AIIX recap, Finalists x 5 (05/04/10)

Mild shocker that Siobhan is gone. Makes me wonder if the judges are second thinking that save of Big Mike. I really think Siobhan is better than Mike and I wish the judges would’ve had the save available for her last week. But she is a bit (okay, a lot) off center and maybe that’s why she didn’t get more votes. And she did sort of peak with her huge note on that Aretha song. Bygones…

Sinatra night tonight with Harry Connick, Jr as the mentor. Actually he’s not only the mentor, but he’s also composing the arrangements for them too. Now that’s dedication. Harry gets a little jab in at Shania saying there’s no way she’d be putting this much time in for the contestants. Everyone’s wearing black tux jackets tonight and Harry wears a black knit tie (circa the ‘80s) with his. Seeing Harry & Seacrest together reminds me of the movie “Twins” with Arnold and Danny DeVito. One cool thing that I noticed about Harry was how he had the video monitor with his sheet music on it. Technologically speaking, it makes a ton of sense. Instead of turning pages, the digital music can be advanced like a teleprompter.

P.S., I’m so glad they only did one song a piece again this week. I’m guessing they’ll up it to 2 each next week. Oh joy, 2 Big Mike “performances.”

01 – Aaron, Fly Me To The Moon
Haley Joel Osment alert! Aaron was okay tonight, but this was a little out of his element. He wasn’t horrible, but I think he was just okay too. Randy thought he did a real good job. Ellen said the piano was pitchy (dig #1 on Harry) and liked that she didn’t hear any country in Aaron’s voice. Kara thought it was good, but not as strong as last week. She also said he needs more charisma up there, especially in Sinatra week. Simon said Frank was the King of Cool (and he got a handkerchief monogrammed “FAS” from his daughters) and if Frank was a lion, Aaron was a mouse. He still thinks the public likes Aaron though. I think Aaron’s in the bottom 2 tomorrow, but I think he makes it through.

02 – Casey, Blue Skies
This week was clearly trouble for Casey, mostly because he can’t hide behind his guitar up there. And it showed. I thought something was wrong with his vocals and the judges skewered him for it. Randy thought it was pitchy and that it was his worst performance yet. Ellen thought it was a bad idea to have a piano up there (dig #2). And thought Casey felt stiff up there. Kara said at least he held a note tonight, but then said he sounded like a lamb (get it right, Kara. It’s a GOAT!) and he needs to work on his vibrato. Simon thought the band was great, but Casey was not fantastic. And that he looked embarrassed and awkward on stage. If you base it on tonight’s performance, Casey should go tomorrow night.

03 – Crystal, Summer Wind
Mama Sox looked pretty classy up there in her black mermaid-like dress, until you see her back tat from the rear. I thought she was good tonight, but not as memorable as we’ve seen her in the past. Randy thought it was subdued and sleepy. Ellen wished she loosened up a little bit more. Kara thought she was out of her element tonight, but liked her phrasing. Simon thought it felt indulgent. He went on to say that she’s had 2 okay weeks in a row and that she needs to be in it to win (Minute To Win It? Have you seen that show? We love it in our household) and he expects better. I kind of agree with Simon. Crystal’s been skating through and she has not knocked it out of the park the last 2 weeks. I think she’ll make it through and I hope she delivers next week. I still think she’s the favorite to win it all (I think I just jinxed her).

04 – Michael, The Way You Look Tonight
When I heard he was singing this song, I cringed. This song has been covered so much that it’s really hard to recreate it. My favorite version of this song is Alan Silvestri’s arrangement that Steve Tyrell sang on the soundtrack from “Father of the Bride.” There’s also the Tony Bennett version on “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” but the “Father of the Bride” one is by far my favorite. Many have redone this song, Harry included. So there was a lot to live up to for Michael. And I already don’t like Big Mike. Harry’s advice was to sing this song to his girl. And I most definitely did NOT think he was singing to her, but rather pompously performing like he always does. I thought it was indulgent and grandstanding. But then again, I’m jaded. Of course, the judges LOVED it. Randy thought it was an unbelievable arrangement and unbelievable vocals. Ellen noticed that he seemed to be the most comfortable up on stage. Kara said he didn’t lose himself in the song. Simon thought it all just clicked. I just can’t stand the guy anymore. Looks like he’ll be safe tomorrow, which will bum me out. Bygones.

05 – Lee, That’s Life
Harry had fun with Lee (actually he joked with all of the contestants), saying that his wife (former Victoria’s Secret model Jill Goodacre) loves him. And calls him a new and improved version of himself. Randy thought it was another great arrangement (Harry was great, but the judges are going overboard slapping him on the back) and liked that Lee stayed his rocker self. Ellen was distracted by Harry’s organ (3rd and last dig on Harry) and said that if tonight was the last performance, Lee would’ve won it all. Kara thinks Lee can win it all and wants him to believe it too. Simon thought Harry brought Lee’s personality and confidence. And that it was the best of the night. Lee owes Harry something fierce! Lee should be safe tomorrow.

Bottom two: Casey, Aaron

Off: Casey