Right, so, last night on American Idol, not so good. I know! Now, does it matter this week? No. We all know Karen is going home, and taking her beehive with her. But, overall, it does add in to the total thought process. My fast forward finger, it was twitchy last night. Seriously twitchy. First time this season.

So, okay, here’s the rundown…

Naima? I want to love her. If only Bob Marley had had a song out the year she was born. Alas…no. And what she did choose? It was not good. SO not. I tried closing my eyes and just listening. Still, not good. The clip at the end of the show? Still, not good. I think bottom three. Only a lot of folks seemed to be competing for those slots this week, so who knows. Maybe going first this time will work for her because folks will forget how bad it was.

Paul. Now, that was actually the perfect song choice. But I have decided that I simply cannot watch him. Not ever. I feel like I’m going to have some kind of permanent twitch seizure if I do. Like, it actually physically makes me super uncomfortable. And those skinny jeans? Dude. Just…no. But, if I look away from the screen (whereupon…instant twitch relief) then? Well, I like how he sounds. Very much, in fact. Just, my EYES, Paul. My EYES. Yikes.

Thia. Man, I hope she gets it together and goes all Adele on us because her voice is just so pure. We got a lot more personality from her this week and I wish the judges had at least given her props for that.

James. Sure, Bon Jovi was the obvious choice and James rocks it. He’s got range, but he’s not distinct for me. Not in the way I’d know it was him if I heard him on the radio. Adam still owns that. Heck, even Daughtry owns that. James…not so much. Not yet. But I like the guy. I do. He’s got charm.

Haley. See, now here’s the damn shame of the competition. Randy rakes her for being all over the map, but it could be argued that that was a very Alicia take on I’m Your Baby Tonight. Whatevs. I really do like her voice, a lot in fact, but she’s doomed here. Move along. Nothing can save her. She’s not the It Girl, not with this group.

Stefano brings it. As he does. He’s adorable, he’s charming. And he can sing his cute fanny off. However (I know, I’m like Randy or something…) However, he’s not unique enough. He’s got a lot, but…what are we going to do with it? I don’t see him standing out in the music business. However, on Broadway? Killer. Absolutely. Adorable with huge pipes, that’s where that pays. Just sayin. I’m also sayin’ to keep him around. For my personal enjoyment and viewing pleasure. Because, after all, it is all about me.

Pia. First, what in the world did she have on? It was like a giant onesie with no footies. So distracting. So, she can sing. Yes, she can. But…sigh….for all she belts it out and utterly nails it, week after week, with this monster gorgeous voice of hers….I’m also not sure where her slot is in the current music industry. As I’ve said, not a lot of up and coming Celine’s and Whitney’s these days. She belts it, and it’s pure power, almost effortlessly huge and perfect, but there’s not a lot of soul to it. Nothing rrrrrrrr underneath it. So…I dunno. I can’t see her really bringing it in an earthy way that would get us up out of our seats or boogie in our cars. (What? Like you can’t boogie in your car after age 50? HA! I say. HA!) So, gorgeous, insanely talented, and the purest singer, along with the softer Thia. But…Thia has a sound. Pia…not so much. I know, I said it.

Scotty. Sings Travis and it’s his lane. He owns the lane. Essentially, all he has to do is make it through the next few months, win or lose, and sign his contract. Just don’t screw up. Career is waiting. That is all.

Karen Sings. Quite well. And…… yeah. It’s not enough. Not this season. So sorry. She’s heading out tonight. I’ll be stunned if she doesn’t.

So then there’s Casey. Singing Nirvana. Going all Cobain on our collective asses. It really wasn’t that good. Too much growl, not enough tone under it. But that he did it? After spending part of the week in the hospital getting blood transfusions to battle colitis? Yeah, I’m all over that. I love this guy. Will Ferrell sings Cobain. I mean, what’s not to love about that?

Lauren. I felt bad she was sick, and she definitely, sick or not, did better this week. But she still goes soft on the refrains, which is where she should just shove it in our faces and right down our throats. I honestly think that’s just age and inexperience. She has all the charm, talent, and presence in the world. She just has to grow into it, that’s all.

Jacob. Okay, so this dude? Couldn’t possible bottle more emotion into his big ol crazy time voice. He’s like a raw nerve, quivering and set to music. In a beautiful, beyond this realm kind of way. But what he’s truly got going for him, is that, he’s fortunate, in that, unlike Pia, he has R&B and gospel roots to fall back on, and so even his major nutty Broadway belting voice could actually find a home in modern day music. Plus, dayum. I mean, just….dayum. You know? If you don’t feel anything just watching him so utterly feel everything….then you need to check your pulse.

So? What did you think? Oh, and judging… The dawg maintained his wet blanket status, though,sadly, it was largely on point this week. Steven kind of vacated this week and went all super too nice, and I still love him to pieces. Jennifer, on the other hand, went strict mama on her little darlings, with some direct and specific critiques. But she does it with such heart, and true affection. Not to mention she kinda knows what the hell she’s talkin’ bout. That’s how you help someone grow and find their potential. Simon. Love this season. Off week. But love this season.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest! See Monday’s post for details. Winner announced here tomorrow, along with more Idol results DISH. Oh, and over on the Cakes by the Cup Blog…another chance to win! And make scrumptious Brown Sugar Pound Cake cupcakes! Next week over there? Big announcment about the Cakes by the Cup series. Woot!

Oh, and Happy St. Patty’s Day! Or, as I like to call it, My Big Ol Birthday Eve! You can wear green if you want.

Now? Tag. You’re it!

Tags: Writing //