American Idol – Bring on the Top 12

As much as I love the word “lackluster”, it gets tedious. Just like American Idol has over the last few nights.

But that’s not going to stop me from employing it:  The girls were lackluster … the guys were lackluster.

Of the girls, only Crystal Bowersox really stood out. Damn can that girl translate a song out into the audience and across the airwaves through my television set. She can wail, she can play and you can see she loves it. It comes effortlessly to her.

Siobahn Magnus took a chance, but she just didn’t have the “umph” needed to propel her anywhere further into the order, let alone in an orbit anywear near Bowersox. Still, she’s got something going on.

Lacey Brown was uninspiring to a fault, but that’s what she seems to do best. Katelyn Epperly? Wow. What a straightforward Carole King version of “I Feel The Earth Move.” Waitress Didi Benami? I like her and like her lilt … that’s no surprise. But she didn’t bring it this week. And Paige Miles? *snnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrree*

Katie Stevens? While a good voice, her lack of maturity and unevenness really show at times.  (Like this week, for instance.) Lilly Scott? Ugh. Patsy Cline must’ve been spinning a bit in her grave.

The guys weren’t any better.

Only Lee Dewyze and Big Mike Lynche and his falsetto stood out. Even Tim Urban made a move by singing “Hallelujah,” even though it was a bit uneven. (See video below. I amused myself by replacing the lyrics with “Have A Tuna.” I know … I’m childish.)

Mulleted Alex Lambert? Andrew Garcia, who peaked early during the Hollywood rounds? Casey James? Shaky-at-first Aaron Kelly? Todrick Hall and that hideous version of “Somebody To Love” (with the barely listenable back-up singers)? All. Lack. Luster.

So it wasn’t much of a surprise when Katelyn Epperly took her final bow from the stage.  Nor was it a jaw-dropper that Todrick Hall left as well.  I was under the impression Alex Lambert might hold on for a few more episodes, given he was shaking off the flutters that have haunted him for a while.  And I could have sworn it was Katie Stevens who would have gotten the boot, not Lilly Scott.  But — in retrospect — that made sense.

So … will the six gals and six guys step up to the plate, get jiggy with it and finally quit all the snoozefest balladry they keep tossing our way?

One would think with Rolling Stones’ tunes coming at us next week that could very well be the case.  Me, personally … I’m ready to “get my ya-yas out” …..

Clacked by Michael Noble
on Mar 12, 2010 @ 09:00 EST5EDT