Hello all. Tonight's show seemed like it was to be a big deal with our idols performing the music of Elton John, however I found myself in a somewhat of a snoozefest by most of the performances with the exception of a small few. One thing that became clear watching this episode is no one and I mean no one can sing Elton John as well as Elton John himself. Okay, here goes:
Our show starts out with the wording of "Top 11 Redux" which then switches to clips of last week's dramatic moments of the save being used on Casey Abrams. We see clips of an hour earlier when both Casey and Lauren discuss the fact that the judges will never use the save this early in the competition. But guess what "hope has been re-newed but no more second chances" as shown on our screens.
Intros to our judges and of course our host Ryan Seacrest follow. My, my Steven Tyler looks so casual in his outfit and not like a rocker at all. We are reminded that two will go on the Thursday show before our top eleven once again appear on stage.
Elton John music is our theme of the night and we see clips of the great career this man has had with his song-writing partner Bernie Taupin whom he joined forces with in 1967. Together they have worked on 30 albums which has garnered over 50 hits making it to the top 40 charts over the years. Clips are also shown of the flamboyant Elton during the 70's. What wasn't mentioned was the fact that Elton has sold over 250 million albums and has won many awards which include 6 Grammies, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Tony award. Before we get to the performances Jimmy Iovine talks of the genius of Elton's music.
Looking so good are our idols as they go the an Entertainment Weekly photo shoot. Each of them talk about how much they are enjoying the glam which with the help of the stylists and wardrobe have made them magazine fodder. Even the photographer says a few words regarding the confidence the contestants showed during this event. Once again I must say each looked quite good.
Scotty McCreery is starting us off on the performances with his take on "Country Comfort" which is the only country song we know of from Elton. His choice is usual as it contains the word "country". And of course his singing is once again usual as it's the same-o, same-o that we have heard each week from this 17 year old. I am beginning to think that Scotty may be just a one-trick pony however he does do a little different bit with playing the guitar and I did like that low note at the end of the song. Steven Tyler loved his voice and the shout-out to his grandma. Jennifer Lopez thinks he has amazing instincts and calls the performance good. Randy felt he was at a Scotty concert which felt comfortable and he thinks Scotty could sing this song on his debut album. My grade: B+
Naima Adedapo may have cemented her demise with the performance of the song "I'm Still Standing". She gives the song a twist by making it "reggae" with the Caribbean accent which came over a bit cheesy to say the least. I have to give her credit however for making it her own, showing stage presence and getting the audience to sing with her at times. Jennifer tells Naima she loves her as a performer but thinks this might not have been the best song to sing as reggae. Randy agrees with J-Lo and feels the performance came off a bit corny. Steven with his usual off-the-wall remark says "boom shaka laka laka" and feels the song fit her. My grade: B
We get a moment of relief from the snoozefest as it seems a new song-writing contest is in the works. Taio Cruz and whomever wins will pen a new song for Coca Cola and it will be featured on the finale which falls on May 25th.
Now back to the show which has my least favorite performer on stage in the form of Paul McDonald. He is once again wearing that ridiculous suit of white and flowers as he attempts to sing "Rocket Man". With guitar in hand and just standing there his first line finally sounds like we are going to get a half-way decent performance out of this guy but it is not to be as once again his squeaky voice comes into play during the song. What can I say but this guy's voice is just a turn-off for me personally. Randy on the other hand liked the quiet comfort of his voice although he does mention the off-pitch notes. Jennifer feels Paul is holding back and needs to push it more. Steven agrees but also mentions that the suit Paul is wearing looks like it has been watered as more flowers seem to be on it. My grade: D
Pia Toscano is indeed a beautiful woman and looks so classy both at the photo shoot and on-stage as she once again sings another ballad "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". She sings pretty well with her back-up singers on hand but like Scotty I am getting bored with the same-o, same-o from this woman. Steven thinks she has done it again and feels her performance makes him cry inside. J-Lo also "feels" her. Randy thinks she slays it everytime as a singer but just wants to see something a little different. He and Steven have a chat on this subject before Pia's numbers are given to call. It was good but again I am half asleep with this number. My grade: B+
Stefano Langone has tough moments with Jimmy Iovine as Jimmy tries to get Stefano to improve on his performance of the song "Tiny Dancer". Stefano must have appreciated the advice as this time around in my opinion he does better by keeping his eyes open and connecting not only with the audience but also J-Lo. My favorite part was the last few lyrics he sang plus his moment with J-Lo holding her hand. Randy and Steven both mention how he connected so much better this week. Also mentioned was his moving around on stage and Steven thinks he nailed it with his sweet voice. I wonder if he did enough to stick around another week. My grade: B
Wow, it is pretty amazing how much Stefano's dad looks like Howie Mandel who mentions his new show "Mobbed" which will follow after the eliminations on Thursday.
The judges are impressed with young Lauren Alaina as she sings "Candle In The Wind". I swear this girl looks so much older than a teen in my eyes. I thought she had sort of a rough start but as the song progressed it got better. I was not crazy about the arrangement nor was I totally blown away with this performance. Good but not great in my opinion. Randy thinks it was Lauren's best performance. Steven is cute as he says "he loved her since she first laid eyes on him" feels she will be around to afford the rest of the dress Lauren has on (it was short in front with a full dress behind it). Jennifer thinks she looked and sounded georgeous. My grade: B
Finally we get a performance that is not putting me to sleep as James Durbin does "Saturday Night is Alright (For Fighting". He uses the balcony audience as his stage and descends the staircase with a good singing vocal. I loved the stage presence of him going up to the judges, circling the audience, standing on the piano, the fire and of course his big notes. This guy is definitely an entertainer. Steven thinks he brought the heat and feels he has a good rock voice. Jennifer forgot it was a competition and loved his full performance. Randy likes the fact that James seems to enjoy himself so much while performing. Pretty good James! My grade: A
Now back to sleepy as young Thia Megia performs "Daniel". She associates this song with her brother who left when she was young. I felt the ballad (another one) was done well but again no oomph until the last line when she sings with some emotion and passion. Jennifer calls it a beautiful moment. Randy liked the relaxed side but comments on the pitchy notes and the song being "safe". Steven feels it was the right song with the right artist and feels she sang it well. My grade: B
Now comes the moment we have all been waiting for as Casey Abrams is next to sing. His choice this week is "Your Song" complete with a new haircut and trim of his beard. He sits quietly on a stool with a piano back-up and pretty much sings the song straight with just a few twists here and there of his growl. I thought he sang this quite well and it was such a change of his last two weeks. This guy proved he can sing and tenderly as mentioned by Randy. Each of the judges are so glad they used the save on this unique guy. Steven feels he sings differently everytime and enjoys it. Jennifer mentions how she slept like a baby after saving Casey last week and is glad because his character this week was tasty. My grade: A
:sing: Jacob Lusk is singing "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". It takes him awhile to get it together in rehearsal as he has the rare priviledge of meeting Mary J Bligh who happens to be in the studio this week. I felt Jacob made this song his own even though the beginning was not totally to my liking as his voice is so high-pitched for this song. However I loved the passion he showed throughout the song and the second half was fabulous in my opinion. Steven feels he slayed it. Jennifer liked the arrangement which enable Jacob to make it his own. Randy liked the restraint and adds very nice. Overall, very well done I think! My grade: A
Our last contestant is Haley Reinhart who opts to sing "Bennie and The Jets". Yeppers Haley does bring out the sexiness and I liked how she started seated on the piano (aka The Baker Boys). Her rasp was infectious in my mind but a little over the top in some areas. No one mentions her rough notes going from actual singing to her growl and Randy even calls this the best performance of the night (huh?). J-Lo thought this was the Haley they loved in the beginning and calls her amazing. Steven of course points out her biggest asset with his comment "you sing sexy". Again I have to say I thought this was fairly good but was not totally blown away. My grade: B+
Well on elimination Thursday two will be leaving and I am certainly hoping one will be Paul McDonald. My other two picks for the bottom are Thia Megia and a tie between Stefano Langone and Naima Adedapo (I hate to add this but based on fans and overall performance have to face reality). After last week's upset with Casey I guess anything is possible but I know I voted my fingers off for Casey to stick around. Who are your picks to leave I wonder?
One last note before I sign off is Thursday's guest performers include Jamie Foxx, Will.I.Am and Fantasia (more screaming I wonder). Anyhow, have a great day all!
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Subject: Elton John Night - 3/30/11 
Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:44 am
Then came Casey Abrams. OMG, he pulled a rabbit out of the hat. I LOVE IT!!!! And the fact the he trimmed the hair and the beard.....WOW!!! 
I really did mute the sound so I would not have to listen to him sing again. Ugh! He drives me crazy. Why, oh why are they keeping him on the show. I'm sorry! I just can't get into Haley's singing style. I guess when it comes to the raspy, smokey vocals Taylor has spoiled me. No one does it better than Taylor. JMO And the same with Jacob Lusk. He simply doesn't do a thing for me vocally. Sorry! Lauren Alaina is very pretty and she can sing but so far....she has been so-so. 
