Hello,
The theme was R&B/ Soul night with Usher as the mentor. Now I don't think Usher is as cool as he thinks he is. However I thought he was a very good mentor. He suggests to the contestants, they need to "own their moment". I counted at least 5 times Randy saying some variation on "yo" to the contestants.
1) Sioban Magnus sang Chaka Kahn's "Through The Fire". This performance was like a firecracker that never went off. Both starts out with so much potential, however both fizzle out without the payoff. Usher gave her advice on her "personal style". That she shouldn't wear too distracting clothes that takes away from her performance. Usher also says she has a "true shot at being an incredible artist". I completely agree with him on that. However it was a rough night for her, she seemed a little off throughout her whole performance. She hit that big note, that has quickly become a cliche. She has gone to the well once too often. Grade: D, buy? no.
2) Casey James sang Sam and Dave's "Hold On I'm Coming". It's the first time this song was performed on stage. James has a great voice and the band seemed to have fun playing the song. His signature is his guitar solo, I like that better than Sioban's signature scream. I agree with Ellen it was a bit safe. Grade B+, buy? no.
3) Michael Lynche sang India Arie's "Ready For Love". He nailed this song, I thought this was his best performance so far. This was one of the very sexy songs sung tonight. Ellen called his performance "beautiful". Simon said this was the first time he could take Michael "seriously as an artist". I thought the man was just a bunch of muscles but he's really bringing it on. I don't think he's going to be this season's winner, but now at least I think there's a chance. Grade: B+, buy: maybe.
4) Didi Benami sang Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted". Usher told the very emotional Benami wearing her "heart on her sleeve is a good thing". Benami looked amazing tonight. The performance got stronger as the night went on, but overall it was a little off though. I think she's another long shot to win this season's title. Randy was right when he said she "flat lined". Why the hell was Ryan holding her hand the whole time they were talking. That was obnoxious. Grade: B-, buy? no.
5) Tim Urban tortured, uh I mean sang, Anita Baker's "Sweet Love". Never have the title of a song and the actual performance been at such odds. I don't think ol' Tim understood that being called Teflon Tim isn't exactly a compliment. It was a boring performance and lasted way too long. I'm listening to the real version right now, he killed that song. I agreed with Simon, it was like a "mouse picking a fight with an elephant". What was up with all that obnoxious laughing anyway. By the end of this segment it looked like his laughter was going to turn to tears. Please can he go home tonight. His durability is now taking on Haley Scarnato and Sanjaya levels. Grade: D-, buy no way.
6) Andrew Garcia sang Chris Brown's "Forever". First of all what is up with that ugly hair Andrew? Yet another sexy song. All I can say is that someone is going to get some loving after all the sexy songs. Randy varied up his yo's with Andrew. He started off with the immortal "yo yo", "yo yo". He then said "Andrew is back". It's about time Andrew, I just hope it's not too late. Kara called his performance "that's one giant leap in the right direction". Grade: C+, buy? no.
7) Katie Stevens sang Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools". That's an amazing song and Stevens was looking fantastic. Her look complimented her attitude on the song. Randy said she had a bunch of "small moments". Now she needs to turn all those "small moments into a big moment". That was one of her best performances ever. It might be enough for her to outlast Garcia and Urban. Grade: B+, buy? maybe.
8) Lee Dewyze sang the Cornelious Brothers "Treat Her Like A Lady". Yet another sexy song, although Lee sang the song a bit stiffly. Put a little passion into it dude. Usher was absolutely right, "if you don't believe it, they won't". I was surprised how spot on Usher was on tonight. Randy said "yo, yo Lee". Randy is amazing at all the different ways he can work yo into a conversation. Grade B, buy: doubtful.
themusicaddict
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