American Juniors, July 29: I’m Special, So Special

You know the drill. I speak my mind with these kids. If me cutting up a nine-year-old is gonna give you discomfort, you may want to move on down the line! This is not for weak-willed. No kittens and puppy cuddling here.

Ryan introduces the judges. Deborah Gibson, this week’s guest judge, Monica (whose “So Gone“ was knocked off it’s number one course by some guy named Clay Aiken), and Gladys Knight.

Tonight’s songs are from 1980. A good year musically, this could be fun!

On we go...

Katelyn Tarver, “On The Radio”

Deborah says week to week Katelyn gets better and better, a solid performance. Monica says it was a very solid performance, she doesn’t even know that song, but Katelyn made it her own. Gladys says Katelyn is continuing to improve, in fact, if she would have to vote on most improved, Katelyn would get her vote.

It felt like Katelyn likes this song! This was her strongest performance to date, and there is a nice tonal quality to her singing. I would like to hear a bit more powerful, but heck, when you look like Katelyn, lots of things are forgiven. “On the Radio” was not the most challenging of songs, but Katelyn captured the spirit of it wonderfully.

Morgan Burke, “Rock With You”

Deborah says she sees Morgan on Broadway, but she sees pop star when he breaks out of the technique and lets loose. She loved him tonight. Monica says his pitch is incredible, and all she could notice was he hit every note Michael did. Amazing. Gladys says this is his best performance to date, real pros like him know how to turn it on when they have to, he was great today.

Morgan, Morgan, Morgan. How do you vote for the kid who has everything? He doesn’t need your help. That seems to be the feeling with Morgan. He flat out nailed “Rock With You” and, like Monica said, he hit every note that Michael did, but America does not want to reward him. That’s okay. You are not through with Morgan. He will rock you, oh yes, he will!

Jordan McCoy, “Magic”

Deborah says Jordan chose the toughest song tonight, she congratulates her. Monica agrees it was a tough song, but her personality is so strong, it will carry her a long way. Gladys says the song was wrong, it didn’t show off Jordan’s beauty and was not favorable to her.

I completely disagree with Gladys. This is the best I’ve heard Jordan sound. She had trouble with the lower parts in the beginning of “Magic,” but when she got to chorus, it was all hers! And, the love affair between her and camera continues. I wonder how many 12-year-old boys are in love with her right now?

Danielle White, “Daydream Believer”

Deborah says this is her week, for some reason the ballads weren’t getting her in the Top 3, this was different, she sang from her soul. Wonderful. Monica notes Danielle has a naturalness that sometimes gets rehearsed out of kids, Danielle still has it, she loved it. Gladys says Danielle’s voice “caresses the lyrics” (I was gonna say that), she is a true singer and her quiet strength is needed in the group.

BANG! That’s the one! If you can picture me bouncing on my couch, that’s what I was doing. I want Danielle in this group! I love the purity and honesty of that voice! And she frigging nailed “Daydream Believer”! Perfect. Perfect. Nothing else to say. Just excellent.

A.J. Melendez, “Still”

Deborah says she had no idea he had that kind of power and rage, she was blown away. Monica noticed he looked uncomfortable in places, but he just stood there and sang and she liked that. Gladys says she hadn’t seen a performance like that from him before and it was wonderful.

I don’t know why the judges were acting like they didn’t know A.J. could sing! I’ve heard it every week he was out there. But this was his personal best. I thought this song might be too mature for him. However, he handled it, for the most part (the song is about resignation, it’s a “please take me back” song, and the Ruben-esque smiling throughout was a bit distracting. Monica also noticed he looked a little awkward in places, A.J. is not as comfy with this slow stuff). I think this would be my favorite performance, but for those who don’t know Commodores’ classic, the ending may have seemed a bit awkward.

Chantel Kohl, “Brass In Pocket”

Deborah says she liked the rock edge on Chantel and had a great time watching her. Monica says her voice was incredible, like the style, had a good time watching Chantel. Gladys says Chantel is “something special” and she definitely got Gladys’ “attention.” She says Chantel’s voice has an edge and she worked it!

Here comes the mean judge. Chantel did a lot of shouting. She also sang it like “I’m cute, look at me.” When the Pretenders did it, the song was a state of independence, you are gonna walk all over me sort of thing. That killed it for me. Sorry, Chantel fans. But, most folks won’t know that. They think “Every Breath You Take” is a love song (it’s actually a very dark song about control and intimidation, ask Sting). It will be interesting to see where Chantel ends up.

Lucy Hale “Call Me”

Deborah asks if she ever has a bad vocal day? She can do anything. The group needs someone with such a big voice. She encourages everybody to vote for Lucy. Monica says she loved her style and incredible voice, she is Monica’s favorite of the night. Gladys says she is always great and voice can’t be denied. Her voice is unique and will stand out. Keep it up.

Lucy had some clear control problems with the Blondie song. I’m not sure I liked the key she sang it in either. Hmm. The judges loved her, but I’m not as crazy about it as they are. The arrangement was kind of James Bond. I don’t know.

The group, Taylor, Tori and Chauncey do a “music video” to “Sundown.” No carnivorous hamburgers, no Village People this week. Thank goodness.

This was the BEST night of performances that I’ve seen from American Juniors. Very strong performances, but then again, the heat is on! If you aren’t gonna show your stuff now, when are you gonna? Here’s my take!

The Top Three should be:

1. Danielle White

2. Morgan Burke

3. A. J. Melendez

The Top Three will be:

1. Chantel Kohl

2. A.J. Melendez

3. Danielle White

And the third member of the band will be... Danielle White – and Sting7 will be ecstatic!!!

I went out on a limb. Danielle had the best pure singing performance, no chinks anywhere. A.J. would be a close second, but I think his discomfort will cost him a few votes. Lucy/Chantel sometimes morph into the same girl for me. Like tonight. But, Chantel has a bit more of a following and she didn’t do anything to let them down tonight.

As Sting once sang, tomorrow we’ll see!

Sting7 can be reached at stingseven@yahoo.com.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on the site! And take a look at the rest of the site. You can find all of our recent American Juniors articles at the American Juniors page -- and don’t forget to check out The Foxes On Idol Website for more great coverage!

For more news about reality TV, be sure to check out SirLinksALot!