THE DAM NATION

Saturday, May 11, 2013

American Idol 12: Top 3 Studio Versions

Our Top 3 performed three songs this week, but since they had their respective homecomings, they were only able to record one of their songs - judges' song choice. Who stood out?

RANDOM THOUGHTS: I'd give the best recording to Kree Harrison although I must say that both Angie Miller and Candice Glover also delivered some pretty outstanding studio versions. I felt Kree in her version of this Rascal Flatts song. It's emotional and heartfelt and her soaring lovely vocals were front and center. Candice Glover worked the Emeli Sandé ditty like it was written for her. The arrangement was genius as this somehow lessen the comparison from the original. Angie Miller, on the other hand, sounded solid on the Pink track. It was a little karaoke, but that's just me nitpicking.

American Idol 12: Top 3 Results Show

Wow. So, this was probably the first time since Season 8 - when Danny Gokey got eliminated - that the Top 3 Results show delivered any kind of surprise! I was seriously happy with any match up for next week, but when a supposed "frontrunner" failed to reach the Finale, it's a bit shocking - even for a non-fan like me!

Angie Miller. This was seriously a tough one. I admit, I wasn't a fan of Angie for many reasons, which I will not anymore discuss, but she won me over the last few weeks and yes, she ALSO deserved to be in the Finale. She had certainly proven it a couple of times, but this season's Top 3 has been so competitive, and somebody had to take the fall.

So, why was she eliminated? It's possible performance order of the last round was a reason. Statistically, only 30% of contestants singing in the first spot on Top 3 made it to the Finale. Maybe she simply slipped through the cracks? It's also possible that the homecoming packages slightly influenced the votes. I doubt it was entirely the deciding factor, but it possibly didn't help Angie overcoming the voting pattern of American Idol voters. Or maybe it was the curse of Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word? It's a hard call because I'm not sure he really did anything wrong. That said, I'm sure Angie will find success and has a bright future ahead if given the right management and materials.

As for the Final 2, I guess I don't care who wins now because I'll be happy either way. I wished for this matchup since Top 20, but I never thought it would actually happen. Kree Harrison, despite losing some of her momentum recently, has a natural talent and style that's going to blow up in country music. She's relatable, warm and has a voice that could go beyond country. Candice Glover, on the other hand, has a body of work that should speak for itself. Enough said.

Results after the jump!

American Idol 12: Top 3

This is a first. For the first time in twelve seasons, I seriously don’t care who wins American Idol. I would be perfectly happy with seeing any of these three contestants taking the title next week. They’ve all got strengths and weaknesses, but also possess the possibility of being an actual star. We’ll see, but it feels nice not to worry constantly about my favorite! They are all my favorite!

Now, after saying that, what was tonight’s verdict? Let me just say that it was a VERY close night with a different contestant winning each round. I would say that Round 1 went to Angie Miller, Round 2 went to Kree Harrison, and Round 3 went to Candice Glover. But, of course, more goes into my ratings so please read below to see who I believed did the most for themselves after three performances. It isn’t so much about having ONE great performance as it is having three very solid ones.

Oh, and those homecoming videos were so emotional, I cried. Twice. It's like watching Extreme Home Makeover. Haha. #sissy

Anyway, stay with me here as I go through what was a fairly good evening of music. So, here we go!

Well, the results were as predictable as ever. I mean, I correctly predicted 3 our of the 4 eliminated contestants and I'm somewhat happy with the outcome. I would've saved the other one for the other one - haha! this does not make sense no? - but I digress. I think, The Voice 4 has an interestingly strong and diverse set of finalists. Good job!

Results after the jump!

The Voice 4: Live Playoffs Part 2

Tonight was less than stellar compared to yesterday, but I must say that there were a couple of outstanding performances from Team Shakira and Team Blake. Somehow, I feel like every team has at least one solid contestant worthy to win the show and that makes for a strong season.

That said, will these judges ever criticize anybody? It's almost as bad as Ellen DeGeneres or even Steven Tyler. Oh, and where are the supposed "fresh songs" that makes the show so much "cooler" than American Idol when they used Against All Odds, Imagine, Feeling Goods, I Have Nothing, Let's Stay Together and How Do I Live all in two days!!

On with the show!

The Voice 4: Live Playoffs Part 1

I hate to say this, but the talent this season is insanely good - possibly the best of The Voice. Of course, that's not to say there are no cannon fodders, but there are no real duds with some pretty strong set of contenders!

Tonight highlighted though how solid Team Adam is and it's annoying that we get to see someone's elimination tomorrow. Can't we just get one from Usher and give space to one of Adam's acts? Oh, and Usher's song choices were abysmal! Did he share the same song list with American Idol?

Enough!

On with the show!

American Idol: Who's Your Favorite 4th Placer?

With Amber Holcomb's ouster this week, it's time we look back at contestants past who were eliminated in the same week. So, who's your favorite 'Idol' Fourth Placer?

[Who's Your Favorite Idol 5th Placer?]