Thankfully moving away from the restrictive theming of the weeks which has taken place recently, it meant that the performances were of a really high standard, and each contestant was able to really pick a track that not only suited their voice and their style, but that was also reflective of their vision as an artist.
The stand out performances of the evening, by a country mile, were Haley Reinhart and Pia Toscano. Haley came into her own on a phenomenal version of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of my Heart” that authentic bluesy and country voice shining brighter than it has done in the entire series thus far. Watching her gave me goosebumps, and she was completely on the money, looking sultry, sexy, and every bit the bluesy rock icon she could become, if given the right break.
Alongside that, Pia, once again, slayed all before her, proving she is no one trick pony, and, at the request of the judges last week, performed a powerful and up tempo version of Tina Turner classic, “River Deep, Mountain High”. She showed the world that she is a superstar in waiting, and that, no matter what is put before her, she has the most incredible of voices, and has got to be one of the sure fire favourites at the moment, to take the Idol crown?
Incredibly accomplished, vocally perfect, and with another crazy jumpsuit to boot, this girl could well go all the way. She was another one to give me goosebumps tonight, and the pyro was also a nice touch.
However, on tonight’s showing, it looks as though Haley too is in it to indeed win it.
Elsewhere, James Durban had a “moment” quite similar to Lambert’s “Tracks of my Tears” week in Idol Season 8, performing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in a moving and very emotionally charged tender performance. Showcasing a different side to his persona, he will have done his claim for the top spot no harm whatsoever. A born rock star, and with an incredible range, he shone throughout this weeks track.
Another huge standout for me was Paul McDonald who closed the show on a powerful take of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”. His song was truly exceptional, and an excellent way in which to finish another strong week, with a clapping breakdown towards the end which had everyone, including Ms Lopez getting into it. He was so comfortable on that stage, and was clearly in cruise control, and in his element.
He has struggled in the last few weeks for me, when up against some sterling performances from his peers, but he put his own unique style and voice on this song tonight, and it worked well, as he managed to strum along on his acoustic guitar at the same time, giving it that authentic Cash feel to it.
Stefano did an ok run through of “When A Man” by Percy Sledge, Lauren sang Aretha staple “Natural Woman” to great praise, and Scotty did the same on Elvis’ “That’s Alright Mama”. Jacob did a solid take on MJ’s “Man In The Mirror”, but was not at his finest this week, and neither was Casey, who I fear could be in danger, with a lot of that being down to his obscure song choice of Creedence Clearwater Revivals “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”. He brought his personality and stand up bass out for it, but will that be enough? Is that too obscure a track for the Idol audience, or maybe it was just obscure to me?
I can’t wait to tune in tonight to see who could go, as they are also so strong that it would be a shame to lose any of them really.
However, with 9 of them still in the competition, some tough choices are going to have to be made by the American public.
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