Daniel's track is really not good. His singing is cracking up. He does look good on camera, as Keith points out and he gets on well with the audience. Clearly he is getting plenty of votes but he has to do better or we'll have a dud winning this thing.
A far better vocal from Quentin Alexander but still not one that convinces me that he deserves the Idol crown this year. A nice production all round, although far too short of course. This is one talented individual and I certainly see him selling albums and getting a contract. whatever happens on the show. Great song choices so far as well.
Joey tried to do Cindy Lauper this week. She looked great but her singing was a bit odd and Harry doesn't look too impressed. She is better than that.
Tyanna was one I was thinking might go home this week. She seems to have survived, though. This version of Whitney Houstons' I Want To Dance With Somebody is OK but a bit light and lacking in the passion the song usually has. Disappointing again.
Nick is a little more inspired with Man In The Mirror. I just don't see him winning either. I guess that was one of the better acts tonight but he will have to do a whole lot more.
Rayvon isn't making the grade either in this rather sad week for the show. He just sings along and does a little oohing here and there but it is actually quite boring. He hits the right notes but then most of the contestants are doing that. There is just not a lot I can think to say about that performance.
This could be a winning performance on a quiet tight. Nicely done. Every Breath You Take is not an easy Police song to perform but he got it just right. Well done. Streets ahead of the others. This guy could well take this thing after that sort of performance.
Doing Bon Jovi's You Give Love A Bad Name takes some courage but Jax can be relied upon and this performance has bags of originality and you can just tell that she is trying hard to reach people but has a great deal of confidence. She deserves to be here and will make an intriguing finalist.
Lucky still to be here and that means that the two girls, Maddie Walker and Adanna go home. That's quite a surprise, as I had Maddy down for the Country vote and Adanna as a potential winner with such great performances. So neither even get to sing as the panel used their only save last week. So sad,
I have to say that, apart from abit of Jax, some Quentin and Clark, this was a poor week.
This show is going at some pace now! Just a few days ago there were 24 acts we were talking about, now there'll be just 11 today and ten after this.
Rayvon has made it through the night and has a cool number here that suits his voice well. Burn was not a number I'd expected he'd do well but it does work well for him. The falsetto is, perhaps, a little weak this time and I am not entirely sure he needs to use it that much as he has a strong mid-range and that's more comfortable listening too. Nice performance, generally, though. In tune and, as Keith says, his best performance so far. He ought to make the Top 10 but it'll be the lower half.
OK. We get it now. She's Country all right. The shorts, the boots, the legs. Not a bad performance although I am still not seeing anything in her eyes. Strange. they're quite blank. Pretty but vacant. Strong vocals and she's definitely deserving to be here and I'd like to be sure she makes the Top 10. She needs to find a niche at the moment but I guess that's not easy. We discover at the end that she was in pain and left almost straightaway to get some medical attention. Now, how often do we get all that focused on at the start? Much better to handle it that way. all credit to the girl and to the producers.Hope she's OK.
Another fabulous performance from Joey. She could make an album now and it would sell well. How and where she fits in the 2015 pop era I do not know. This clearly went down so well with a good proportion of the audience and her fellow competitors too. Great reception!! That will have made her proud. Harry gives an A+ for the arrangement and singing. She is a star, for sure. We just need to see whether she gets the public votes. In a way, I don't think it'll matter too much as she'll get picked up by someone like Simon Cowell.
Not at all fond of the Jussie & Yazz number. That hasn't hit the airwaves her in UK yet so maybe it improves with keeping. It is interesting to note that only one or maybe two of the contestants left could do that sort of number so if that's what is hitting #1 in USA are they choosing the right potential Idols nowadays? Hmmm. Let's move on.
A strange track to choose for this stage of the competition. It has a sort of 70s vibe that just doesn't seem to fit in 2015, even with Clark's good vocal abilities and effort. It has a great big crescendo at the end but that's about it really. again, however, the crowd seem very keen on that and he has so much support. Coming straight after the Jussie number I am at a loss to know what to make of this. He also looks just a little scared at times. A nice fellow, obviously talented but something is missing. Jennifer tries to identify it but makes no better attempt than I have! Even Harry tries but he's even more confusing! He'll still be safely into the Top 10.
Here she is again. This time she's covering Taylor Swift. It is quite a cover in places too. Nice enough and she makes an effort to get away but that's not easy, nor is the original easy to improve on so it's a tough job for Jax. I like her confidence on stage and with the audience too! She is very cool, a nice chick but I wonder how far she'll get. She should make the Top 10 but she's got tough competition and that special quality of hers wasn't there today. harry says how she can take some tracks and turn them into something cool but this was just a cover.
Right from the start you can see that Qaasim is just so happy to be there. What a great number too. Jet I don't recall hearing on any talent show so well done to him. It worked well enough but I felt he lost it in a few places. But all credit for trying and that sets down a good marker for what he can achieve. Nice job. Harry, though, is not impressed and calls him a one-trick pony! The other two loved it. They didn't care about the words. harry may have had a point but I missed it and, although I didn't appreciate it, these are supposed anyway to be 'party' songs. So that's all right.
Run Away Baby is the Bruno Mars number. Did this work for Adanna? It did show she can move and dance and deliver a fast up-beat tune but I don't know if it will get her those extra votes that she needs. She's good but I would have chosen something different for her. The star quality wasn't there this time and she seemed to be a full tilt all the way through with no shade. She does get great reviews, though, but the audience seems a lukewarm. She really should survive and I do hope she does.
In almost direct competition this week is Tyanna. I can see only one of Tyanna and Adanna surviving in future weeks. Maybe even this week could see one go as Tyanna was not at her most appealing this time. She tried hard and put everything she had into a very tough song. Working well with the backing and the band she may have saved herself as she gets a great reception. Possibly the best audience deal of the night. Interesting. Didn't expect that. The panel were also so complimentary. She is natural and deserves to stay. I guess, after all that, she will.
The one who should be at risk is Daniel. He does Happy and it's all cheery enough but this is such a big song that every knows his performance can only ever have been a simple cover. He was in tune this time and looked good but no, it's time he went home and maybe came back in a few years. Harry says he is immensely talented but I think he worries that we're watching a competition and rehearsed act by a good player than a natural guy. Nice enough fellow for all that.
Quentin will be feeling a bit vulnerable, I suppose, not getting the votes for a Top 10 place and needing the Panel assistance. This week will be the decider for him as the 'real' Top 10 is decided. Singing against Clark he compares well this week and I prefer him to Rayvon at the start too. Qaasim is in a different genre so shouldn't interfere with his votes. He ought to stay over Daniel but I am not so sure he will make it.
Nick chooses a very, very good track. Wake Me Up suits him down to the ground. It's a relaxed and good performance as well. I was thinking that he might be the one to go this week but I have to say that such a professional and genuine performance as that should keep him in after all. He is the last one called up so that leaves Sarina to sing in the hope that Panel will use their vote to save.
The Panel do have the chance to save Sarina but it is not to be. With just one chance throughout the XIV series it was never going to be the case. She must be really upset after so many years of trying and actually making it to a Live Show - so near but so far.
Much smarter venue - a proper stage and such an improvement on last week's odd affair for the Top 16. Four go today and another tomorrow. Heavy stuff. Sarina's performance was not good, off tune and I wonder how much was due to her being excited at being first through. Not a good start at all. She will really have to hope people remember her previous performances and that someone else does as poorly. That was definitely something that few will bother to check out on YouTube again! Sorry.
Quite a nervous performance from this guy but mostly in tune at least. Again, this is not something we will be recollecting in years to come as a classic Idol performance but it should be enough to see him through to the Top 11. Good reviews from the panel are encouraging. he is one of the few almost 'normal' contestants.
I suppose every Idol or X Factor needs a little kid in the Live Shows. Daniel has been performing very maturely, to be honest, and, once he gets going, he makes a reasonably good version of the a previous idol Panel member's track. There are touches of brilliance but also too many mistakes and dodgy bits that Harry points out. You can tell the panel were not very impressed but he clearly gets the votes. He looks good and, maybe with better coaching, he could stick around a while. That's if he's not first to go.
Maddie only just made it in the Top 24 but is now looking and sounding as if she should never have been in doubt. Stunning appearance tonight, especially the eyes, although I did feel she was missing out the audience and just directing everything at us! She is very likeable and in tune which is a first tonight! They need a good Country girl.
Tyanna looks young but performs like someone who has been doing it for years. The song doesn't do much for me but it is pretty up-to-date and suits her. There are times when I am not sure I see her as an 'Idol' but I do see her with a record deal. She would best suit being with some others as she is so young and needs that extra bit of breadth in her image but she deserves to succeed and I am sure she'll be here next week.
I might have thought that he was one who could have fallen at this fence but he's made the Top 12. Idol voters like this type of guy and there is no-one like him now. He is accomplished but not compelling. Keith says he needs to believe in himself more and I can see what he means. There's something missing between his performance and our emotions. That connection isn't yet made. I am a bit surprised he's through and not sure how long he'll last but he won't be the worst tonight, for sure.
Jax is the act I look forward to each week. I Want To Hold Your Hand performed in her style, starting at a piano being a good idea as well. At times she makes some pretty not pretty facial expressions. This is good - a bit of a cover rather than a complete makeover but with several little bits that worked nicely for me. A cool chick and she's good, well worth all the votes she's earned.
Qaasim is nicely different to all the others. This time, though, he seems to mangle all the words and I had trouble making out almost all of them at the start. thereagain, Stevie Wonder mangled them on this track too. At times this guy almost seems to do too much. He is a cool performer and very happy on that stage. Maybe that takes a bit away from what he's actually trying to get across but then perhaps that's what will keep him in.
Clark has the best voice of the guys by quite a long way. He delivers this track quite predictably. No bad thing as it requires a lot of talent to do well and he sure showed that he had that. The Panel love this guy. Clark will do well in this series. jennifer has him as the vocal of the night too.
I am still not sure what to make of Joey. She is adorable and very, very talented. always spot-on in tune and on the beat. This is a marvellous track for her and seems to sum up lots of her appeal. I think she is surprised to be there when people like Alexis and Adam and Adanna are still sitting on the waiting area to find out if they're in. She's great. Is she Idol material? Not sure.But well done to her for what she's brought to the show so far.
Quentin didn't make the Top 10 but does get the Panel's vote for the Top 12. That Panel vote for two people is really useful and I am glad it's there. So the two last choices are not from the public but the panel. Hmmm. Who else will the rescue? This was a good choice as Quentin has been consistently excellent all the way through. he's very emotional but still makes a great job of this current number. That worked well for him.
The last place goes to Adanna. Wow. Again. A simple mesmerising performance. She must have been so nervous but still came though with something pretty special. I didn't notice Harry's 'tuning' or Jennifer's 'performance' issues at all. I did notice that the four who didn't make it were playing along or singing along with her and that said a lot about her and them. By a long way the best of the night in my view and a real star-like performance with energy and rhythm and passion. It's a pity that she didn't get the public votes this week.
So you'll have figured out that these are the four eliminations. I'm sad to see Adam go, thought he'd got a good Live Show future, along with Alex Gomez who would win the Country Girl competition but it isn't to be. Loren was good but perhaps not unique in her appeal and up against some similar acts like Sarina. Not that Sarina really impressed this week.
Mark Andrew
Adam Egazelien
Alex Gomez
Loren Lott
So soon it'll be down to 11. It ought to be Daniel but It won't be.
I haven now found the full show. Before those that I have already covered appear Andrew Annello who is full of confidence but very loud and a bit mad. He eventually does show he can sing well and gets through but I doubt he'll go far.
Loren Lott is a lovely actress and she has a great personality and sings well. I don't know why the panel take a while to put her through and only two out of three at that.
Then Trevor Douglas and we get a bit more than the other video showed. He's a really cool guy and performs the Ed Sheeran number very well. Now, can he do anything else? We'll get to see soon as he is easily through. Nice chap.
For the rest, a line or two from the earlier video. Here goes;
Lovey Scott
Very professional. Excellent performance. Blame her parents for the name.
Trevor Douglas
1950s look. Could be Buddy Holly back on Earth again. Great style and maybe he could host a revival. Nice work.
Piper Jones
This is a big girl with the gospel choir voice. You can just see her, and probably hear her too in the chapel every Sunday. She desperately needs advice on how to appear on a prime time TV programme. I know it's about the voice and singing talent but the little pink bow and short dress on that figure just don't work. I'm not that sure she was that good anyway.
Kelley Kime
The exact opposite. Blonde, blue-eyed and slender Country girl. We'll see a few of them, I guess. She's good. Luckily her parents didn't add another K to her name, although you do do wonder sometimes.
Garret Miles
A good ol' Country boy - and I mean boy as he looks about 14 behind the dark glasses. Very white skin. Looks a bit unhealthy but does a good job of a Creedence number and impresses Jennifer when he sings in Spanish without rehearsal. Just seems a naturally talented guy who'll do well.
Clark Beckham
He sings @It's A Man's World'. I'm not sure he can play the guitar that well, though, and after a while his singing seems to go the same way. a bit painful to listen to. I doubt that he got any further.
Gena Vinier
Now this girl is different, sitting on a box and slapping out a rhythm with one hand and shaking a shaker thing with another. I liked her and it was an interesting audition. 'Put The Gun Down' was a particularly appropriate song too for today, although, of course, Fox would have no clue, these being recorded some weeks ago.
Alex Shier
A good-looking 19-year-old guy who is the sort you expect to do well. Ne's got some passion and the song's not overdone either as is so often the case when people just try too hard. Is he a bit average though?
Cody Fry
As if to show how average the other guy was we now get a strange looking chap doing 'Over The Rainbow' really really well. Nice voice. Old style appearance but much better guitar playing than many we see. He could be one to watch out for. Not your normal chap and it takes a good performance nowadays, especially after the likes of Carly Rose on X Factor, to do that song justice. Much depends on the prodcers as we're seeing several 'retro' acts now.
Hector Montenegro
Back to the more typical contestant. Slightly odd and tuneless soul but one of the few black guys we're seeing. Not good.
Sarian Joi Crowe
Now that's a name to get attention if nothing else. She comes across pretty well but maybe tries a bit too hard. Fun to watch and she has something. We may see her again.
Alison Paritikos
Very brief. One minute she's there, the next she isn't. then she's back and then she's gone again. From the tiny clips we get she's nice and can sing. That's all! Maybe she gets through and we see a lot more another time.
Jake Black
Yet another 'old style 'look. Another original too - he does an Ed Sheeran number and that works really well. I can see him making it to the next round.
Steffi Ledbetter
A talented vocalist here but a bit screechy at times. She does Back To Black which is a bit of an odd choice and not so sure it worked for her.
Savion Wright
Nicest soul singer so far. Quite a gentle sound and good rhythm. He could do well. They need someone like him in the Live Shows too. None so far that I've noticed. Zack Kaltenbach
Wow, we're certainly getting the good names this year. He sings 'Grenade'. All a bit average.
Naomi Tatsuoka
Not pretty by any stretch of the imagination by pretty impressive. Another Gospel Girl. Starts on her knees and then gets up to wail even louder. For me she mashed up the Adel song but I can see her getting further.
Jhameel
This strange looking guy needs just the one name. He has a load of black felt tip on one side of his face and look Filipino or Chinese. Certainly very different. Funny thing is that I cannot now recall anything about what he sang.
Lovey James
Yes, that's two Loveys. And, yes, another blue eyed, pretty blonde with a mini skirt who looks like a pop star and would be a delight for the photographers and album cover artists. She's pretty good too and I am sure she'll get a bit further in the competition.
Jess Lamb
Showing almost everyone else the way to go, though, is this girl. Simple name and she sits at he piano, playing while she sings 'Ain't No Sunshine' really well. This girl is good. Another one to watch. She adds quite a bit of her own vibe to this and I am not entirely sure she'd be that commercial or easy to manage. We'll see, bo doubt as the weeks go by.
Although it looks like British TV is ignoring American Idol this year, we can still see it almost as soon as we would have done, maybe even earlier through the wonders of YouTube.
Here is a full first show. And it is a good one, also getting decent reviews and viewing figures across The Pond from what I can make of comments so far.
The three judges, or mentors, really do go well together and it is a return for keith Urban, Harry Connick Jnr and Jennifer Lopez. Despite their careers and star status, they seem totally unassuming and naturally good company, sitting in the same old scenery as all previous thirteen Idol audition rooms, with hopeful contestants coming in and singing with little more than their guitar for accompaniment.
There is a warm and plesant feeling about American Idol which I am not sure I get with X Factor or The Voice.
First on is Riley Bria, a good example of how few Americans now seem to have anything like a normal name! He sings what keith terms 'an obscure Keith Urban album track' pretty well and has previously played with keith onstage when he was selected in some earlier talent competition. He's a fresh-faced, likeable chap and through to the Hollywood round.
Next you'll see Priscilla Walker who announces that she's one of ten children. She talks about siblings a lot which isn't a word we use much here. Maybe we don't have many examples of ten of them. Listening to her talk you'd think she was about 9 years old but she's actually 19. She says Diddy isn't of Daddy but the pronounces Daddy perfectly well in the song she sings which I have forgotten the name of. She's a cool Country girl and, once you get past the voice, has a great personality an singing presence. She gets through but jennifer says 'No.' Not sure why.
Cameron Bedell is next. Plenty of soul but he has an awkward stance when he's singing and the most dreadful shade of dark lilac hoodie. Still, he's entertaining and will be faely through to the next round.
Amber Walker has quotes galore. She doesn't know she has but just comes out with them! Here are just a few I managed to scribble down: I come from the hard part of Mississippi Every Sunday there's a funeral If I didn't do music then I'd probably be killed now
She is great. She's the one with pink hair in the introduction video which might well mean she gets a good way through. She sings an Elvis number! Now that was unexpected. Heartbreak Hotel. It sort of worked but Harry was not at all sure and said 'No.' the other two see her through, though. Harry, can I have an autograph or something?
really quite funny and sweet and you just want her to do well. Maybe not win but do well enough to get away from all that bad stuff. Her mother looks pretty frightening though.
Kyle Blaine Corman is an odd-looking dude with very long curly ginger hair and unhealthily white face. 'Give A Little Bit' by the Goo Goo Dolls is a great track and I thought he rocked it well. He has a cool voice, in tune and great guitar work too. But I suppose that very 70s look won't get him the votes he'll need later. So he gets a 'No.' from all of them. Surprising.
Kory Wheeler works in a coffee shop over the road. He sings 'I Can't make You love Me' pretty well. A bit average by my reckoning and I don't see him going anywhere. Nice chap but that's about it. He seems the sort that should be selling insurance or helping you in a library, not serving coffee across the road in a Nashville cafe. But he's through. They all like him a lot. Surprising. Again.
Michael Simeon is a farmer, he says. I am not so sure. He does a good job of a Sam Smith cover and is easily through but then he has the cheek to ask for a dance with Jennifer. This must have been rehearsed. Harry and Keith jump up and do the guitar and piano thing while the contestant gets that dance, starting off in waltz mode but jennifer goes for the end of the night disco thing. He must have thought it was one lucky day, that's all I can say!
'That's the most fun I've had in months!' announces Jennifer. Gosh. How can someone so attractive not have that much fun every day?
Emily Brook closes the first programme. Now she is good. She is just 15 but seems to have gigged her way around various places to gather enough money to cover the trip to Nashville. That's a nice example of commitment after memories of some contestants in previous years where they're driven up in big black 4x4s by mothers dripping with jewellery.
Emily sings Carrie's 'Blown Away'. Now that's not an easy song but, boy, does she do it justice. Very impresive. So far, she's my favourite.
Her parents come up on screen as Webster. I expect I'll figure all that out eventually. she'll be around for a long time.
