Thaindian News

May 4 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Although Frank Sinatra died in 1998, he will always be remembered as an icon among musicians. Harry Connick Jr. was chosen to mentor for “Frank Sinatra Week” on American Idol this week. He and his band were here to play for the contestants, which he said was very exciting.

Aaron went first, with “In Other Words” and did a pretty good job. Randy gave him 2 ‘Wows’ and said that Aaron seems to be in it to win it, and added that he did a really good job. Ellen felt the piano was a lil pitchy, (LOL) and felt Aaron really pulled it off. Kara felt it was good, and advised Aaron to fill up the stage more. Simon as more with Kara on this one. He adored Frank’s swagger and believability. He felt that Aaron did not do so well on it.

Casey was up next. He had received a call during the week from a friend who doesn’t watch television, and offered a job for a gig which would pay 50 bucks and a free meal. He sang “Blue Skies” and sounded pretty good with the big band backing him up. Randy said it was maybe the worst performance of Casey’s. Ellen felt it was stiff. Kara said that his vibrato was out of control. Simon said it was not fantastic, that Casey did not feel comfortable, and then joked that the goods news is that Casey has a gig for next week.

Crystal was next with “Summer Wind” and she was terrific! She looked gorgeous in a long gown, so much different than the Crystal who first came onto Idol this season. Ellen felt it was very impressive, Randy thought it was slow and boring, Kara liked it, and Simon said it felt too indulgent, and was not one of her strongest performances. He feels that Crystal has had 2 ‘okay’ weeks and she needs to step it up a bit.

Mike did the song “Contagious” and said that he loves the song and that it makes everyone dance. Randy said it was unbelievable, it was interesting ,and he did it well. Ellen said Mike seemed to be the most comfortable on stage, he looked the part, sounded the part, very smooth, very good. Kara said that he found the drama in the song, and took us on a journey. Simon said this was a tricky night, and the first three performances were just okay but Mike changed all that, and that it all just clicked.

Lee was the final contestant, and closed the show with “That’s Life”. Randy said it was great, and that Lee stayed his rocker self. Ellen said that if this was the last night of performances, that Lee would have just won this whole thing. Kara asked Lee if he thought he could win. She told him he needed to believe it because he can. Simon said that Harry brought out Lee’s personality and confidence, and that it was the best performance of the night.