love great music.
Speaking of great music, I like many of the contestants grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, who when you think about it was actually the Kevin Covias of my mother’s generation with one big exception. Unlike little Kevin, little Stevie could sing big.
For the all star performances, the American Idol contestants got to showcase their talents on a much larger stage with many more lights. They were also accompanied by a bigger band and had their vocals piped through a state-of the-art sound system. In addition, they each had stylists to help them with their looks.
Perhaps the most amazing thing about preparing for the Stevie Wonder show was that the man himself actually showed up to rehearse with the contestants. Ace Young was first up and he remarked, in his pre-taped segment, that he was awestruck by meeting Stevie. He also mentioned that he was only three years old when the song, “Do I Do”, was released.
I wished Ace would have remembered that he was no longer a three year old and hence could sing the song more seductively. He could have really worked it, but instead the performance ended up coming off mediocre.
Before critiquing Ace’s performance, Randy Jackson made a point of mentioning that Stevie Wonder songs are some of the hardest songs to sing. With that said, Randy commented that Ace started off not good. But Randy followed up by saying that he did like Ace’s energy. Overall Randy rated Ace’s performance just alright, which drew boo’s and jeers from the audience.
Not surprisingly, Paula Abdul totally disagreed with Randy’s assessment of Ace’s performance. She felt like Ace started off the night fantastic. Then she said that what she loved about Ace was his spirit (in Paula Abdul language that translates into I like your body). She appreciated the fact that Ace incorporated some cool dance moves into his performance and basically entertained everyone.
Simon said Ace was lucky that the audience was very easy to please. A comment that was greeted with more boos and jeers from the crowd. Simon persisted with his viewpoint. By basically agreeing with Randy that Ace’s vocals were not that great. Simon went on to say to Ace that his would not be the best vocal performance of the night (boy was he right). In conclusion, Simon remarked that Ace’s performance was a bit manic.
Kellie Pickler was next up and she readily admitted that she was not that familiar with Stevie Wonder’s work. While she was rehearsing with him, Kellie told Stevie that she was more into country music and asked him if he could tell by her accent. Stevie, jokingly, told her he thought she was from England. Once again, Kellie didn’t get the joke.
In addition to being unfamiliar with Stevie Wonder’s music, Kellie said she was not that cognizant about the whole genre of R&B. Hey, in my opinion, Rhythm & Blues and Country are pretty much the same forms of music, just sung by people with different dialects.
Kellie chose the song “Blame It on the Sun”. An R&B song that was destined to be redone as a country tune. If Kellie had of just relaxed more, she could have really pulled the song off. Don’t get me wrong, I think she did a good job with the song and I thought she looked absolutely amazing in her black, after-5-cocktail dress. But her nerves got the best of her on Wednesday night.
Randy said that it was a very interesting song choice for Kellie. Then he said that it was like a none event, as if it didn’t even happen. Randy followed up, by saying that all the spark he liked from Pickler wasn’t there and that the key she sang in was too low.
Paula said she could tell that Kellie was a little nervous and out of her comfort zone. Paula added that Kellie’s performance was too safe. All in all, Paula felt like Kellie didn’t take any chances with the song because she stuck with the straight melody of the song.
Simon thought everything went wrong with Kellie’s performance. He said that she put half of America to sleep with her performance. In Simon’s opinion, not only was the performance boring he also felt like it would never end. Then Simon turned his attention to Kellie’s wardrobe. He told her she looked like she went to the Dolly Parton school of fashion. In closing, Simon said it was Kellie’s worst performance so far.
In her post performance interview with Ryan Seacrest, Kellie took some time to try to endear herself to the audience by talking about her fake eyelashes. It was the first time she had worn them and she said that it seemed like little spiders on her eyes.
Now you know that Elliot Yamin was in idol heaven, when he met his idol Stevie Wonder. I mean the man was actually crying like a baby when he sat next to Stevie at the piano. Stevie was impressed with Elliot’s voice and even gave him the ultimate endorsement by saying that Elliot should definitely choose this (meaning singing) as a profession.
Elliot appeared on stage seated in a chair. He was clad in a white dinner jacket which he wore atop a blue shirt and a pair of jeans. In total contrast to Kellie, Elliot was completely in his comfort zone; maybe even a little bit too comfortable.
Elliot sang the song “Knocks Me Off My Feet” with total ease and finesse. And it sounded almost as good as the original. I thought it would make a worthwhile remake, but the judges were not as impressed.
Randy started off by stating that this was definitely Elliot’s comfort zone, but quickly followed that up by saying that he did not think it was his best performance (more boo’s from the audience). Randy backpedaled a bit, by saying that you get to see how hard it is to bring something new to a song that’s already great. Not wanting to end his boy’s review on a sour note, Randy said that at the end of Elliot’s performance he showed he had some flava and vibe.
Paula said that she loved how Elliot showed the greatest singer of all, Stevie Wonder, how moved and inspired he is by him. She also said that she loved Elliot’s passion and predicted that since he is such an amazing singer we will be seeing him for many more weeks to come.
Simon said that Elliot was the best so far (of course he was only third up). Once again Simon agreed with judge Randy Jackson by saying that Elliot’s performance lacked the WOW factor. Even though Simon thought that Elliot’s performance was good he felt like it didn’t have any originality and was really nothing more than a good rendition of a Stevie Wonder song. You could tell that although Elliot was taking Simon’s comments in, he was steadily thinking that Stevie Wonder said I got it going on and I really don’t care what you guys think.
Mandisa followed Elliot. After Ryan stripped Mandisa of her shoes, which were killing her feet, we got to see how nervous she was when she met Stevie Wonder. Stevie said he was really, really impressed with her version of “Don’t You Worry About A Thing”, but then he said that he thought that Mandisa could sing anything.
Shoeless, yet armed with Stevie Wonder’s seal of approval, Mandisa started off the song kind of rocky. However, as she found her groove she started to sell the song and truly make it her own. She wrapped it all up with a really big finish.
Randy said Mandisa’s performance was not as amazing as it was last week. He remarked once again how hard it is to bring something original to a Stevie Wonder song. However, he said he did note a little of Mandisa’s personality in the song. Then he dubbed her performance the best so far (try to keep up because this designation will change often).
Paula simply agreed that the very last thing Stevie said about Mandisa was true, which was she could sing anything.
Simon’s comments were also simple and sweet. He said now we have a competition and he also dubbed Mandisa‘s performance the best so far.
Gracing the stage next was Bucky Covington (or was it Rocky Covington). Like Kellie, Bucky never owned a Stevie Wonder album nor had he ever really listened to his music. That’s OK Bucky, but rest assured that the people you did listen to growing up did listen, and listened rather closely I might add, to Stevie. Of course, when Bucky heard the song “Superstition” he wanted to rush out immediately and buy all of Stevie’s ablums.
Stevie Wonder gave Bucky a little constructive criticism, when he met with him to go over his song choice. Stevie pointed out to Bucky how his voice has a tendency to get sharp when he gets nervous.
Obviously, Bucky took Mr. Wonder’s words to heart, because he put an amazing country rock spin on the classic song. Now if we could only work on his dance moves, we might have a hot one on our hands.
Randy didn’t feel like it was the greatest vocal performance, but he enjoyed it nonetheless. Randy also mentioned that it was good to see Bucky giving it his all
Paula said she actually enjoyed hearing Bucky sing a Stevie Wonder song. She said his performance was different, but that she wished he would have stepped out of his comfort zone a little more. All in all, Paula thought Bucky’s performance was really good.
Simon started with the positive first. He told Bucky that he thought his performance was one of the best so far. Then Simon turned around and slammed Bucky’s Jessica Simpson-like haircut. If that is the only negative comment Simon has, Bucky must have not done too badly. Bucky later remarked that it wasn’t his idea to wear his hair like that. I think they need to hold some auditions for some new American Idol stylists. Maybe Rachel Hunter will be willing to give the AI producers the numbers of some of the people who were eliminated from her show.
Let me just pause and say that I am happy that my prediction, last week, about Melissa McGhee being eliminated didn’t come true. But when you get a second chance aren’t you supposed to come out with your “A” game. I’m sure that is what Ayla Brown would have done. I mean how embarrassing is it to mess up an artist’s song in front of him? Well if you don’t know the answer to that question, just ask Melissa, because that is exactly what she did.
Melissa chose the song “Lately”, but it was a night of firsts for her. It was the first time she sang a ballad on the show and the first time she wore a dress while performing on it. Well she looked amazing in the dress, her stylists were on point, but she messed the song’s lyrics up again.
In addition to listening to Stevie sing the song, she should have checked out the version done by former American Idol contestant Fantasia’s famous cousins KC and JoJo (of the group Jodeci). That way she would have gotten a young and hip take on the song.
I think Melissa slightly pissed Randy off by messing up Stevie Wonder’s song on live television. In addition to messing up the lyrics, Randy stated that Melissa had some flat and sharp notes here and there, but he also remembered aloud why she was in the competition. He said it was because she had pipes and could definitely sing.
Paula raved that Melissa should wear a dress more often. Then Paula said so what if Melissa messed up the lyrics, because Melissa had a soothing voice that was like a breath of fresh air. A voice that in Paula’s opinion is unlike any other in the competition.
Simon had his own opinions about Melissa’s performance. He said that it was the best performance that she gave so far. He admitted that it wasn’t perfect, but he called it edgy, contemporary and basically a very good and strong performance.
Baby girl, Lisa Tucker, was in seventh heaven when she met Stevie Wonder. And incidentally she was also the seventh contestant to perform. It was kind of nice to see Lisa with Stevie, because it was the first time she actually appeared nervous and unsure of herself. Stevie worked it out with the baby doll and got her going on the right track with his song “Sign, Seal, Delivered (I’m Yours)”
It was really good to see Lisa appear on stage looking like a teenager, for once. As a matter of fact, she looked like she stepped right off of the pages of Teen Vogue, with her straightened hair, jeans and leather shrug. But I could kind of see whey she prefers to stick to ballads. I think it’s because singing is such a profession for Lisa that she fails to stop and have fun with her performances. She really did not look like she was enjoying herself on Tuesday. Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m no turncoat. I am still pulling for baby girl.
Randy started off the judges’ reviews, by stating that his comments were going to sound strange. Then he said the hottest part of Lisa’s song was the end of it. He said he got a little bored with the performance in the middle of it, primarily because the Stevie songs were starting to sound karaoke to him (I know what you mean, by #7 you get a little tired). He concluded by telling Lisa that she could definitely sing and that at the end of the song he got a chance to see a little bit of her personality.
Paula noticed that Lisa was a little nervous. However, Paula aptly pointed out to Lisa that she shined when she got outside of the melody and added her own little adlibs to the song.
Simon Cowell was on a completely different page from his cohorts. He said in his opinion, Lisa’s performance was one of the best of .the night. He explained that he felt this way because for the first time of the night he saw someone take control of this stage, which he further explained Lisa didn’t seem swallowed up by. He wrapped up his comments by stating that there are plenty of good singers in this country , but then you have got to have that something extra; the “IT” or “X” factor. Whatever it is called, I guess Simon thinks Lisa has the trait.
OK, I might have been wrong about Kevin Covias raking in the granny votes (hey Simon said it first), because it appears he appeals to the tween group much more. At first this revelation took me aback, but then I remembered that my own daughter once loved to listen intensely to and sing along with her Barney cassettes. Thank goodness she has since grown out of this phase.
Kevin felt it was his duty to sing “Part-time Lover”, seeing how he is the resident sex symbol on the show. I guess he has never taken a good look at Ace or Chris Daughtry.
Naturally Stevie, who was blinded shortly after birth, could not provide a commentary on Kevin’s look, but he had some very clear thoughts about his voice. Stevie said Kevin had a very interesting kind of voice, one that would bring a great sense of fun to the song.
It looks like Kevin is embracing the insinuations that he looks like Chicken Little, because during his performance I could have sworn he was doing the funky chicken. Look, I think by now everyone knows that I am not a Kevin Covias fan, but I actually kind of enjoyed his performance, on Tuesday.
Randy chuckled and told Kevin he loved him. Randy was as surprised as I was when he found himself enjoying Kevin’s rendition of the song. He said even though he didn’t expect it to be, Kevin’s performance was not only good, but in tune as well.
Paula also remarked that Kevin was in tune. She made a few comments about him having his own style (his stylists must have had the night off) and his own strange dance steps. However the bottom line, for Paula, was that it was a hard song to sing and keep in time and Kevin managed to do both.
Simon kept it real, as always. He said this is the point in the show where Stevie Wonder turns down the volume. He summed it all up by calling Kevin’s performance appalling.
This week, Katharine McPhee appeared in the number nine spot. She said even though Stevie Wonder is probably the person in the music industry that she would most love to work with, her heart sank when she found out they were doing Stevie Wonder week. She said she felt that way because she already attempted a Stevie Wonder song on the show
Katharine is a smart girl. Instead of picking a song made famous by Stevie Wonder, she sang one he wrote for Aretha Franklin. Stevie said that Kat had a lot of potential and thus he felt Aretha wouldn’t mind her singing the song. Stevie said he certainly didn’t mind.
No doubt about it, Katharine is a great singer. There was just not enough soul in the song for me. But, hey maybe that’s what it is all about, putting your own spin on the song.
What’s more, I also think Kat’s stylist dropped the ball. Fashion 101 clearly states that if you have a curvy body like Kat’s you don’t wear a dress with an umpire waist. Once again her outfit looked like maternity wear. I think Kat has a great body and thus she should always wear things that accent her waistline.
Randy was happy that the Katherine McPhee that he fell in love with the first time he met her was back. He said her performance was off the chain and hot and that he loved everything about it.
Paula said there was something about Katharine’s voice that just pierces through the heart. Then Paula told Kat that her performance was her best ever.
Simon sincerely expressed to Kat that she was good. He went on to say that Kat was beginning to remind him vocally of Kellie Clarkson.
Taylor Hicks was another contestant that was living a dream come true by meeting Stevie Wonder. Taylor said that when he was growing up he use to try to play harmonica like Stevie. What is it about this guy and blind black guys?
Taylor picked one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs “Living For the City”. I think I like this song so much because it was probably one of the first ones I actually remember singing all the words to as a child.
Taylor’s performance actually prompted me to turn the volume up on my television, but I wish that I had a dimmer switch on my television (similar to the mute button). Taylor brought back those epileptic dance steps, the ones that no one should be forced to watch.
The crowd didn’t seem to mind, though. Everyone was out of their seats applauding. So much so that it was difficult for Randy to start the critique process.
When Randy did get a chance to speak, he told Taylor that all his gigs at weddings and in bars and clubs had paid off tonight, because Taylor delivered a hot performance.
Paula said the Taylor was such a fun performer with so much passion. She continued with saying that this is what Taylor needs to be doing so he could continue making everyone happy.
Simon started off by telling Taylor he was appealing because he was like everyone’s dad that gets drunk at a wedding. Amidst jeers from the audience, Simon tried to explain that his statement was meant as a compliment. He went on to express that the difference is that Taylor can actually sing.
In the post-performance interview with Ryan, we learned that one of Taylor’s stylists wanted to change the color of Taylor’s hair. Taylor toyed with the audience for a little while, stating that we would have to continue watching American Idol to see if his hair color changes. Before he left the stage, Taylor let us know that the whole hair coloring thing was just a rumor.
Princess P, also known as Paris Bennett, was next to last this week. Paris said she was very nervous when she met Stevie. Stevie, in turn, told her that there is nothing wrong with showing emotions as a singer. After Stevie put Paris’ mind at ease, they got down to business.
Paris picked “All I Do” and after hearing her sing the song, Stevie remarked that Paris reminded him of Fantasia.
I was glad that the volume on my television set was already up, because Princes P, who was pretty in pink, up and stole the show. She picked the right song and worked it like it was truly her own.
Randy said that Paris made all the right vocal choices and that she was unbelievable tonight. He further deemed her performance, HOT, effortlessly and all that.
Paula called Paris a seasoned veteran who could teach a lot of performers how to do it on stage.
Simon said it was like watching two different competitions. The first half was alright and the then the second half was brilliant. He turned his attention back to Paris brimming about how confident she is. He then likened Paris to a performing little doll that you can wind up and watch go.
I keep trying to hold to the belief that the order that the contestants perform in is randomly chosen, but it gets harder and harder. Now I’m thinking they are trying to say the perceived best for last. Why? Because this is the second time Chris Daughtry closed out the show.
Chris said he was worried that he wouldn’t find a Stevie Wonder song that fit him, but then he discovered that “Higher Ground”, which was also sung by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was a Stevie Wonder song.
Stevie liked the clear, yet raspy, nature of Chris’ voice. Stevie also remarked that Chris sounded sincere.
Anyone who has read this column knows that Chris is my guy. I thought he started the song off it great, but during the middle of the song I felt like the music became too overpowering and then his voice was got lost in the song. I loved his showmanship, though, especially when he went and stood next to the background singers. My only regret is that he didn’t have enough room to chunk the microphone stand at the end of the performance.
Randy commended Chris on finding a way, every week, to make the songs he sings his own. Randy admitted that he too was worried and wondered how Chris was going to pull off the whole rocker thing, but that he managed to work it out.
Paula said she never worries about Chris’ performances. She just sits back and enjoys them every single week.
Simon thanked God for Chris. He then said that we had some good performances tonight, but that Chris’ performance was the only one that would standup in the real world. He said a lot of other good things about Chris, but most importantly he said that Chris was the best performer tonight by a mile.
In an optimum or ideal world little Kevin would be kicked off on Wednesday. Unfortunately, where we live is a far cry from perfect. So meanwhile back in the real world, I think that Melissa will be the one going home this week.
Post show review: I was right about Melissa being eliminated. But what’s up with Ace and Lisa being in the bottom three.
