After having to endure hours of exhausting, prolonged, and almost completely performance-lacking episodes last week, American Idol fans have plenty of reasons to rejoice, as the official competition kicked off tonight. Now that the best of the best have been filtered from the rest, expect episodes to include a lot less deliberating and a lot more singing!
And because of GLEE's brief one week hiatus, the top 24 extravaganza got an early start when the guys took the Idol stage for the first time. Additionally, for the first time in American Idol history, America doesn't have to waste time with busy phone lines to vote for favorite contestants, because the show is offering online voting at Americanidol.com. Don't forget to support your favorites with your votes!
San Francisco karaoke host
Clint Jun Gamboa kicked the night off with an energetic and rousing version of
Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious.' Sporting his trademark, kooky goggle-glasses, Gamboa got great reviews from all three judges. Though at times it was difficult to hear him over the loud band and backup singers, his performance prompted Randy to comment, "No karaoke singer in the world's got that kind of talent." I'm very eager to hear more from him.
It's hard not to like
Jovany Barreto, who followed up that performance with "I'll Be" by Edward McCain. The song included an unexpected key change and nicely placed high notes, but I wish we could have seen more. While JLo was into the performance, Randy thought that it sounded like karaoke, and it didn't bring anything new to the table.
Jordan Dorsey followed with an interesting song choice: "OMG." The flashy performance showed off his big personality, but did little more than that. And with Usher's Grammy performance of the song so fresh in my head it was difficult not to compare. The judges didn't love Dorsey either, describing the song as 'very pitchy.' Dorsey promised better for next time...if there is a next time.
Last week's Las Vegas round left me very intrigued by
Tim Halperin, but I wasn't head over heels in love with his "Streetcorner Symphony." Though Halperin got better as he went, he was clearly stretching to hit his high notes. The judges thought that the song didn't do him justice, and that he should let America see him for who he really is.
Cute, little
Brett Loewenstern has been one of my favorite contestants to follow thus far in the competition, so I had high hopes for his "Light My Fire." He started slow but once he switched octaves in the second verse his intensity built. JLo loved his hair flips, commenting that 'you did more hair-tossing than me and Beyonce in the past 10 years!'
James Durbin showed more control than ever on his "You Got Another Thing Comin'" by
Judas Priest, and his strong vocals earned rave reviews from all three judges. It's difficult not to compare him to season eight's
Adam Lambert, in which case he always falls a little short, but he gave one of the best performances of the night regardless.
Robbie Rosen sang a remixed version of
Sarah MacLachlan's "Angel," proving that he can make any song his own. His smooth falsetto and clean riffs made Steven and JLo fall in love with his performance, though Randy thought it was pitchy. If his previous performances haven't been indication enough, he should be sticking around for a while.
Scotty McCreery sang John Michael Montgomery's "Letters From Home" and showed off his rich tone and mature voice. Though the song was a ballad and he remained sitting on a stool throughout, he still gave a charismatic and vibrant performance. I hate country music, but I can't help loving
Scotty McCreery.
All three judges loved
Stefano Langone's "Just the Way You Are," which he dedicated to 'all the ladies out there.' Though his vocals were predictable, he knew how to work the crowd. Steven commented on his performance, "I can always tell when you're on the money when that vein in your forehead pops."
Paul McDonald picked the perfect song for his raspy and unique voice:
Rod Stewart's "Maggie Mae." The judges loved the character he added to the song, and I loved his Interesting, quirky performing style that made him standout from the other 11 boys. And as pointed out by JLo, everyone loves someone who smiles while he sings!
Jacob Lusk's prolonged eye contact with the Idol cameras made me uncomfortable as a viewer. Though his performance was overly coy and a little bit creepy, his vocals were flawless. His soulful version of
Luther Vandross' "House is Not a Home" was one of the best of the evening and left me wanting more.
In the normal
Casey Abrams fashion, his "I Put a Spell on You" was entirely original and thoroughly entertaining. He even added a little bit of humor to the song with an unexpected, muted final note. Steven said he has a great 'melodic sensibility.' JLo said that he will 'redefine the competition.' I can't help but wonder what he's capable of when he hasn't spent the week in the hospital from intense stomach pain.
Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH tomorrow night, when the top 12 girls duke it out for America's votes! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox.
Miss last American Idol's Green Mile episode last week?
Click here for a full recap!
Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by
Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and
Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.
Among the many American Idol finalists and winners to appear on the Broadway stage are Fantasia,
Justin Guarini ,
Jordin Sparks,
Diana DeGarmo,
Ace Young,
Tamyra Gray,
Constantine Maroulis,
Frenchie Davis,
Clay Aiken and
Taylor Hicks.
Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.
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