By Lindsay Strouse

 

The Top 10 return to perform live tonight on American Idol, but not before Simon and Ellen share a kiss backstage. Maybe it’s just me, but could all these over-the-top Simon and Ellen flirtations just be an effort to increase low ratings due to our less than incredible contestants?

 

ANYWAYS, tonight’s theme is soul and R&B with help from 5-time Grammy winner, Usher. He is brutally honest with the contestants but sincerely wants to help them all become great. He even sports his famous shades in the audience for the show. Here’s how the contestants did after some consultations from Usher:

 

Siobhan Magnus – “Through the Fire” by Chaka Khan
After weeks and weeks of praise, we’ve finally found a style that just does not work for Siobhan. She looked great and hit a few good notes, but she was pitchy all over the place. I could see her nerves bubbling up from the moment she stepped onstage and knew it wouldn’t be a good night for her. Kara says that every performer is entitled to an off night…eh, I suppose—but not that bad. Simon adds that he’s getting a little tired of her famous screaming at the end of the songs. He’s not the only one. I don’t think loud screaming is a signature you want to carry with you.

 

Casey James – “Hold On I’m Coming” by Sam and Dave
First of all, I love that you can always see how much fun he is having onstage and how much he enjoys simply being up there with his guitar. As for his performance, WOW. It was a great song for him and he knocked it out of the ballpark. He looked like a rock star out there and was just having the time of his life. However, while Usher (and basically everyone else) seemed very pleased with his performance, Ellen thought it was generic and he should try changing it up. My thought, why change something that you’re great at?

 

Michael Lynche – “Ready For Love” by India Arie
Big Mike brigs the guitar back and does his performance behind the judges back—literally. Despite the odd location, the smooth song fit his voice perfectly well and he gave a very sincere performance. I did find myself getting a bit bored throughout the song, but hey, you can’t jazz everything up. The judges loved the sensitivity and beauty in his performance and Usher commended his connection with the song. He’ll sailing on by to next week.

 

Didi Benami – “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted” by Jimmy Ruffin
I almost wanted to be in tears after her performance—and not because she moved me emotionally. After an emotional meeting with Usher that left her in tears, Didi takes the stage in a full-length sparkly gown and pulls out all the dramatics. While I do feel her connection with the song, there is nothing special to her and she continues to stay miles behind the other contestants. One thing is for sure, she’s going to miss wardrobe when she gets voted off. She alludes to a personal connection she has to the song and Ryan continuously attempts to get her to speak of it despite her hoping to keep her difficult past private. I feel bad for her in that aspect, but I don’t think she’s going to have to deal with Ryan’s prying for too much longer.

 

Tim Urban – “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker
Apparently, Tim’s new nickname is “Teflon Tim,” coming from his ability to keep smiling throughout the judges’ harsh words. Upon taking the stage, he looked like a deer in headlights and really made no connection to the song at all. His vocals were pretty good but—and I’m going to sound like Simon, so don’t boo me—he sounded like a singer on a cruise ship or someone singing at my grandparent’s 50th anniversary party. Just a hint, if the judges are saying, “at least you sang in tune,” you probably shouldn’t still be on the show.

 

Andrew Garcia – “Forever” by Chris Brown
YES, ANDREW, YES! Sorry Chris Brown, but I think I like Andrew’s acoustic version of the song better! He finally seems confident and in control which is a change from the previous weeks. His voice is so easy to listen to and really works well with his version of the song. Definitely a strong night for him. However, Simon makes a good point in saying that while his performance is taking a huge leap forward, his personality is lagging. He needs to find a way to get people to pick up the phone, because a lot of the time good vocal chops just aren’t enough.

 

Katie Stevens – “Chain Of Fools” by Aretha Franklin
I had a feeling she was going to go for Aretha Franklin tonight and that she was either going to make it or break it for herself. I really can’t say she did either, though. She definitely brought the energy and attitude along with fantastic vocals, but something just wasn’t clicking. She could have spiced up the performance a little more and did more with the arrangement because it felt like the performance was missing something.

 

Lee DeWyze – “Treat Her Like A Lady” by the Cornelius Brothers
He has the audience clapping along from the moment the song starts through the last note. He sounds incredibly and I cannot wait to hear his songs on the radio. He is starting to show his personality and style a little more which is definitely something he was lacking in. Part of that is coming from the fact that he is finally starting to actually believe in himself as an artist and a person which I believe will give him a big push forward. His was my personal favorite of the night and I applaud him!

 

Crystal Bowersox – “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight
Now this is a change. She’s playing the piano this week…in stiletto heels. We’re seeing a different Crystal in more ways than just her wardrobe. She’s got a smile on and showing an endearing personality. I think this is the first time I’ve begun to like her as a person as well as an artist. Even though she knows, I know and everyone else knows she is staying for many more weeks, she manages to stay humble which is a nice change.

 

Aaron Kelly – “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
This is one of the better song choices Aaron has picked in the competition. He started off a little rocky, but his vocals picked up early on and surprised me in an unexpectedly good way. He still could have pushed it a little more to blow me away, but it was a respectable performance. He’ll probably stay another week because of the plethora of teenage girls that most likely have his number on speed dial. Plus, he looked great rocking the leather jacket and bad boy look tonight!

 

Lindsay’s Bottom Three Predictions: Didi, Tim, Katie
Lindsay’s Elimination Prediction: Didi

 

Don’t miss the live results show of American Idol, tomorrow night at 9/8c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse

 

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