American Idol 4, March 15: Opening Night Jitters

Ryan welcomes us, and gives us a quick camera spin around the spanking new studio, with a spanking new band. Then comes the unpleasantness of announcing Mario’s withdrawal. Ryan says, "we wish him well. We’ll miss him around here." Thus, never to spoken of again. Ryan adds that Nikko Smith will be taking his place. We all knew that already though, didn’t we?

What we didn’t know is that the theme weeks have already begun! This week, it is ‘60s Week! On with the show!

Jessica Sierra, "Shop Around"

Randy - "It wasn’t like unbelievable... kinda pitchy in spots, I was expecting everyone to be on and popping, like you’re trying to win! It was just okay for me, man."

Paula - "I’m a big fan of your vocals, you have a cool vocal, I think you did a really good job."

Simon - "I thought it was just a very boring, uninspiring song. (Audience boos. Paula disagrees.)"

Sting7 - I thought it was fun, upbeat performance. I like how Jessica’s voice flowed throughout, every "now" was on tune. It was actually one of the few times I thought Jessica was particularly special. She looked the part and sounded the part. Nice job, I say.

Anwar Robinson, "A House Is Not A Home"

Randy - "I expected you of all people to be on and popping... still, it’s a kind of safe performance, it wasn’t really great for me, dude."

Paula - "We’re used to hearing your voice extremely open and big, because your voice is flawless... simply exquisite. Your style is flawless tonight."

Simon - "You look great tonight... there is no question you have a fantastic voice, you have presence, and I think you are good enough now... we want to see a slightly more fun side... there is risk that you’ll come across as kind of boring."

Sting7 - This will not gain me any favorites out there, but I did not love this song on Anwar. I think the emotional quotient that Anwar needs to really sell a song like he can was too somber in this case. Anwar can do angst, but melancholy like this just doesn’t suit him. Not horrible, but his worst so far.

Mikalah Gordon, "Son of a Preacher Man"

Randy - "I don’t know what’s going on tonight man, but for me? That was rough dude for me man. That was rough dude.” (Mikalah chirps "Alright dawg!")

Paula - "I don’t know if you were singing completely on mike tonight, it wasn’t my favorite performance, but I like that you got back to being Mikalah again."

Simon - "I think your confidence exceeded your ability tonight. (Mild boos) And not a lot of booing so this lot agrees with me." (Mikalah says something about the audience looking "fub-u-luuuuuus")

Sting7 - Gulp. It wasn’t as horrible as her stab at Barbra last week, but this song was sonically all wrong for Mikalah. She has a vibrato that needs a running start, like a kite, and "Son" gave her no room at all. Save for one pleasing last note, it wasn’t enough to make up for babbling beginning and middle. Song choice, Mikalah. You are not one of those singers who can unleash anything.

Constantine Maroulis, "You’ve Made Me So Very Happy"

Randy - "I think that was your best performance to date for you. Props to you!"

Paula - "You sounded real nice, that last note, you did a great job."

Simon - "I think if this was Smoldering Idol, you’d win hands down. Constantine is a great performance, I think there are lots of girls who will like that."

Sting7 - This is the first time I actually liked Constantine. "Very Happy" is actually a nice fit for his voice. His stage presence, command, and for once, his voice, came together very well. I don’t know if the judges are grading him on a curve, but I definitely give him a B this time.

Lindsey Cardinale, "Knock On Wood"

Randy - "I don’t know what’s happening tonight. I think first time with this big new band everyone is just out of sorts."

Paula - "How do you think you did Lindsey?" (Lindsey says one can always do better.)

Simon - "I think 30 million televisions have their volumes turned down simultaneously on this song."

Sting7 - Can I just state for the record that I wish Amanda had stayed and Lindsey had gone home? I never really got Lindsey. Tonight, I don’t think anyone got Lindsey. Her "Eddie Floyd’s ‘Knock On Wood’" was definitely Amii Stewart’s "Knock On Wood" and while Lindsey is a low smoldering burn, Amii was a firecracker. So, you see, the chemistry was all wrong.