The American Idol 2014 Top 9 studio performances are now out on iTunes. We’re always amazed at how much different the finalists can sound in the studio. While the voices of the contestants generally always sound better in the studio versions, sometimes they just lack the passion and emotion of their live performances.
We know some of it is the skillful manipulation of sound engineers that usually produces better quality songs in the studio. However, we also know it’s probably not easy to sound your best when you are dealing with the stress of a live performance.
Some of the American Idol 2014 finalists obviously thrive under the pressure of singing live. Others seem to wilt under the spotlights and shine best when they are in a more controlled environment.
Take a listen to the American Idol 2014 Top 9 studio performances below and tell us who you think sounded better live or better in the studio version. (Check our recap from last week’s performances show for the live versions.)
Alex Preston – “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
Majesty York – “Shake It Out” by Florence And The Machine
Dexter Roberts – “Boondocks” by Little Big Town
Malaya Watson – “The Long And Winding Road” by The Beatles
Sam Woolf – “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s
Jessica Meuse – “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
CJ Harris – “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” by The SteelDrivers
Caleb Johnson – “Dazed And Confused” by Jake Holmes / Led Zeppelin
Jena Irene – “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence & Paul McCoy
Which songs would you be willing to buy on iTunes for your music collection?
Both of CJ’s studio recordings have been great. If he could do that live, he would be one of my top three. Alex is my favorite, but I think Malaya is very popular. Her YouTube hits are always very high. I think the final 4 will be Alex, Malaya, Jena, and either Caleb or Jessica. While Caleb is a great performer and I really like his voice, I just don’t think he’s inspiring people to vote for him or buy his music.
Any way you cut it, I don’t see great duets in the end – the voices are so diverse. I know Alex can sing harmonies, but I’m not so sure of the others.
I would totally buy Caleb’s version of Dazed and Confused…and Jena did an awesome job as well, so I would purchase that song as well…I would really like to hear Caleb and Jena sing together…it would be awesome…and I bet we will see that before the season is over….I really do think that all of this years group are very talented and that is what makes it so hard….
Love to get Dexter Roberts ‘s albums.. want to hear him on the radio! Go Dexter!