The American Idol 2014 Top 11 took on songs from the cinema Wednesday night and like the cinema, there were some blockbuster performances and some flops.
As always, I’ve reviewed each performance and assigned the letter grade I think each one deserved.
Sam Woolf, “Come Together.” It was nice to see Sam change things up. He ditched the guitar and picked a song a little more upbeat, but overall, it was just OK. There were no big moments in the song and he didn’t really seem to be totally comfortable. It’s definitely not his best effort. Performance Grade: B
Jessica Meuse, “The Sound of Silence.” Great, great song choice. And her vocals were great. The overall performance wasn’t existing or anything, but it was nice and moody. But it was sort of just sitting there. I think like Jennifer said, something was off, but it was still a pretty solid effort. Performance Grade: B+
C.J. Harris, “Can’t You See.” This is another good song choice. Not only is it a good song, but it really worked for him. It was his best performance in my opinion. His vocals were spot on and he was connected. He also made the song his own. I really liked the arrangement and the spins he put on it. Performance Grade: A
Dexter Roberts, “Sweet Home Alabama.” This song choice makes a lot of sense for him. I’m pleased with the song choices tonight. He handled the song pretty well, but I found it boring. I mean there were no technical issues or anything, but it was just OK. Performance Grade: B+
Ben Briley, “Benny & The Jets.” Eh. That piano playing was a bit harsh and the tempo was weird. And the vocals were OK at best. It’s a good song, but I don’t think he’s the right singer to do a stripped down version. Thankfully the band broke in later. It all got better then, but it was still not that great. Performance Grade: C+
Majesty Rose, “Let It Go.” I didn’t expect to hear such a new song. And I wish she’d picked something else. It just wasn’t good. There were a few good moments, but there were a lot of bad moments. Performance Grade: C+
Caleb Johnson, “Skyfall.” Well this isn’t the person I expected to cover Adele, but OK. Let’s see how it goes. He picked the right kind of song. He did need to pull back this week. So he picked a more mellow song, but still delivered the powerful big vocals. It was pretty solid. Performance Grade: A-
MK Nobilette, “To Make You Feel My Love.” Every single performance of hers is the same. It’s always mellow and in the same key and she’s usually on a stool. This performance was actually more connected than her previous ones, but I think it might be too late for her. It wasn’t bad, though. Performance Grade: B
Alex Preston, “Falling Slowly.” Well this is the third time this song has been done on “American Idol.” Which is way too much. I think it’s a great song, though. But Alex’s version was weird and almost unrecognizable. I hated it. Performance Grade: C
Jena Irene, “Decode.” What is this song? Why? Ugh. It was nice to see her back at the piano. I don’t know the song, but it was perfect for her. She sounded amazing. Her vocals were perfect and she didn’t miss a beat with the song’s intensity and emotion. Performance Grade: A+
Malaya Watson, “I Am Changing.” This was the perfect song for her. This is the kind of song that just really fits for her. She had a few iffy moments, but the vocals were big and it all really worked for her. That ending note alone is enough for an A. Performace Grade: A-
What did you think of the American Idol 2014 Top 11 performances?
Jena ftw!!
Jena is so beautiful to me!
Was it just me, or did Jessica Meuse make a statement when she just left the stage??? It seems if she would have forgotten, she would have came back.. they’ve all done it before… My personal opinion is that it was a message to the judges that she didn’t want to hear what they had to say… …. which may have also been a message to the voters… or maybe she doesn’t like Ryan???? I’m getting sick of her! lol
Read the comment I left below and switch the names.
Why bash Jessica?? I think she handled the situation with the band with class. She never missed a beat, the band made the mistake. This is so important to her and to have that happen to her is terrible. I think Ricky Miner should have came and stood by her to explain what happened, then, the viewers might not bash her. Harry knew it wasn’t her fault. The judges should have spoke up, instead of sabatoging her Jennifer is treating Jessica just like she did Haley Reinhart. After Majesty sang, I just knew the judges were going to tell her that her song was all over the place, and the judges didn’t .Are you kidding me!!! Go back and watch the video again and notice the look on Jessica’s face when the band screwed up.. Why would you be sick of her? so rude!!!!!
So am I!! Remember what Jennifer said “Can you see yourself winning?” And Jess said “Yeah” and Jen said “I can too.” Is it just me or does she want a girl to win? In my opinion a guy is going to win this year.
I am glad to see you gave Alex Prreston a “C” along with Magesty Rose.. I couldn’t believe the judges lied to both these contestants saying they did a great job… really?? that was terrible! olaf begged to be impaled after the Majesty performance! (btw, loose the flowers.. it’s as annoying as gena/jenna.. ) As for Alex… seriously, I fell asleep.. that is one boring kid who is so awkward in his own skin… granted he has talent.. but i just can’t see him being an idol… the good news is mk didn’t wear a hat…
Maybe you should let the contestants be themselves and not something that they’re not. If Majesty, not Magesty, likes to wear flowers, let her wear flowers. It’s people like you who make the show worse than it actually is because you have to point out every single flaw.
Jake you are allowed your opinion, just as i am allowed mine. Thank you for “pointing out” my spelling error.. and also for making me aware i should not “point out” any of the contestants flaws… you can add this comment to your other one.. it’s all good! 🙂 seriously jake, this is a place we can give our opinons.. that’s it.. no contestant is going to win or loose based on any comment made on this page. i certainly didn’t mean to offend you.. i stated my opinion.. sorry if it upset you but that’s what i think
Robin, I think you give your opinions about things that has nothing to do with the show. Wearing hats or not, if they feel comfortable, then so be it. It is a singing competition not fashion show.
AMEN!!!!! I hope the contestants refrain from reading blogs. Enjoy them for who they are, and let them be. I think Robin needs to find her another show to watch. She’s going to end up in the hospital!! I change channels if something annoy’s me. lol!
Oh my gosh!! I am so glad, I am not the only one that thinks Alek Preston and Majesty Rose deserved a “C”
Was it Harry Connick Jr. who said this was the best group ever on Idol?
A lot of the contestants last year could have won over this year’s group. Also, Connick’s using “in it to win it” made me gag. I thought we were finally finished with that. If I never hear it again it would be too soon. That remark should be banned from Idol or given the copyright to Randy with the agreement that it never be spoken aloud again.
roflmao! that’s funny.. i love harry connick, but that is funny!
Harry’s “In it to win it” comment was totally a joke! He is an A.I. fan over the years and has heard that as many times as we have.
I’ve been watching Idol since the first year, and in my opinion, this is one of the worst years. They are all talented, but no one really stands out.
This is the best year since Season 11, in my opinion. If you don’t like it then don’t watch it!
I don’t believe I said I didn’t like it, but thanks so much for your input.
I’m truly sorry if I hurt your feelings but what I said about the American Idol was true..
you didn’t hurt my feelings. everyone is entitled to their opinion. I respect that you feel it’s the best year since season 11. I just feel differently.
Personally, I like Alex Preston’s voice and it is always perfect. He is quite a musician and singer, but I can understand some people may not like his stylings. As for the best tonight I thought Malaya was great and a total surprise. Caleb gave another super performance. Loved it! I also liked CJ’s performance. And of course Alex.
Come on braden,you gave malaya an A- grade? She deserved to get an A++++++!!!!!!
Only if jena deserves a A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As far as the song Let it Go is concerned, It was the worst version of it. Credits to Majesty. She totally cannot reach the high notes splendidly during the moment. She could have sung something more in the zone for her voice. She tends to pick songs to do big moments with high notes that do not really work well. Time to wake up. Happy did well with you as well as Tight Rope.
Dexter’s grade should be A, I think Ben needs to cling to Southern Rock. CJ did a alright, Imo, Caleb should be singing opera, Jessica did well, but I have to wonder why the judges never pick any girls that sing alto. You dont’ have to go up in the rarfters to have the best voice.
Well said!! Jessica has a raspy tone, kinda reminds me of Stevie Nicks. I hope she makes it on the tour. She shouldn’t have to be punished for a mistake the band made.. I have watched her performance over and over, and when the band messed up the look on her face.. and she never missed a beat. That shows class!!