So last night’s “American Idol” featured the songs of Queen, one of the greatest rock bands of the last 3 decades. Though Freddy Mercury passed away and jurassic rocker Paul Rodgers took his place in the band, Queen’s music is still legendary. But how would the contestants measure up to the great Freddy Mercury, and sing songs that were obviously more difficult than anything they have tried yet?
Let’s go to the videotape…..
THE GOOD
Ladies and gentleman, Kellie Pickler is peaking at the right time. She may not understand Simon’s British accent through her hillbilly ears, but she took on “Bohemian Rhapsody” and gave a performance that no one expected. Not me, not the judges, not America. Kellie looked like Lita Ford and sang with a rocker growl she hasn’t really shown yet.
Gray haired boy Taylor Hicks may have appeared “drunk” to Simon Cowell, but to me he was the best performer last night. He took on “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” which might seem in itself to be a safe choice. But dude rocked it out and never veered off key….he was entertaining and to me at least, kicked everyone else’s ass.
THE IN-BETWEEN
Chris Daughtry sang “Innuendo” and while Simon at the time said it was the best vocal of the night, I also agree with his assessment that it was a poor song choice. Not everyone knows the song, and Chris could have picked something more familiar and made a statement. Instead, he probably wasn’t in the top 3 of voting last night.
Katharine McPhee sang the ballad “Who Wants to Live Forever” and though it was Celine Dion-ish at times in power, Katharine seemed to shout and didn’t quite put the necessary feeling into it. She’s been in the bottom 3 before and I’m not sure she wont’ be back there again tonight.
Elliott Yamin sang “Somebody To Love,” which is probably as difficult to sing as “Bohemian Rhapsody” but he proved why he is still hanging around at this stage. Dude can bring it vocally, but he still wasn’t as entertaining last night as Kellie or Taylor.
Paris Bennett sang “The Show Must Go On” and while I agree with Simon that it was a little strange seeing this innocent young girl in black leather singing a power ballad, she still has what it takes vocally and could go all the way.
THE BAD
Bucky Covington, you are a karaoke machine. You proved that again last night with your countrified rendition of “Fat Bottom Girls.” Randy even used the word “karaoke” in his remarks, and that’s really what it was. You can sing, sure, but you are not going to be a star.
Side note: the funniest moment of the night was when Ryan Seacrest asked Bucky what it was like to sing Freddy Mercury, and Bucky replied, “He’s not somebody you want to get behind.” Ryan then answered, without missing a beat: “You can say that again.” All I have to say is, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that…”
Ace Young is so full of himself, and he may just be losing votes because of that. He took on “We Will Rock You” and it was, as Simon said, “a mess.” What’s more, he tried to get Brian May and the boys to change the arrangement of the song just for him. Thankfully they declined. But in response to Simon, Ace said “I think I rocked.” I’m glad you did, dude, now just go home.
So who will it be? Bucky, Ace, Katharine, Elliott? Maybe even Paris? Well, if America wants to redeem itself, it will vote off Bucky or Ace because let’s face it, they are not Idol material.
Tonight there is an excuciating one hour episode for the results show…..I wonder what will be in store to fill all that time. Will they bring back Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers and Brian May to form a supergroup? Will the big gay Mexican priest return again? Will Darrell and Terrell return in orange jumpsuits? Will Ryan Seacrest propose to Terri Hatcher? Okay, that’s enough from me today…see you for the results.
Vandalay, OUT.
