And then there were 4. Yes, the 4 remaining contenders left on this season’s “American Idol” had to “bring it on” this week being a crucial week and all what with their going home next week as their town’s or city’s “homecoming hero” or “heroine” as the case may be. The iconic “Lady Gaga” was brought in to give our young “AI” wannabes some pointers on “how to loosen up” when delivering a song.

As always, my man James Durbin “rocked” the stage with his opening number. As his “inspirational song” for the night, he selected Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and although it wasn’t his best song of the season, his showmanship on the Idol stage was superb, to put it mildly. It got me grooving to the beat of the song as I watched him execute his little “concert” up there. Yup, win or lose, James Durbin is the man!!!

For his second number, James picked “Love Potion Number 9” from among “the hits of classic 50’s songwriters Lieber & Stoller”. Again not something I would pick but then, James Durbin could sing most anything. So he took the song and gave it a new meaning altogether. Honestly, I could listen to his voice and watch his performance all night long. He possesses a unique and special talent – that which could melt your heart as his voice takes you to a place where you’d feel safe and warm and that to me is why he rocks it every single time. Even when the choice of songs was not to my liking, he still had his “moment” right there and then.

After Haley Reinhart finished his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song”, it was no surprise that J.Lo and Randy Jackson “pounded” on the poor lass once again. What’s with these 2? Do they have something personal against the girl? Week after week, we witness unnecessary “harsh” critiques raining on her and her alone. If the other contestants messed up, they still receive undeserving high praises. I smell a “conspiracy theory” here. Although it’s not a song that I would choose for Haley’s husky voice, I still feel that the critiques especially those from Randy Jackson were pretty mean and unwarranted. I certainly loved the way Haley fought back in defence of these senseless critiques. When Randy gave a personal verdict opinion of selecting a 3-way tie for James, Scotty and Lauren for round 1, I think it finally reflected what he really thinks of Haley. It truly revealed that he is really out to burn her. He could have easily mentioned 1 or 2 being his choice but to mention all 3 was indicative of being intentionally cruel.

If this was a strategy to get Haley all roused up and mad so that she’ll direct all this pent-up anger and rage into her second song, I think it most unprofessional of the judges to be using such a gimmick. Judges are supposed to “judge”, not take sides. They may help the contestants along but for this year, it looks like the “new” as well as the “old” judges are exhibiting some form of prejudice. Call me paranoid… I don’t think so. Where’s Simon Cowell when we needed him? At least his comments were never “personal”.

For her second song, Haley selected “I Who Have Nothing”. Now, just the choice alone has made me so very happy. Remember how previous “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks “slayed” this song so many years ago? I just loved Jordin’s “old-fashioned” rendition of this very beautiful and heartfelt “Shirley Bassey” song. So I was expecting a great deal when Haley started to sing it. Well, her take was very different. She was certainly no “Shirley Bassey” or “Jordin Sparks”. But nevertheless, her voice was suitable for this type of song. In fact the tone of her voice reminded me of a young “Dusty Springfield”. Although she did not raise the bar when she sang the song, with a little time and maturity, she probably would make a killing out of this genre. It had its moments but I still preferred Jordin Sparks’ version and of course Dame Shirley Bassey’s original take is beyond any comparison – no one could come even close to her original version. She was a “class act” and still is.

Fortunately for Haley, the judges decided to sing high praises on her second
performance. I think they’re so faking it. I don’t believe them anymore. As much as I liked them at the beginning of the season, I’m beginning to suspect that they’re not being honest with their opinions, be it “praises” or “critiques”. And obviously, I’m beginning to lose respect for the position they hold in this singing competition. Will somebody please tell J.Lo, Randy Jackson and even Steven Tyler to “tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God” when they next give their so-called “expert” opinions? If not, let’s hope and pray that come next year, “American Idol” producers will replace all 3 judges, especially Randy Jackson who’s beginning to irritate me to bits. They seem to be on this reality show more so for their own personal gain (we’re talking “music career” here) than for their “2-cents worth” when judging these poor “AI” hopefuls. Enough with their self-promotion and “music politics” and let’s get down to business.

Next on is Scotty McCreery who took on Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning” as his first inspirational song and although I found it a little boring, it was pleasant enough. At the end of the song, he had his moment. Just a little bit but enough to make you go “ah…”. That’s probably why Scotty’s popularity is still going strong. He can “connect” with most anybody whenever he turns those phrases within the songs he sings. He is a “story-teller” after all and Scotty’s best at what he does – telling a story, in a most effective manner.

For his second song, he sang the Coasters’ “Young Blood” which reminded me of Casey Abrams somewhat, who by the way was in the audience cheering his “AI” pals on. Yes, his turn as a Casey-impersonator-of-sorts (weird facial expressions and all) as he went about the stage did not exactly sit well with me. Nevertheless, I still like the boy.

Finally we have Lauren Alaina. Now in all honesty, it was a good week for her. She came out of her shell and sprung to action when she belted out her 2 numbers. Even though I had initially liked her right from the start during her auditions, after a time, I found her pretty bland and somewhat “brainless”. “Sorry Lauren, but you’re not only holding back your singing but also your personality as well.” It’s like she’s not very good at communicating with people. I have a suspicion that she’s lived a very sheltered life and is probably under some form of strict control and is probably coached as to how she should act on-camera. Well, that’s the price you pay for having little girls in the competition.

Anyhow like I said, this week was a very different week for Lauren. Makes me wonder if she was “acting” and “pretending” all this while (to fish for “votes”)?? But after being at the “Bottom 2” last week, reality set in and she had to do the about-turn in order to survive. She belted Martina McBride’s “Anyway” and although this is also not my “cuppa tea”, her voice sounded quite good. Again I don’t care too much for the hair because this style really makes her look old and pretentious.

When she gave her version of her second song, we were finally sold on her transformation. She decided to showcase the vixen in her when she took on Elvis Presley’s “Trouble”. Even though I think she has improved by “leaps and bounds” this week, I personally felt it unfair if she is again saved by the American votes. After all, both James Durbin and Scotty McCreery had been consistent all this while. And as for Haley Reinhart, need I say more? The girl had been fighting for her place on “American Idol”. Never in its history have I ever witnessed anything like this. Have you?

To end this chapter of my “rants, raves and ramblings” on “American Idol”, I have selected videoclips of James Durbin and Haley Reinhart. I have also taken the liberty to include 2 other versions of Haley’s “I Who Have Nothing”. Yes, from none other than Dame Shirley Bassey and of course my past favorite “American Idol” Jordin Sparks. Enjoy!!!