So here we are; the final performances during the semi-finals, and it's the guys trying to deliver solid performances to assure a slot in the top 12. So far, it's been a bit of a struggle to see who the stand-outs are. I mean really, there are only a handful of contestants who have been consistent week after week. For some, they may have sung well one week, but completely bombed the next. It's all about singing well once we reach this stage of the game (and if you haven't been depicted as being cannon fodder by the producers, too). Overall, I'd agree with the judge's earlier assessment about the girls being the better gender this season, but yet by only a small margin. The guys have showed that they have some contenders, too. Let's see how well the guys did during this week's performances.
Lee Dewyze - singing "Fireflies" by Owl City : So this week, Lee decides to go a bit outside the box and pick a highly popular, current pop song. It's a surprise song choice for me, but it worked out quite well for Lee. He adapted the song to his style, giving it a rock edge. I really noticed his confidence on stage this week and you could tell he was enjoying being out there. I don't think it's necessary to point out Lee's pitchiness when there hardly was any (maybe one or two off notes). Another solid performance for Lee.
Alex Lambert - singing "Trouble" by Ramon Lamontagne : Alex had a major confidence boost last week when he rose from a horrid performance during the first male semi-final night and delivered a highly enjoyable rendition of a John Legend song. He capitalized on that added confidence by putting together a tolerable performance of "Trouble." I agree with the general consensus that he didn't do much to stray from the original, but Alex remains a work in progress. You can't expect him to be glowing with confidence immediately.
Tim Urban - singing "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley : Before last night, Tim was probably the most likely male contestant not to make the top 12. Needless to say, his two previous live performances just haven't cut it. He made a very wise choice in picking this song because honestly, it's not a very difficult song to sing. If a contestant needs to rise above adversity, pick "Hallelujah!" I am quite partial to Jason Castro's spectacular rendition from season seven, and Tim's version is just okay for me. Yet, it probably gives him a good shot to make the top 12.
Andrew Garcia - singing "Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera : It's pretty obvious to say that Andrew has had a difficult time of it lately. There's no question his "Straight Up" performance during Hollywood Week put him in such a difficult position that it's been impossible to live up to and try to match. All of his performances during the semi-finals have fallen flat, and the same can be said for "Genie in a Bottle." I applaud his effort in trying to reinvent songs, but it just hasn't worked out lately. Maybe he truly is just a one-trick pony.
Casey James - singing "You'll Think of Me" by Keith Urban : So Casey took a bit of a step back with last week's performance, although his electric guitar playing was quite impressive. But we must keep in mind this is a singing competition and last night, he put the focus back on his vocal skills. I was really digging the acoustic guitar intro and as he sang further into the song, I noticed a similar sound to the rock legend Bob Seger. Although I wasn't blown away by his performance, it was still pretty solid. He should have no trouble making this season's top 12.
Aaron Kelly - singing "I'm Already There" by Lonestar : So far this season's youngest contestants haven't had much success on the Idol stage during the semi-finals. Hailey was voted out last week, Katie had a rough performance Tuesday, and Aaron's rendition of this Lonestar hit was pretty mediocre to say the least. The first-third of the song was pretty horrendous. I don't know if he was trying to add more vibrato but it just didn't sound very good. He sounded somewhat better towards the end, but it was already too late. He may be headed home after tonight.
Todrick Hall - singing "Somebody to Love" by Queen : Todrick has been in the same position as Katie Stevens and Andrew Garcia, in that they haven't been able to put together a decent performance during the semi-finals. Todrick was ripped apart for drastically changing his two previous songs but last night he toned things down and instead put a bit of a gospel spin on this Queen classic. It was his best live performance to date and he actually made things quite entertaining. He certainly livened up an already dull show.
Michael Lynch - singing "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell (Kate Bush) : Last night, the coveted pimp spot for the guys went to Big Mike, and he truly deserved the honor. I was a bit skeptical when the performance first started - I wasn't totally digging the falsetto. But then he upped the ante with a passionate, energetic, and emotional vocal. I did find him to be a bit over dramatic with his on-stage moves, but even that is being nit-picky. I am beginning to see a bit of a resemblance to Ruben Studdard, season two's eventual champ. That's good company to be included in.
My favorite performers of the night: Michael Lynch and Lee Dewyze.
Performances that were so-so: Todrick Hall, Casey James, Tim Urban, and Alex Lambert.
In danger of being voted out: Aaron Kelly and Andrew Garcia.
Going home: The first selection is actually quite easy - Aaron Kelly. He has not delivered consistent, solid performances and his age definitely shows his vocal limitations. He needs more stage and singing experience and once again proves the point that he probably auditioned way too soon for Idol. Sometimes you got to have more than just a great singing voice. Hopefully Idol will prove to be a great learning experience for Aaron, at least. As for the other selection, it's literally a toss-up. Andrew should be going home because he has not delivered a memorable moment since his Paula Abdul cover. However, he has developed a pretty serious fan following, so I am not inclined to choose him. Todrick is another possibility, even though he finally delivered a solid performance during the semi-finals. But is it too little, too late? The same could be said for Tim Urban. At the end of it all, the other male contestant to be leaving tonight will be Todrick Hall.
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