February 1, 2007: Yodel-ay, Yodel-ay, Yo… Oh, Forget It
I want you to know that I haven't been ignoring the fact that well-established artists have been opening each show for the past few weeks, but I am so eager to see the contestants sing that I just haven't been that into the starting performances. But when The Wreckers opened the show tonight, it was kind of a bore to me, and I have to admit that I might have fast-forwarded a bit through the song, thanks to my DVR.
But it's always good to start things off with a laugh, and I might have giggled when Jewel quickly jumped in after Blake said she'd defend Joshua. "I feel that way about all of them," she said. Hmm, playing favorites, are we? I guess that's fair, because I certainly favor The Hackers.
Zac, what a sparkly coat! I wasn't sure about the song they chose for him at first, but at least it had a bit of a kick to the ending. Figures that Randy picked it.... I expected more out of Randy this season, but his commentary is just off the mark and I felt that way about this song, too. Blake summed up the situation pretty well, though: "Do you think I walked into my closet tonight and picked out this freakin' jacket?" Good advice... in a weird, sarcastic kind of way. I think he may be the most well-spoken judge, even though he sometimes has a roundabout way of getting his point across. This week was about rolling with the punches, because the singers had no control over song selection, and apparently the judges had no control over their wardrobe. I thought that jacket looked a little boy-band trendy.
But moving on....
I'm a big fan of Joshua with a guitar in his hands. It wakes him up. He's got a great voice for ballads, too, but he's definitely engaging while he's playing and singing together. I actually think this song suited him, and it's not because Blake picked it (although that helps). Still, I agreed with Anastasia when she said she doesn't think he's the Nashville Star. I still think it's Angela's title.
Watching David's rehearsal footage was fun - an even better insight into his warm, happy personality. He definitely worked the stage tonight, and was really looking at the audience. Another good song-artist match up.
I was wondering how they'd start spreading out the performances when fewer people were left standing, but I was glad to see Jewel behind her guitar tonight. (When I
talked to her before the show began, she wasn't sure if she'd be performing, so I was happy to see it happen.) She turned into a real storyteller: There was no teleprompter in sight, and the artist in her proved she deserved to have the spotlight. Question, though: yodeling? Her range is amazing, but suddenly "the hills were alive" and I forgot we were watching a reality show.
The minute Whitney was called to sing, I knew Meg was gone. There was no way Angela was voted off, so I was a little sad for the Chicago girl, because as much as Whitney looks the part, she just hasn't impressed me at all. Her vocals always seem mediocre to me, and her body-bouncing isn't fun to watch. I'd almost rather hear Meg's unique sound than Whitney's bland one. The judges didn't seem to see it that way, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Meg had a really classy exit, though. I was impressed with her farewell words and spirit.
I was also impressed with how Angela turned that slow, slow song into something worth watching. You could tell she wanted to rock out or press as much out of it as she could. She sounded great as always, even though she wasn't thrilled with the song chosen for her. Blake really tested her, but she proved she could handle it. And I agreed with Randy for once when he said, "You can sing anything." On that note, I know we're in for something even better next week. It may not be yodeling, but it'll definitely top the performance-challenged dreamers I keep flipping by on
American Idol.
