Let the live blogging begin!!!

Over 11,000 people showed up in Kansas City to audition for American Idol this year. That’s incredible (Kansas City, Missouri – in case anyone was wondering which KC they were in)!

Jason Castro greeted Paula Abdul at the door since his brother will be auditioning.

Chelsea Marquardt premised her audition by saying how amazed people are when they hear this big, powerful voice come out of her little body and I thought there might be hope. And then she started singing “I Can’t Live (If Livin’ is Without You)” and I was positively stunned. The 19-year-old waitress from Parsons, Kansas was definitely one of the worse I’ve ever heard. I say that mostly because she genuinely thought she was good. So sad.   Kara DioGuardi and Paula had to tell the boys to be less mean since Simon Cowell said that she sounded like a cat jumping from the Empire State Building and Randy Jackson it also sounded like a siren was coming to deal with the cat. Awful.

More after the jump!

Ashley Anderson chose to sing “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis. A song that was actually co-written by Kara. She kept almost saying footsteps instead of footprints. She actually sounded a bit like Leona and I thought she did a good job. She got four yesses from the judges!  Kara revealed that Simon actually wrote the song. Wow!

Casey Carlson, a 20-year-old bubble tea maker from Minneapolis, Minnesota sang “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton and, while she wasn’t perfect, she really was charming. I liked the personality behind the vocals and I think she’s just adorable. It could be really interesting to see what happens with her.

Brian Hettler, a 20-year-old art student from Kansas City, Missouri sang Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and it was absolutely terrible. Randy laughed through the entire performance. Simon said it was just awful. He then broke into Josh Groban’s signature tune “You Raise Me Up” which, of course, was horrendous.

James Michael Avance (20 y.o. from Edmonds, OK) sang “You Say it Best When You Say Nothing at All” and, I didn’t think he was off-key but his voice was really annoying.

Billy Vinson (20 y.o., nurse from Lebanon, MO) sang “Reflections” and, well, it was terrible.

Chris Jones (21 y.o., Mission, KS) – I don’t even know what he sang but it was bad.

Deandre Hopkins (22 y.o. college student from Kansas City, KS) sang “Amazing Grace” and it was really, really bad.

Von Smith (22 y.o. singer from Greenwood, MO) sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and I think the nerves really got to him but he does have a good voice. Ugh, gotta wait for the commercial break to be over before we find out if he makes it through.  Randy thought the vocals were pretty good and was impressed. Simon said that he’s got a good voice. Paula said “absolutely yes” and Kara told him that he’s got a really good instrument. He got a yes from all four judges! Woohoo!

Jason Castro’s brother, Michael Castro (20 y,o. from Rockwell, Texas), proves that poor interview skills run in the family. Michael said that Jason is more girly (uh, Michael is the one with pink hair…lol). Jason took offence and Ryan Seacrest took cover. Hilarious. In front of the judges sang “In Love With a Girl” and it was pretty good. He’s interesting. Kara said he gives off an “I’ve got a secret” vibe and they ended up all voting him through to the next round.

Vaughn English sang “Do You Want a Banana” wearing a loud yellow outfit. It was absolutely ridiculous, lol!!!

Matt Breitzke (a 27 y.o. welder from Bixby, OK) said that he put off his music after becoming a father but wants to give it a shot. He chose to sing Bill Withers‘ “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” which is one of my favorite songs. Matt did a decent job but it wasn’t enough for Randy. Kara and Paula both liked him and Simon agreed so Matt is through to the next round.

Jasmine Joseph (17 y.o. from Norfolk, NE) sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and wow… it was awful!  She said that Idol is her entire life right now. Good thing she’s still in high school.

Jessica Page Furney (19 y.o. from Wamego, KS) lives with her 93-year-old grandmother which I really respect because I also love my grandma a lot and spend as much time with her as possible. She chose to sing “Cry Baby” by Janis Joplin. Simon said he likes her because she stands out. The other judges agreed and wished her a happy 20th birthday! Hooray!

Sisters India and Asia sang an original song called “Cookies” which was awful. WOW. This can’t be for real. Asia McClain and then India Morrison took turns singing and Asia was terrible but India was better. They sent India through but not Asia.

Jamar Rogers (26 y.o. bartender from Milwaukee, Wisconsin) sang “California Dreamin‘” and I thought it was good. It was a little over-the-top but there is some potential there.

Jamar’s friend Danny Gokey (28 year old music teacher from Milwaukee, WI) was up next and it was so sad. His wife passed away just four weeks before the audition and he was just so emotional. He sang “Heard it Through the Grapevine” and I thought he did a good job. Paula said that she didn’t expect to like him so much. Kara said that she is a fan of his and Simon said that he really likes Danny. Randy said that Danny is one of the best they’ve seen this year. He got four yesses and is on to Hollywood.

Anoop Desai (21 y.o. Chapel Hill, NC) sang “Thank You” by Boyz II Men and it was actually quite good. The judges appreciated it even though Simon said that he looks a bit too geeky. They put him through to the next round and told him to work on the stage presence and clothing. WOW!

Andrew Lang (19 y.o. ice cream server from Columbia, MO) had cheerleaders announce his entrance and I thought it was actually quite hilarious. How creative. He sang “My Girl” and he would have been fine if he hadn’t tried to be so over the top. Simon said it wasn’t fantastic and that the cheerleaders didn’t help.  Randy was going to say yes until Andrew sang “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” but his ultimate rejection brought the cheerleaders to tears. So sad.

Asa Barnes (28 y.o. a middle school band director from Kansas City, MO) sang “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson and it actually wasn’t too bad. The judges seemed to like him and he was put through to the next round.

Michael Nicewonder (20 y.o. sandwich maker from Grand Island, NE) is related to Hank Williams Jr. and sang an original song. It was such a disaster. WOW.

Dennis Brigham (19 y.o. floor maintenance technologist from Glen Carbon, Illinois) had a dream about Simon the night before but he didn’t say what it was about. He sang “With You” by Chris Brown and it wasn’t bad. He got three yesses and was put through to the next round.

Mia Conley (27 y.o. janitor from Kansas, MO) sang “Loving You” by my mother’s former classmate, Minnie Ripperton. It was not good. Wow. She really had a hard time staying on key. She was sent away and she freaked out about not being given a golden ticket.

Lil Rounds (23 y.o. customer service rep from Memphis, TN) sang “All I Do” by Stevie Wonder and it was great. She sounds like so many of the greats (I even heard a little Dionne Warwick in there) and Paula told her that she was one of the best they’ve ever seen. Simon said she was very retro and fantastic. Randy said she was like Fantasia and Mary J. Blige. Kara echoed what Paula said and said that she thought it was so great that Lil didn’t even know how good she is. Amazing. They, of course, put her through to the next round.

The judges said that Kansas City was great so that was really good

Post from: Crushable

Tonight, Theo Tams and Mitch MacDonald will be battling to win the title on Canadian Idol.  If someone had told me at the beginning of this season that it would come down to these two, I would not have believed it.  I can see how Theo could/should be there but I’m really shocked about Earl Stevenson and Mookie Morris being eliminated before Mitch.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike Mitch and I can see him having a future in the music business but I also find his voice whiny and shrieky sometimes.  Theo can overdo things but he’s an amazing musician (those piano skills are outrageous!) and he’s got solid vocals.  It’s going to be a tough one so pick up your phones and VOTE!!!

Make sure you come back tonight for the live discussion!

image credit: CTV

Post from: Crushable

image credit: CTV

Post from: Crushable

Mitch MacDonald sang the Jayhawk’s song “Blue” and I think he was actually pretty good accompanying himself on the guitar (vocals were decent too).  I am liking him more and more as the weeks go by.  I’m still not completely sold but I think he should be in the Top 10.

Jake said that he has a unique tone which makes him deserves to be in the Top 10 but he didn’t love the song choice.  Sass really enjoyed the performance.  Farley said that the song had great melody and he did a good job with it.  Zack said it was “okay” but it may not have been enough.

Gary Morissette sang “How of the Rising Sun” which is a big song to sing and I didn’t particularly love how growl-y his voice was during the performance but I thought the arrangement was more than decent.

Sass said that it sounded “a bit like a dinosaur gargling on Draino.”  Ouch!  Farley said the arrangement was cool and that it was a good job.  Zack said that he’s a smart guy because he picked a well-known song and tried to make it his own.  Jake said that he took a chance and, hopefully, people would put him in the Top 10.

More after the jump!

Katelyn Dawn chose to sing the Cranberries hit “Zombie” and I was surprised by the intensity she brought to it at the beginning but she seemed to wane a bit to me.  It just didn’t finish as strong as I had hoped it would.

Farley said the energy was good but not great and that it was a good song choice for her.  Zack said the first chorus was good but that she flagged a bit as she went along.  Jake said that there weren’t very many bad moments but that it wasn’t a great song for her.  Sass said that she had a great attitude during the performance and that she was believable.

Oliver Pigott sang the Bill Withers’ classic tune “Lean on Me” and he brought a good amount of emotion to it.  I won’t be talking about it tomorrow but it was good enough for the Top 10, I think.

Zack said that he pushed his vocals and it was really good.  Jake said that he sang the song like he was a real blues man.  Sass said that he sang the song the way it’s supposed to be sung.  Farley said it was absolutely unforgettable.

Sebastian Pigott sang Sam Cooke’s song “Bring it On Home to Me” and I just cannot resist him!  I think he was born to perform and it is clear every time he takes the stage.  He whipped out the harmonica and that was it!!

Jake said that the whole thing was just like one great performance.  Sass said that he is one of the smartest performers he has ever seen.  Farley said that he is the first real sex symbol they’ve had on the show and he understands how to entertain.  Zack has proved it’s not a singing competition and a whole bunch of other weird comments…

Earl Stevenson sang “Like a Rolling Stone” and he was his usual, unusual self and I can’t help but love him   He’s just out there being himself and it’s just loveable.  Do you feel that way?

Sass said that he was dope.  Farley said he gets into music and that music gets into him.  Zack said that there are just two people in the competition that he would pay to see in concert and Earl is one of them.  Jake really liked the performance and hopes the people at home love him too.

Katherine St. Laurent performed Pat Benatar’s mega-hit “Love is a Battlefied” and I thought it was a bad song choice because it requires a lot of performance skills and I just think that Katherine needs more experience.  The judges disagreed with me, though…

Farley said that her voice sounded good.  Zack said that she has the best voice in the competition (what?!).  Jake said it was her best performance on the show so far and that she looked like she knew what she was doing.  Sass said it was a Top 10 performance.

Drew Wright sang one of my favorite songs from recent years – Hoobastank’s “The Reason.”  He seemed more nervous than he normally does.  It makes me sad because I want to be around a little longer but I’m not sure after that performance.

Zack said that he sang well but is not a rock star.  Jake liked the song choice, sang it well and looks good on camera.  Sass said that he is one of her favorite voices in the competition.  Farley said that he is gracious and humble but wishes he would be a little more aggressive during his performances (but loves his voice).

images used with permission by CTV

Post from: Crushable

This is a really big week on Canadian Idol!!!  Six, count ‘em, SIX contestants will be eliminated from the show this week since the Top 10 will be announced on Wednesday.  Normally, four people would be sent home but, since we had a Top 24 instead of a Top 22 this year, they’ve got to get rid of those extra two contestants some time but OUCH!

Martin Kerr chose to sing the Coldplay song “Fix You” and I think it was a great song choice for him.  I think it was a really solid performance which is encouraging to me since I don’t feel like he’s really pushed himself on the show so far.  Good time to put in the extra effort, Martin!

Jake thought it was vocally a strong performance but that he doesn’t get a “star” vibe from him.  Sass said it was his strongest, most solid performance and that it was a really “killer” song.  Farley said he showed why he made it to the Top 24.  Zack said that he needs to be either so good or an irrepressible show-off to win the show but ended by saying that he is not the next Canadian Idol.  Oh wow.  That is just way overboard…

Theo Tams performed YouTube star Colbie Caillat’s hit “Bubbly” and it was a cool, fresh take on the song.  I still don’t know if it was a smart choice for such an important week but I guess we’ll find out on results night.

Sass said that he is an undeniable talent and she thought it was an unstoppable performance.  Farley said it’s what he calls the “four ts” – Theo Tams Top Ten.  Zack said that the performance was lacking in the “bubbly” department.  Jake said that it was a smart to sing a female song since it gets rid of the immediate comparison.

More after the jump!

Amberly Thiessen sang the Jason Mraz hit “You and I Both” and I think that half of it was a mess.  I was also pretty bored.  I think this was a bad song choice.

Farley said that some of the tones were a little harsh for him but her presence is really nice.  Zack said that she should never walk out on the stage unless she looks and sounds like a star and he doesn’t think she came out right tonight.  Jake said that she deserves to be in the Top 10 based on her past performances but not tonight.  Sass said it was three for three.

Adam Castelli chose to perform Tim Hardin’s “If I Were a Carpenter” and it was decent but I wasn’t blown away.  He actually got a little lost in the music, I thought.

Zack said that he thinks Adam’s instincts are great but that his follow-through is lacking.  Jake said that the performance was authentic and that he liked it for that reason.  Sass said that it was a bit of a flail but she knows he’s giving it all he has.  Farley agreed with Zack and said that it’s “playoff time” and he’s got to do what he’s got to do but that it didn’t get done (did you follow that??? LOL).

Marie-Pierre Bellerose sang Janis Joplin’s megahit “Piece of My Heart” and it was actually pretty good.  It started off a little shaky but she turned it around.  Go Quebec!

Jake said that no one can say she didn’t go for it but thought it was really shouty.  Sass said it was the best thing she’s done so far.  Farley said that it’s her most memorable performance and thinks she did the right thing.  Zack said that it wasn’t bad…

Omar Lunan sang Garth Brook’s “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and I would never judge someone but I don’t want to see him get stuck in singing these “grieving” songs since the judges praised him in Toronto for finally letting his guard down when he sang in his slain brother’s memory.  I just feel like every performance has become about that and I’m not sure how I feel about it.  I know that I didn’t like the singing, though.

Sass said that he is a really good singer.  Farley thought it started off really shaky but that he understands the sweet spots in his voice and squeezes it out.  Zack said that it was okay but that he just doesn’t care since he doesn’t seem to know what being the next Canadian Idol means.  Jake said that he deserves to be in the Top 10 even though there were some rough moments in the performance.

Mark Day disappointed me when he chose to sing Phil Collin’s “Against All Odds” because he is such a unique, free spirit and he chose to perform this Idol show standard.  Ugh.  It totally removes his personality (at least for tonight), especially since he didn’t add anything new to it and even had some intonation issues…

Farley said he put a lot of effort into it but was, vocally, all over the map.  Zack said that he thinks he’s super nice but that he’d use his album as a coaster.  Jake said he oversang the song and would probably be better off on Broadway.  Sass said she likes him.

Mookie Morris sang Zootons’ song “Valerie” and he makes me smile every week.  He’s so super cool and totally aware of who he is and I love that about him.  He proves that you don’t have to oversing a song to make an impression.

Zack said that it was dead-set cool and it made him think he was watching the Brit Awards.  Jake said that he’s added some moves to the “Mook-Walk” and that he is potentially the next Canadian Idol.  Sass said that he is a star.  Farley said that there is something really natural and soulful about what he does.

images courtesy of CTV

Post from: Crushable

Tonight, we will see the second half of the Top 24 performances on Canadian Idol.  I was not overly impressed with last night’s show so I am hoping things go better tonight.  Here’s hoping judge, Zack Werner, took a nap because he was way too cranky…

Jesse Cottam (from my current hometown, Calgary!) performed “Rebel Yell” and it was cool.  I didn’t jump out of my seat since he seemed to get lost in the song at times but, overall, it was a decent opening performance. 

Jake Gold said that Jesse started shaky and, while it got better, he’s not sure it was the right song.  Sass said there was an ease and confidence to the performance and thought it was great.  Farley Flex said that it was good but, in the future, he should pick songs that allow him to project more.  Zack Werner said that he couldn’t have picked a more wrong song and said that all he had left to say was “next.”

Mark Day sang “Alone” and I was really surprised that he picked it.  I really, really enjoyed it and his confidence was insane!  It was outrageous.

Sass said that there were some fantastic moments in the performance despite some stumbles at the end.  Farley suggested he use the stage a little more and that he is an animated performer.  Zack said that “back in the day” he would have gotten a half-hour comedy show… weird.  Jake said that it was a little shaky near the end but that it was overall a great performance and that he got chills from his singing during the chorus.

Jessica Sheppard sang “Get Here” and I think she did a good job singing but she seemed a bit nervous and uncomfortable on the stage (her arm movements kept distracting me and it took away from the performance for me).

Farley said that in the beginning it seemed like she was suppressing her voice but that she let loose in the chorus.  Zack said that she was holding back and that she needs to watch her diction but that she is one of the best voices on the show this season.  Jake said the same thing, basically, and told her that she needs to let loose and Sass told her to just let go and let it rip.

More after the jump!

Shaun Francisco (what a name, eh?) sang “Yellow” and it was okay.  It started a little rough for me, thought.

Zack gave him a B+ on the cool factor but said that there just wasn’t a whole lot of singing going on.  Jake said that first note was a little off but that he turned things around and made it look like he was playing with his own band.  Sass thought it was good.  Farley said that he has a good vibe and that it was a good performance.

Lindsay Robins performed “River Deep, Mountain Wide” and I did not like it very much at all.  It was really shrieky and was kind of a hot mess (sorry fans).

Jake said that some parts were screechy and that she made it his own.  Sass thought it was pretty good but that another song might have worked better.  Farley said that he heard some real moments where she sounded like a genuine female rock and roll singer.  Zack said it was pretty good but pretty awful and that she needs to learn how to play the game (what in the world???).

Omar Lunan sang “Every Breath You Take” and I thought he over sang it.  He has a decent voice but he needed to pick a voice that was better suited for his voice…

Sass thought it was really good and that there was a spiritual element to the performance that came through.  Farley liked the phrasing and felt that he made it his own, despite having some issues in his upper register.  Zack said the performance will kind of speak for itself and that it will be an interesting vote.  Jake said that he can’t see how people won’t love it and he enjoyed the arrangement.

Marie-Pierre Bellerose sang “You Know I’m No Good” and it was okay.  It was a little on the boring side which is too bad because I think she’s better than that.

Farley said that he loved the song but said that it was missing some of the sticky stuff Amy Winehouse brings to it.  Zack said that compared to the other performances tonight, it was pretty good but that she needs to loosen up and be less “professional.”  Jake said that it was a little too safe and professional but that it was good.  Sass said it’s hard not to compare her to Amy Winehouse and that, Marie-Pierre has a great voice and that she should pick something that won’t lead to so many comparisons.

Sebastian Pigott performed “Dark Horse” and it was another surprising choice!  I actually thought it was a cool performance but it didn’t blow me away vocally.

Zack said that he uses his inability to sing and turn it into a virtue.  He said it was cool.  Jake said that it could have been more powerful but that he looked like a movie star.  Sass said that he is skilled at making weaknesses strong.  Farley thought it was a fantastic performance and that he’s really glad he’s here.

Theo Tams sang “Apologize” and he totally Canadianized it.  I actually really liked it which surprised me because I haven’t really given him much attention.  Go Lethbridge!

Jake said that it is the best performance they’ve had so far.  Sass said that he kicks.  Farley said that he is really artistic and thought it was a great performance.  Zack said that it wasn’t note perfect but that his performance marks the actual beginning of the competition.

Amberly Thiessen performed “What Am I To You?” and I thought she was adorable.  She came out barefoot and she was really good.

Sass said that she picked the perfect song and that there was a sweetness to the performance.  Farley really enjoyed it and thought her tone was great.  Zack thought it was awesome and could be one of the greatest discoveries in Canadian Idol history.  Jake said that it felt really honest and natural and was a really good performance.

Adam Castelli sang “Doin’ the Mess Around” and it wasn’t terrible.  It was an example of how different the song choices are from American Idol.  Canadians are crazy (in a good way, of course, lol).

Farley said that has a cool thing about him but that it was a wicked performance.  Zack said that it was great and that his voice is uniquely him.  Jake said that he stayed true to the blue-collar roots and that it felt like a real concert performance.  Sass said his phrasing was odd in parts but that he is one of the reasons the show is super exciting this year.

Katelyn Dawn sang “Hallelujah” and I thought it was okay.  I wasn’t a fan of the arrangement’s chorus but the rest was okay.

Zack said he thought it was pretty good but that the chorus harmony was interesting.  Jake said he thought there were some pitch issues and felt that she shouldn’t be singing that song at this stage in the game.  Sass said that next time she should try something a bit more upbeat.  Farley said that the second verse was really, really good but that the chorus was not as strong.

images courtesy of CTV Globemedia

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Here we go – it’s live blog time for Canadian Idol!!!  Tonight we get to see the Top 24 performances and I’m pretty excited!  Host, Ben Mulroney, is being super silly – it’s great to be back!

Lindsay Barr is first up and she has chosen to sing “Burning Love.”  I don’t really know what to say…

I found this performance kind of cheesy if I’m going to be honest.  She seemed to be trying a little too hard but, to be fair, it’s got to be first to have to go first.

Jake Gold said the performance was okay in terms of energy but the singing reminded him of really bad bar singing.  Sass Jordan told her she looks great and that she has great energy but that she sang the song in a key that was too low.  Farley Flex said that the key was too low but that her personality came through.  Zack Werner said that the song had no challenge and was an example of what not to do.  Ouch….

Martin Kerr sang “We Are Lost Together” and accompanied himself on the guitar.  My chief complaint was that he moved too far away from the microphone and made it hard to hear him at times.

Sass said it was really, really cool.  Farley said that he sounded nervous at the beginning but got into it.  Zack agreed with Farley and referred to him as “David Bowie Light” on stage.  Jake said that it must be tough to be among the first to perform and that he thinks he showed who he is and that it’s all he can really do now.

More after the jump!

Gary Morissette chose to sing “Good Golly Miss Molly” and I cannot figure out for the life of me what possessed him to sing that particular song.  Wow…  It wasn’t terrible (it certainly wasn’t great) but, more than anything, it was just awkward… He was great with his guitar and stage presence, though.

Farley said that it was a really good performance, Zack seemed to agree but Jake said that the performance was strong but that Gary is a better singer than that.  Sass said that energy really sells and that Gary has that in spades.

Tetiana Ostapowych sang “Feelings” and I really like what she did with the song.  I thought it had a little urban vibe (it sounded a bit like Sade, no?) to it even though I found it a little over-the-top in some parts.

Zack said it was a bizarre song choice and that it sounded a bit like a cruise ship performance.  Jake said that he found her believable and that she made the song her own.  Sass agreed with Jake and added that Tetiana connected with the song.  Farley said that the exciting thing is that she has tones to her voice that make her singing credible. 

Mitch MacDonald sang “Follow Through” and it wasn’t bad but I did find it a bit of a whiny performance. 

Jake said that he has a unique tone, which is why he was picked, even though it went a little pitchy tonight.  Sass said that he gives off a sweet, purity and Farley added that he comes off very likeable.  Zack said that he has an ease and a charm but that might not have been the performance for this first week.

Paul Clifford sang “Broken” and it was so weird (but in a good way) to hear the song performed by a male voice.  He needs to work on pronunciation, though.

Sass said it was a good performance but that it seemed like he was holding back a bit (he’s been sick).  Farley said that he has one of the most distinct voices and said he would recognize him on the radio which is part of what this is all about.  Zack said that he sounded like Bryan Adams and seemed irritated that the contestants are actually talking back this year.  Jake said that Zack need to get over hearing from contestants since they have a more seasoned group and that Paul got his chance to shine.

Earl Stevenson performed “All Along the Watchtower” and I really like his uniqueness (despite a somewhat sketchy note toward the end).  He’s an early favorite of mine.

Farley said that Earl oozes soul and that he’s what this show is about.  Zack said he’s an example of what people should be doing in this competition.  Jake said he loved that he made it an “Earl song.”  Sass said she hopes Canada realizes that Earl is the real thing (me too).

Lisa Bell wanted to show that she could do more than just Soul and R&B so she sang “Without Love” and I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it at all.  I think during this first week it’s important to stick with what you are comfortable with.

Zack said he’s glad she had fun but that it was a little too “showbizzy” for him.  Jake disagreed and said that she showed Canada how strong her voice was.  Sass loved what Lisa did and Farley said she showed a tremendous amount of control (I don’t completely agree with that, sorry).

Mookie Morris sang “Twist and Shout” and, even though I love his unusual voice, the performance became a little one-dimensional for me.  He didn’t have any tricks up his sleeve (at least not the kind I was expecting).

Jake said that he thinks it’s the first time anyone has played that song on the show and that Mookie is believable.  Sass said that he has tons of presence.  Farley said he made the most of his two minutes.  Zack said that he is the real star so far.

Drew Wright sang “Under Pressure” and, I genuinely don’t know know what I thought of the performance.  I’m not even lying.  He took risks and all that but I’m not sure they paid off.

Sass said that she really likes him and that it was a hard song to sing.  Farley said that he was surprised he had the guts to sing that song and thought it was good.  Zack said that he would have gone with a different vibe and arrangement and hopes that Canada could still see his potential.  Jake said that he agrees with Zack and was too big for him.

Oliver Pigott sang “I Hear you Knocking” and I wish I could have concentrated more on his singing but his spread-legged stance kept distracting me, lol.  I thought it was a decent song choice for him.

Farley said that it was a manly performance.  Zack said that it made no sense to him in any way.  Jake said that the performance was a bit over-the-top and that it didn’t really work but Sass saved him and said that she really liked it.

Katherine St-Laurent missed her graduation and prom tonight and sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”  I think it was a bit big for her, to be honest.  She has a good voice, no doubt, but she needs more experience.

Zack said that, in the strong parts of that performance, she showed she has star potential.  Jake said it was a good song choice for her and that, as the youngest competitor, she did a good job.  Sass and Farley both raved about a certain note that she sang that was so warm and memorable (I don’t remember it…).

images provided by CTV Globemedia

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©2008 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Frank Micelotta/FOX

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Post from: Crushable

American Idol season 7’s Top 5 (yes, Top 5!) will meet with mentor, Neil Diamond, and it should be interesting!  I think some contestants will have a definite edge this week.  Come back to join me when I live blog soon!

Post from: Crushable