AI: You’re the inspiration

This post is a day late and a dollar short, but as Ryan says, “This is American Idol!”

It’s the top 7 and they’re singing songs of inspiration. And Siobahn is dressed like a bird about to take flight. I have no idea what is going on with her outfit.

Just so we’re all on the same page, it’s inspirational song week and Alicia Keys is the mentor. Sometimes, I think Alicia sings at the back of her throat and only uses her vocal chords, so I’m a bit iffy on this choice. But we’ll see.

Casey James “Don’t stop” by Fleetwood Mac Alicia: encourage you to connect with the song; give it a lot of personality • I hate what he’s wearing • Casey’s OK for me, but I don’t know if he has much personality • nice vocals in part • Song isn’t very original or different • ends kind of low-key • Not terrible, but not amazing Randy: Good performance, wasn’t your best performance Ellen: Great guitar playing; that wasn’t great Kara: It was like jam band; that’s not showing us what makes you different. Simon: That wasn’t particularly inspiring; did the song pretty much like the original

Lee Dewyze “The Boxer”by Simon and Garfunkel Alicia: people have to feel like you are that boxer and you are that fighter • Vocals are nice and really weird at the beginning • Feels a little vacant in places, but he’s really into the la la la part • This is the most emotional Lee has ever been; I like it! • Maybe not his best performance, but definitely a good one. Randy: You are a great artist ready to make great music. Ellen: Beautiful song choice; we’re seeing better and better from you. Kara: I think you had your moment tonight with that performance. Simon: That was sincere. It was emotional. It was inspirational.

Tim Urban “Better Days” by the Goo Goo Dolls Alicia: I like it on him. Reiterate it, let people feel it. • Tim’s vocals have improved so much from the beginning of the season • I hate when he sings in the half voice, though • Vocals get a little rough when he goes into the second verse • I feel like he’s not quite getting up on top of some of his notes • end of the performance was very nice and the vocals were good. • One of Tim’s better performances, not his best. • Sort of blah. Randy: For me, this song was an interesting choice. It was like OK karaoke. Ellen: Today I didn’t like the soup. Kara: This is where you belong, but it wasn’t the best execution. Simon: This may have been a step too high for you this week. It was a little bit of a let down.

Aaron Kelly “I Believe I Can Fly” Alicia: This is the song that can be overkill to some.He can almost be like crying at the end of that song, then he’ll take it to a whole new place. • Beginning vocals are good • Wow, his hair is poofy • I never heard this song as a country song. . . • Gets a little shouty and screamy at the end and wasn’t as pure as I would have hoped,which is something I know Aaron can do. Randy: You picked a giant, giant song. You did a good job with such a giant song. Ellen: You’re on your way. Kara: By the end, you got there. Simon: It wasn’t very good, but you kind of made it quite good. (What does that mean?)

Siobahn Magnus “When You Believe” Alicia: This is no easy feat, this song. I’m very impressed with her voice. • Seriously, what does she have on? • Vocals are nice, but I kind of hate this song • I also hate that she’s exhaling so loudly into the mic after each phrase—that’s a lack of control and not good • modulation is nice • I feel like she’s a bit unsure of the melody sometimes and a her voice is a little all over the place • High notes are nice and the ending is good. • Good, but not AMAZING. Randy: You probably picked the toughest song of the night. It was just OK for me. Ellen: I disagree. That was just more confirmation why you’re here. Kara: It started to feel very dramatic. This isn’t a musical. Simon: I don’t think that was the right song for you. Too much happened too quickly.

Michael Lynche “Hero” Alicia: Michael’s going to be making this his own. As long as he brings people along on a ride, he’s going to do great. • Beginning is good, nice build up into chorus • I still think there’s an enunciation issue with Big Mike • I wish he’d modulated up on that last big note, because he kind of got us to this big, exciting place, then did NOTHING  with it. Randy: I was worried about this song choice, but you held your own with it. Ellen: Great job Kara: Wasn’t my favorite performance Simon: You sang it pretty well, but the theme is inspirational songs and that was about Spider-Man, right? (I LOVE Michael’s response of shocked confusion followed by, “no, it’s about being a hero!”

Crystal Bowersox “People Get Ready” Alicia: Crystal is very very special. Make sure you deliver. • I like that Crystal’s wearing a dress • I love that she’s singing a capella and sounds amazing • She’s so in control of her voice and hitting notes from one end of her range to the other • I love this! • She’s crying! Apparently this song DOES mean a lot to her and I’m glad the emotion showed through! Randy: That is how you do it! Ellen: That was so beautiful. Kara: Thank you so much for taking a risk. You just schooled all those contestants. Simon: That was inspirational. I’m actually in a strange way happy to see you emotional.

Best of the night: Crystal, hands down.

In trouble: Casey, Tim, Mike, Siobahn