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| "American Idol" season 10 Top 11: Clockwise from top left: Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Lauren Alaina, Paul McDonald, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery, Naima Adedapo, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart and Thia Megia. |
Here are my thoughts on Wednesday night's performances:
- Casey - "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye: Casey kicked off the show with a classic -- only problem is we have heard this song A LOT on "Idol." Fantasia Barrino sang it on Season 3 and fellow Season 10 contestant Stefano Langone sang it for his "Idol" audition. I would have loved to hear Casey sing a song that hasn't been performed so many times before on this show.
- Thia - "Heatwave" by Martha & the Vandellas: Okay, so Thia sang an upbeat song this week but it was still boring. Yes, she has a great voice, but I think she really needs to work on her stage presence and song selection.
- Jacob - "You're All I Need to Get By" by Marvin Gaye: This themed week was perfect for Jacob and even though he gave a more restrained performance Wednesday night, it was still soulful and moving. Judge Steven Tyler loved the performance so much, he ran up on stage and hugged Jacob calling him "Baby Luther [Vandross]."
- Lauren - "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by The Supremes: Lauren is finally getting her confidence back after some tough critiques early on this season. She looked really pretty, sang the song well and brought lots of much needed attitude to the performance.
- Stefano - "Hello" by Lionel Richie: When host Ryan Seacrest mentioned before a commercial break that Stefano would be singing a Lionel Richie song, I was so hoping that this would be his choice. Once again, I loved the vocal, but I wish he would make more eye contact. All three judges agreed that he is a brilliant singer -- he just needs to work on making an emotional connection with the audience. I hope America feels the connection and votes for Stefano because he is really talented and deserves to stay in the competition.
- Haley - "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles: The beginning was a little rough but Haley worked it out in the middle and turned in a great bluesy vocal. Judge Jennifer Lopez commented that Haley might be the most soulful voice in the competition, with the exception of Jacob. Agreed.
- Scotty - "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder: I won't lie -- I was a little nervous for Scotty when I learned that the group would be singing Motown songs this week. I think he really pulled it off and Scottified the song, making it sound like it was written as a country song.
- Pia - "All in Love is Fair" by Stevie Wonder: Another great vocal from Pia, and another ballad from Pia. JLo wants her to bring another dynamic to her performance while Randy stated he doesn't want to hear any more ballads. Tyler sang her highest praises saying she is "the closest star in this 'American Idol' universe."
- Paul - "The Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles: Paul is at his best when allowed to perform with his guitar. No more weird dancing and I could focus on his vocal, and only his vocal. My verdict -- he really is quite good. He has such a unique and distinctive sound and as JLo commented, he is the most seasoned performer on the show.
- Naima - "Dancing in the Street" by Martha & the Vandellas: After Naima's less than impressive and pitchy rendition of Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It" last week, she came out Wednesday night with a strong vocal and some dance moves. Move over Paul -- Naima is now the resident dancer on "Idol." JLo loved her performance and Tyler said she ate up the stage.
- James - "Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder: "Idol" producers saved the most entertaining performance for last and it came as no surprise the honor was given to James. He really knows how to play to the camera and the audience and it is so apparent that he genuinely loves to perform.
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