American Idol Review – Top 8 – The Art Of Singing Without Pressure
Posted on 11. Apr, 2008 by Per Bristow in American Idol, Performance, Singing
Why do you really want to sing better and feel freer using your voice? Probably because you want more than your singing voice to be heard. I bet you really want your “inner voice” to be heard. We all want to be heard, and be able to influence, inspire and make a difference in this world. And that is what last night’s show “Idol Gives Back” was all about. It was a beautiful mix of show and documentary reports of the work that is being done and needs to be done in various parts of the world. To read more about it and how you can help, go to www.AmericanIdol.com
And now on to this week’s contestants. The assignment was to pick an inspirational song. Here are the videos and my take on their performances…
His vocals where great. It was awesome until he went into the “screams”. Since he went for the hard rock approach, it’s hard not to compare it to Steve Tyler and Aerosmith’s original version. The power with those high-pitched screams (which is, by the way, something I teach how to do) is when they really cut through. In comparison to Steve Tyler (and most rock singers who can “scream”) he fell short. Simon Cowell said he came across as a wannabe and I don’t disagree. He’s better than that.
Syesha Mercado – I believe
Syesha is growing into the best singer of them all. She has perhaps the best genuine connection and she sang the song wonderfully, but… and this is a big giganormous but… Due to her song choices she makes it absolutely impossible for us to not compare her to the original and she is positioning herself as a karaoke singer – albeit an exceptionally good one. Fantasia’s version of this song was one of the most memorable moments of American Idol. What on earth does Syesha believe we are going to compare her to? It’s like the comedian who comes out on stage and delivers the same joke as the comedian before him. It’s dead, it’s done and it doesn’t matter how good you are. We feel resistance before she even opens her mouth when we know what she is about to sing. Syesha said that Fantasia is her idol. But why attempt to live up to – or do a karaoke version of – someone who is just a couple of years older, when you are attempting to become an “idol” yourself. A little more self respect would be expected at this level. Rather than choosing a “big voice song”, she would be better off if she chose a different kind of song and turned it into a “big voice song”. Now that would blow us away and she has the capacity to do it.
Jason Castro – Over The Rainbow
I liked the opening. I could sense a sparkle in his eyes, but then it didn’t build as it could have. It was cute and it was sweet but not so memorable. Now, I confess that I am flavored by the fact that I once saw a guy do a similar version of Over The Rainbow in a local club. This guy awakened a sleeping audience and got everybody clapping and singing along. It was a remarkable performance. What surprises me is that so many of the performers in American Idol still come across as if they are auditioning rather than taking on the role as being the star of the show when the enter the stage. Jason has a unique sound and this is the kind of stuff that suites him. Come on, Jason, put on a show. Entertain us. You can do it.
Kristy Lee Cook – Anyway
To follow up last weeks discussion regarding the tendency of many to hide behind the mic stand: Did you notice how the song lifted when she snapped away from the mic stand and moved forward - to the audience. She went for it and I loved it. She performed rather than auditioned. I’d give her the most improved singer award over the last three weeks
David Cook – Innocent
We know David can sing and he’s given us many memorable moments. However, this wasn’t one of them. The beginning wasn’t very exciting, which perhaps was more the song’s fault than his. Then I did get excited. Finally someone who dared to step away from the mic stand and even go into the audience. But it didn’t quite happen. He didn’t connect with the audience and instead played to the judges. Hmmm. He seemed a little out of his element making that move. Too bad. I hope this doesn’t stop him from doing it again. If he gets comfortable really working the crowd, it could be sensational.
Carly Smithson – The show must go on
Why is Carly so angry and aggressive when she sings? This is not the first week she sings this way. She has had this tendency most weeks, whether she sings a love song or an inspirational song (as was the assignment this week) and which I have written extensively about. Finally the judges are commenting on the fact that they are not connecting. Now I want to say this: The beginning of the song was great. That was the most present Carly has been and I loved it. I was with her, but then, like so many before her have done, she backed away and stuck herself behind the mic stand. Why would the microphone stand be the final destination? Dear readers, I want to ask you your honest opinion: At the moment she went behind the mic stand, did you feel the song became more exciting? I really want your candid opinion on this.
David Archuleta – Angels
Nice rendition indeed. The ending was wonderful with the runs. There was difficulty in the verse because he doesn’t have depth, richness and dynamics in the lower register. But he shines when he kicks into a higher range of his voice. Like I write a couple of weeks ago, his voice has a hard time cutting through in more up-tempo rocking songs, but in ballads like this he can really do his thing. Once again, he was completely clear on the intent of the song and was able to really make it fresh and spontaneous within the confines of the song.
Brooke White – You’ve Got A Friend
If we are going to be honest, there are hundreds of singers just in my neighborhood here in
Now take a look at this! Everything above I wrote before the voting was in. Now we found out that Michael Johns was eliminated. It was a shocker indeed, but good for him. Now he can go on and have a career. But watch this video. Look at his final performance. This is what I have been talking about every week (go back and read the posts). Just look what he does. He is suddenly a rock star! Finally he’s got no mic stand to keep him safe. He’s mad, he’s shocked, and most of all he’s got nothing to lose. He’s no longer "singing" the song to prove something. The pressure is off and he’s no longer "auditioning". Instead he goes out and rocks the house, more or less demanding everyone in the audience to Dream On. Yes! Finally! Finally he’s really connecting. Too late for him in this competition, but hey. I’d say this is his best performance so far and I suspect we’ll hear more from him in the future. This was the only clip I could find and there are several minutes before he launches into the song. However, it’s interesting to watch it all, because you can imagine the emotions that are going through him and how he puts everything into the song. Take a look.
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25 Responses to “American Idol Review – Top 8 – The Art Of Singing Without Pressure”
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CB 4Real
11. Apr, 2008
The dream on performance was unnecessary. We all know that American Idol is not for true artists with soul and rock, it is a show where they take good songs and sing them like show tunes. That Daughtry is a perfect example when he sang What If by Creed. Leave the Rock and Roll to the pros, and keep churning out that elevator music.
amamay
11. Apr, 2008
I think that maybe it is time to call it quits for American Idol. The show was something we all loved for a time but now many people, myself included, have grown tired of it. The performances are usually not up to par and it seems as though people are just voting for whoever they think is the cutest.
Amanda
11. Apr, 2008
I love Kristy Lee Cook. Her performance of “Anyway” was spectacular! Having the theme of the show be inspirational songs was an excellent choice. Hopefully it boosts ratings and gets American Idol back on top.
Danny
11. Apr, 2008
Wow – I gotta say I was surprised by the comments … Even though we really struggle with the commercialization of the media, as noted: “it seems as though people are just voting for whoever they think is the cutest”. The human spirit persists, and continues to “Dream On” with hope, passion, and yes love …
Yes, is many ways these people on Idol, giving it their all, are trapped in the “worldly” dressing of the medium of the show. But … It does not take much peeling the paint back on all the performers to see that they are attempting to share pieces of their inner souls with those around them.
At the risk of sounding trite myself, these lyrics from Sounds of Silence seem appropriate:
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
Ya see – these performers have dared to disturb the sounds of silence …
Nicholas
11. Apr, 2008
America got it wrong this week. Michael Johns may not have pulled off Dream On perfectly (there were moments especially when you could sense that he was struggling to really sing it out) but it was a rousing and energetic rendition nonetheless. Definitely does not deserve to be out this early.
David Archuleta meanwhile has an amazing voice for a teenager. But somehow I doubt his ability to really sing something special, something great instead of just good. Although with his horde of fans, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him emerge as the winner. Okay, I predict that he will win. 100% confident.
Samantha
11. Apr, 2008
Well I am personally bummed Michael Johns is gone. I didn’t see him making it to the end but didn’t think he’d be leaving so soon. Anyways….he’s got a great career ahead of him and I know he’ll do well. American Idol is not for the Michael Johns, David Cooks and Daughtries out there. But it’s sure fun to have all different singers up there to enjoy, pick apart and learn from.
STRUGGLER
11. Apr, 2008
American Idol is a great forum to give those inspiring artist an opportunity to showcase their skills or get a honest, sometimes brutal analysis of their talent.I think all the performances took a lot of guts,so to me there all doing ok
Tiffany
11. Apr, 2008
I loved American Idol this week but I do believe when Michael Johns sang Dream On, he was imitating Areosmith pretty much. I do believe he should of left the rock and roll to the pros. Imitating an Artist gets you voted off the show I belive. Its good to be your own person and find your own voice when you sing. Make the song your own. Chikeze imitated Luther Vandross a little bit and he was voted off the show. If I was a contestant on American Idol I would make every song my own and not imitate.
PJ Griffith
11. Apr, 2008
Ii is hard to listem to any of them sing other artist songs. I think they should sing their own songs. Maybe partner them with writers after reaching this point of the show.
Richard M.
12. Apr, 2008
I’m a Kristy Lee Cook fan myself. Her performance, as always, is spectacular! To give others credit, she does have some very tough competition!!!
Megan
12. Apr, 2008
Very nice summay of the Night on American Idol. I have not been able to watch the show this season and this was very will written to the point that I think I could turn on the TV and be able to start watching and be able to know what has been going on all season.
Rich
12. Apr, 2008
Well put Danny. Michael Johns – Thanks for putting up that second video, Per, by the way. Wow, what a difference in performance. Now I see what you’ve been talking about. I guess he just felt “what the heck” and went for it. Made all the difference in the world.
Joe Sepia
12. Apr, 2008
I wish i could get on this show. I love being verbally abused and personally I think I can sing better than all of em. I work at red robin and sing happy birthday all day, so I’m pretty well in practice.
Melissa
12. Apr, 2008
I completely agree with you Bistrow on Michael Johns and the difference between his 1st and 2nd performance of “Dream On”. On the first, I thought he was decent, but wasn’t really ‘moved’, but on the second, Wow!!!….you could tell he still had a struggle with the ’scream’, but you could really feel the emotion of the song…he will go places.
Carly Smithson should have been the one to walk away out of those 3, and I think she knew it….and this I just have to say…..Jason Castro = John Travolta with dreads ! I think he looks & sounds alot like him…..did love his little ditty of Over the Rainbow though.
Bekah Black
12. Apr, 2008
Why does America never recognize true talent? Because each ind. has their own definition. One genre/style of music may interest one person and not even intrigue another. Which describes my lackadaisical feelings about Jason Castro and Kristy Lee Cook. They are definitely singers in their own right, but I do not see consistency or flexibility with their vocals and singing styles. One of them should have been voted off, not Michael Johns.
A Choir Girl
12. Apr, 2008
Gotta say, I love this blog. I stopped watching American Idol because I felt like so much of the talk about music and vocal skills was so dumbed down – like you just get up there and sing like it’s karaoke. Hearing what someone has to say about both the technical skills and stage presence necessary to produce a great performance – someone who actually knows what they’re talking about, who can have an intellectual dialog about singing – is great.
Squeaky Frome
12. Apr, 2008
For various reasons (most of which center around living in the middle of the woods- thank god satellite internet!) I haven’t caught much American Idol this season. I’m so happy I found your blog. Reviews from someone who actually knows how to sing instead of just mimicking the judges is very refreshing! I agree with your judgment on Syesha Mercado (not to mention she’s adorable), but that kid with the ukulele was pretty precious too.
Gourav
13. Apr, 2008
Kristy Lee Jones is the first choice. She rocks!!! She knows how to entertain not just a performance for some competetion to win. I remember one of my old client saying that she is not allowed to watch American Idol as she is a heart patient. And her heart sinks when points go negative for Kristy. So her doctor has asked her husband to make sure that she do not watch American Idol
quite interesting, isn’t it.
David S
13. Apr, 2008
I didn’t realise rock singers learn how to “scream”! I guess all aspects of vocal performance can be learnt.
Sue
13. Apr, 2008
I, too, was one of the ones sorry to see Michael Johns leave the show. I don’t feel it was his best performance but I think there was one or two others that should have left before him. I don’t really think this is the end for Michael Johns. Many of the others that have left before the finals have made it, such as Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington and Chris Daughtry, to name a few.
Zello
13. Apr, 2008
Nice analysis…I agree with you on almost all points. I’m not as sure about the mic stand theory, though. In some cases, yes. But at other times, performers really make the microphone work for them. Like Bono in U2, or even Steven Tyler in Aerosmith.
sierrarose
14. Apr, 2008
a couple of things to say here-i am disappointed that michael johns was eliminated-he had a strong voice that was just roughened up just enough by experience. some of the other singers have beautiful voices but being a good performer, I think, has more to do with just hitting all the right notes-it’s a way of expressing what’s inside of you that also connects with the audience. when johns sang good, his voice had a real authenticity to it.
You made a good point about syesha. at this point, she needs to step outside picking songs so closely identified with other singers and pick something that suits her as an individual. Lakisha Jones did this quite a bit in season six, and even though she is powerful singer i think it worked to her detriment.
You mentioned about michael sounding better with his song after his elimination than he did before. I have noticed this with other singers as well. I don’t know if it is the relief of knowing their outcome but you find yourself wishing they had done it as well the first time.
kai
14. Apr, 2008
I loved Jason Castro’s version of Over the Rainbow. Who would’ve thought something played with an instrument called a ukelele can sound so cool?
But honestly, I felt the heart in that song. I’m usually all for straight singing, but his rendition is tops in my book.
This was the first time I heard both versions of Michael Johns’ Dream On, and I think that the effect of losing in the contest gave him that extra something. I’ve seen this happen before, when a nationwide singing contest in the Philippines pitted favorite Sheryn Regis and dark horse Erik Santos. Nearly everyone thought that Sheryn would win almost from the start of the weeks-long contest, while Erik was a wildcard entry, having been eliminated then brought back to the contest in a surprise move. For his final entry, Erik sang “This is the Moment” from the musical Jekyll and Hyde. His voice expressed the simple joy of just being able to have reached that stage, and I believe that the thought that he most likely wouldn’t win anyway gave him the courage to go out with a bang. The exceptional feeling he poured into the song gave him the win and started him on a singing career. Courage, that’s what the Idol singers need. Courage to step out from the shadow of those who came before them and prove that they can still bring something new to each song they sing.
STRUGGLER
18. Apr, 2008
T
STRUGGLER
18. Apr, 2008
This is a nice blog insightful and thoughtful.
Singing is truly a gift and that these young men and women are willing to risk ridicule to perform for us is a matter that should be applauded,I wish i had the guts to do it.