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The North Carolina view on American Idol Performace of 4-18-06:

“The Idols opened the Great American Songbook Tuesday night and sang the classics the way they were meant to be sung. Each one came out and added their own touch to the standards, and, with the help of the legendary Rod Stewart, was able to bring back the fond memories I have of ’50s night with Barry Manilow. When I heard what the theme was for the night, I worried about some contestants and looked forward to others. My worries turned out to be well-founded and the contestants I looked forward to hearing did not disappoint. Judge Simon Cowell was in a particularly generous mood tonight, liking practically everyone, which is unusual for him. His pleasant disposition and positive attitude caused host Ryan Seacrest to remark, “Simon’s been sipping from the happy fuel tonight.” Perhaps he accidentally drank from Paula’s red cup instead.

It was a solid night of entertaining performances; here’s what the judges and I thought specifically:

 Chris Daughtry, 26, McLeansville, NC:
Song: “What a Wonderful World”

Randy: The sensitive side of you came out tonight. It was da bomb, dude.

Paula: You have shown you are in this to win. It was a fantastic job.

Simon: I have to take credit for that performance. (having been telling Chris that he has to show some versatility). Great performance.

Me: I love Louis Armstrong and he cannot be out done, but Chris did a fabulous job on this song. And while I don’t really agree that a rock singer needs to change things up – I mean what rock singer does? – I do believe this song choice showcased the fact that Chris really does have a quality voice. It was an engaging performance.

Score 9.

Paris Bennett, 17, Fayetteville, GA:
Song: “Foolish Things”

Randy: Stand very proud up there tonight. This was your greatest night ever. It was a classy, great performance.

Paula: Tonight you reminded me of why we fell in love with you at auditions. If you made an album of this genre, it would blow up.

Simon: It was stylish. You bewilder me, because you talk one way and you sing in such a grown up way. It was terrific.

Me: I loved it. Finally, Paris was on key and controlled, strong and clear. She was appropriately attired and gave a classy, rich performance.

Score: 8 1/2

Taylor Hicks, 29, Birmingham, AL:
Song: “You Send Me”

Randy: What a difference some different music makes. You put your own self in that – you kept it real. That was hawt, I was blown away.

Paula: You are in the zone to go the distance. Every note was perfect. I applaud you and I’m sure the Soul Patrol is one fire tonight.

Simon: It started like lame cabaret, and then it was magic.

Me: It started good – not great, just OK, but then Taylor made Sam Cooke’s song his at the end and that kind of originality is what this competition is about. While I think the performance was a little boring in the beginning, the end was great.

Score: 8

Elliot Yamin, 27, Richmond, VA.:
Song: “It Had To Be You”

Randy: Good song choice – very, very nice, relaxed, controlled performance.

Paula: This is the perfect song for you – you made it contemporary – a mix of Michael Buble and Harry Connick, Jr. You are in the American Idol zone and there are so many capable of winning this.

Simon: It was a good vocal, but personality plays a key role and I thought it was lacking. I’m slightly concerned for you.

Me: Generally, Simon’s “concern” is the kiss of death. I certainly hope not, as Elliot possesses one of the best voices in this competition. The quality of his voice is apparent in every song he sings. This was a wonderful genre for him and his performance gave me chills.

Score: 9

Kellie Pickler, 19, Albemarle, NC:
Song: “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”

Randy: It started good, but it was pitchy in the middle. It’s a tough song to sing.

Paula: I have to give it up for the fashion – you look fabulous. The beginning was very vulnerable.

Simon: It was a boring song – it didn’t suit you. You didn’t need to worry about the bewitched and the bothered; you could have just gone with bewildered.

Me: Yikes! Kellie is a good singer and she has performed well on each of the previous shows, but tonight, she hit some real clunkers that had me cringing. Other than Simon’s “concern,” the only other sure kiss of death on this show is when Paula says you look nice.

Score: 6

Ace Young, 25, Denver, CO.:
Song: “That’s All”

Randy: I’d love to hear you sing a whole song in false – that’s your money. You had a little trouble in the middle, but you worked it out in the end.

Paula: It’s a whole new Ace – I love the suit. It’s a magical night – you did great.

Simon: It wasn’t bad. It was a bit nasally, but overall a charming performance.

Me: Ace looked great tonight – hair pulled back, suit and tie – it did him a world of good to change his look. And his song choice and vocal were both terrific. Ace has charm and he is very engaging and tonight, his performance was up with the rest of these qualities.

Score: 8 1/2

Katharine McPhee, 21, Los Angeles, CA:
Song: “Someone to Watch over Me”

Randy: This is your element – you love these songs. You sailed on this one – I loved it, it was excellent.

Paula: I’m falling in love with the essence of who you are. It was a perfect song. It was so you, so elegant.

Simon: You made the others look like amateurs. It was completely in another league – so much better than the others.

Me: I knew with this genre of music that Katharine was going to hit one out of the park tonight. She did not disappoint. While I don’t think she made the others look like amateurs, she certainly did shine tonight. Her voice is clear and her tone is perfect. She reminded me of a young Linda Ronstadt, who also made an album of standards with the Nelson Riddle band – Katharine could do the same with ease.

Score: 10

High point of the night: The whole show was really entertaining and all the performances were good, but Katherine was outstanding.

Low point of the night: Kellie’s performance was definitely the worst of the night, and without a close second. While I don’t think it’s enough to send this fan-favorite home, it could land her in the bottom three for the first time.

Going home: This is a tough one, because everyone sang great tonight. Based on past trips to the bottom three, I’m really just guessing … Ace
Source: www.citizen-times.com

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