American Idol 6: Week 3 "Guys Night" Part II

Welcome back to the second half of my review of the American Idol guy’s performances this week. 

Jared Cotter
Before the break we hear that some Stevie Wonder is coming out with Jared Cotter’s performance tonight. Jared played Division II college basketball. When he realized he wasn’t going to make it in the NBA, he gave it up and began pursuing music. He’s got some weird facial expressions when he sings, kind of reminds me of how it looks like Michael Bolton is going to give himself an aneurysm.

• Randy: solid performance, was worried about doing Stevie, but it was good
• Paula: thinks he needs to work on coloring up the way he sings, feels like he shouts the entire song through sometimes
• Simon: actually agrees with Paula, but it wasn’t very original. Not hearing the “wow factor” tonight.

— Commercial Break —

Brandon Rogers
Is a classical piano player and has been playing since he was 9years old starting out playing by ear and then learned how to read music. He’s singing “Celebrate”. I just don’t think he belongs in the group much longer. I haven’t really seen the potential peaking through for Brandon. I’ve seen it with Sundance, and that’s why I’m putting him ahead of Sanjaya.

• Randy: good song choice, gave him a little rock edge, solid performance
• Paula: thinks it was phenomenal, proving why he belongs on the stage
• Simon: doesn’t think he’s represented himself well. He believes he’s one of the best singers in the competition, but the song may not do him any favors this week.

Phil Stacey
He actually does have hair, or did, but shaved it off in college and ended up liking the look and has stayed with it. Phil is singing a LeAnn Rimes and I don’t think it’s good at all. He goes from some really odd low-powered  notes to screaming some notes. This may SERIOUSLY damage his chances for going much further in this competition.

• Randy: high notes are great, but the lower register was off. It was alright.
• Paula: didn’t like the low-end either, but his big notes came out. Odd choice of song, not his best performance
• Simon: didn’t get it at all, odd hats, the whole “thing” just appeared odd and a strange choice of song

— Commercial Break —

Chris Sligh
Had actually shaved his head and looked like Phil Stacey at one point, then let his hair grow out to see the other end of the spectrum and his coiffure is all natural. He’s really rocking out on this song “We All Wanna Be Loved”. His stage presence is flowing well with his vocals and showing off his range, really great little falsetto highlights. Nails the end with a big note finale.

• Randy: not his favorite song choice, but he gets the vocal prize tonight from all the guys so far
• Paula: not her favorite performance either, he’s gotta keep rising above. Stretch and take more risks
• Simon: beginning of song was good but then shouted in the middle. Not one of his strongest.

And that will do it for this week’s performances of the guys. Blake is safe, Sanjaya improved a bit in my opinion, but the judges didn’t like it. Sundance may be at risk along with Phil Stacey this week. It will be interesting to see how the vote totals come across from the phone lines.