Crystal B.!

Cyndi R. and I had a rare and wonderful opportunity last weekend to see Crystal Bowersox in concert at Dominican University. (A big shout out to Cyndi  for making this happen.) This concert was the first in a season of interesting entertainments offered by Dominican, which is not all that far from Niles, in River Forest. (Here is a link to their schedule.)

I was really excited to see Crystal live, as was the rest of the middle-aged to elderly  audience. What?  Her fan base  skews older, and that may not be good news for imminent stardom. The house, a medium sized auditorium with a balcony, was full but there were a lot of empty seats in the back. She toted a band consisting of drums, harmonica (played by Ryan, her nanny), bass guitar, another guitar, and a musician who played the zither, mandolin, and told bad jokes during tune ups. She played acoustic guitar and wore a stupid bucket hat throughout.

In truth, I enjoyed her many of her numbers, but there is something about her that still leaves me cold, as it did on American Idol. She is not a very entertaining performer. This was compounded by a poor sound system and a band that did not do her credit. The bass was much too heavy and the drum playing was mechanical. There was one number in the early middle portion of the show where everything jelled and the house rocked. But it didn't happen again. Here is a link to several songs taken from the audience.

It seems that Bowersox is developing a little country vibe. Country seems to be the new rock. Crystal's opening act was Corey Crowder, who gave a more polished country-ish performance. He got a lot of mellow sound out of his voice, an acoustic guitar, and an electric mandolin. He also wore a stupid hat.

The New Folk: Americana

There is one more folk-type musical phenomenon to mention - the strain of country music known as Americana. This is a return to country and western roots. In contrast with alt-country, a more rock oriented type of country music, Americana has a gentle, folksy sound.

Here is Blue Rodeo in an acoustic, stripped down performance that does remind me of old time country music:


But in contrast, another Americana group, The Jayhawks, seems to fit more into the soft rock category:


Some of the artists performing Americana are:

Dave Alvin
Blue Rodeo
Steve Earle (very much a rocker to me)
Joe Ely
Butch Hancock
John Hiatt
The Jayhawks
The Mavericks
Uncle Tupelo
Townes VanZandt
Gillian Welch

Coincidentally, The New York Times recently ran an article about the new sound from Nashville men, which they characterize as a gentler, more soft rock sound than traditional county. Here is a link to the article. I'm not sure if this new style fits into Americana or not, but some of the artists noted in the article are:

Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Charles Kelley (of Lady Antebellum)
Jake Owen
Blake Shelton

The Times notes that these artists can be recognized by the lack of a cowboy hat.

The 27 Club

I know I'm late in taking note of this dreadful phenomenon, but I couldn't let Amy Winehouse's untimely death pass without mentioning the 27 Club. I've always known that Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix both died at age 27, but I didn't know that these other rock performers died at the same exact age. Why 27? In my day, we didn't want to grow up, to turn 30. These rock stars REALLY didn't want to turn 30.

Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson was an influential blues singer, guitarist, and and song writer. He died in August 1938, possibly poisoned by his girlfriend's husband. According to legend, he made a deal with the devil to become a great blues musician.

Brian Jones

Brian Jones, guitarist and the original leader of The Rolling Stones, drowned in a swimming pool in July 1969. He was widely known to have had a substance abuse problem.

Jimi Hendrix

 Jimi Hendrix died in September, 1970, chocking on his own vomit, after taking a strong sleeping pill. There is an unproven rumor that he was murdered by his manager. Jimi is  widely considered to be the greatest electric guitar player who ever lived.

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin died a month after Jimi Hendrix in October 1970. She was one of the greatest women blues and rock singers of all time. She died of a heroin overdose.

Jim Morrison

 Jim Morrison, poet and lead singer of The Doors, died in July, 1971. His death may have been due to a heroin overdose, but the exact cause remains unknown.  He died in Paris and is buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery there.

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain, a heroin addict, committed suicide in April 1994. He was the lead singer and guitarist of Nirvana.

In addition to these giants of rock music, there is a long list of lesser-known musicians who died at age 27. These include Rudy Lewis of The Drifters (overdose), Alan Wilson of Canned Heat (possible suicide), Kristen Pfaff of Hole and Janitor Joe (overdose), and the rappers Stretch, Fat Cat, and Freaky Tah (murdered).

Rest in Peace.

RIP Amy

What a talent!
What a tragedy.
Rest in peace.

The New Folk Music: What's New?

                                          Bon Iver (Justin Vernon)
                                      
Currently, artists considered to be "folk singers" are singer/songwriters who create introspective, personal, and generally quiet music, yet may use pop and rock production techniques. The labeling of these musicians as "folk" doesn't seem quite right to me, yet this type of music can be seen as a progression from Bob Dylan's personal and unique style. Prior to Dylan folk singers concentrated on classic folk or topical songs. At Niles Library we shelve these artists in various categories including, folk, rock, and country, and truly their styles are equally varied.

Here is a list of contemporary folk artists with a few links and a YouTube video at the end:

Avett Brothers
Bon Iver
Jackson Browne
Neko Case
Tracy Chapman
Shawn Colvin
Ani DeFranco
Fleet Foxes
Patty Friffin
Nanci Griffith
Indigo Girls
Mumford and Sons (see video)
John Prine
Paul Simon
Suzanne Vega
Tom Waits (Martha, one of the most beautiful songs ever written)
Lucinda Williams

Here is Mumford and Sons, Little Lion Man:

The New Folk Music: Folk Rock

The Byrds, pictured above, were the seminal folk rock band of the mid 1960s. Their music featured chiming guitar passages and harmonious vocals. They were among the first bands to meld the songwriting style of folk with a rock and roll beat. The Byrds were primarily a cover band, picking up songs from Bob Dylan and others including some traditional folk tunes. Below is a video of The Byrds covering Mr. Tamborine Man. They are famous for this version of the great Bob Dylan song, but clearly, to me, they do not do it justice.


The Byrds established the blueprint for folk rock to follow. Toward the end of the 60s folk-rock groups tended to return to the acoustic origins of folk. But over the next three decades both acoustic and electric rock prevailed.

Early Folk Rock Artists at Niles:

The Byrds
Leonard Cohen
Nick Drake
Bob Dylan
Grateful Dead
Richie Havens
The Lovin' Spoonful
Joni Mitchell
Van Morrison
Tom Rush (not at Niles but worth hearing)
Simon and Garfunkel
Neil Young

Note that list list includes some of the greatest musical performers of all time and some of the very most irritating. I'll let you decide which is which.

Now I Have to Watch the Voice Too????

I guess I do.  I haven't blogged the show, but I sure liked it. To me, it compares favorably with American Idol and, in fact, leaves AI in the dust in some ways. First off, I find the judges credible and entertaining. And after several years of following reality contest-type shows on TV, I've learned that it's all about the judges. Although these judges are not any more incisive than the AI judges in their comments, their extreme music chops and their role as coaches ups their credibility many times over the AI judges. let's face it. JLo, Steven, and Randy are all on the downswing of their careers. Not so Adam, CeeLo, Blake, and Xtina. Plus I'm in love with CeeLo and have fallen for Adam. Not so much Steven and Randy.

Second, the singing talent is more polished and mature, and the musicianship in general is more entertaining. Not to mention the stagecraft. Only James Durbin on AI has ever approached The Voice level of staging. One thing I will say for American Idol though - it's more of a contest. I always have my favorites and get really excited to see who will stay in the running and who will win.  All four finalists in this premier episode of The Voice were so outstanding that I wouldn't have been sad to see any of them win. I was rooting for Beverly McClellan (Christina's team), a superb rocker, but I didn't think she had the popular support to win. During the final performance show, I was very impressed with eventual winner Javier Colon of Adam's team, although I thought that Xtina and Beverly's duet of Beautiful was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard (and not in the Steven Tyler sense of every performance being 'beautiful').

This brings me to the third point of The Voice's superiority over AI: the coaching. AI guest coaches seem bogus, and I think  Jimmy Iovine may have done more harm than good last season. The Voice coaches all know what they're doing and seemed to be helping their teams. It was clear that Javier Colon, who was on his last chance in a failing music career, benefited hugely from Adam Levine's advice. He was a different and much better singer at the end of the competition. He deserved to win.

I'll be back next year with Idol though. Nothing beats seeing young people grow into their talent. But let's see how The Voice shapes up in future seasons. Meanwhile here is Javier in his outstanding winning performance of Stitch by Stitch. (Btw, having the competitors sing new, unreleased songs was a great move. They are not hampered by anyone else's version or performance.)


How did you like The Voice. Was Javier the Best?

The New Folk Music: Part One

American folk music originally had a simple definition: traditional songs with simple instrumentation created by non-professional musicians and passed around through oral transmission. Subject matters tended to be simple and universal too: work, love, death, war.

In the 1930s and 40s, Alan and John Lomax (son and father) collected  traditional songs from all over rural America, making field recordings available to the public through the Library of Congress. This pioneering activity brought to light such indigenous performers as Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter), Muddy Waters, and a more sosophisticated character - song writer Woody Guthrie. Here is Woody singing the traditional ballad, The House of the Rising Sun:


In 1940 0r 1941, Guthrie became a founding member of the Almanac Singers, a folk music group consisting of musicians who, in addition to singing traditional songs began writing and singing topical songs with a political point of view. A member of this group, Pete Seeger, became one of the most famous folk singers in America. He went on to become leader of The Weavers, a popular folk group in the early 60s.

The involvement of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger in folk music led to the association of folk music with protest songs, usually from a unionist, left wing perspective. The Almanac singers, who at one time formed a communistic collective, recorded union songs. Woody Guthrie famously wrote and sang the people's anthem This Land is Your Land, and Pete Seeger was known for anti-war protest songs. Bob Dylan, who since 1962 has been preeminent among American singer/songwriters, first gained fame as a folksy protest singer. His most famous song from this early period  is Blowin in the Wind, although the chilling anti-war ballad Masters of War is a better song.

Folk music became newly popular in the early 1960s. Besides Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan, well known singers of the time included:

Joan Baez
Buffy Sainte Marie
Odetta
Peter, Paul, and Mary
Janis Ian
Judy Collins
The Kingston Trio
Harry Belafonte
Hoyt Axton
Burl Ives

Come to the library to hear these and other folk singers.

Oh No! Not Haley Too!

We'll I'll be. I'd convinced myself that country kids Scotty and Lauren would cancel each other out, and that Haley would make it to the final, Lauren being the weaker singer of the country contingent. That's it for me. I can't watch an all-country finale. I already know that Scotty's going to win.

Those of you who voted in our contest were a lot smarter than I. Ten people tagged Haley for the elimination, eight named Scotty, and, surprisingly, only three thought that Lauren would go home. Maybe Lauren is headed for a win after all, but I can't believe it.

Remember to vote in the finale. We'll have a weekly winner for that, and then, those with the most right picks will go into a drawing for a chance at one of the two grand prizes which includes an ipod shuffle. So vote early, but don't vote often. One player was eliminated this week for marking all three semi-finalists' names.

This week's winner is Arjeta Bajraktari. 

AI: The Semifinals

GO HALEY! Actually I thought Scotty did a good job on all of his songs, but I really have to question the song choices of Jimmy and the judges. I thought that Scotty looked like a comic book country boy with his guitar and facial expressions on Jimmy's choice. The contrast between him and the bass guitarist was comical. The judges' choice seemed calculated to appeal to the grandmothers (the very oldest ones) in the audience. It was sleepy, old-fashioned and lounge -y. But I thought he did it as well as it could be done. His own choice was great, showing his range and romantic side.

Lauren is just too immature for stardom, although she has real talent. Her costume for the first song was horrible, and I noticed breath control problems on the second song. She did a good job on the judges' choice, although I thought it was a fairly dull song.  I pick Lauren for the elimination this week.

Haley of course knocked her first song out of the park. Having her dad on guitar had to give her a lot of extra points. I loved her rendition of Rhiannon - very sultry and moody- fitting to the song. I was disappointed in her version of You Ought to Know, a great angry song that should have been perfect for her. Even though Haley is now my girl, I still have reservations about her. I predict a win for Scotty.

Are you looking forward to a Haley/Scotty finale? Don't forget to vote. You have until today at 6:00 PM.

Sasha Sees Haley

Niles Library's own Sasha Vasilic scored tickets to Haley Reinhart's hometown concert last Saturday at Arlington Race Track. He was kind enough to send us his report and an awesome video clip!

Haley Reinhart Homecoming Concert Review On Saturday, May 14, 2011 over 30,000 screaming fans welcomed American Idol Top 3 finalist, Haley Reinhart, at the Arlington Race Track. The gloomy day did not stop her supporters from watching the live performance. Fans waved signs saying “Haley Is Our American Idol” and “We Love You, Haley”. Reinhart’s repertoire included, The Beatles, Duffy, Elton John and more. Overall it was a great event, even though everyone was wet from the rain. Take a look at a video clip put together by Niles Library employee @SaleVasi below.

Oh No! Not James!

Were you shocked? You must have been, because only two of you predicted that James would be eliminated last night. I wasn't totally surprised. I think James fell into the category of too consistent, too predictable, plus he seemed to be slipping a bit in quality lately. Maybe he was tired.

So while I am not shocked, I am disappointed. I loved James. To me, he was far and away the most entertaining performer in the competition. But America just doesn't seem to love a hard rocker.


And Haley is in the final three! Who'd a thunk it? What's next? Will Haley get James' votes? Will country cousins Scotty and Lauren cancel each other out? Who will be in the final two? Stay tuned.

The winner of this weeks contest is Kathy Ostapkiewiiz. Cogratulations!

The Final Four: Haley's to Lose

Haley was in a strong position last week which lasted until the judges savaged her after her first performance last night. As usual, I don't get it. I just re-watched her performance of Michael Jackson's Earth Song on YouTube and still thought it was good. She sang the song simply, but with a becoming intensity. And she looked great. Then she got a standing O from the judges for severely over singing I Who Have Nothing. What??

Were the judges using that famous reverse psychology in the first song to mobilize Haley's fan base? Is Haley going home? Here is my power list:

1. Lauren Not a fan, but I thought she was great last night. She could win it all.

2. Scotty So likeable. It was fun seeing him squirm in the presence of Lady Gaga who told him to stick his tongue down the microphone.

3. James If Haley doesn't get voted off, he could be the surprise elimination. His first song was a bad choice (and a bad song). His second was great. He is beginning to suffer from too much consistency.

4. Haley The opposite of James - inconsistent. She retains an amateurish quality, even though I think she has a lot of potential.

I think it is still likely that my original prediction for the final three - James, Scotty, and Lauren - will hold. What do you think? Is Haley going home? Today is your last chance to vote. You can email your vote to av@nileslibrary.org.

Jacob Finally Goes

After many weeks of declaring Jacob a goner, the prediction has finally come true. Jacob Lusk was eliminated in fifth place. While he is undeniably talented, I have come to believe that Jacob was simply not open to the advice that he must have been given by his coaches to tone down the emotion and gain better control over his vocals. There seemed to be something stubborn about him. It is a tribute to his power as a singer that he lasted as long as he did.

Ten of you predicted that Jacob would indeed hit the dust. Scotty got 3 votes, Lauren 2, and James 1.Please note that no one predicted Haley for the elimination. Hope for a local girl or insight into changing power positions?

The winner of this week's contest, by drawing, is Mollie Weinberg.

Who goes home next?

No Air: Not That Bad?

I just compared Jacob Lusk's youtube of No Air with the original performance by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown. I have to be honest and admit that I did it to see how bad a job Jacob did. Well guess what? It wasn't that bad after all. Its just a bad SONG, melodically challenged as is so much contemporary pop music.

While Jordin and Chris are much better to look at than Jacob grabbing himself on camera, Jacob did a credible job of singing both parts. As you can see on the Sparks video, the two voices are not that far apart. I especially like the lightness in Chris Brown's voice which blends well with Jordin's strong pipes. Jacob actually conveyed the feeling of the original in his own way. But the cards just seem stacked against him.

In it to win it: Five to Four

According to Randy, this is the week that separates the serious contenders from the wimps. Who is "In it to win it"? Each contestant sang two songs - one current number and one classic. I would say that the scores were close; even Jacob did a decent job on his second song of the night.

Here is how I grade the contenders (in performance order):

James Durbin: B & A- total = B+. This was James weakest showing for me. His first song seemed shouty. His second was good, but his lack of emotional control graded him down a half point. At end James said, "Every single week I leave everything on this stage." I believe him and think (and hope) that's why, despite last night's weak performance, he can win.

Jacob Lusk: C & B+ total = B-. Jacob's first performance was kind of a shipwreck. His second was much better,but still too much cry face. Everyone, not just me, has been predicting his AI demise for weeks. I can't see him staying past this week.

Lauren Alaina: A & B+ total = A-. Her first performance was almost perfect. She still seems a little jerky in her movements and not totally confident, even though she tried to project confidence. I graded her down in her her second performance because I just don't like her that much. And the song was too old for her. But good job overall.

Scotty McCreery: A & A- total = A-. Near perfect. He rocked the first song showing range and personality. The second song was beautiful (as Steven might say), but I graded it down for its lack of range. A contender.

Haley Reinhart: A & A total = A. Surprise! Haley was the best of the night. Why the judges beat her up on the first song, I can't imagine. What they hear must be very different from what comes over the TV. The second song was a great choice, and she did it better than Siobhan Magnus last season.

Well, is Jacob going home this week? Vote in our elimination contest and let me know.

Goodbye Casey

It didn't seem like his time yet, but Casey Abrams was voted off in last night's elimination episode of American Idol. After using their only save of the season to keep Casey around, the judges seemed to take the news hard. I never really thought that Casey would make the top three (although I wondered after Lauren's dismal performance on Wednesday night) but I am sad to see him go so soon, especially when less worthy candidates are still standing.

Not surprisingly, no one who voted in this week's American Idol elimination contest picked Casey for the exit. James and Haley each received one vote, Lauren received four, and my pick, Jacob received four as well. (Two players voided their ballots by circling more than one name. Be sure to pick only the one person you think will be eliminated that week.)

So this week's winner of an American Idol related CD was picked by drawing. AND THE WINNER IS:

Gabrielle Carsello

Top 6 Compete - First Contest Week

Well, who is going home this week? You have until Thursday at 6:00 PM to cast your vote for a weekly prize in our American Idol elimination contest. Remember, those with the most right picks at the end are eligible for an ipod shuffle!

My power list, with some shifts this week:

1. James Durbin: My notes say "phenomenal" and "perfect". I love this guy, and I didn't think much of him during Hollywood week. As I aways say to whoever will listen, I love American Idol because it is as much about character as talent. You never know who will seize their opportunity, fight off the insecurities that everyone has, grow each week, and emerge as a star. James is it.

2. Scotty McCreery: That said, I think Scotty is more likely to win American Idol with James as a close second. Everyone loves him, even someone like me who hates country music. Unless you're from the Boomer generation, you can't know what an iconic song Scotty picked, reminding us of James Taylor's wonderful performance. But Scotty put his own spin on it, showcasing his vocal range and narrow versatility at the same time. I loved this performance.

3. Casey Abrams: Gave a solid, imaginative performance with not too many scary faces. He could possible replace Lauren in the top three.

4. Jacob Lusk gave what I think is his best performance to date. He was upbeat and jazzy, and not over the top. I'm not sure it will be enough to save him though.

5. Haley Reinhart: There is something drastically wrong with her phrasing. Her performances tend to be strange. I often like her, but I don't think she did justice to this song. She lacked the rhythm and flow needed to perform a Carole King song well.

6. Lauren Alaina: I've been trying to like her, but I just don't. She is proving to be a weak performer, the opposite of James. She butchered this song with her frenetic movements and choppy singing.

American Idol Contest Starts Friday

Here is a quick power list, because I want to tell you about our exciting American Idol elimination contest.

1. James Durbin. I can't resist him. Unbelievable guts, singing, and stagecraft. WINNER!

2. Scotty McCreery tried to branch out a little. He moved more and had a relaxed and confident attitude. Even though he is always kind of the same, somehow he isn't boring. Can't lose.

3. Haley Reinhart. I wasn't thrilled, but it was a perfect performance.

4. Lauren Alaina. Ditto on the thrills, but a solid. likable performance.

5. Casey Abrams: a little awkward, but I appreciated him trying to rock, and he somewhat succeeded.

6. Stefano Langone: I'd be bored if he didn't look so AMAZING. But he tried to change it up this week so kudos for that.

7. Jacob Lusk is going home.

After Thursday's vote there will be six contestants left standing, and that is when our contest kicks in. Starting on Friday, give us your pick for who is going home next. If you guess right you'll enter a drawing for a weekly prize. Players with the most right guesses at the end can win one of 2 IPOD SHUFFLES. So play to WIN. (And I love seeing who you think will be voted off)

American Idol: Eight to Seven

Now that lackluster Pia is gone it's going to be harder to do the power rankings because there were so many good performances. The AI judges make it worse because they love everyone (except Haley).

Starting with the best, here are my picks for power:

1. James Durbin killed. Talent, energy, skill, the boy has it all. Interesting that so many of the boys defied the choices of permanent mentor Jimmy Iovine and unannounced permanent mentor will.i.am. James made the right choice.

2. Scotty McCreery still has to be way up there. His performance was beautiful if not that memorable. Last night he showed off his range, singing the high notes with assurance. He has a professionalism that goes way beyond his years.

3. Paul McDonald: I don't think he'll stay high on the list, but Paul went up quite a few notches last night. Very entertaining performance.

4. Lauren Alaina stepped into the Pia slot by showing a bit of diva drama, but her take was young and fresh. She also added just the right touch of country.

5. Haley Reinhart: What was with the judges hating on Haley? What they see must be very different from what I see. I thought that this was her second best performance after Benny and the Jets. The girl has talent, and the longer she stays the more it comes out.

6. Stefano Langone looked amazing and was OK in his modern take on R&B. Probably good enough to keep him in.

7. Casey Abrams: I really appreciate that he sang jazz and that he wants to bring it to a larger audience. But that wasn't the way to win American Idol, and it wasn't all that great. In this case Jimmy may have been right.

8. Jacob Lusk: The new Pia. Great voice, awful interpretation. Melisma and vibrato galore added to sob-face. So inappropriate for this song.

The Top Nine Rock On

Most everyone did well this week, but for now, I think it's clear who are the top three:

1. James Durbin delivered a ballad on rock and roll week, and it was a risk that paid off. His performance of While my Guitar Gently Weeps proved that he has the best delivery and stagecraft of any contestant that I can remember including Adam Lambert. I like James better than Adam because he is less polished and seems more genuine.

2. Lauren Alaina was less annoying this week, but no matter how much she irritates me, her talent is undeniable. And I think men like her, which is a promising thing for a girl performer.

3. Scotty McCreery didn't do a slavish Elvis impersonation, but made the song his own, as they used to say every week on American Idol. But why did the stylists let him wear double denim?

4. Paul McDonald: Just going by tonight's performance, Paul went way up in the power ranking. He seemed so much at home with a little band, and he also showed great stagecraft.

5. Jacob Lusk sang beautifully this week, avoiding going over the top. But what was with those hip movements? And before his song when he said that America had better look in the mirror, was that a threat? And what did he mean about changing the world in his closing comments backstage? He's scaring me.

6. Casey Abrams: I want to like him more than I do. He did a great job on a beloved CCR song, but he still makes creepy faces.

7. Pia Toscano has a great voice, but she just can't bring it. She gets loud and shouty much too soon every time, she can't move, and tonight, her outfit made her look like a troll.

8. Stefano Langone has been taking lessons from Pia. He brought up the intensity much too soon (noted by Randy). Like Pia, great voice but flawed delivery.

9. Haley Reinhart: Janis? Really? Are you crazy? Maybe a lot of AI fans don't remember Janis Joplin, but all must admit that Haley's phrasing was ridiculous and her performance was sloppy. And delivered with a big smile throughout. Are you listening to the words? Just listen to the real thing:

Eleven to Nine

Big week. Two people go home tomorrow with no possibility of a save. So they all sang their hearts out, especially Casey Abrams whose dramatic elimination and save last week will go down in American Idol history. Oh dear. How do the power rankings look now?

1. James Durbin: He still goes high on the list. Great job on a great song (Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting), perfect choice, incredible use of stage. He is the best of all the contestants at moving and, obviously, using the stage.

2. Lauren Alaina redeemed herself for sure. She took a sappy song (Candle in the Wind) and sang it as well as it can be sung. I don't like her style (either in dress or song) and her personality irritates me. But her talent is undeniable and I think she has popular appeal. If she can hold herself together (a big if) she could win. And then I'll be mad like when Taylor Hicks won.

3. Casey Abrams: He's Baaaack!!! Romantic, restrained, beautiful job on a beautiful song. He pushed it just enough.

4. Haley Reinhart: Fabulous! Hands down the most entertaining performance of the night (along with James). If she gets voted off I might have to stop watching.

5. Scotty McCreery: Yes he's one note, but there's just something about him. And he does change it up enough to remain interesting. I wouldn't be shocked (or sorry) to see him in the top three.

6. Pia Toscano was better than last week. She showed some restraint but still screeched on the high, loud notes. And what was with the melisma? So 2008. But I guess some people like Celine Dion, and although she isn't one, I guess some people might think so and vote for her. But I don't see her winning.

7. Jacob Lusk did a good job of reigning in his lusky stank for the most part. But when he gets that sobbing look on his face he looks crazy. Talented but, like Pia, not top three material.

8. Stefano Langone did much better than last week was was as adorable as ever. The editors did him dirty however by showing his rehearsal struggle to evaluate the words he was singing. I think he is a talented instinctive singer with a beautiful voice, but the intellect might be lacking. But great song choice and great job.

9. Paul McDonald: I don't know dawg, but I just wasn't feeling it. For me it was a little boring. I agree with Jennifer that he was holding back, but I'm not sure he has it in him. I was disappointed by the way he sang my all time favorite song, Rocket Man.

10. & 11. Thia Megia & Naima Adedapo: Bye ladies. Naima I'll miss you a lot; Thia not at all. Thia, come back in ten years.

6.

Toward the Top Ten

This is an important elimination, because the remaining contestants are assured a place in the American Idol summer tour. Besides exposure, the tour means a fat payday for the final ten. Given the stakes, the performers gave their all this week, so ranking them is especially difficult. I feel like previous ranking have been stood on their head. I try to be somewhat objective in the power rankings, but today's power list may reflect my preferences more than usual. Here they are best to worst:

1. James Durbin: Perfect, both voice and movement. I love his voice; it has such a pure ringing tone.

2. Paul McDonald: I haven't been liking him lately, but I loved his performance today. Like James, perfect. The guitar also served him well in curtailing his lurching dance. He is such an entertaining performer, I can't imagine America wanting to send him home now.

3. Naima Adedapo: After this week's performance, I feel justified in giving her a high ranking. She was awesome. The African drumming and dance was beyond wonderful. And she sang very well.

4. Casey Abrams: I still like him, but there is getting to be a sameness to his performances. If he doesn't change some, he'll soon be overtaken as front runner. That said, I loved his vocals on this song, but I found his movements a little creepy.

5. Stefano Langone: He has a classic vocal quality that I really like and which went well with this song. The judges were right though about his not acting the song's feelings. Jennifer nailed it when she said that his delivery was intense in an effort to do well rather than to fit the emotions of the song. But he's too good and too cute to go home.

6. Thia Megia: She did very well on an up tempo song. She has an outstanding talent, but not enough distinction in her delivery. She won't last to the end.

7. Jacob Lusk reigned in the screaming intensity to give a very good performance, but his face and motions were distracting. I liked him, but I don't think he deserved the raves he got from the judges.

8. Scotty McCreery turned Motown into Nashville, but it worked well. I like him too, but I think the voting audience might get tired of his sameness after a while.

9. Pia Toscano: Princess please, not another dreary ballad. And stop going for those high notes, because it makes your voice sounds like chalk scraped over a blackboard.

10. Lauren Alaina: Very boring and awkward. She might be in danger of the bottom three.

11. Haley Reinhart: But Lauren won't be going home because Haley will. I actually liked her performance; I always like a growly voice. But those shorts she wore made her look kind of desperate. If women are the main voters, they won't respond well to her costume.

Top Twelve Power Rankings

Despite the judges jubilation, I found this week's performances generally uncompelling. In order of strength:

1. Stefano Langone: He reminds me of those old-fashioned Italian crooners like Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, but with a modern twist. AI voters won't be able to resist his adorableness. This season's Kris Allen.

2. James Durbin must have benefited from stylists' advice this week. And his voice really rang out. Too poppy Steven? Really? Aerosmith calling Bon Jovi poppy?

3. Casey Abrams: Not his best performance, but nice try; loved the electric bass. He should pull back on the aggressiveness. His cute parent's interview couldn't have hurt him.

4. Scotty McCreery: Reached a little vocally this week, with success. Elvis? You could have worse influences. Do non-country next time.

5. Pia Toscano: I dislike this personality deprived princess with the ugly clothes, but I know she has her fans. Boring performance as usual. And why doesn't anyone point out how screamy she gets on the loud, high notes?

6. Haley Reinhart: She should probably come later in the list, but I can't help it. I think she is perhaps the most innovative and versatile performer this season, and I hope that America will respond. I don't get the judges' dislike. Haley is this season's Katie Stevens in that regard. I thought that Katie gave better defined performances; maybe Jennifer is onto something in noting Haley's bodily discomfort, but Haley has undeniable talent.

7. Paul McDonald sang one of my favorite songs and did OK, but I can't stand to look at him move. I don't see him as more than an early favorite.

8. Lauren Alaina was much better than last week, but I don't think her immature personality is ready for prime time. Plus her dad scared me.

9. Jacob Lusk: The Lusky stank? That's too big an opening. Jacob is this year's Shiobhan Magnus, starting off strong, but kind of a one-note pony. I liked his momma's impromptu singing and did not appreciate his disrespecting her vocal chops.

10. Thia Megia: Technically good, but oh so boring. Looked lovely.

11. Naima Adedapo gave the worst performance of the night, ruining a really great song. If she doesn't go home, she'll definitely make the bottom three.

12. Karen Rodriquez had the worst hair ever, highlighting her princessy personna. Her performance was much better than last week's, but was it good enough to save her boring self?

AI Round One

Here is my AI 10 power list based on last night's performances (worst first):

Karen Rogriquez: Most recappers hated Ashthon more, but the contrast between this lame performance and the sheer beauty of Selena's voice was crushing.

Ashthon Jones: Meh. Not 100% hideous.

Lauren Alaina: This girl will stay, but her performance stunk. Ew, Shania!

Thia Megia: OK performance, odd song choice, too young. She'd never heard of Charlie "Chapman", but who else hasn't she heard of?

Pia Toscano: I don't get the love. Horrible dress, no personality, screamy undisciplined performance. She's no (ahem) Katherine McPhee.

Paul McDonald: Love this song, decent performance, but his dancing makes me nervous. His truly sexy voice will keep him going for a long time.

Haley Reinhart: Great song choice, nice gutsy performance.

Stefano Langone: Lovely performance, classic pop voice and style in a timeless way.

Jacob Lusk: Fabulous voice and original arrangement, just not perfect.

Naima Adedapo: Vocals not perfect, but LOVED the reggae rhythm and moves; very creative.

Casey Abrams: Tasty; one of my all time favorite songs.

James Durbin: Inspired song choice and performance, but he also makes me a little nervous, like he might explode on stage.

Scotty McCreery: I used to hate it, but thanks to Scotty I now love country music.

I'm looking forward to seeing Adam Lambert tonight.

It's American Idol Season Again

What do you think of the new judges panel? I for one loved them during the kinder, gentler auditions this season, but Steven and Jennifer are looking a little weak in the (semi) live judging. Randy, however seems to be stepping up to the Simon slot.

In any case this season's talent pool has been strong, as every blogger and commentator has pointed out. During last week's two sing -offs, I noticed something else about them. It was apparent to me in the performances of Robbie Rosen and Jacok Lusk, that the contestants are getting good advice. Bother of these over the top performers were nicely toned down. Jacob gave an especially beautiful performance.

Here are your AI 10 Top 13 with my very rough predictions:

Ashton Jones (13th place)

Casey Abrams (top 3)

Hailey Reinhart (11th place)

James Durbin (5th place)

Jacob Lusk (6th place)

Karen Rodriquez (10th place)

Lauren Alaina (top 3)

Naima Adedapo (12th place)

Paul McDonald (4th place)

Pia Toscano (8th place)

Scotty McCreery (7th place)

Stefano Langone (top 3)

Thia Megia (9th place)

That was alphabetical. Here they are in order of leaving:

Ashton Jones

Naima Adedapo (I love her, but America won't)

Haley Reinhart (so forgettable)

Karen Rodriquez (forgettable)

Thia Megia (a little freaky)

Pia Toscano

Scotty McGreery

Jacob Lusk

James Durbin

Paul McDonald

Lauren, Stefano, Casey (in no order yet)

I may be wrong about Pia, Scotty, and Stefano, under rating the first two and over rating the last. Here is a link to mj's big blog, the repository for all things AI, and her power list.