Music News
American Idol's Top Eight Girls Perform for a Spot in the Top 12
The top eight girls performed for a spot in the top 12 on American Idol Wednesday night. As Ryan Seacrest introduced the judges at the top of the show, Ellen DeGeneres was sitting in Simon Cowell lap, but he didn't seem to take too kindly to her cuddling. Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi were also on hand to offer their critiques. Here's what happened:
Seventeen-year-old Katie Stevens kicked off the night singing the Kelly Clarkson hit "Breakaway," and though she hit all the notes, it wasn't a breakout performance. Randy thought the song was too big for Katie. Ellen liked that Katie picked a more current song, but she didn't think Katie connected with it. Kara also didn't think she stood out from the pack, and Simon said she sucked the energy out of "Breakaway" and made it gloomy.
Siobhan Magnus took on The Animals classic "House of the Rising Sun" as a tribute to her dad, who sang it to her as a kid. Siobhan's performance opened with a dramatic a capella section, and she finished it off with a big note. Randy loved that Siobhan took risks, and Ellen was moved and captivated by the performance. Kara called Siobhan "unique" and "different," but Simon thought the whole thing was very "weird" and "boring" and "dark."
Lacey Brown sat on the side of the stage for her delicate performance of Brandi Carlile's song "The Story." Randy thought the song was a bit sleepy, but he loved Lacey's performance. Ellen also thought it was her best performance to date, and Kara applauded Lacey's effortless singing. Simon was also very complimentary, saying it sounded like something on the radio. He also thought Lacey worked the cameras like a pro, but still wasn't convinced she'd found herself musically.
Katelyn Epperly stood behind an electric piano for her faithful reading of Carole King's "I Feel the Earth Move," further establishing herself as a singer/songwriter type. Randy didn't feel the right connection and vibe from Katelyn on this one, and Ellen wasn't sure that song choice was enough to get her to the top 12. Kara felt like Katelyn was pretty much phoning it in this week, and Simon essentially agreed.
Didi Benami picked up her guitar for Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon," and though her vocals were better than Taylor Swift's performance of this tune at the Grammy Awards earlier this year, Didi took all the Stevie Nicks drama out of the song, delivering a more simple version. Randy thought it was an improvement over last week, and Ellen liked the hushed vibe Didi gave the song. Kara thought it was one of the best moments of the show so far this season, while Simon thought it was head and shoulders above anything else before it in the night.
Paige Miles went old school with the Charlie Chaplin's standard "Smile," which has been covered by everyone from Lyle Lovett and Michael Buble to Michael Jackson in recent years. Paige's arrangement had a bossa nova feel to it, but her vocals were very basic. Randy said it just didn't work and felt like she was singing at a banquet. Ellen thought she turned the inspirational song into a depressing performance. Kara said it was all wrong, and Simon thought it was a horrible song choice with a terrible arrangement. He thinks it could be the end of the road for Paige.
Crystal Bowersox played electric guitar on Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason," and her soulful vibe came through loud and clear with this performance. Randy loved everything about it, and Ellen said she was running out of adjectives to use while praising Crystal. Kara loved Crystal's song choice, and Simon said Crystal is a shoo-in for the top 12. He applauded her confidence as well, saying Crystal was the one to beat.
Lilly Scottclosed out the show with Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces," playing mandolin along with her performance. It was a pretty faithful reading of the original arrangement except for Lilly's distinct vocal phrasing. Randy thought Lilly was in the zone, and Ellen loved her originality. Kara though Lilly made the Patsy Cline tune current, while Simon thought it was a brave song choice but lacked the wow factor she really needed.
The top eight guys compete for a spot in the top 12 on Wednesday night's American Idol, airing at 9:00 ET on Fox.
