If the girls were feeling disconnected from their lyrics on Tuesday, then the guys more than made up for it Wednesday. While I’ve continually said that this is a girl’s year, I have to admit that the show featured the strongest collective performances of the season so far. Even the “bad” performances were pretty good.
LEE DEWYZE -- “Fireflies” by Owl City
Kara thought that Lee actually made “Fireflies” better, and I have to agree, though, in my eyes, any interpretation is an improvement upon the original. I liked the song roughed up a bit and didn’t miss the synthy notes from Owl City’s version at all. (Is that Casio supposed to sound like a firefly?) I wouldn’t call this a particularly memorable performance, though. In fact, I wouldn’t call Dewyze a particularly memorable contestant. I think he is a wannabe David Cook without the style. Ellen would beg to differ with me, however, as she noted that tons of girls have crushes on Lee regardless of his pitch problems. (I have yet to meet one.)
ALEX LAMBERT -- “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne
Little Alex Lambert is, I think, my favorite contestant this year. He is definitely my favorite male contestant, anyway. Maybe it’s his “reverse moptop” (also known as a mullet), but does anyone else think he looks just a little like a young Paul McCartney, especially when he’s holding a guitar? Adorable! He has come leaps and bounds from that first deer-in-headlights performance and he just keeps getting more comfortable. He definitely seems to be the most vulnerable (don’t you just want to take him under your wing?!) but the irony is that Kara says vulnerability is what he’s missing. I see what she means; you must fully surrender yourself to the song in order to be a good performer. I’d like to see him do a faster, more fun song where he can move around stage a bit.
TIM URBAN - “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
I had to rewind the DVR and watch this performance again because all I could about the first time was Jason Castro’s standout moment from Season 7. Once I got back in the moment, I realized that Urban’s version was actually not that bad. Was it good enough to warrant Ellen leaving her seat to hug him? Uh, no, but that sure made for great awkward television. (And isn’t that part of the reason Ellen is there in the first place?) I don’t quite agree with Kara’s assessment that Urban is now “in it” and could be one of the top guys, and by “I don’t quite agree,” I mean “is she freakin’ insane?” Sheesh, slow your rolls, ladies. The guy has one listenable performance and you’re ready to put him in the Top 12. Could it be guilt over how the show has treated him overall? Hmmm ...
ANDREW GARCIA -- “Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
I think that Garcia has absolutely blown it. His Paula Abdul moment was weeks ago, and he has been floundering ever since, trying to live up to it.
