Usher was the guest mentor as the 10 remaining contestants took the stage for American Idol’s Soul and R&B week. Six of the performers gave a solid performance while 2 were just alright and 2 are in big trouble.
Casey James did well playing his electric guitar and grooving to Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming”. Michael Lynche moved us with a slow, strong, sensitive rendition of “Ready for Love”. Aaron Kelly had a very nice version of “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
Did Benami had an OK run with “What Becomes of the Boken Hearted” but was criticized by the judges for being too old fashioned. Katie Stevens did “Chain of Fools”. It was a great vocal, but unoriginal and did nothing to make it current.
Andrew Garcia did an outstanding job with the best wedding song ever, Chris Brown’s “Forever”. He is back in the game with his best perfromance in months.
Lee DeWyze rocked the house with a soulful bluesy version of the Cornelius Brothers hit “Treat Her Like a Lady”. He is now in the hunt for the prize.
Crystal Bowersox laid down her guitar and sat at the piano and played “Midnight Train to Georgia”. It was a very powerful version of the Gladys Knight classic. She just played the piano through the first verse, then stood up and finished the song. Crystal has the best voice, she dresses for her style, she has great hair, and she already has the goods. I don’t know how much better she can get. She is already worthy of a record contract.
That leaves Tim Urban and previous front-runner Siobahn Magnus. Tim did Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” and sang it in tune, but didn’t impress the judges with his performance, at all. Siobahn sang Chaka Kahn’s “Through the Fire”. She hit some long high notes, but chose a bad rendition and performed it way below her potential. Her past performances could save her. Based on this week’s perfomance, only the judge’s “Save” card can keep her from going home. If she gets the fewest votes, the judges just may play it.
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