AI4 recap, Semi-Finalists, Guys x 12 (02/21)

AI4 recap, Semi-Finalists, Guys x 12 (02/21)

First off, I have to share a few things that I left out of the “pre-cap.” I recently met someone who, upon hearing that I watch American Idol, said, “Oh, I like that Ryan Seacrest guy. He’s funny.” If you’re me, how do you take that? Should I ask, “are you serious?” Or counter with, “ha, good one.” Can I really ever look at this person seriously again, knowing what I now know?

I didn’t really like the change in the age limit. They upped it to 28 (from 25). But maybe it’s okay because 8 of the semi-finalists are over 25 and Mario Vazquez is one of my favorites, so I guess I’m okay with it.

On to tonight’s performances. The new stage has them singing “in the round.” It’s odd because the judges are to their left and not directly in front of them.

01 – Nikko Smith, Part Time Lover (Stevie Wonder)
Little Ozzie starts it out very upbeat. Wearing his trademark hat and a red shirt and black tie. Very retro ‘80s. He got the crowd going, but I thought the song was a safe choice. My wife thought he was a bit nasal. I’m torn on him, because I think he’s a good kid and he’s Ozzie Smith’s son and all. I think he’ll make it through, but he will eventually reach a point where he will be inferior to the remaining competitors. Randy said it was excellent and Paula said “ditto.” Simon thought it was okay, but there was no star quality to him; just a background singer. Sounds like his George Huff comments last year. Please, Nikko, no ill-advised, totally scripted towel throws into the crowd.

02 – Scott Savol, You Are My Lady (Freddie Jackson)
Let me tell you, I love Scott Savol. He reminds me of that scene in “Coming to America” when they have the ceremony and the big dude sings in a real high voice (but in tune and totally good). Just something that you don’t expect. Bryan Gwyn calls him “Sling Blade” (mmhmmm). Randy said he hated the song choice and it didn’t show off his range. Paula echoed that (go figure. They should make her go first sometime). Simon stated the obvious … that he doesn’t look like an American Idol. Said his performance was good, but not fantastic. On looking the AI part, Randy said that Ruben & Clay didn’t really look like an American Idol either. But then again, Ruben & Clay don’t look semi-psychotic either… I’m still rooting for Scott though.

03 – Anthony Federov, Hold On To The Nights (Richard Marx)
Like I’ve said before, I like this kid. He reminds me of how Clay Aiken was, six weeks into the competition. He’s Clay with more confidence and self-esteem. It seemed like the music was too loud during his performance though. It was a safe performance, but he has a good voice. Randy called it safe. Paula agreed. Simon called it dull as dishwater. Is that a saying? I heard on the radio the other day that Stevie Francis called his Orlando Magic the “worst team since sliced bread.” Nice mixed metaphor. I’m mixed on Stevie Franchise. I abhorred him coming out of college. The act he pulled when the (then) Vancouver Grizzlies selected him #2 (after the Bulls chose Elton Brand (BTW, one of the nicest guys in the NBA)) was sickening. He acted like a loved one had just passed away and pouted when he walked across the stage and couldn’t even muster a smile for his pic with David Stern. Then I heard him a few times on the Dan Patrick Show and did a 180. Now I’ve done a 270, where I’m stuck in between liking him and can’t standing him. It could go either way. I’ll keep you posted. Anyway, I like Anthony and hope he makes it through to perform better next week.

04 – Bo Bice, Drift Away (Narvel Felts?, Dobie Gray and most recently Uncle Kracker)
I think this song has been redone about as much as Killing Me Softly. Bo Bice. My old manager KC loves her some Bo. He’s a reason that I don’t like the older age limit. This dude looks old. My wife quipped that “Bo Knows Rock and Roll.” I can’t believe she beat me to that one. I guess my sports/pop culture is rubbing off on her. Nice job. And what a tragedy it was for Bo Jackson’s career to be cut short by that freak hip injury. I mean, he was IT. Power, speed, agility, athleticism. He was Deion Sanders, with domination. I remember that Rick Reuschel started the All-Star Game for the National League and Bo & Wade Boggs went back-to-back jacks off of him to start the game. Bo’s went like 600 feet. Rick was never the same after that. Ditto that for Atlee Hammacker when he started his All-Star Game. I wonder if Bo Bice’s real name is Vincent, like Vincent Edward Booooooooooooo Jackson (famous Keith Jackson call). I went to grad school with a guy named Corey. When we found out his real name was Vincent, but he went by his middle name Corey, we nicknamed him Bo. Oops. Back to the rocker Bo. Randy was impressed and said that he was not afraid to do what he does best. Paula commented him on his jeans. Simon said everything was right for him tonight. Let me offer this. I’m not a Bo fan, but if he stays on the show, I’ll give him time to win me over.

05 – Travis Tucker, My Cherie Amour (Stevie Wonder)
I like Travis. He reminds me of Stoney Jackson who played Mitchell on the last season of The White Shadow. How great was The White Shadow? I can’t wait for it to come out on DVD. Great theme song. When I was in college, it used to come on WGN late at night. We’d tape it and we even put it on our answering machine once. I actually wore #11 in junior high because that was Morris Thorpe’s number. That and the fact that 11 is probably the only double digit number that could fit on my back without running under my armpits. Anyway, Travis further endeared himself to me by doing the dust off my shoulders/T.O./Leroy Pruitt touchdown celebration when he was first announced. He’s got a great voice and good charisma. Song choice was a bit safe, but I look forward to big things from him. Randy called it safe and bored. Paula said he’s been magical before, but it was not the right song (that and the fact that it’s probably been sung 20 times over the last 4 years). Simon said it was not good enough for a hotel lobby and that it was out of tune. It was not out of tune and Simon may apologize for that comment when he “watches the show back” tonight.

06 – Constantine Maroulis, Kiss From A Rose (Seal)
I liked Constantine going in, but he seemed nervous tonight. And he gave the camera some crazy rocker eyes a few times. He changed the cadence a bit at the beginning of the song, but kinda “over-rocker-ed” it a bit. Randy said that he was out of tune and sharp on certain notes. Paula finally didn’t agree and said that he has is own style and to go for it. Simon said that he’s clumping Constantine and Bo together as the Rockers (maybe they can form a tag team like the Midnight Rockers, Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels) and that Bo sang better tonight, but Constantine has more charisma. I’m split on Constantine. I hope that he makes it through so that he can redeem himself.

07 – David Brown, Never Can Say Goodbye (Jackson 5)
Is it me or does he look like DaJuan Wagner from the Cavs? Son of former NBA player Milt Wagner. This is the same DaJuan Wagner that had to go on the injured list for among other things, a bladder infection, an inflamed liver and pancreas and an inflamed large intestine. This is DaJuan, the 20 year old, not the 80 year old by the way. Anyway, David Brown was flat during the song. And the poor guy got crushed during the critique. When you think about it, most of the semi-finalists have only heard kudos up to now and no bad feedback. He’s still a strong singer, but they all are right now. Randy called it safe and pitchy at times. Paula expected more from him. Simon was disappointed. Nice kid, but he may be done.

08 – Jared Yates, How Could I Goodbye? (I have no idea)
I’m sorry, but I was not familiar with this song. Jared had a nice chain on his hip though. I guess that’s the way the kids are wearing it these days? Nice voice, but a downer of a song. He might as well as sang Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel.” Randy said it was a boring song. Paula agreed and said it was a bad song selection. Simon called it a ghastly (that’s such an English term) audition for a boy band. I wouldn’t mind if Jared didn’t make it through to next week.

09 – Anwar Robinson, Moon River (Andy Williams)
Okay, is he Milli or Vanilli? In Living Color did a skit on Milli Vanilli back in the day and the two guys were fighting over who was going to Milli that night. Then they made fun of their less than cool dance moves that they used to do. Classic stuff. Anwar started slow, but really picked it up in the middle and finished strong. He just had a bad jacket on. Made him look like a character in the Star Wars cantina scene. But I love Anwar. He’s one of my favorites already. Randy said he brought it down. Paula said that she wants to buy the recording of that song. Simon praised him for his originality. I hope Anwar goes far in this competition.

10 – Judd Harris, Playing in a Traveling Band? (artist unknown)
I wasn’t really familiar with this song. Judd took a risk and did an upbeat song, but it was a song with a very limited range. Did he do that because he has a limited range? Or is that just his style of music? Judd looks like a character on “Jack and Bobby” that new show on the WB. You know the one. The best show that no one’s watching. If you get a chance to watch the show, it’s fascinating. It’s not the Kennedys, although that’s how they’re trying to hook you. Bobby McAllister (the younger, geeky brother) grows up to be President in the year 2040 and the show has interviews in the future (2040) and the show is told in the present (now). Basically they tell you things about Bobby and decisions that he’s made and it all relates back to his upbringing. Have I totally turned you off to the show yet? If not, tune in. It’s good stuff. Anyway, Judd was okay. He also reminds me of Jason Haas, point guard for YOUR (definitely not MY) Stanford Cardinal. I think Haas is half-Japanese, and I’m wondering if Judd is too. Randy called his song choice odd, but fun. Paula said it was his niche and he does it well. Simon said he was a good entertainer, but folks, just being an entertainer will not win this competition. This really is a singing competition at heart. I would not be devastated if Judd doesn’t make it through.

11- Joseph Murena, How Am I Supposed To Live Without You (Michael Bolton)
Can we stop singing Michael Bolton and Richard Marx songs? He was flat and very karaoke-ish. Randy said it was a safe choice and Paula said he has a beautiful tone. I didn’t even catch what Simon said. I hope he’s gone (can you tell it’s late?)

12 – Mario Vazquez, Do I Do (Stevie Wonder)
The hat wearing man. I love Mario. I think that he may win this whole competition. Very upbeat performance. Great voice. Not spot on, but that may have had to do with all the dancing involved. Randy called it the bomb (is anyone else annoyed with that phrase? That was SO ‘90s…). Paula stood up and called it a touchdown (can she get another reaction? Maybe she can work in one of the double pointed finger points from Australian Rules Football?). Simon said that he has so much charisma. There were better vocals, but not a better performance. He’s my favorite to go all the way.

So, I voted for Scott, Anthony, Travis, Anwar and Mario. Once each. I tell ya, this competition is going to be hard. Last year in the final 32 there were obvious cuts (like the Roman brothers). This year, all 24 can sing. After this cut, going from 10 to 8 then 8 to 6 will be VERY hard. My final 6 would be Mario, Anwar, Travis, Anthony, Scott and a rocker (either one).

That’s it for tonight, but starting tonight, it’s ON … like Donkey Kong! CAN YOU DIG IT?!