Calvin’s Hub

I got it wrong thinking that Scott MacIntyre will gonna close group 3. That honor went to Lil Rounds who did a splendid job. Few disasters this time but lots of mediocre performances.

Here’s what the contestants sang:

1. Von Smith – You’re All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye

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Man is his mouth kinda big or what? His facial expressions are quite annoying for me. He doesn’t sound too good with the low notes but can really rock it on the high ones. Anyway, judges gave positive feedback with Simon saying that he reminds him of Clay Aiken (if you consider that as a compliment).

2. Taylor Vaifanua – If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys

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She said she liked singing the song but it doesn’t sound good coming from her. She has a good voice but her phrasing was off. She was crying as the judges were talking to her. Simon says her performance was generic and bland and the others weren’t impressed as well.

3. Alex Wagner-Truman – I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues by Elton John

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His performance would’ve been ok if he didn’t growl or scream to much. Paula was amused with him though saying that he’s quite the showman, he’s entertaining and so on but that’s all. Simon said that he’s like a little hamster trying to be a tiger.

4. Arianna Afsar – The Winner Takes It All by ABBA

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This is the first time ABBA made it to AI. That was bad. She sounded nervous and shaky at the beginning and the phrasing was awful. Simon says it was terrible and the song was too big for her. Other judges agree with him. Sorry Arianna, maybe next year.

5. Ju’Not Joyner – Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s

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I wish he’d sing a new song but anyway he sang it really well but kinda held back. the song just didn’t show his range. Anyhow, Randy loved it and Simon thought it was better than he expected but a bit safe.

6. Kristen McNamara – Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman

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Well I liked her performance, upbeat and fun. Paula liked it as well and wanted her to sing more Kelly Clarkson. Randy and Simon weren’t impressed saying that her performance didn’t show her identity.

7. Nathaniel Marshall – I Would Do Anything For Love by Meatloaf

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Meh. Weird song choice. His performance is a bit weak and boring. Simon said it was verging on excruciating blaming it on the way he looks that is making him uncomfortable to watch. “What, is he Richard Simmons now?”, Kara said when Simon suggested that Nate could do a fitness video. Harhar.

8. Felicia Barton – No One by Alicia Keys

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Felicia originally didn’t make it to the Top 36 but when Joanna Pacitti got disqualied, she was bumped in. This stay-at-home mom didn’t disappoint as she delivered one of the best (although not perfect) performances of the night. If she can’t make it to the Top 3 tomorrow, she deserves a spot in the Wild Card round at least.

9. Scott MacIntyre – Mandolin Rain by Bruce Hornsby

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He’s got a good strong voice but tonight’s performance was not that great and it’s really a disadvantage for him if he can’t make eye contact to the audience or the camera. Anyway, he got Simon’s blessing saying he will be amazed if he doesn’t sail through the next round.

10. Kendall Beard – This One’s for the Girls by Martina McBride

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She’s fit for country music but I wasn’t impressed with her singing especially near the end. Randy says it’s not her best vocal performance and Simon says it wasn’t her cup of tea.

11. Jorge Nunez – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on me by Elton John

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Jorge sang really well but I’m not digging his accent. Paula thinks his accent is funny but Simon doesn’t mind. No negative remarks from the judges for him so we might see him in the next round.

12. Lil Rounds – Be Without You by Mary J. Blige

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Very nice voice. Smooth and controlled yet strong. Lil Rounds deserved the closing spot tonight and the Top Female vote-getter tomorrow. Randy says that she is hands down one of the best they found this season and I have to agree.

Predictions

Top 2 spots will surely go to Lil Rounds and Scott MacIntyre. The 3rd spot is a bit harder to guess. I think it will go to Jorge Nunez but if we’re gonna base it on performance, I would like to give it to Felicia Barton.

Deserving to be on the Wild Card round are Felicia/Jorge, Von Smith, Kristen and Ju’Not.

Again, those audio clips are brought to you by Rickey.org. If you wanna see the video of the performances, visit Mj’s photobucket album.

You might also be interested in:

• American Idol 8 Top 36 – Group 1 Recap and Predictions
• American Idol 8 Top 36 – Group 2 Recap and Predictions
• My American Idol Final 12 predictions
• American Idol 8 Top 36 – Group 1 Results

Filed under: American Idol