Wednesday Night’s ‘Idol’ Performances – Brian Gary’s Take

Last night’s American Idol was a great show with just a couple exceptions. Keep in mind these opinions do not reflect the management, co- workers or pets of any employees of K99 radio or Townsquare Media. Last night’s theme was “songs from movies” and once again our country boy Scotty McCreery was one of the best.

The show started with Paul McDonald singing Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll”. It is no secret that I think Paul seems like a very nice guy but his singing makes me puke a little even if I haven’t eaten. As usual I hated his performance. He sang awful and his stage movements looked like a squirrel who had been struck by a Camry in traffic.

Lauren Alaina was next singing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus…it was ok. I really have nothing more to say about that one. She was good but not great and should stick around another week

Stefano Legone showed up looking like the guy on the Cracker Jack box and sang “End of the Road” by Boyz to Men. I always like his voice but he never puts together a great vocal performance for a whole song. He sang parts of it well as it got going but was pretty rough to start with. He may be in trouble again.

Scotty McCreery stayed true to his country roots and did “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait. I love Scotty and think he will have a great, long career in country music. He started out a bit shaky on it and then really got his groove going. He will be in the final 3 for sure. I have to say I am getting a little tired of the way he holds the microphone like it’s a soft shell taco he is trying to keep the lettuce from falling out of though.

Casey Abrams was his usual unusual self and did “Nature Boy”, a Nat King Cole tune. He was unique and different which should land him in the bottom 3 tonight.

Haley Reinhart who blew away the judges with her version of “Bennie and the Jets” on Elton John week was just awful singing Blondie’s classic “Call Me” from American Gigolo. She was by far the most off key singer of the night. This was the first time all season that I wished Simon was still there to tell it like it is. All the judges were a little too kind last night and she should have been tore up a bit.

Jacob Lusk, who looks like he’s just a word or 2 away from tears at any time when he sings, did his version of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”. I always feel like standing up and shouting “amen” when he sings. He has an amazing voice but his facial expressions have a tendency to look like Jim Nabors of Gomer Pyle. He is very talented but still may be a bottom 3 dweller.

James Durbin was the final act of the night. He got his heavy metal on and did “Heavy Metal” by Sammy Hagar. He truly rocked the heck of it but I have trouble understanding why you would have a long guitar solo in a song when you only get about a 2 minutes of microphone time. Hello James, it is a VOCAL competition.

My prediction is Haley, Casey and Jacob in the bottom 3 with Haley going home. I wish she would take Paul with her.

Also tonight , the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, will return to sing “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean. Looking forward to that big time.