by Gina Scarpa

 

Last night on American Idol, the Top 12 contestants were asked to sing songs from the year they were born. If you were looking for some current hits, look elsewhere. This week, it's all about hits from the 80s and 90s!

 

Naima Adedapo - "What's Love Got To Do With It" by Tina Turner (1988)
I have to admit that I was a bigger fan of Naima during the initial audition rounds than I have been since she made the Top 13. Last week's "Umbrella" was just flat out bizarre while this week's performance was pitchy and underwhelming. If she goes the way of India Arie or Lauryn Hill (two very different artists at that), she could have a chance to stick around. Otherwise, she'll be headed out the door in the next few weeks.

 

Paul McDonald - "That's Why They Call It The Blues" by Elton John (1987)
Man, this guy should thank his lucky stars that he looks like Bradley Cooper's drifter brother. Wandering aimlessly around the stage and singing a watered down version of "That's Why They Call It The Blues" won't get you the title of American Idol, my friend. I just can't see this guy doing anything that would knock me back in my seat and "wow" me. I appreciate his style - Randy compared him to Ray LaMontagne, one of my favorite artists. Perhaps Paul just isn't Idol material.

 

Thia Megia - "Colors Of The Wind" by Vanessa Williams (1995)
I stood up and applauded Randy for calling Thia's performance boring. That makes three weeks in a row that she's chosen sleepy ballads. Yes, she has impressive vocal chops for a girl her age but I miss her cute performance of "Here Comes The Sun" during Beatles week, even if the judges didn't love it. Her performances should be full of youthful energy if she's going to become a teen idol.

 

James Durbin - "I'll Be There For You" by Bon Jovi (1989)
James Durbin makes me wish there wasn't an Adam Lambert just two short years ago. Had there been no Adam Lambert, then James Durbin's rendition of "I'll Be There For You" would have been more impressive. But there is an Adam Lambert... and he's better. Still, James is one of the standout singers of season 10 and should easily make his way to the Top 5 or 6.

 

Haley Reinheart - "I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston (1990)
I'm not sure how Haley ended up getting voted in to the Top 13, especially with Kendra Chantelle in the mix. However, America seemed to quickly regret their decision, placing her in the bottom last week and will surely do the same this week. Don't get me wrong. I think Haley is a talented singer but like the judges said, she doesn't know who she is as an artist and because of that, she simply keeps choosing the wrong songs.

Stefano Langone - "If You Don't Know Me By Now" by Simply Red (1989)
This guy can sing! His range is really unbelievable and the judges definitely did the right thing by giving him a wild card spot in the Top 13. America may not have seen it during the Top 24 round but it seems they got the memo now and are members of Stefano's fan club. If I could change one thing, I wish he'd stop tilting his head towards the ceiling and closing his eyes for 97% of the song. Like Jennifer said, he needs to connect with his audience.

 

Pia Toscano - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" by Whitney Houston (1988)
Now, if you're gonna sing Whitney, do it right. Haley, take note. While I could've done without the cheesy arrangement (and ensemble for that matter), Pia has quickly and decisively set herself apart as the best female vocalist this season.

 

Scotty McCreery - "Can I Trust You With My Heart" by Travis Tritt (1993)
Speaking of cheeseball.... is there any performance where this kid doesn't lean way over to his left, scrunch up his right shoulder, and smirk into the camera? That being said, Travis Tritt was the perfect choice for Scotty and the guy has a voice made for radio like no other.

 

Karen Rodriguez - "Love Will Lead You Back" by Taylor Dayne (1989)
Oof. It just keeps getting worse for Karen Rodriguez. As I sat watching this performance last night, my fiancé turned to me and said, "How is it possible that she made this more boring than Taylor Dayne did originally?" I'm still trying to come up with the answer. I expected more fire from Karen coming into the Top 24 and then the Top 13. Still waiting...

 

Casey Abrams - "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (1991)
Okay, so some people loved it and some people hated it. Give it up to Casey though. He's got a pair of brass ones to take on a Nirvana song and sing it on American Idol. So many Idol contestants allow the show to mold them into whoever they think they should be in order to be successful in the competition. Casey is just Casey, though. Take him or leave him. I'll take him!

 

Lauren Alaina - "I'm The Only One" by Melissa Etheridge (1995)
Is it me or does Lauren seem very fragile this season? While last season's Katie Stevens couldn't hold it together during a single elimination episode, at least she seemed comfortable getting her feedback from the judges. However, her performance was better than last week and she was able to get her notes out, despite being sick. If you didn't tell me Randy, I never would've known. She's definitely movin' up.

 

Jacob Lusk - "Alone" by Heart (1987)
I'm just going to say it. I'm not a fan of the screaming. The first half was okay and then, I fought the urge to reach for my Mute button. Randy thought it was genius, and Jennifer and Steven were besies themselves as well. Am I missing something?

 

My predictions for the bottom three this week are: Haley, Naima, and Karen. The boys seem to be able to breathe easy... for now.

 

 

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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