AI: Let it be, let it be, let Lennon and McCartney be! (Top 9)

So last night was the top 9 show on American Idol and they were performing songs from the Lennon/McCartney catalog. Which is always an interesting show seeing that it physically hurts most lovers of music to see the songs of two of the greatest modern songwriters mangled. Ready for my short and sweet review of last night’s show?

Here we go!

Aaron Kelly “Long and Winding Road” • He’s not my style, but the vocals are nice, not great • Beginning is a little rough • This performance is boring and schmaltzy • Big note at the end was nice Randy: great voice; “sleepy” arrangement Ellen: “You’re fantastic, but that song felt long and winding.” Kara: good, not great; every week feels like the same performance Simon: Old-fashioned and boring

Katie Stevens “Let It Be” • One of my favorite Beatles’ songs, so don’t mess it up! • changes melodic line a little • nice control and tone • a tiny bit shouty toward the end • Big note was a tad flat Randy: your best performance ever Ellen: No way you will be in the bottom three Kara: Great vocal; great attitude Simon: Great tonight because it was more country; she actually connected with the song

Andrew Garcia “Can’t Buy Me Love” • Hate, hate, hate what he’s wearing • nice vocals for the most part • like the section of the song when he kind of breaks it down • a few pitch problems at the end • Fun, but nowhere near amazing Randy: Solid performance, a little corny at times Ellen: Perfect song choice; loved it Kara: Don’t know that I saw anything new from you Simon: Old-fashioned and irrelevant

Michael Lynche “Eleanor Rigby” • Oh, boy! “Eleanor Rigby”! • Loved David Cook’s version and the original, don’t know if this can match up • hate falsetto at very beginning • good vocals • some enunciation problems, mostly because he’s trying to do too much with each note • Good performance, but there’s still something missing for me Randy: Not sure all of it worked, but the parts that did were great Ellen: Huge risk; incredible Kara: Amazing vocals! You made the song commercial. (Ahem, Kara, “Eleanor Rigby” is ALWAYS commercial and this performance was a bit boring) Simon: I didn’t love it as much as the other three; it was like a musical

Crystal Bowersox “Come Together” • There is a didgeridoo on stage! • Didgeridoo is a weird choice but it kind of weirdly works • Not my favorite song, but she might pull this off • Some nice, slight melodic changes that complement her voice and style • Changed song up a bit making it more rocking • Solid performance, the best so far • I’d listen to this on the radio Randy: Another solid performance, not the best, but still loved it Ellen: “You never cease to amaze me.” Kara: One of my favorite performances so far; slinky, sexy, playful Simon: That’s a performance I could hear on the radio. It just works.

Tim Urban “All My Lovin'” • Opening vocals were so nice, I was surprised it was Tim singing • I think he got a haircut. . . or a hair helmet • a few problems with pitch • Bit of a Mraz-y feel • Not a very current interpretation, though, in my opinion Randy: Better than the last couple of weeks Ellen: Perfect song choice; good performance Kara: Took some of our criticisms; good job Simon: Did really well; no gimmics; this suited your voice

Casey James “Jealous Guy” from Lennon’s solo album Imagine • Didn’t think I knew this song, but I totally do! • Hate Casey’s hair tonight • Love the country-esque performance with the cello • Understated • First time in a long time I’ve felt like Casey was emotionally invested in the song • Bit of weirdness in the way he ended the song Randy: Loved seeing your sensitive side; a few pitch problems Ellen: Your best performance to date Kara: Showed vulnerability and depth Simon: Best performance of the night so far

Siobahn Magnus “Across the Universe” • What is she wearing? • Nice control at the beginning • not my favorite song of all the things she could have chosen • By staying very traditional, the song gets boring • Changes the melody a little toward the end and it’s nice • Restrained, which was a pleasant change Randy: Love the outfit; a little sleepy Ellen: You are special. Love that this was different. Kara: You hit the notes and showed control. Very restrained; very polite. Simon: Stronger than last week.

Lee Dewyze “Hey Jude” • This is my friend Liz’s favorite song and Lee looks JUST like her boyfriend • This is the first time the gravel in his voice has bothered me • not sure about this song choice • Absolutely great performance because it’s fun and he’s performing • BAGPIPES?! • Felt like a concert even if all the vocals weren’t quite there Randy: Another hot one for you Ellen: Confidence Kara: Good moment and off moments, but overall it was nice Simon: I wouldn’t have done that (the bagpipes)

Best of the night: Casey James and Crystal Bowersox

In trouble: Andrew Garcia and Tim Urban

My ranking of the performances: 1. Casey James 2. Crystal Bowersox 3. Lee Dewyze 4. Katie Stevens 5. Michael Lynche 6. Siobahn Magnus 7. Aaron Kelly 8. Tim Urban 9. Andrew Garcia