American Idol 4, March 8: One Step Closer

Lindsey Cardinale, "I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing"

Randy - "What’s good about this is that husky tone is back... it was a pretty good performance, it wasn’t the bomb, but it was alright, it was alright."

Paula - "I’m a fan of your voice, I’m really a fan of your sultry tone, I’ve not been a fan of the songs you chose."

Simon - "You are the musical equivalent of Ryan Seacrest. You look the part, you do everything right, yet you are disappointed with the performance. It’s the only way I can describe it, there is something missing." (Ryan throws a cup of water at Simon in response.)

Sting7 - I give Lindsey credit for picking a song that really allows us to hear her full breadth, unlike last week. But, I don’t know if this was really the best song choice. Lindsey let it hang out, she’s definitely trying. Yet, I have to side with Simon. There is something missing. I just don’t get her.

Mikalah Gordon, "Somewhere"

Randy - "Another very interesting song choice... started a little pitchy, in the end you nailed some of the high notes... the thing I love about you is you are a risk-taker... to try to take on this song at your age you are definitely fearless... I love that part about you."

Paula - "You love Barbra Streisand don’t you? I sense that you aspire – you do admire her. You tackled a tough song, but like last week, you pulled it through. That’s going to get you through in this competition."

Simon - "I thought the first part of the song was hideous, the last part was fine. I’m puzzled with you. When we first met you, you were very cool. It’s like you’ve gone through an aging machine. You’re 17 years old singing Barbra Streisand. I don’t think it was risk-tasking, I think it was a supposed safe gesture, and I think, for me, you’re losing what we liked about you."

Sting7 - Oh man, here is the Bah-bwah number I was warning you about! But it definitely didn’t live up to billing. As I typed this, she got to the power notes and she’s nailing them of course. It was a song of two halves: the first half was like a funeral dirge, and in the second half she was a force of nature. I’m not sure what Simon is saying to Mikalah, I mean with that voice, she’s not going to be Mandy Moore! I think Mikalah has mapped out the challenges she wanted to tackle to get into the Top 12, and I think she’s succeeded. She is 17 going on 33.

Jessica Sierra, "The Boys Are Back In Town"

Randy - "The was on man, I had a good time with that. I like the bluesy, kinda of soul-y, kinda country, kinda rock thing you do with your voice. You were in control. Once again, one of the best performances of the night."

Paula - "I second that, that’s your niche, bring more of that on, that’s awesome!"

Simon - "With that outfit, you could not have chosen a better song."

Sting7 - Jessica is coming on strong, folks! She may not have had as much airtime as others, except for wiping up Tammy Nash’s tears, but she’s making the most out of what she’s got. Jessica seems like one of those singers who can be whatever the songs require her to be. That’s a gift. She’s quietly racking up fans and winning performances. The definitive wildcard!

What an interesting night! Of the ladies, only Nadia can say she nailed it in all three weeks of the Top 24 competition! She’s the Barry Bonds among women, let’s just hope she’s not on steroids.

Here’s how I think the voting should go:

1. Nadia
2. Jessica
3. Vonzell
4. Amanda
5. Mikalah
6. Lindsey
7. Carrie
8. Janay

Yeah, I said it! Based on this performance, Carrie should be going home!

But, here’s how I think the voting will go:

1. Nadia
2. Jessica
3. Carrie
4. Vonzell
5. Mikalah
6. Janay
7. Lindsey
8. Amanda

In the end, and coming so close, I think Amanda and Lindsey are going to be leaving us tomorrow. Just using my psychic powers, I hope they are wrong. I actually like all of the women left, Fox’s little experiment has worked on me.

Tomorrow, we’ll see. Bring the hankies, I’ll bring the adult beverages!

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for many years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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