Seeing as this is a girls’ season on “American Idol,” it was disappointing to tune in Tuesday night and discover that the guys would be performing instead of the ladies, who were scheduled initially. Producers changed the order due to doctor’s orders that Crystal Bowersox not perform due to complications from her diabetes.
I’m sure the guys really loooved performing a day early but they didn’t complain. In fact, they showed improvement over last week.
MICHAEL LYNCHE: “This Is a Man’s World” by James Brown
I’ve always liked Big Mike, and not just because his wife had a baby during Hollywood Week. Lynche has it all -- sensitivity, musicality, a really effective circuit training routine ... But it wasn’t until last night that he proved he’s got soul. Sure, the novelty of the tough guy serenading us with the likes of Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz was enjoyable enough, but this different side of Big Mike showed us two things: that he’s versatile and that he’s got real star power. Additionally, the black suit just screamed “badass” (or “hitman”). If Randy’s standing ovation is any indication, Lynche may just be the one to beat.
JOHN PARK: “Gravity” by John Mayer
The thing with Park is that he’s got a good voice but I’m not sure he’s picking the right songs. I mean, let’s be honest. Last week’s “God Bless the Child” was better suited for a big fat black lady in a church choir than a hot Korean kid who goes to Northwestern. While “Gravity” was a little more, uh, current, Randy just couldn’t get John Mayer out of his head. (And, come on, John Mayer and all his douchebaggery should be a turn-off for virtually everyone!) Park can sing all the Top 40 songs he wants, but there is still something too formal about his style. He sounds more like a classical or Broadway artist than a pop singer. Perhaps that’s the college a cappella group coming through? If so then they are clearly no comparison to Indiana University’s own “Straight No Chaser.” (Go, Hoosiers!)
CASEY JAMES: “I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw
I love this song; in fact, it was my ringtone a few years back. But James seemed more interested in showing off his mad guitar skills than his vocals this week. Perhaps he should go down to the local bar for Guitar Hero Night. He could probably win some free wings or something. His vocals, however, were not even good enough to win a karaoke contest, much less a free order of nachos. I think he is as cute as can be, but his permagrin seems to be a shield to mask his nervousness. Ellen picked up on this too, calling him “stiff.” The guitar, the hair and the face all say rock star, but the voice isn’t quite there for me yet, dawg.
ALEX LAMBERT: “Everybody Knows” by John Legend
The more I learn about this kid the more I love him! I mean, who makes up their own language? (Only the most adorable 6th grader ever!) I like the fact that he owned up to his nerve problem from last week.
