Adam Lambert does a ‘show and tell’ for 'American Idol’s' Season 9 hopefuls
Mentor/former Season 8 contestant Adam Lambert challenged this season’s wannabes to wake up and put on a show, in other words, entertain us as they attempt to channel Elvis.
Adam told each of them that they had the chops to pull it off and urged them to push themselves and change it up -- “give us something to listen to, to look at and to feel.” A few took his advice . . . most didn’t.
Crystal Bowersox set the bar high, opening the show with a stellar performance of “Saved,” another obscure song for us. She took Adam’s advice and changed things up by playing an electric guitar. We thought it worked!
Tim Urban, formerly known as “Teflon Tim” but now dubbed “Turban” by Ryan Seacrest, has listened to the litany of advice that’s been directed at him, successfully delivering a heartfelt rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The adults and teens in my group gave him praise, but tween Jason P. (who’s ever so grateful for last week’s “Big Mike” Lynche save) can’t understand why Tim is still around.
And what was up with Ryan Seacrest’s strange behavior, especially his impromptu dance with a guy whom he called Michael Sarver of Season 8 (but it really wasn't him) while Tim Urban serenaded the audience?
Lee Dewyze is still our man. We thought he delivered the goods with confidence, engaging the audience while changing up his delivery of “A Little Less Conversation.”
Siobhan Magnus continues to be one of our favorites but is having an identity crisis, according to the judges. She rejects this notion, suggesting that it’s her prerogative not to label herself as a particular type of artist. We know she’s got the potential to win but has to focus on song choice and acing her performance.
Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens were our choices to go home. Andrew had so much potential but made some really bad song choices, which were boring when performed. Katie Stevens lacked that likeability factor. She has the talent, but we just didn’t warm up to her.
My granddaughter Alex was obsessed with Adam Lambert, her favorite from last season. “Where’s Adam?” was her mantra throughout the evening’s performances. She’ll get her Adam fix when she watches his over-the-top DVR’d performance of “Whataya Want From Me” (9:30 p.m. is way past her bedtime). And she can watch it over and over.
Alex rocked out with her new "Princess and the Frog" guitar during Casey James’ performance of "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy." We thought his vocals were good but found ourselves wanting more from his performance.
And then there were seven. We are getting down to the nitty gritty, and next week may be the day of reckoning for one of the teen idols -- Aaron Kelly or Tim Urban, who have both overstayed their welcome.
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