Here we go – the dreaded “B” word! No, not what you might think. This week on “American Idol”, the theme is all about Elton John songs. So the “B” word comes into play. Yes, “B” as in “Ballads”. And what a night of revelations because some of the “AI” hopefuls had not really shown us that they had a “voice” before, that is not until tonight. For the past few weeks, there were plenty of indications of “swagger” and “individuality” and “one-of-a-kind identity” while “ballad” singers were being ostracised. So tonight is kind of funny in a way because it is through the singing of the ballads that finally showcased the distinct sound of most of the contestants’ unique voices.

As always, I’ll be highlighting only those performances worthy of mention.

Firstly, we have Scotty McCreery who did okay with his rendition of Elton John’s one and only country song “Country Comfort”. Or did he record more in this genre? Anyhow, Scotty is being Scotty – in his usual country way. What more can I add? But tonight, his delivery strikes me as being more professional than normal. This boy is surely growing up right before our very eyes.

Next up is Paul McDonald who did not impress me this week with his version of “Rocket Man”. Only in the last few seconds before the song finally ended did his voice take on a unique tone that showcased his individual style. But sadly, the whole journey itself was oh-so-boring! And that’s a most unlikely description of his usual performances.

This week, Pia Toscano did sound a little more “alive” in her rendition of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” although the “connection” with me is not quite there yet.

What can I say about Stefano Langone this time round? Surprise, surprise!! I thoroughly enjoyed his “Tiny Dancer” version. Someone must have told him that “less is more” (or is it “less is better”) because when he doesn’t try so hard, he sounds more “sincere” in his delivery and therefore his “connection” to the audience is finally established. And somehow, I do feel that this song fits him to a “T”. And what about the ending when he reached out his hand to J.Lo? He surely roused the crowd with that tiny gesture. Smart move.

Ah… Lauren Alaina. I have been unmoved and a little irritated by her singing for the past few weeks and suddenly tonight, she delivered a “zinger-of-a-performance”. Who would have thought that taking on “Candle In The Wind” would render her “outstanding”. This is a difficult song to impress an audience. But she did. In a quiet and controlled but crystal clear way, she mesmerized me throughout the duration of the song. I must say that I’m back to being a fan after ditching her the past few weeks.

My top “favorite” James Durbin did himself proud when he pranced around the stage amidst “blazing fire”, even climbing onto the piano and everything and did I forget to mention his intro by way of emerging from the crowd/audience and pacing his way down the steps located on the stage. Am I mapping his movement or what! Well, if truth be told, I did not really “dig” his singing tonight. But his idea of “working the audience” certainly produced results. So, good for him! At least
he’s not boring. And he chose the right song for the occasion. “Saturday Night’s All Right For Fighting” sure rocked the night and everybody with it. Yes, James Durbin’s done it again!! There’s always sheer excitement when he hits the stage!! He’s a singer who truly “enjoys” what he’s doing – which is singing, performing and a little dramatic “acting” on his part – all in the name of “entertainment”. Yes, James Durbin’s my man!!

Now to my gal Thia Megia. Although I just love this girl, her singing has not been “up there” with the best when you’re comparing her to the rest of the other “AI” contenders who are pretty unique this season. But tonight, her singing showcased the beauty of her voice. Every line in the song “Daniel” brought such melody to my ears. Finally, she found a song that highlighted the strength of her voice. Let’s hope the American voters do not let her down as they did last week. I would be very sorry to see her go, especially after tonight’s heartfelt performance which she dedicated to her brother.

Next we have Casey Abrams who is not being “Casey” tonight. Gone are the crazy antics, the crazy growling, the crazy hair – he’s had a “hair-over”. And he certainly seems to have lost his “cool” confidence. After last week’s “almost” elimination, he seems to have pulled back on his individual trait of being a little “offbeat”. Yes, the poor boy must have had quite a shock last week and still experiencing the after effects? But he did sing my favorite Elton John hit “Your Song” beautifully. This boy has a voice!! Yes, minus his usual growls and grunts, this evening brought out a very different Casey altogether. He was articulate in his enunciation of the lyrics and he sang it with such melody, you’d never know that the earlier Casey still resides in this body. Lol!!

Last in my list tonight is Haley Reinhart who is beginning to blossom each week and finally managed to get my admiration in her sexy, jazzy, sassy approach to “Benny & The Jets”. Great job!!

I was going to end this post with just the ones I felt worth mentioning but I just realised that I had mentioned practically all the contestants save 2 of them. So I might as well give my “2-cents worth” of the remaining two.

Loved Naima Adedapo but the song she sang tonight did nothing for me. She did not stand out the way she did in other nights. Her rendition of “I’m Still Standing” sounded more like a Jamaican cum Reggae thing which feels a little unsuitable for tonight’s theme. But that’s just my thinking.

As for Jacob Lusk. I think he “murdered” one of my other favorite Elton John hit “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” with his melodramatic, overly-emotional, shrilly crying voice. And I don’t see why all 3 judges did not fault him. I cringed when his face contorted in a way that’s so ?? – I just can’t find the words to describe. Urgh!!

Well, time to end this article. Two will be going home next and we’ll be able to see for ourselves if America got it right or wrong.

And to end this post, here’s 2 videoclips which I enjoyed immensely and would certainly wish to share with my readers. Two ballads – one from Thia Megia and the other from Lauren Alaina.