This week already had the carry over dramatic effect from the lingering bitterness of the shocking Drew Ryniewicz elimination from last week so it was going to be interesting how the voting dynamics would change, if at all, on the heels of it. Would Marcus be punished as a result? Would somebody else be sent home unexpectedly? We're getting down to the final weeks of the competition and here's how I saw it unfold.
1) Melanie Amaro - "Someone Like You" (Adele)
I certainly wasn't expecting a dance version of Adele's "Someone Like You" but I felt that while the vocals were incredibly strong that the ultra-Donna Summer like vibe was just abundantly cheesy. Still not quite sure just how exactly Adele constitutes as dance music anyway.
L.A. - Hey Melanie. So, um, that was really good. The only thing that bothered me about it is that it was really good. Congratulations.
Nicole - Girl, it's a big risk taking on the song you know. And you looked and sounded like the rock star diva that you are tonight.
Paula - First of all, you look absolutely stunning. And happy. You should be. That was a great way to open up the show. It was too short; that's my only complaint.
Simon - Thanks for that. Melanie, you know what? That was - what I loved about that was - it wasn't karaoke. It was taking a track, doing something different with it, and the change in you, and I think it's all happened ever since that - you kind of revealed the real you a couple weeks ago, you've got confidence, you sound like a diva, and you know what? You'd have a hit record with that version.
2) Marcus Canty - "Ain't Nobody" (Chaka Khan)
While I still don't think he was good enough to beat the remaining top performers left in the competition, tonight was definitely much better than the past few weeks. Having said that, I'm not quite sure that's still a very favorable standard the way that Marcus has performed lately.
Nicole - Marcus. Honey. Marcus, you took us to church and a dance club at the same time. I love, love, love that you chose that song. Brilliant job, L.A. Reid. Chaka Kahn the best. You have earned your spot to be here today and I am so proud of you. God has a plan for you.
Paula - Marcus, you look fantastic and as far as I'm concerned, it's an even playing field and you performed like it's the first time we saw you. Good job. (Marcus: Thanks Paula. Thank you so much.) You're welcome.
Simon - Marcus. (L.A.: Okay!) (Marcus facetiously groans.) I shouldn't - I shouldn't be very happy with you, should I? (Marcus: Uh-oh.) But...I have to - to be fair - judge you within the competition. And I have to say that was a very, very good performance. (Marcus: Oh!) And I have to give you credit. You know what? I like people who-who don't act like victims or blame other people. You came back strong, proved a point, good for you. (Marcus: Thank you, Simon.)
Marcus - My man. What we need now are people to vote. So if you really love Marcus the way I did tonight - vote, vote, vote, vote, vote.
3) Rachel Crow - "Nothin' On You" (B.o.B.)
After a surprisingly lackluster week, at least from an energy standpoint, Rachel rebounded quite nicely. Although there was nothing overwhelmingly stellar about the performance in terms of its energy again, I thought it was a rather strong vocal showing.
L.A. - You're such a little star. (Rachel: Thank you!) You are such a star. (Rachel: Shut up.) That was very good. I have one concern and it was a lyrical concern. You're singing "beautiful girls they've got nothing on you" - who you - who are you singing to on this record? (Rachel: I was singing to Paula and Nicole.) Ohhh! Got it. Got it. Okay. Good answer. What can I say? Thank you. (Rachel: I just love him.) (Nicole: Okay.) I just needed to know. You're odd to me.
Nicole - I'm just waiting for the Rachel Crow doll to come out. Wait - complete...complete with your own bathroom. (Rachel: Woo! Yes! I'm all for it.) That was the perfect song for you. It was fun, it was youthful, and you're a star. (Rachel: Thank you very much.)
Paula - Rachel. You are - just beautifully fearless. And it doesn't matter how young you are because your vocal depth transcends all generations. I think this is your best performance in the whole competition. You were up tempo, you nailed it, and I'm so proud of you. (Rachel: Thank you very much.) It was a great song; a great song. You are so up and (Rachel: Thank you, Paula.) I love you.
Simon - Um, yeah, and I'm waiting for the Nicole doll to come out; the voodoo doll. (Paula: Ohh.) (Rachel: Oh.) You know you'd buy it. (Nicole: "You're a mean one...Mr. Grinch.") (Paula: You know you'd buy it.) Rachel, you know what? Uh, someone told me that you also do standup comedy years ago, right? (Rachel: Who told you that?) I know everything. But I don't know, uh, but I like that because it kind of makes you like a triple threat and that was a good comeback from L.A. (Rachel: Thank you.) I also - I like the fact that this - kind sometimes with girls your age - you have to sell to grandmas - that's what happens on these shows. You shouldn't. You should be selling to teenagers so that was a great choice of song. Well done. (Rachel: Thank you. Thank you, Simon.)
4) Josh Krajcik - "We Found Love" (Rihanna)
I'm not sure this was my favorite Josh Krajcik performance. There was nothing about it that was either great or awful. It was very standard and after the past few weeks in particular I fear that it might have brought him back down to Earth a bit.
L.A. - Josh. You always sing good. We know you can sing. In the recording world I could never really see you doing that song. I love the song; Rihanna - great song, I love it. But I could never really see you doing it so I just didn't believe it. I didn't buy it. You were great as a singer. I don't buy that song for you.
Paula - You know what? Josh. I couldn't disagree with you more because the kind of artist that Josh is. You can take any song and make it believable as a dance hit. You changed it, the production on it was really brilliant, and I think you nailed it. Way to go Josh. I never in a million years would have thought that. (Josh: Thank you Paula.) You're welcome.
Simon - Uh Josh, uh, you know I agree with L.A. I think you have a really good voice but the song was completely inappropriate and what made it worse (Nicole: No.) is the fact that unfortunately you were surrounded by a ridiculous dance routine - in my opinion had absolutely nothing to do with the song - was distracting, and actually, this is the second time it's happened. You're very, very lucky you have a second song tonight because twice in a row, Nicole, you've got this absolutely wrong and maybe if you spent more time back in America than England you'd do a better job.
Nicole - I am, I am so happy right now because you just showed - unlike some of the other artists - how versatile, relevant, and current you are right now as an artist. And you just killed it, and I'm sorry, but like Paula just said - he actually made this song his own. (L.A.: Ohh. No, no, no, no. He never made it his own. No, no, no, no, no. No he didn't) Brilliant job. (Josh: Thank you Nicole.) (Simon: How many times have I heard people say, "You made that song your own?")
5) Chris Rene - "Live Your Life" (T.I.)
Chris was probably better than he has been lately but it certainly wasn't mind-blowing by any stretch in terms of vocals although it definitely wasn't awful either. Having said that, Chris got to pick up Astro's mantle so to speak and he showcased some rather strong original lyric range of his own. Still not sure if he's going home or not but perhaps he is starting to come on strong at the right time.
Nicole - Look L.A. Reid, I ain't got nothing but love for you, okay? (L.A.: I love you too.) I'm going to teach you something about love. (L.A.: I love you too.) You go ahead and live your life. We're living it right there with you. Josh (Obvious faux pax on Nicole's part), I love you. I love your spirit, I love your energy, and you know what? I love that you wrote the verses. It sounds like - you did so good it sounds like you wrote the hook as well. It sounds like it's your own song. (Chris: Thank you Nicole.)
Paula - It's nice to see you out there Chris, doing your thing. To me this was one of the most fun performances I've seen and you had - you had that crowd going. I loved it. I loved it. (Chris: Thank you!) I love you.
Simon - Chris, you know what? I saw the look on your face when you got through last week because you didn't think you were going through. And I think the fact that the public are supporting the kind of artist like this on this show is really important because I'm not going to say you're the best singer - because you're not - but as an overall potential recording artist - with charisma, with presence (Paula: With heart.) - I think that you are doing brilliant. (Paula: Yes he is.) Brilliant. (Chris: Thank you, Simon.) It didn't help, however, that why put the moving travel ?? on, he nearly fell off the stage, L.A.
L.A. - Listen...all I know - all I know is this. We're entering the semi-finals and you keep improving each week, right? I loved your song tonight. You took it, you made it your own, you wrote your own lyrics - you wrote your own lyrics - I want to make that a point - and all you need now is votes, my man and you'll be here.
6) Melanie Amaro (Second Performance) - "When You Believe" (Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey)
While a completely different feel from the first song, I found Melanie's second song to simply be an extension of her first song and perhaps a victory lap of sorts given her the strength of her recent overall performances. If the competition is now about mass appeal, Melanie could still be in danger of not winning the competition given how well Rachel and Josh have consistently performed and the seemingly Teflan resiliency of Marcus Canty and the reemerging Chris Rene. If it's about pure talent, Melanie should be a clear frontrunner with Josh Krajcik there too.
L.A. - Alright, Melanie. So of course that was great, you're always great. You really thought of that last night and it was that good today? I mean, that was like unbelievable. (Melanie: Thank you.) Alright, that was amazing - safe, but amazing.
Nicole - Hi Sweetie. Um...alright...you gave me goose bumps like all over. And what was so special about that performance is that you didn't just sing the song but I felt like you were speaking the song to each and every one of us and you believed every single word that you were saying. I've watched you grow so much in this competition. I'm in awe of you right now. (Melanie: Thank you.)
Paula - It's when I close my eyes I can hear Whitney, I can hear Mariah, and I can hear the greats and it's pretty amazing. This is a performance that worked because this is where less is more totally works. It was beautiful. (Melanie: Thank you.)
Simon - Um, I just have to say L.A., you think singing a Mariah song and a Whitney song with 24 hours notice is safe? Give me a break. You know what? (L.A.: Listen, it's not the first time she's done a Whitney song.) (He also might have said "ballad" but I'm still unsure.) Give, give this girl some credit. You know what? She just sang that incredibly and - and actually, a very, very good friend of mine is in the audience tonight - um, the guy who actually signed Whitney Houston - the legendary Clive Davis. So that was outstanding - remember what happened to me last week - you've got to pick up the phones, please because if this girl ends up in the pirannah pool, she's out.
7) Marcus Canty (Second Performance) - "A Song For You" (Leon Russell)
I found his first performance to be much more upbeat and vibrant although he probably showed much more passion and soul with this one. Is it enough to avoid the Bottom Two? I seriously doubt it.
Nicole - Marcus, Marcus - thank you for reminding us all why we fell in love with you from the start. It was so honest and so much grace and so much poise - you remind me of a young Al Green and that means your talent is timeless. That was beautiful. (Marcus: Thank you so much Nicole.)
Paula - One of your best performances that I've witnessed. Honestly. It was an honest performance. There's something - your eyes do not lie, Marcus and you are a storyteller and that goes beyond any superior voice - it's everything. You encompass it. (Marcus: Thank you, thank you so much, Paula.) Yes, I love you. Thank you.
Simon - Uh, I thought it was good - I'm not jumping out of my chair to be honest with you - because - I'm not and I'll tell you why - because I've heard that kind of version of that song so many times on these shows. I would have like to have heard a little twist. I thought you were much more comfortable on the first song but your likable and that's important but I'm not going to lie and say that's the best thing I've ever heard because it wasn't - it was a bit boring. (Marcus: I appreciate it, I appreciate it, I appreciate it, I appreciate it.)
L.A. - Listen man, Mohammed Ali got knocked down twice - and he came back like a champion. You've been at the bottom twice and you came back like a champion. I'm proud of you, don't listen to the nonsense, don't let him get into your head, keep your head on straight - do what you do, I've got your back. My man. (Marcus: Thank you, thank you.)
8) Rachel Crow (Second Performance) - "Music and Me" (Michael Jackson)
I actually thought she was even better the second time around tonight. The precocious teen showed even more resolve and fortitude and she definitely deserves to advance tonight.
L.A. - Hey Rachel. (Rachel: Hi.) You know what? I love that you picked that song for yourself. I really love how (Rachel: Ha! Thank you!) you see yourself. Your vision for you is really inspiring. It really is. (Rachel: Thank you very much! Thank you!) And I also - I hear rumors, and I'm not supposed to talk about this, but I hear that Hollywood is circling the wagons and I hear all kinds of rumors. You know what? You're the star that we always thought that you are. You really are (Rachel: Thank you so much!). God bless you sweetheart. (Rachel: God bless you! Thank you!)
Nicole - Baby, you're like an old soul in a 13 year-old. (Rachel laughs. "Thank you!") I don't know how you do it. You did a beautiful job. (Rachel: Thank you.) You should be very proud. My mission is just to inspire the kids. That's all I want to do.
Paula - You are such a great role model. (Rachel: Thank you Paula.) You're a wonderful role model. You're every girl's best friend and every parent's daydream. (Rachel: Thank you!) (Rachel laughs.) You're amazing, Rachel. You're fantastic and magical. (Rachel: You're fantastic.) Well, you are amazing. (Rachel: Thank you.) (To Simon) You're very lucky to have this one. (Rachel: Thank you so much.)
Simon - Just, just keep away from her Paula. She's doing just fine, thank you. (Paula: Oh, you're so funny! She needs more of you.) (Rachel laughs.) Uh, I like, I like the fact that you chose the songs this week; I think it's really important that someone your age is choosing the material because both songs worked. Um...and I agree with Paula ; you are like an old soul, you know? Because sometimes it can be quite annoying (Nicole: What do you mean?) when you've got - what? (Nicole: That was me. I said that.) (Rachel laughs.) (Nicole: I said that.) I was agreeing with you. (Nicole: You said Paula.) (L.A.: No, she wants credit for her line.) (Simon: You're both insane.) (Rachel laughs.) (Paula: It's all good.)
9) Josh Krajcik (Second Performance) - "Somethin' In The Way" (The Beatles)
Josh masterfully handled his second song tonight and what was a clear cut vast improvement over his first song tonight. Had it only been a one song performance tonight Josh might have been in serious trouble for the first time in the competition but as it stands, Josh was able to harness his second opportunity into stabilizing his near-guaranteed spot in the semi-finals. Great performance, great song choice, and great vocal execution for Josh the second time around tonight; he is probably still one of the two finalists and tonight he was fortunate enough to have the chance to rebound and virtually assure that becoming reality.
L.A. - Josh. Thank God you had a second song tonight really because that's the Josh that I love. When you sing that way that's what I love. I thought it was really good; ever so slightly karaoke but really good nonetheless. (Paula: Not at all.)
Paula - Josh. You know adjectives don't describe your brilliance anymore. They-they just don't measure up. I just think that you are so special and I'm so grateful that we found you. (Josh: Thank you Paula.)
Simon - I've got to tell you Josh, compared to the first song this was a massive improvement. Um, I think that when you watch this back it might be the fact that you're under pressure; you looked actually insane halfway through. It was like your eyes were rolling (Nicole: That's called - ), um, but that's okay. Um, my advice, my advice (Nicole: That's called getting lost in the music and just letting yourself go.) Well put, Nicole, why don't you get lost for the moment and let me finish? (Nicole laughs.) What I - What I'd suggest is (L.A. Reid gives a facetious standing ovation) - here's my advice: do not allow, if you make it through, anymore of this crazy choreography around you. Do what you do best. You are a singer-songwriter. Adele doesn't need any props nor do you.
Nicole - That's right, Simon. Josh is like the male Adele (Paula: Yes he is.) in the industry right now and that is a little something that I like to call Krajcik Magic. (L.A.: Did you think - Did you think it up by yourself?) I just thought of it. (Paula: I want to be your campaign manager because I felt like it was like a presidential election.) (L.A.: I was just curious.) I just need America to not let the real thing right here; a real musician, a real artist, please vote for Josh. (Paula: Yes.)
10) Chris Rene (Second Performance) - "Where Do We Go From Here?" (Original Song)
Conspiracy theorists unite! The sudden "error" on the show allowed Chris to break out his own original song and he pulled it off with flying colors. I have been exceedingly critical of Chris for quite some time and just last week I was calling for him to break out his guitar and remind people of his often forgotten musicianship and I'm glad that I was able to telepathically communicate this to Chris in time. I enjoyed watching Chris being the musician many have perhaps forgotten he is and hearing him show off his equally overshadowed vocal range. This was by far his best live performance night of the competition so far and he just might be gaining some late momentum at just the right time.
Nicole - Chris...where do we go from here? Ya know what? Sky's the limit with you, baby. Sky's the limit. Congratulations. (Chris: Yes!) That was amazing. I want you to take this moment in right now. That was amazing. (Chris: Thank you.)
Paula - You know the universe works in mysterious ways, Chris. Had that glitch not happened, you wouldn't have been singing this song. And you know what? You have to trust the universe because it always works out right. This is what I've been waiting for and I applaud you - this show allowed your originality...God bless...(Chris: Thank you.)
Simon - You know Chris, we've got[ten] to know each other a long time now but at this stage of the show, you've got five million dollars at stake, you're one step away from the semi-final, and you decide to sing your own song. (Paula: Yup.) So it's either stupidity or a stroke of genius. (Paula: Yeah.) And I'm gonna be honest with you Chris because I like you and I said from Day One I'm never going to lie to you - that was a stroke of genius.
L.A. - Chris Rene! I'm so proud; so proud of you. The night that we met you - the original audition - you did an original song, you've traveled this entire journey only to come back to where you started, doing music that you wrote, that you sang from your heart and I could not be more proud. Congratulations to you. (Chris: Thank you, L.A.)
I didn't get a chance to finish this before the Results Show but I predicted Marcus Canty to be in the Bottom Two again with Chris Rene, despite the fact that he gave his strongest performance of the competition so far by a mile. Often, especially at this point in the competition, it comes down to "voter turnout" of the singer's fan base. I felt Josh's first performance still might not make him immune to the bottom and given how Rachel survived already that she too might be in danger. Still, I felt Marcus was the frontrunner to go home. For my thoughts on the final result of the week, please read my Top 5 Results Show recap blog.
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