The semi-finals come to a close, and the night stands in for the three weeks as a whole; there aren't many disgraceful or embarassing performances, but there are also relatively few moments of genuine excitment. It's been a sluggish three weeks that don't leave me heading into the season with great anticipation.
Von, "You're All I Need to Get By" -- very pleasant -- a touch shouty, perhaps -- though the judges are more dazzled than I am. I'd never realized before just how much the original depends on arrangement and production.
Taylor, "If I Ain't Got You" -- the opening is pitched far too low for her; between that and her obvious nerves, she's having to gasp for breath far too often. Her voice is pretty enough, but there's nothing distinctive or interesting about it.
Alex, "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" -- oh, dear. When he just sings, he's adequate, a competent semifinal-level singer. But then he puts on that growl, which doesn't feel natural at all, and he becomes a silly little boy playing at being a grown man. (You see the same thing, I think, in his oh-so-theatrical treatment of the mike stand.) It's a mess.
Arianna, "The Winner Takes It All" -- an odd song choice for a 17-year-old to begin with, and she's treating it with such melodic and rhythmic flexibility that it almost feels less like interpretation and more like she doesn't know how the song goes. An ambitious failure.
Ju'Not, "Hey There Delilah" -- quite nice. I like the mellow quality of his voice, and there are just enough hints of real power lurking there that I don't fear he'll be nothing but mellow (as was, for instance, Jason Castro). I wonder, though, whether a performance this low-key will get the votes.
Kristen, "Give Me One Reason" -- not the flashiest song choice (though those high notes at the end are a nice touch, and well done), but it's a fun performance. More than anyone else so far, she seems to be enjoying herself, and it comes across. A fine job. (The judges, I think, are a bit harsh.)
Nathaniel, "I Would Do Anything for Love" -- pitch problems throughout, with the opening being particularly iffy. The song needs a bigger voice than he can give it, and let's face it, it calls for a certain machismo that Nathaniel simply doesn't have. He's not going to get to the finals with that.
Felicia, "No One" -- there's a heaviness to her voice that I don't like, and not much personality or emotion comes though. Dull and forgettable. (The judges are wildly generous.)
Scott, "Mandolin Rain" -- A nice voice, and one wth a distinctive enough sound that he stands out from tonight's pack a bit. The performance isn't really exciting, but it's very good, which may be enough on a bland night.
Kendall, "This One's for the Girls" -- lots of pitch problems, and those high notes in head voice don't work at all. Charming personality, and very likable on stage, but not a contender for the finals.
Jorge, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" -- now that I liked. Terrific control, range, and power. It's the first time this season I've had the sense of someone who might deliver an exciting performance during the year.
Lil, "Be Without You" -- the song leaves me a bit cold, but I like her voice, and she's got tons of personality. By far the best of the women tonight, and she should easily get through to the finals.
Deserving the three spots in the Top 12: Jorge, Ju'Not, Lil.
Deserving a second chance on Wild Card Night: Scott, Kristen
No comments:
Post a Comment