American Idol XV: What Have You Done America?
My excitement for the Top 8 show soon turned into pure dismay when Olivia and Avalon were declared to be in the Bottom 3. In what universe do Lee and Tristan garner more votes than 2 of the best vocalists in the competition?
How can the very same people who got it right with Nick Fradiani last year be getting it so wrong so soon this time around?
I have also decided to totally disregard anything Harry says (besides his Greenday comment to Dalton) because his own performance left much to be desired!
Let’s get down to business and grade the performances of the night.
Dalton Rapattoni – Imagine Dragons ‘Radioactive’ – Grade: B -
This was not Dalton’s finest moment. He seemed lethargic throughout the performance although it ended a lot better than it started. I loved how Harry dropped a ‘Billy Joe Armstrong’ reference – I have been saying the same all along! Dalton is going to get back in the ‘zone’ fast if he wants to remain a contender for the title.
Lee Jean – Kings of Leon ‘Use Somebody’ – Grade: C –
Not only were his vocals very shaky but he has once again displayed his bratty attitude in the video snippet leading up to his performance. There is no denying that the kid has some talent but he is not vocally or emotionally mature enough for the competition.
Sonika Vaid – Kelly Clarkson ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ – Grade: B
Sonika could not have chosen a worse song to follow on last week’s ‘Evanescence’ spectacular. Although she was vocally solid this was rather uncomfortable to watch. When you are as sweet and serene as Sonika you need to just embrace your inner wholesomeness and forget about trying to pull off a bad-gril persona!
MacKenzie Bourg – Whitney Houston ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ – Grade: B+
Mackenzie took a risk with this song and it paid off. He once again put his own beautiful spin on an over sung song. I would like to see a bit more oomph from him. He needs a ‘moment’ soon if he wants to remain one of the frontrunners for the title.
La’Porsha Renae – Beyonce ‘Halo’ – Grade: B+
This was not as good as last week as far as both song choice and performance goes. La’Porsha was still pitch perfect for most of the song but there were a few distinctly audible botched notes in between. Could choosing bad songs be La’Porsha’s downfall? Also, who dressed the poor girl for the show? She looked borderline embarrassed wearing that monstrosity of an outfit!
Trent Harmon – Percy Sledge ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ – Grade: B+
I had to watch this performance numerous times before being able to give it an educated grade. I hate the song but Trent singing it made it almost palatable. I agree that his facial expression can be somewhat distracting but with his tone and vibrato he could be doing cartwheels and I wouldn’t care.
Tristan McIntosh – Vince Gill ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ – Grade: B –
So young Tristan was behind the piano again – good choice. She was definitely stronger than in previous weeks but nowhere near being in the same league as some of the other contestants. Tristan dedicating the song to her grandfather is a sweet sentiment but she toys with emotion too much instead of just focusing on her talent.
Avalon Young – The Weeknd ‘Earned It’ – Grade: A
Why Avalon was in the bottom 3 is beyond me! This was the perfect song for her. She practically glows on stage and sounds the best she ever has. The judges agree and they save her from elimination. There is no way this girl deserved to be on stage fighting for survival like this. Shame on you America!
Should go home: Lee/Tristan
Will go home: Lee/Avalon
What did you think of the performances? Were you as surprised by the Bottom 3 as I was? Who will be going home next?
Tune in next week as the Top 8 take on songs that have been sung ad nauseam on Idols!
