For those who don't know, the past couple of weeks the song lists has been "leaked" on the American Idol Instagram account before each performance night. As a journalist, I try and do as much research and preparation as I can each week and always try and familiarize myself with all of the songs being performed that night if I don't know them. Well, somehow the contestants literally picked some of my favorite songs OF ALL TIME to sing on a love themed night with the final four trying to cover some big names. I mean, we are talking stuff from Bon Jovi, a Beatle, a former Idol winner, TWO Lady Gaga songs and the King himself, Elvis Presley. Before the night even begun, I had some very high expectations.
Of course, it was all about song choice as the contestants sang three solos about breakups, makeups and a lovely dedication. I'm not going to complain like I usually do about the lack of real themes this season because I just loved the song choices so much, so I'll let this week slide. J. Lo looked pretty in pink as Ryan sported a little scruff, or his 8:30 shadow as he liked to call it. That was at the top of the show though, so actually before 8:30 on the east coast and way before 8:30 in Hollywood. Has the scruff taken away your sense of time Ryan? Could that explain why you have the judges wait to give comments after a commercial break sometimes? Probably not but just wanted to throw that in there again that although it's nice to change up the format every once in a while, it's not really fair to give them more time to think and critique some people more than others. I mean, I wasn't heartbroken about it though so don't worry.
Caleb Johnson, "You Give Love A Bad Name" by Bon Jovi: I mean, anyone could have predicted that Caleb would have picked this song for a love theme week. Unfortunately, the song was predictably predictable and once again didn't show anything new or different from the front runner. Keith and J. Lo loved it but Harry was finally able to give Caleb the food for thought that he needs by telling him to be careful about doing the same improved musical ad libs in every performance because once he goes out on tour, every song will sound the same. Well duh! Caleb proves once again with this performance to be the most comfortable out on stage or even in the audience rocking out, of course not forgetting to make an epic pit stop at the judges table belting in Keith's face about what a bad lover he is. Somewhere, Nicole Kidman is either concerned or turned on. A great start to the show but I liked it, I didn't love it.
Jessica Meuse, "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson: I always find there to be a little more pressure when singing a song by a famous Idol alum, especially a winner and especially Ms. Kelly Clarkson. Kelly performed like a winner. Jessica does not. Jessica doesn't even perform like she should be in the top 4 right now. What a boring and bland cover for a song with great potential. When J. Lo starts her comments by saying "that's not an easy song to sing", you know that means she didn't like it. There were more than just off moments as J. Lo said, nothing was "on" about it. Harry was glad Jessica would have two more songs to perform because he clearly thought it wasn't her best and told her that she has to get out of her head. If Jessica doesn't have the confidence at this point, she's never going to have the guts to win this thing. Jessica will be gone soon enough.
Keith suddenly had the realization that it must be awkward to perform for the judges as they stare blankly back at you, so he thought if he moved around more, so would Jessica. Nice try, but that's not really how that's supposed to work. J. Lo then told a story about one time in London when two men in the front row of a performance didn't move for her which made Harry want to touch her ear while she was sharing. Why? "Cause you're Jennifer Lopez!" I swear, J. Lo may want to get a restraining order against Harry before next season, that is if they all return. Ryan announced the audition dates and cities for season 14 which includes all three hometowns of the judges, New York, New Orleans and Nashville which seemed like a weird way to pressure them into negotiating their contracts.
NEXT PAGE: Keith is a heartbreaker
Source : http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/american-idol-2014-top4-love-songs/
