American Idol 4, April 5: A Bit too Broadway?

The show is live tonight, and Ryan has on some kind of bizzaro sweater. He comments on the massive amounts of signage, introduces himself, and then discusses the voting. We are reminded that no guys have gone home yet. Thanks, Ryan, I wasn’t aware of that. When he introduces the judges, Simon actually smiles.

As is becoming our custom, we see the final nine after last week’s elimination preparing to hear this week’s theme. Ryan offers up some lame-o hints, and Constantine quickly figures it out. But Ryan wants to prolong the agony, and allows the others a chance to figure it out for themselves. Carrie finally gets it – tonight’s theme is Broadway musicals. Not surprisingly, most of the contestants have never seen a musical or even heard these songs before. This should be interesting.

Scott Savol – “The Impossible Dream” (Man of La Mancha)

Randy – Tough song to sing. Started a little shaky… ended it with a bang. Just alright.

Paula - I think this is one of the most heartfelt performances so far in this competition.

Simon – I honestly thought from your presentation to the vocals, I thought it was ordinary… ordinarily extraordinary.

Donna – He seems to wobble a bit at the beginning, but corrects himself early on. As he progresses through this song, it is clear he is really feeling it, as am I. The song suits his voice, and he definitely puts his own spin on it. Scott is wearing a suit tonight and looks a bit more put together. Great finish. I think he nailed it.

Constantine Maroulis – “My Funny Valentine” (Babes in Arms)

Randy – Keeping it most real for me. This, dude, is the best you’ve ever sang anything. This is what you should be doing. I didn’t know you sang that good. I was like… “what?”

Paula – I lost it in the first verse – I admit I am falling in love with you. What you did was remarkable. You’re a perfect role model for guys to get into musicals. You’re the coolest of cool. I wish I could come up and hug you.

Simon – I will give your vocals a 7, but I’m gonna give your pouting a 9-1/2.

Donna – This is definitely a big step away from Constantine the “rocker.” In the beginning, it is kind of hard to hear him over the orchestra, and his vocals seem a bit thin, but he pulls it off with a big finish. I’m still not feeling him, though, but am carefully avoiding making eye contact when he performs!

Ryan wants to know who is the real Constantine. He tries to bring lots of different flavors. We go through a strange interlude of watching Constantine watch the camera.

Carrie Underwood – “Hello Young Lovers” (The King and I)

Randy – That song, really boring, starting to fall asleep… you sung it, you sung it well… you sang it brilliantly even though it was not a good song for me.

Paula – You look simply stunning tonight. Your performance was elegant. Towards the end of the song… the audience was swelling… you’re a well-oiled machine with your vocals. Bravo.

Simon – You sang it very well. The song was mind-numbingly boring. There was a moment while I was watching your performance it was rather like watching a washing powder commercial in 1965. It was so old-fashioned… I think too old fashioned.

Donna - Carrie could have stepped right off the set of the musical. All that’s missing is the costume. It starts out a bit sing-songy – I suppose that’s the arrangement. But her vocals are stellar – crisp, clean, and heartfelt. And that finish… gave me the chills. It’s strange. I am not a real Carrie fan, but I really respect her talent and appreciate when she hits a homer, which she did tonight.

Vonzell Solomon - “People” (Funny Girl)

Randy – Wow, man you keep getting better every week. That was brilliant.

Paula – That was such a bold choice… you did something more amazing, and hit that high E flat that Barbra doesn’t even go for. You’re unbelievable. (Paula stands and applauds.)

Simon – It was good. It wasn’t great. For you it was great. It left me a little bit cold. It was very clinical, very controlled.

Donna – I start smiling as soon as she starts to sing. Vonzell has a knack for picking the right song for her voice and carrying it all the way. She oversings it just a tad, but it’s that kind of song. Barbra would be proud. Wonderful.