MBADC American Idol
Armchair Quarterback 2005
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 performances.
Week Fourteen
Tuesday, April 19, 2005: 70's Dance Classics (Disco) Theme Night
Constantine Maroulis: When we heard Constantine Maroulis had chosen
to perform "Nights on Broadway," we were a little scared, because we were
afraid he'd go into the falsetto of the original version. Thankfully he
didn't, and he sang it well, with a nice use of his range. The posing and
delivery were a little cheesy for our taste, but it was passable, and we're
sure his fans loved it. Tips for success: Vocal:
tone down the vibrato a bit. Imaging: As the weeks go on, Constantine looks
more and more unkempt. Another week or two, and he'll be able to pass for a
fine imitation of a Depression-era hobo. We love long hair, but shave the
neck, dude!
Carrie Underwood: Carrie Underwood had a good vocal delivery on
"MacArthur Park", with one glaring distraction that kept it from being great
for us: throughout the song Carrie put an "S" on the end of MacArthur,
turning the lyric into "MacArthur's Park". The first time was
forgivable, the repetition made us cringe. We also had to agree with Simon
on the imaging (or styling, if you prefer). Tips for success: Unless
you're switching pronouns to make it more gender-friendly, never alter a
songwriter's lyrics. (It's MacArthur Park, and the one in Los Angeles
is located at Alvarado and Wilshire.) As for imaging (or styling, if you
prefer), Carrie's looked better in past weeks. Working more closely with the
show's stylist and a few fashion magazines to find clothes that fit Carrie's
image without sacrificing style would be a good thing. At this point in the
competition, everyone needs to look like a star.
Scott Savol: We liked Scott Savol's use
of his range on "Everlasting Love" but would have liked to hear a little
more passion in it. The last person we heard sing this on American Idol
was Clay Aiken, who really belted it out. On the plus side, Scott's
stage presence and imaging are improving every week. Tips for success: Scott's
confidence onstage is improving, so continuing whatever he's doing to work
on it will be key to his success and longevity in the business. Vocally,
bringing out the passion of the lyric while maintaining the pitch will be
key.
Anthony Fedorov: As a song selection, Anthony Fedorov's choice of "Don't
Take Away the Music" has to be one of the cheesiest songs ever sung on
American Idol. But--and this is a big one--its range was perfect for
Anthony's voice, and he sang it nearly flawlessly. We especially love that
Anthony's stage presence and comfort level onstage continue to improve...But
in terms of song selection and imaging, it was very "Up with People," and we
were waiting for clean cut kids in sweater vests and pleated skirts to walk
out singing and snapping at any second. Tips for success: Song
selection, song selection, song selection. Great delivery, but a song with
hit potential would be an excellent way to put it all together.
Vonzell Solomon: Vonzell Solomon's version of "I'm Every Woman"
brought out her personality and was very energetic. It was a little pitchy
in some places, but better than in past weeks. We loved the imaging,
though, and this was the first night we didn't get a pageant or Barbie Doll
vibe. Kudos! Tips for
success: Continuing to bring out more of her personality through the
wardrobe and styling and continuing to de-pageantize herself will make
Vonzell memorable.
Anwar Robinson: "September" was a perfect song choice for Anwar
Robinson's voice, and he performed it very well. He had some nice belting
and fewer pitch problems than in recent weeks, and the imaging and star
quality was excellent as always. Tips for success: Vocals: If Anwar
continues to work hard on the vocals to eliminate the pitchiness, he can go
very, very far. It's getting there. Stage presence: Anwar looked
uncomfortable standing at a stationary mic, so taking the mic from the stand
and moving around was an excellent move. Once he wasn't "planted," he seemed
to really come alive.
Bo Bice: Bo Bice's choice of "Vehicle" was an excellent way to
get comfortable with what could have been an awkward theme week for a rock
singer. He sang it like he wrote it, delivered on all the notes, and gave a
star performance. Without a doubt, Bo Bice has the most versatile voice in
the competition. We loved it and agree with Randy that it could have been
recorded as is. Tips for success: Song selection and doing what Bo
does best, with passion, is the way for Bo Bice to win.
We voted for: Bo Bice, because he just "gets it."
2nd choice: No one even came close.
Seacrest Smart Quip of the Night: No smart quip from Seacrest, but
our Webmaster/Researcher Extraordinaire, Jinjer, sent us into hysterics
when, directed at Seacrest, she suddenly commented to the television, "Don't
make Paula blush and giggle, Ryan, it's gonna make us puke." Wiser words
were never said.
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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