By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, filed Wednesday, February 25, 2015
While there was no A/A-plus level performance tonight, most of the top 12 guys proved that they deserve to be here. And that's encouraging.
There were a couple of questionable songs choices and a few vocal misses, of course. But the night was solid.
The three most likely to go home? Mark Andrew (too subtle), Trevor Douglas (too many vocal misses) and Riley Bria (too many nerves). Adam might draw the voters who loved Caleb last year but then again, he could go home as well because that didn't work out so well, did it? Rayvon may have been so smooth, he might not bring in votes for simply being very good. Or something like that.
My personal ranking based on who I liked: 1. Clark 2. Nick 3. Quentin 4. Qaasim 5. Adam 6. Daniel 7. Rayvon 8. Savion 9. Mark 10. Michael 11. Riley 12. Trevor
Adam Ezegelian ("I Wanna Rock" Twisted Sister) - Adam is the dude "Idol" doesn't want to win. He is like an uglier, goofier version of Caleb Johnson. So he gets the dreaded opening slot and he sings the Twisted Sister single that didn't do nearly as well as "We're Not Gonna Take It." Still, he brings a joy and energy to a dopey song. I liked it. JLo: "You're everyman." HCJ: "That embodies what rock and roll is all about."
Grade: B-plus/A-minus
Chances of moving on: Hard to say since last year, Caleb won!
Michael Simeon ("How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" Laura Branigan/Michael Bolton) - He likes to do white soul R&B. So why not tap his inner Michael Bolton, eh? Distracting swaybots aside, he went too subtle in my mind. HCJ: "I'd caution you to sing in tune. When the pitch gets off like that, it's obvious." Keith: "You stayed right in the moment."
Grade: B
Chances of moving on: Excellent
Savion Wright ("Hey Soul Sister" Train) - He made an already light song seem even lighter. It was so innocuously pleasant, it kind of rolled off me. But he poured on the charm. HCJ: "Started a little unfocused but seemed to focus in more." JLo: "Your style is very unique. Keep your eye on that camera." Keith questioned the song choice.
Grade: B-plus
Chances of moving on: Very good
Mark Andrew ("The Weight" The Band) - He is very good at what he does: a southern country rock feel. But will he generate votes? I'm not sure if this was the type of performance that would do so. Keith: "Perfect song for your voice." JLo says his "vibe is right now."
Grade: B-plus
Chances of moving on: Doubtful
Trevor Douglas ("Best I Ever Had" Gavin DeGraw) - Atrocious vocals at the start. He cleaned it up toward the end once he was warmed up. He feels like an early era Elvis Costello. Keith: "The song got on top of you but your visual performance and energy is palpable." JLo: "This was an okay day." HCJ said performance better than his vocals.
Grade: B-minus
Chances of moving on: 50/50
Clark Beckham ("When A Man Loves a Woman" Percy Sledge) - He starts strong, hits some even bigger notes and ends with grace. Wow. JLo: "Goosies all day!" HCJ: "It really be fun to get into the nitty gritty of things." Keith: "That was killer man!"
Grade: A/A-minus
Chances of going through: Excellent
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Rayvon Owen ("Jealous" Nick Jonas) - I thought he was smooth and hit some great high notes. I enjoyed it and the song choice was smart. HCJ said it was every evocative of Motown but JLo wanted more attitude. "You smiled through the whole thing," she said. "You can't forget what you're singing."
Grade: B-plus
Chances of moving foward: So So
Daniel Seavey ("I'm Yours' Jason Mraz) - He picked a great song for his voice and he got to scat a bit, too. He was confident and solid. He's through for sure. Keith said it was a good song choice and he liked the mandolin. "Fascinating," he said. J Lo said he needs to be more consistent. HCJ liked it.
Grade: B-plus/A-minus
Chances of moving forward: Excellent
Riley Bria ("Homeboy" Eric Church) - That was a bit shaky. He looked and sounded nervous through most of that song. JLo: "You belong here." HCJ: "I can't help but notice you remind me so much of Keith that I'm going to have to call you Keith Suburban." Keith: "I can't wait to hear more."
Grade: B-minus
Chances of moving forward: Okay
Quentin Alexander ("I Put A Spell On You" Screamin' Jay Hawkins) - Ridiculous feather outfit aside, he brought a lot of edge and intensity. HCJ: " I hope America gives you a chance. There's a real artist who makes brave choices." JLo: "That's performing."
Grade: A-minus
Chance of moving forward: Very good
Nick Fradiani ("Thinking Out Loud" Ed Sheeran) - He's an absolute pro. He picks an emotive pop song that is on the charts now. He pulls it off. He may not be quite Ed Sheeran but he deserves plenty of votes.
Grade: A-minus
Chance of moving forward: Very good
Qaasim Middleton ("Uptown Funk" Mark Ronson/Brumo Mars ) - The James Brown wannabe pulls out some of his dance moves and occasionally sings okay. For him, the singing is besides the point. He has the pimp spot and one of the hottest songs in the land. The producers and the judges want him to move on. And he will. Keith: "You killed it."
Grade: A-minus/B-plus
Chance of moving forward: A lock
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