American Idol pressed the Top 10 contestants to reach a bit outside their comfort zones (which, for many, remains singer-songwriter/coffeehouse rock). Did guest coach Usher get them to stretch? Well, kind of, in our opinion. But if there’s anyone truly qualified to review Idol‘s R&B/soul week, then it must be most “stank” soul performer (his word, not ours, and we mean it in the best way) Idol has ever produced — Elliott Yamin. We’re honored to have Elliott back in the house as a guest blogger today (especially after his excellent take last week on the Top 11).
We hardly need to say it, but Elliott remains one of the standout talents from any Idol season. Check out his official site to see his glorious performance of “Free”, “Can’t Keep On Loving You” and more at the Generosity Water charity event, Night of Generosity, from earlier this month. See his review of last night’s Idol below:
Elliott’s Review:
And Then There Were 10
Ahhh….Top 10 week…I remember I came out with a little more swagger, trying to show a little more personality.. after all, the previous week I had just overcome another hurdle in the AI obstacle, making the post-Idol summer tour…so…I was home free, right?…Wrong!…It only got tougher…but I felt like I could afford to lose a little bit of my inhibitions, and just have fun out there on that stage…even though Paula said I had 2 left feet, I wasn’t that bad (insert cliche here)…let’s see how this seasons Top 10 fared…
1) Siobhan Magnus – “Through The Fire”
First of all…way too much commentary …W hy did the judges get 2 rounds of it?.. The song has been done before, I thought it was too safe, old, and unoriginal… she sounded a bit nervous, which I get…but at this stage, you can’t let that affect your tone of voice. Keep your head up, kid.
2) Casey James – “Hold On, I’m Coming”
Great, original song choice!… And again, kind of suited Casey’s voice.. which isn’t spectacular, nor does it blow anyone away… but I really dig the way Casey is workin’ it, and making the best of what he has to offer… He’s showing off his range of artistry with his guitar, which also doesn’t hurt… Good job tonight.
3) Michael Lynche – “Ready For Love”
Bold, yet super-dope choice of a song… you know why? … Because it was so well emoted…It was genuine, straight from the heart, and I believed every syllable.. this is what I’m talkin’ ’bout! Taking a great song, which may not be as popular, and eternalizing that sucka… Keep doing what you’re doing Big Mike!
4) Didi Benami – “What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted”
A little indulgent at times.. I totally agree with Randy, in that there was no range in the way she performed the song… It really didn’t go anywhere…was a little flat at times (I was, every week)… Now, she said that she had a deep connection with the song, but I just felt like she got lost in it…. and was disconnected with the audience.
5) Tim Urban – “Sweet Love”
Man, I was really rootin’ for Tim tonight!.. He’s a likable guy, right?…But this performance was flat-out flat… I mean, there’s just zero inflection in his voice, his tone…I mean this respectfully, but there was absolutely nothing interesting about the vocal arrangement or the vocal performance… and the judges were hilarious and spot on.
6) Andrew Garcia – “Forever”
Good, current choice.. and I actually thought Andrew made it his own tonight… wasn’t crazy about the arrangement, or the vocals, but I think he’s back on the right track… still, I’d love to see him show just at least a quarter of the amount of personality that his proud Momma Garcia showed!.. She was awesome!… Overall I thought Andrew was pretty decent.
7) Katie Stevens – “Chain Of Fools”
I thought she actually sounded good tonight… I kinda dug her swag on stage as well… To her credit, she’s young… but I think the reason the judges say she sounds too mature at times is because she doesn’t really know how to use her voice just yet… so she doesn’t take risks with vocal runs, etc… All in all, I liked the performance.
8) Lee Dewyze – “Treat Her Like A Lady”
I loved this key for Lee… and this was the best performance I’ve seen from him thus far! I mean, night and day as far as confidence is concerned. He owned that song, and made it his you know what… I was thoroughly impressed… hats off to Lee for coming around and believing in himself.
9) Crystal Bowersox – “Midnight Train To Georgia”
I liked the confidence that Crystal showed playing the piano, and getting out in front of it… again, she is the truth and knows she belongs in this competition… although it wasn’t the greatest vocal while playing combo, it was heartfelt and I liked it!
10) Aaron Kelly – “Ain’t No Sunshine”
Great song…I really dig this kids voice…but I thought the performance was a little boring.. just because he really didn’t put enough stank on it…. I thought it was a safe choice, and would like to see him take more chances vocally… Aaron is still one of my favorites. It’s crunch time, kiddo!
The 2 best performers of the night for me were:
1. Lee Dewyze
2. Michael Lynche
*
Keep up with Elliott at his official site, and for Pete’s sake, follow him on Twitter. He’s a mensch.
Elliott, your Idol recaps are perfect. Thank You. I will WAIT FOR YOU to do another recap… =o)
I love reading Elliott's reviews! It's nice to hear an ex-Idol give his 2 cents worth. He's been through it, and can combine his opinion with his experience. I pretty much agree with Elliott. Lee reminds me of Elliott while he was on Season 5. Their voices are totally different, but the shyness and talent win me over!
Wow! I like Elliott's commentaries and think they are spot on. Would like to hear from him again.
Thought his critique was spot on – he could be Simon's replacement!
Season 9 = Boring. Alex Lambert, Katelyn and Lilli Scott should still be in the competition. That would have made it more exciting.
Nice job again, Elliott. It's a real treat to read your blogs, but I think you're a little too easy on the teenagers. They're in the same competition as the adults, so they should be expected to bring it every week. No byes for youth.
I agree with you that Lee was the best this week. I would choose Crystal for 2nd place and Mike in 3rd.
You're spot on, Elliott – you should do more of this
Glad to see elliotts commentary up here…i was also a big fan of his soulful voice – the most memorable talent ever produced by American Idol, IMHO. its great to see how similar our personal critiques on last nights show was.
I, however, dislike Tim Urban with a passion! He took my beloved Lilly Scott's spot and is still hogging and wh*ring in front of the camera, churning a mediocre performance week after week. Ang guess what, he is still there >:(
I don't LOVE Lee, but he was the best last night. I dont think these kids get what having a “moment” means. Having a moment is when a singer sings and he gives his audience, maybe even himself goosebumps. I'm a singer and not to be arrogant or anything but I've done this a few times so I know it's possible. Lee may not have understood the concept completely but he did deliver the “moment” last night.
Michael and Crystal are my favorites but they didnt perform out of the ordinary, even with Crystal's “gimmick” of the piano+dancing. I applaud her for being brave enough to try something new. Still, compared to the unfairly-outed-early Lilly Scott, she just doesnt have that much versatility.
Elliot you are a very perceptive guy as well as super -talented. Glad you are still in touch with the Idol thing and you should be on tonight,as you are perfect in the r&b world!
Elliott Yamin is truly a unique guy and talent. Elliott has such an awesome voice and I just love his humbleness. I wish for him all the happiness and success he deserves.
i loved elliott’s review. it was a reflection of himself….honest, heartfelt, genuine and definitely “spot on”. please have him give his opinion and review again soon, especially as we get closer to the finale. he is a good choice as a guest. thank you
No, Elliott can not be on Idol with this group this year. He is too good and more viewers will say “OMG this season sucks” compared to previous seasons.
Ruben did okay tonight, and I love him, but Elliott is in a whole league by himself when it comes to emoting the R&B stuff live.
I agree that Elliott’s review is spot on…kinda feel like were kindred spirits. I hope he does this every week. Right on EY!
Elliott Yamin should definitely be a guest judge on AI. He knows his stuff and can humbly comment his thoughts because he has been there and did that… He has a warmth about him that I find very refreshing. Plus this guy can sing!
completely agree