American Idol 2011: James Durbin, Scotty McCreery And Haley Reinhart Owns The Night Of “Now & Then”
http://creativethinkingforwomen.com/articles/64624/1/American-Idol-2011--James-Durbin-Scotty-McCreery-And-Haley-Reinhart-Owns-The-Night-Of-Now-amp-Then/Page1.html
Doris Lim
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By Doris Lim
Published on 05/10/2011
Of the 5 left standing on this season’s “American Idol”, I should think it obvious that James Durbin, Scotty McCreery And Haley Reinhart should be the ones to take their places in the “Top 3”.
Of the 5 left standing on this season’s “American Idol”, I should think it obvious that James Durbin, Scotty McCreery And Haley Reinhart should be the ones to take their places in the “Top 3”. Yes, I’ve skipped from “4” to “3” as I personally feel that Jacob Lusk should be leaving the Idol stage real soon and as for Lauren Alaina who doesn’t seem to be able to unleash whatever talent that’s still in a “latent” stage (we had such high hopes for this young lass when she first made her appearance during her audition), it’s a little too late at this point in time seeing we’re almost reaching the “Finals” already. And time being of the essence, I think it’s a case of being “too little, too late”.
Also it’s really quite unfair for Lauren to still survive week after week especially since she’s been inconsistent in her performance as opposed to James Durbin and Scotty McCreery who are being pretty steady throughout the duration. And Haley Reinhart being the “dark horse” is definitely catching up. So, even though Haley was not my earlier choice to be in the “Top 3”, she’s now won me over with her quiet tenacity.
The week’s theme being “Now & Then”, a 2-song night of a “modern-day” tune and a “60’s/70’s” classic should certainly be an interesting night of “today” vs “yesteryear” in the “world of music”. So, it is with much anticipation that I tuned into the night’s performance.
First up, my thoughts on my man James Durbin who does what he does best – which is sing, sing and sing!! Yes, but tonight we see a diverse situation of an up-tempo rendition of Thirty Seconds To Mars’ “Closer To The Edge” and a somewhat overly-emotional deliverance of Badfinger’s “Without You”. When Steven Tyler connected his first song’s performance to Freddie (as in Freddie Mercury of “Queen”), I couldn’t help but think of it as a coincidence as I had also seen the similarity during one of James’ past week’s performances which I followed up with a mention in one of my articles on “American Idol”. For me, even though I’m no fan of the second song, I definitely loved his take on it. After all, James can do no wrong in my book, yes?? Even with all the emotions oozing out of him due to his self-confessed “homesickness” (yes, he’s missing his “better half” and kid like crazy) when he was singing this song, he still managed to lock it in. Yup, James is on the way to the Finals for sure!!
Jacob Lusk thought he’d use the “Thailand’s Got Talent” contestant Nantita Khumpiramon’s take on both the male as well as female parts when he selected the song “No Air”, popularised by Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown duet. Not great… in fact not even good. Ah, time to go Jacob. His time’s running out. His second song of Nazareth’s ballad “Love Hurts” was so screechy that I had to cover my doggie Akita’s ears because she was beginning to “growl” at the television set. Lol!! Yes, even dogs could be critics and my doggie certainly is one!!
Lauren Alaina’s back to her “big hair” which I loathed because being 16, I think the “straight hair” look is much more becoming on her. But that’s just my fashion take. I’m sure many will disagree with me?? Anyway, back to her singing. She was no Carrie Underwood when she took on “Flat On The Floor” and her second number “Unchained Melody” (think Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore movie “Ghost”) was in shambles by the time she finished with it. My all-time favorite song and she totally “murdered” the classic tune. Lord!! If Simon Cowell was here, he’d probably give her a piece of his mind, this being his favorite song as well. But all 3 judges gave her positive raves. What’s with these 3 – are they tone-deaf or what?? Geez… I had such high hopes when it was announced that she’s taking on my all-time favorite song but she certainly blew it!!
Ah Scotty McCreery’s next. Like in last week, he had a really good take on his second song “Always On My Mind” (think Elvis Presley or Willie Nelson). I’m not too crazy of the first one though but putting his “physical” performance aside, Montgomery Gentry’s “Gone” did sound upbeat and fine though not my “cuppa tea” (as the British might say). Anyhow, Scotty’s getting more and more seasoned as the weeks progressed. And his attitude is pretty “cool” too. The “no nonsense” look he gives is pretty darn “cute”. It’s no wonder that he’s also one of “America’s Sweethearts” (male version that is). If he carries on with more ballads that’s surely bringing out the best in his voice, he’s a shoe in for “Top 2” (with my man James Durbin of course).
Haley Reinhart who had taken many, many unnecessary beatings from the judges throughout the entire competition coupled with the fact that American voters did not warm up to this girl, had plodded on in defiance each week she survived the elimination. Her facial expressions on numerous occasions had been the talk of the “cyber” world. But I for one feel that she’s not pretentious and has been patient with all the “gibberish” that’s been unfairly dumped on her. Mark my words, even though I don’t favour her winning the Idol crown, I think she’ll do well in the music industry. With her unique voice and a little guidance she’s going to be a hit!! Tonight was kind of an “Idol first” again for “American Idol” history when she was given the “go-ahead” to sing a song that has not been released yet. That’s right… and from none other than “Lady Gaga” herself. She sang “You And I” like she was the original singer herself. Yes, she owned the song and yet her take on it did not win over Randy Jackson and J.Lo who both gave pretty uncomplimentary comments. Thank God for Steven Tyler who fortunately heard it the way I did, which was in a “positive” light. Haley started the second song “House Of The Rising Sun” (from The Animals) off a cappella which brought the house down. Yes, and finally all 3 judges decided to give her a standing ovation. The poor girl certainly deserves it after struggling for so many weeks in her bid to impress the judges.
I’d like to end by showcasing James Durbin and Haley Reinhart’s videoclips which comprises the 2 songs which I enjoyed most this week - “Without You” and “House Of The Rising Sun”.
Also it’s really quite unfair for Lauren to still survive week after week especially since she’s been inconsistent in her performance as opposed to James Durbin and Scotty McCreery who are being pretty steady throughout the duration. And Haley Reinhart being the “dark horse” is definitely catching up. So, even though Haley was not my earlier choice to be in the “Top 3”, she’s now won me over with her quiet tenacity.
The week’s theme being “Now & Then”, a 2-song night of a “modern-day” tune and a “60’s/70’s” classic should certainly be an interesting night of “today” vs “yesteryear” in the “world of music”. So, it is with much anticipation that I tuned into the night’s performance.
First up, my thoughts on my man James Durbin who does what he does best – which is sing, sing and sing!! Yes, but tonight we see a diverse situation of an up-tempo rendition of Thirty Seconds To Mars’ “Closer To The Edge” and a somewhat overly-emotional deliverance of Badfinger’s “Without You”. When Steven Tyler connected his first song’s performance to Freddie (as in Freddie Mercury of “Queen”), I couldn’t help but think of it as a coincidence as I had also seen the similarity during one of James’ past week’s performances which I followed up with a mention in one of my articles on “American Idol”. For me, even though I’m no fan of the second song, I definitely loved his take on it. After all, James can do no wrong in my book, yes?? Even with all the emotions oozing out of him due to his self-confessed “homesickness” (yes, he’s missing his “better half” and kid like crazy) when he was singing this song, he still managed to lock it in. Yup, James is on the way to the Finals for sure!!
Jacob Lusk thought he’d use the “Thailand’s Got Talent” contestant Nantita Khumpiramon’s take on both the male as well as female parts when he selected the song “No Air”, popularised by Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown duet. Not great… in fact not even good. Ah, time to go Jacob. His time’s running out. His second song of Nazareth’s ballad “Love Hurts” was so screechy that I had to cover my doggie Akita’s ears because she was beginning to “growl” at the television set. Lol!! Yes, even dogs could be critics and my doggie certainly is one!!
Lauren Alaina’s back to her “big hair” which I loathed because being 16, I think the “straight hair” look is much more becoming on her. But that’s just my fashion take. I’m sure many will disagree with me?? Anyway, back to her singing. She was no Carrie Underwood when she took on “Flat On The Floor” and her second number “Unchained Melody” (think Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore movie “Ghost”) was in shambles by the time she finished with it. My all-time favorite song and she totally “murdered” the classic tune. Lord!! If Simon Cowell was here, he’d probably give her a piece of his mind, this being his favorite song as well. But all 3 judges gave her positive raves. What’s with these 3 – are they tone-deaf or what?? Geez… I had such high hopes when it was announced that she’s taking on my all-time favorite song but she certainly blew it!!
Ah Scotty McCreery’s next. Like in last week, he had a really good take on his second song “Always On My Mind” (think Elvis Presley or Willie Nelson). I’m not too crazy of the first one though but putting his “physical” performance aside, Montgomery Gentry’s “Gone” did sound upbeat and fine though not my “cuppa tea” (as the British might say). Anyhow, Scotty’s getting more and more seasoned as the weeks progressed. And his attitude is pretty “cool” too. The “no nonsense” look he gives is pretty darn “cute”. It’s no wonder that he’s also one of “America’s Sweethearts” (male version that is). If he carries on with more ballads that’s surely bringing out the best in his voice, he’s a shoe in for “Top 2” (with my man James Durbin of course).
Haley Reinhart who had taken many, many unnecessary beatings from the judges throughout the entire competition coupled with the fact that American voters did not warm up to this girl, had plodded on in defiance each week she survived the elimination. Her facial expressions on numerous occasions had been the talk of the “cyber” world. But I for one feel that she’s not pretentious and has been patient with all the “gibberish” that’s been unfairly dumped on her. Mark my words, even though I don’t favour her winning the Idol crown, I think she’ll do well in the music industry. With her unique voice and a little guidance she’s going to be a hit!! Tonight was kind of an “Idol first” again for “American Idol” history when she was given the “go-ahead” to sing a song that has not been released yet. That’s right… and from none other than “Lady Gaga” herself. She sang “You And I” like she was the original singer herself. Yes, she owned the song and yet her take on it did not win over Randy Jackson and J.Lo who both gave pretty uncomplimentary comments. Thank God for Steven Tyler who fortunately heard it the way I did, which was in a “positive” light. Haley started the second song “House Of The Rising Sun” (from The Animals) off a cappella which brought the house down. Yes, and finally all 3 judges decided to give her a standing ovation. The poor girl certainly deserves it after struggling for so many weeks in her bid to impress the judges.
I’d like to end by showcasing James Durbin and Haley Reinhart’s videoclips which comprises the 2 songs which I enjoyed most this week - “Without You” and “House Of The Rising Sun”.