‘American Idol’ Recap: Contestants Perform Songs by Their Personal Idols
Tonight’s (March 28) episode of ‘American Idol‘ featured the nine remaining contestants performing the songs of their own personal idols. It’s a smart theme, since these kids are trying to be Idols! Fleetwood Mac Queen Stevie Nicks performed her civic duty by serving as this episode’s guest mentor. She’s an experienced legend, so she doled out plenty of worthy advice to the hopefuls and even sang with a few.
Here’s how things shook out tonight on the Idol ep of ‘Idol.’
BOYS:
Colton Dixon: The well-coiffed rocker showed us his sensitive side with Lifehouse’s ballad ‘Everything,’ which was not showy or flashy since it’s a worship song. The proud Christian was styled well, with a white blazer over a black tee and jeans. It was a “statement” topper. The girls loved him, likely due to his believability.
Deandre Brackensick: The curly-haired singer attempted to hit the heavens with Eric Benet’s R&B jam ‘Sometimes I Cry.’ His falsetto rivals that of Prince.
Phillip Phillips: The rocker smiled while getting his groove on and playing guitar to Jonny Lang’s bluesy ‘Still Rainin’.’ We’ve yet to be disappointed by the double P. He is the most unique of the Idols this season, and he straps on the guitar every week. It was a ballad-heavy week, but Phillips picked up the pace.
Joshua Ledet: The smooth crooner tackled Mariah Carey‘s ‘Without You‘ and it was tough and risky, but damn, he poured his heart into is. Ledet even touched his brow, mid-song, as he was visibly moved by the lyrics he was singing. Some of his runs were outstanding.
Heejun Han: The season’s comedian shelved the jokes and overall non-serious nature of his performance style to sing ‘A Song for You.’ It was good, but we’re still flummoxed by Heejunmania. J. Lo basically said he is the most beautiful singer ever. Hyperbole aside, can someone please explain why the panel gives him a tongue bath every week?
GIRLS:
Skylar Laine: The country gal tackled Miranda Lambert‘s ‘Gunpowder & Lead,’ a sassy dirt road anthem if there ever was one. Despite a narrow melody, she crackled, bounding around the stage like the superstar she wants to be. That girl’s a firecracker.
Jessica Sanchez: This season’s diva roared through Beyonce‘s ballad ‘Sweet Dreams,’ reminding us of last season’s Pia Toscano. It was more beautiful than nightmare-ish, but it was a bit snoozy.
Hollie Cavanagh: The belter sang ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel‘ by Carrie Underwood and while she hit the notes, she also sold the song’s lyrics. She looked like a stunner in a fitted white mini but the song did not address her impressive range. Bad choice!
Elise Testone: The smoky ‘n’ husky Testone stood out on a sleepy episode loaded with ballads by ripping the roof off for ‘Whole Lotta Love’ by Led Zeppelin. She was styled like the ’70s, with her bell bottoms. That raspy delivery reminded us of Janis Joplin. It was rock star stuff.