Thaindian News

Mar 17 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Happy Saint Patrick’s Day everyone, and Happy Birthday to my mom, Jeanie! Last night on American Idol, it was finally time for our top twelve to debut. The theme for this week’s songs was a Tribute to the Rolling Stones. Everyone had to sing one of their songs, and every performance by the final 12 can be downloaded from iTunes.

Michael started things off with “Miss You.” Randy thought he put on a great performance. Ellen loved it as well, Kara felt he filled the stage and did a great job with the Stone’s song. Simon said that Mike definitely has his confidence up. He felt that the performance, particularly the dancing was kinda corny, and verging at times a tiny bit desperate. When Ryan asked Simon which part of the song he meant, Simon asked Ryan if he wanted Simon to talk to him or Mike. At that moment, Ryan walked down off the stage got face to face with Simon, and told him, “I am trying to help him out a little here, buddy, is that okay with you?” Simon backed up and said that this was “getting a little uncomfortable” and told Ryan “If you want to finish this in my trailer later on we can,” then turned to Mike and said, “But I meant towards the middle of the song, actually.”

Didi came along next,and shared a bit about her family. She said her mom would not watch while she was judges, although she loved the show. She sang and did an extremely amazing version of “You’re Playing With Fire.” Ellen liked it, Kara thought she did well with the sweetness of her voice and the eeriness of the music. Simon agreed with everyone and liked the fact that she was beginning to show the kind of artist she was going to be and said he had been a fan of hers for the last two weeks, and said it was a solid, but not brilliant performance, and she could still do better than that.

Casey’s mother shared how he used to hum in his crib when he was sick, and she knew he would be okay. He sang “Used To Love Her,” while playing the electric guitar. Randy said he was back to the Casey that Randy loves. Ellen said that most womens’ hearts start racing just looking at him, but then for people like her…(pause) blondes…she thought it was fantastic. Kara said he was no longer trying to be a rock star, that tonight he was a rock star and he had shown his soul. She called it his best performance since they met. Simon did not agree, and thought it was like an audition performance, and that Casey needs to use the stage to do something incredible, and be a star.

Lacey came from a very supportive family, her parents pastor a church and she has not sang much outside of the church. Her father is very proud of her for getting over her shyness and hitting the stage. She sand “Ruby Tuesday.” Randy found it very interesting and was pleasantly surprised. Ellen thought it was weird that she sat down for the best part of the song, and moved more during the slow parts, and she found it a bit sleepy, but she is a fan of Lacey’s. Kara felt that it was 50/50 and thinks she can do better. Simon said she performs like an actress and that everything is very precise. Maybe she needs to stop overthinking and let herself go. He added “But nothing is wrong with the vocals.”

Andrew said that when he was young, he wanted to play, but they did not even have money for a guitar. His dad cried while telling how hard it was for them. He is proud that Andrew can do for his wife and baby what he never could for Andrew. He sang “A Kiss Away.” Randy said he loved the song, and the Stones, and Andrew, but that the performance was pitchy everywhere. Ellen said, “Well what do I know, I think it was your best performance yet.” Kara said she she did not feel the connection, but did still like him. Simon was somewhere in the middle, that he felt Andrew gave it 100% but something didn’t click. He said he genuinely hopes Andrew makes it another week.

Katie is from Middlebury Conn. Her mom said she was never shy. The first time she sang in public she was 8, and sang at her brother’s wedding. She wants her entire family, including her grandmother who has Alzheimer’s to be proud of her. She sang “Wild Horses.” Randy felt it was a very strong performance. Ellen felt it started pitchy but she got really good. Kara felt it was a nice variation on the melody. Simon said this was the only week where she actually chose a really strong song. Simon did not like the second half because she lost the emotion, but it was well done overall.

Tim Urban came from a big family, and wanted to be a professional athlete. He picked up a guitar when he was about 16, and is incredibly proud of being a part of “The Urban Family,” but finally being known as an individual is awesome. He sang “Under My Thumb.” Randy did not like the reggae version. Ellen agreed and said his voice sounded great but it didn’t wow her. Kara said she got what the guys were saying, but she applauded him for making it his own. Simon applauded him for doing something different, but said that it didn’t work.

Siobhan sang, “Paint It Black.” Randy said it was hot and brought the drama to Idol season 9. Ellen loved it all, the look, the sound, and said she rose above. Kara said she was having flashbacks of Adam Lambert and it was the best interpretation of the night. Simon agreed it was the stand out performance of the night. Lee sang “Beast of Burden” and the judges felt he had an incredibly good voice but was rather boring last night.

Paige lost her dad at a very young age, and had an incredible mother who raised Paige and her brother alone. She said the first time she realized that Paige had “it” was when Paige was singing in a church play and she felt goosebumps. She sang “Honkeytonk Woman.” Randy said she did alright and pulled it out. Ellen loved that she used the stage and had star quality. Kara said she hit some big notes with the voice issues that she has been having this week. Simon asked what was wrong with her voice, and she answered, “I have laryngitis.” He said taking that into consideration, she did great.

Aaron was adopted when he was 5, and his mother said he may not be biological, but he is her son. Music was his main passion since he was about 9 years old, his mother said, and he still blows her away. She cried as she said, “He was just born to do this, and I am so proud of him.” He sang “Angie.” It is a song I am quite fond of, and in my opinion he blew us all away. Randy said his mom was absolutely right, that he was born to sing. Ellen added thought it was a great song choice for him, and that he and Siobhan stood out last night. Kara said she beat him up last week and he showed her last night! Simon admits that he feared for Aaron when he realized it was Rolling Stones Week, and that he chose 100% the right song. Simon said it was one of his strongest performances, and gave him a “well done.”

Crystal grew up in a small Ohio town, and had the help and support of her dad. She is a song writer who began writing at the age of 8. He had tears in his eyes when he spoke of his love and pride for her. She sang “Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Randy said it was maybe not her best performance, but he loves her and really enjoyed it. Ellen said she sang with ease and was really born to be on stage. Tonight she was much more playful and had personality. Kara agreed, and said last night she loosened up and had more fun with it. Simon said the interesting thing was that she came out the 100% clear favorite. He said this is the first time that she was beaten by someone, and it was Siobhan. He added that this is why no matter how much you think you have it in the bag, you have to “bring it” every week. Crystal replied,”I never think I got this in the bag, but thank you for saying so.”

So Simon may have a new favorite, Siobhan, and Paige has laryngitis. Crystal perhaps moved a step down in ranks while Aaron may have taken a step up. We will have to wait to see how American voted, however, as the judges are not the ones who decide who wins, America is.