MBADC American Idol
Armchair Quarterback 2007, Season 6
American Idol, from
the perspective of someone who's booked artists at the national-level: who we like in the
competition, what works, what doesn't work, what contestants can do to improve
their chances of success, and advice you can apply to your own career.
Season 6
Top 16: The Top 8 Guys
Perform
Air date: Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Blake Lewis: As a song, 311's "All
Mixed Up" did nothing for Blake Lewis: the song was a
boring, take a mid-concert break kind of song and not greatest tempo for
American Idol. But, Blake Lewis's performance of it wasn't boring (his
beatboxing was especially good), and his stage presence really saved it.
Tips for success: Song selection, song selection, song selection.
The American Idol audience is only forgiving of poor song selection
once or twice per contestant, so choosing with care is key.
Sanjaya Malakar: Sanjaya Malakar's version of John Mayer's "Waiting on
the World to Change" was pitchy, weak, and low energy. We were bored by it
and thinks he coasts way too much on his looks. Tips for success:
Looks aren't enough; you have to work even harder to prove you're worthy of
being there.
Sundance Head: Pearl Jam's "Jeremy" was a terrible song selection for
Sundance Head, who actually has a really good voice. This song did nothing
to show that, and the Bland Band's arrangement and performance of it were
dismal. For the love of God, hurry and get Jon Bon Jovi in there to help
these guys out with song selection and arrangements! (Booked for later in
the season, Jon's particularly adept at selecting and arranging covers.)
Sundance has talent, but it's not being utilized. Tips for success:
Better song selection and a makeover would help Sundance out a lot. Instead
of grunge, he should be doing more straight-ahead rock and roll.
Chris Richardson: Chris Richardson's version of Keith Urban's "Tonight
I Wanna Cry" was really pitchy (the first verse was particularly bad) and was very
generic. This isn't a good style for him at all, because it erased the edge
that makes him different. Tips for success: When given a choice
between something bland and something with flavor, always go for flavor...
Especially flavor that brings out your best qualities.
Jared Cotter: Jared Cotter's version of Stevie Wonder's "If You Really
Love Me" was off pitch on the intro, and the whole thing was very Telethon.
Bland, bland, bland, and he kind of gives off the vibe that he's a legend in
his own mind. Next! Tips for success: Having a decent voice isn't
enough. You have to inject a little something extra into it instead of
coasting on what you perceive as your own greatness.
Brandon Rogers: Brandon Rogers' version of Rare Earth's "I Just Want to Celebrate"
was a good performance with good energy, but it came off as very dated, and
the run at the end didn't work at all. His resume shows he has good vocal
ability, but so far he's not living up to it. Tips for success:
Better song selection, improving stage presence, and giving your all on
every song is what it will take, because in live performance, you can never
coast.
Phil Stacey: Phil Stacey's version of LeAnn Rimes' "I Need You" is proof that loving
the song isn't enough. It a boring song, he was pitchy, and overall he
sounded like he had a cold and couldn't hear the band. We also agree with
Simon that the bad hat has to go. Tips for success: It's not enough
that you like the song; other people have to like your performance of it. As
for the hat...we do like hats but suggest that a good stylist would help him
select one that's more becoming.
Chris Sligh: Chris Sligh is probably the most naturally-talented guy in
the competition when it comes to vocals...which is good, because however
good the sentiment, dc Talk's "Wanna Be Loved" was a boring song. We love his
laid back style and ease of performance, but good lyrics aren't enough for
the American audience, who pay more attention to the hook. Tips for
success: Whenever possible, go for a strong melody. Even better: making
them want to sing along.
We voted for: Chris Sligh.
Ryan Seacrest Smart Quip of
the Night:
"If you make it, will you squint next
week?" (to a contestant whose critique from Simon included a negative
comment about his huge eyes).
American Idol
Armchair Quarterback
The MBADC American Idol Armchair Quarterback is intended as commentary and
is not affiliated with Fox Television, American Idol, or its producers or
judges in any way. Tips should be taken as a suggestion only and are not
intended as a substitute for qualified vocal coaching or artist management.
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