Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
You regular readers of my "American Idol" blog back in the day when there was an "American Idol" blog knew that the only reason I survived season 9 was Crystal Bowersox, who inexplicably came in second behind Lee DeWyze back in 2010.
Bowersox brought emotive crunchy granola heart and soul to her music and a singularity that yelled artistry, a favorite term thrown around by then judge Kara DioGuardi. She especially stood out surrounded by subpar talent, a lackluster crew collected in part by the indifference of salaried judge Simon Cowell. This was his final year, as he was counting the days before he got out from under the thumb of "Idol" creator Simon Fuller with hopes to bring his own "X Factor" in 2011 to the United States. (We know how that turned out.)
Like many "Idol" contestants, 29-year-old Crystal has conflicted feelings about her post -"Idol" experience. (Just ask Phillip Phillips.) She never broke out as a huge star and soon after her first album came out, her label dissolved, leaving her stranded. The good news is she has carved out a niche as a touring singer-songwriter, has built a solid following built on her original music and is now 100% independent. She can steer her own destiny.
Near the end of her sold-out show at Eddie's Attic Tuesday night, she sang a song "How Long" from her recent EP "Promises" in which she declares "I'm from Ohio/Not 'American Idol' " Though most of the people in the room probably only learned from her courtesy of that show, that line elicited cheers. (That EP, by the way, was funded from fans via PledgeMusic.)
Ultimately, that was the only reference to "Idol" the entire night. She didn't sing a single cover song she did on the show, no "Me and Bobby McGee" or "Piece of My Heart." She gleaned most of her set list from her three albums to date, ranging from her single "Farmer's Daughter," a heart-rending song about her mom and her upbringing to "Stitches," a loving, heartfelt tune about her beloved six-year-old son.
A couple of break-up songs (perhaps) elude to her divorce to her husband in 2013, including a contemplative "Moving On" and bittersweet "Waltz On By." (She has since come out as bisexual.)
But there was plenty of upbeat work, including a cover of Brandi Carlisle's sweet "Keep Your Heart Young" and a spirited audience sing-along to a song I think is called "Show Me the Way." She and her bass player Rachel Coats during the encore played a goofy ditty they recently wrote together called "Little Ditty," which got plenty of laughs with its rhymes, especially when she wondered if it was "s****."
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
She finished her 20-song set with a delightfully slinky cover of Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" including her colleague Rachel Coats playing a bass, of course.
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"American Idol" is filming shows in Detroit for the semi-final rounds top 24 rounds. Earlier, the top 48 performers will be at the House of Blues in L.A. These are clearly steps to try to see which of the contestants have the chops to perform live and give those who are neophytes more training. This is clearly an issue they are trying to address because last year there were some contestants who were good in small settings but wilted on the live stage.
Also, the top 12 boys and girls, then top 8 boys and girls semi-final rounds will all be done in one hour each. That is extraordinarily tight in this day and age. They may have to cut down the performances to like 70 seconds just to get the critiques in.
Here is the entire schedule and press release from Fox:
This week, the fun continues when 218 of the country's most amazing performers travel west to compete in AMERICAN IDOL XIV's Hollywood Week at the Orpheum Theatre, beginning tonight (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT), on FOX. Only 48 will make it through to the first-time-ever Showcase round, in which they will perform in front of a LIVE audience at the House of Blues in hopes of becoming one of the Top 24 semi-finalists. In another first, the Top 24 will hit the road to Detroit, MI, on the AMERICAN IDOL bus, for the first voting performance shows of the season.
After an intense four weeks of competition, 206 contestants will fall, leaving only 12 singers to fight for the right to be called the next AMERICAN IDOL.
HOLLYWOOD WEEK
Tonight (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT), the contestants arrive in the entertainment capital of the world for a shot at wowing the judges – Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. – with their vocal and performance abilities. In a new IDOL twist, the judges call upon the most memorable contestants from the first phase of the auditions to perform solos. Those who impress get a pass straight to Group Day and can breathe a huge sigh of relief. The remaining contestants then get their chance to perform for the judges.
On Group Day, the contestants must choose the best songs that highlight their individual vocals and showcase their ability to collaborate on Thursday, Feb. 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Known for shaking up even the most accomplished competitor, Group Day is a "make-or-break" moment for many singers.
Then, on Wednesday, Feb. 11 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the remaining hopefuls advance to solo performances with the band and sit down with the judges to talk shop and ask questions.
IDOL SHOWCASE
It's down to the "best of the best" as the remaining 48 hopefuls take the stage at House of Blues for the IDOL SHOWCASE airing Wednesday, Feb. 18 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). For some singers, it will be the first time they perform in front of a packed house. Everyone can sing, but can they withstand the pressure? Will they own the stage? Will they connect with the audience?
When the curtain closes at House of Blues, America’s Top 24 semi-finalists will be revealed.
THE IDOL ROAD TRIP – PERFORMANCE ROUNDS
America, it’s time to vote as the Top 24 semi-finalists hit the road in the AMERICAN IDOL bus to Detroit, MI. Travel and touring are part of the training to be a superstar, and what better place to visit than the home of Motown and countless musical greats.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT), the Top 12 guys take the stage of The Fillmore Detroit theater to sing for the judges and for America's vote. Then, the Top 12 girls get their turn to impress America on Thursday, Feb. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).
On Wednesday, March 4 (8:00-9:01 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), on the first LIVE show of the season, host Ryan Seacrest will reveal which eight guys will get the chance to sing once again for America's vote to secure a spot as a Top Finalist. On Thursday, March 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), it's the girls' turn and the eight girls who received the highest votes will perform once again. On Wednesday, March 11 (8:00-9:01 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 12 finalists will be revealed from Los Angeles.
FINALIST PERFORMANCE ROUNDS
The competition gets even fiercer when the Top 12 perform LIVE Thursday, March 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed). Two finalists' journey will end as America's vote is revealed Thursday, March 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed).
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Carrie Underwood's "Something in the Water," I thought, was destined for No. 1 on the Mediabase 24/7 chart. But it ended up peaking at No. 2. Luke Bryan's 'I See You" took No. 1 instead. (It's at No. 23 on the Christian pop chart, too.)
She also spoke with People about her pregnancy. "I'm looking forward to reclaiming my body," she admits. "I've been saying it's been on loan for the past many months … I'm excited to take it back." She is still seeking a baby name.
And here's Carrie Underwood taking part in Jimmy Fallon's star-studded "We are the Champions."
Kelly Clarkson's "Heartbeat Song" is now at No. 12 on the Hot AC chart and No. 27 on the top 40 chart.
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Remember season four finalist Lindsey Cardinale? Probably not. But MJ says she is on the forthcoming season of "The Voice." "The Voice" has recycled other "Idol" contestants, most notably Frenchie Davis and Jon Peter Lewis. [UPDATE: She actually signed a record deal and won't be on "The Voice".]
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And I'd be remiss not to include the delightful weekly repartee between TV Line's Michael Slezak and season 6's Melinda Doolittle about the final week of "Idol" auditions:
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