American Idol: 6 Finalists Take on Andrew Lloyd Webber

 

This week the idols are going to take on songs written by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber who is known for his award winning musical compositions.  So why are pop idols even going to attempt not only musical theater, but some of the most difficult musical theater creations to sing. Perhaps you have heard of Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Cats, Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, and The Phantom of the Opera.  This should be interesting; the top six will be pushed to their limits tonight.

                                               

Syesha Mercado

Song: One Rock and Roll Too Many –from Starlight Express

Overview: The song was a great choice for her because it has a jazzy edge.  She did a have few small pitch problems but she played to the crowd and brought the personality. She had a big finish and that should help her in the memories of the viewers.

Judges:

R– Best performance to date so far

P– Brought the house down

S– Very sexy, showed masses of personality

 

Jason Castro

Song: Memory – from Cats

Overview: Crazy song choice here; Jason has a lot to work against being that the song is sung by an old dying cat. I think that it was a good thing that he had never seen the musical before because he didn’t have any preconceived ideas about what the song was.  The performance was breathy and uniquely Jason.  It was not great but it was okay.

Judges:

        R– Vocal train wreck, too big of a song 

P– Good choice and you put your influence on it

S– Like you were a young guy singing at a wedding that his parents forced him to sing

 

Brook White

Song: You Must Love Me – from Evita

Overview: This is a big song and has been performed by some big artists in the past so Brook has some large shoes to fill.  She messed it all up when she stopped during the second line of the song and restarted.  She sang the song on pitch and had the feeling behind the song but she didn’t sustain any of the big notes; something that is a must in musical theater. She did a decent enough job but restarting is really going to hurt her; she said that she “lost the lyric”. 

Judges:

        R– Wasn’t great but you did believe what you were singing

        P– You must never start and stop, pick up the pieces 

        S– Restarting caused vocal tension and was uncomfortable

 

David Archuleta

Song: Think of Me – The Phantom of the Opera

Overview: I was so convinced that David was going to sing Any Dream Will Do, but thank goodness I was wrong. He chose to completely change a song that is usually sung by a very female, very soprano women.  But I think he made a great choice.  He made me an Archie believer this week.  I love this song and I love Phantom and I still enjoyed his performance.  He delivered all the pop vocal strength, well placed runs, and sincerity that he always does.

Judges:

        R– Dude it was the bomb, the one to beat

        P– Absolutely perfect on a risk

        S– Pleasant, one of your weaker performances

 

Carly Smithson

Song: Jesus Christ Super Star – from Jesus Christ Super Star

Overview: A big song for a big voice, the only issue with this one is that Carly has to truly let it all hang out.  I’m not sure the key of the song was in the best range for her but the song defiantly fit her.  She rocked it and really went for it. 

Judges:

        R– Definitely Good

        P– So unexpected, loved the chorus

        S– One of my favorite performances of the night

 

David Cook

Song: Music of the Night – The Phantom of the Opera

Overview: This is my favorite song from Phantom so the idea of David Cook singing was exciting to me. I was so not expecting him to say that he grew up singing musical theater; he seems so far removed from that style now.  He had a few issues with the lower pitches but when the song moved up in pitch he performance took flight.  He connects so well with the audience and the camera.  He is the only one who sang a Webber song true to how it would be performed on stage (at least up until his big ending). Not switching it up was the difference; that was the risk, and again I can’t say it enough: He is a star.

Judges:

        R– Molten hot lava hot

        P– So well rounded and have a beautiful instrument

S– Made the most of the song, prefer the grittier side

 

 

So I guess I am just a pessimist by nature; I was expecting the worst on “Webber Night” but I really didn’t have all that much to worry about.  There were weak spots, pitch problems, and forgotten lyrics, but there were some good moments as well. Tomorrow’s bottom two is most certainly going to be comprised of one Ms. Brook White and one Mr. Jason Castro.  If they have a third bottom player in the mix expect Syesha to join them.  The only certainty after this week is that the Davids are very much safe and will battle to the end. It’s starting to get serious! Tune in tomorrow for the results.