“I gotta feeling ... that tonight’s gonna be a good, good night.” (Whoooo hoo, indeed!) To the producer in charge of picking out this Black Eyed Peas, er, masterpiece for the group number, I say thank you. It is obvious that you have a wicked sense of humor, since it was clearly not a good night for at least four of our Idol hopefuls. Kudos also go out to the choreographer for her literal interpretation of lyrics such as “jump off that sofa” (sit and ... jump!) and “let’s kick it up” (kick your legs up!).
This week it was the lovely Lilly Scott who could not have looked more awkward during this show choir number. Perhaps it was her heels or the distraction of swarms of people moving in a circular motion and, uh, “jumping off the sofa” but she just looked, well ... drunk. On the other hand, Katelyn Epperly showed major stage presence (I like her more and more every time I see her!), as did Lacey (It’s amazing what a great singer you become when your vocals are prerecorded!) Brown.
I have to admit that I’ve played back the group number more than a few times, as I haven’t been this obsessed with a funny music video since that Japanese “Yatta!” number. (Look it up; it’s amazing.) As I noted last season, it still really bothers me that the Idols lip-sync during this portion of the show. Even worse? The fact that the solo ad libs were all, like, electronicized. (Is that a word?) I guess it fits the whole “Peas” vibe, but we’re not looking for the next Black Eyed Pea or Ke$ha or overly produced marginally talented singer. We’re looking for an Idol.
Hokey Danny Gokey appeared and apparently he’s a country singer now. (What?!) While he has a great voice, I just don’t see him in that genre, no matter what Randy Travis says. His new single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,” wasn’t exactly outstanding, either, regardless of being written by another widower. (I can’t believe we’re still hearing about Gokey’s dead wife!)
As for the eliminations, I don’t want to say “I told you so,” so I’ll say “I was right.”
Tim Urban escaped elimination again this week despite being the weakest man in the competition. He’s cute, I’ll give him that, but he is no American Idol. He should return to Texas and play guitar at the Duncanville single men’s ward or something. Hey, I like “Big Love” as much as the next person, but this kid’s got to go next week.
It came down instead to John Park and Jermaine Sellers, neither a huge surprise. (Again, not to say “I told you so ... ”) Park’s elimination was a little disappointing because I think he’s better than the performances he gave on the live shows. He just didn’t seem to be clear on what kind of artist he wanted to be.
Unfortunately, on “Idol,” you have limited time to blow the audience away and make them fall in love with you.
