The Ram Review: Idol 411
Tracy Combs
Issue date: 4/26/10 Section: Entertainment
I always enjoy seeing celebrities who use their fame and power to help others and bring attention to important issues.
American Idol should be applauded for using their status as one of the most popular television shows in the Country to raise money for charities in their annual "Idol Gives Back" episode.
Tuesday Night:
With her uplifting lyrics and involvement in raising awareness about HIV in Africa, Alicia Keys was the ideal mentor for this week's theme of inspirational songs. Yet even the "Princess of Soul" could not help all of the contestants.
Casey James - "Don't Stop (Yesterday's Gone)": I enjoyed the performance, but it was nothing special and I had difficulty recalling it by the end of the show. He needs to add variation to his performances as watching him play his guitar and sing the same type of songs week after week is quickly becoming repetitive and boring. Simon Cowell criticized the performance, saying the song was not "particularly inspiring" and that he showed "no emotion."
Lee DeWyze - "The Boxer": He picked a song that actually inspired him, and that connection definitely showed in his performance. He held my attention the entire time and left me wanting to hear more. His interpretation and delivery of the song had an emotional impact on the audience, which is exactly what the contestants should try to do with inspirational songs. Cowell gave him the best compliment of all, saying, "Even though we're only two in, that was the best of the night."
Tim Urban - "Better Days": How is he still on this show? I have a difficult time even critiquing his sub-par performances anymore. Just a reminder, he was not even supposed to be in the top 24, but was brought back into the competition after one of the contestants proved to be ineligible. His performance was boring, and I almost miss the ridiculous dance moves. Almost.
Aaron Kelly - "I Believe I Can Fly": I was really worried when I heard he was singing such a powerful and well-known song. He struggled in the beginning, but displayed the power-house vocals he is known for by the end. While I give him credit for having the courage to take on the song, I think he would have made more of an impact if he had selected something on his skill level. A cute face can only get you votes for so long, Aaron.
American Idol should be applauded for using their status as one of the most popular television shows in the Country to raise money for charities in their annual "Idol Gives Back" episode.
Tuesday Night:
With her uplifting lyrics and involvement in raising awareness about HIV in Africa, Alicia Keys was the ideal mentor for this week's theme of inspirational songs. Yet even the "Princess of Soul" could not help all of the contestants.
Casey James - "Don't Stop (Yesterday's Gone)": I enjoyed the performance, but it was nothing special and I had difficulty recalling it by the end of the show. He needs to add variation to his performances as watching him play his guitar and sing the same type of songs week after week is quickly becoming repetitive and boring. Simon Cowell criticized the performance, saying the song was not "particularly inspiring" and that he showed "no emotion."
Lee DeWyze - "The Boxer": He picked a song that actually inspired him, and that connection definitely showed in his performance. He held my attention the entire time and left me wanting to hear more. His interpretation and delivery of the song had an emotional impact on the audience, which is exactly what the contestants should try to do with inspirational songs. Cowell gave him the best compliment of all, saying, "Even though we're only two in, that was the best of the night."
Tim Urban - "Better Days": How is he still on this show? I have a difficult time even critiquing his sub-par performances anymore. Just a reminder, he was not even supposed to be in the top 24, but was brought back into the competition after one of the contestants proved to be ineligible. His performance was boring, and I almost miss the ridiculous dance moves. Almost.
Aaron Kelly - "I Believe I Can Fly": I was really worried when I heard he was singing such a powerful and well-known song. He struggled in the beginning, but displayed the power-house vocals he is known for by the end. While I give him credit for having the courage to take on the song, I think he would have made more of an impact if he had selected something on his skill level. A cute face can only get you votes for so long, Aaron.
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