"American Idol": Standards and new songs get mixed results
Harry Connick Jr. shook things up when he stepped onto the set of "American Idol" as a guest mentor for an evening of standards and songs of 2013 on Wednesday.
The New Orleans crooner and longtime judge Randy Jackson disagreed on Kree Harrison's version of "Stormy Weather," resulting in one of the most exciting exchanges of the entire season. Jackson said he wanted to see Harrison add a bit more blues to Etta James' version of "Stormy Weather." Connick, meanwhile, said she needed to focus on the melodies by learning the Lena Horne version first before adding a personal touch.
"I agree, but Kree, just be Kree, baby," Jackson said. Connick didn't love that response, fighting back with: "We want you to be Kree, but choose the Etta James version." The tension continued to escalate, as Connick shouted, "Randy! Randy -- stop, stop!"
That was probably the most dramatic part of the night. Perhaps Connick should consider sitting in the judge's chair permanently next season, as the panel's fate appears to be up in the air.
Harrison is just one of the four contenders left on the current season of "Idol." Because no one was eliminated last week, all four women had the chance to perform once again. Angie Miller kicked off the night with Rihanna's "Diamonds." Nicki Minaj, for one, wasn't blown away, telling the "Idol" hopeful, "It was bland, it was lackluster, you can do a lot better." Miller did a better job with her standard -- "Someone to Watch Over Me."
Amber Holcomb, meanwhile, got mixed reactions from the judges -- first with Pink's "Just Give Me a Reason," a lukewarm performance, according the panel. "That was not stellar," Jackson said. Also not stellar? Her rendition of the standard, "My Funny Valentine." Holcomb didn't take the critiques well, and noticeably fought back tears. Minaj, though, said, "You're a superstar, you have fans everywhere. No matter what happens tomorrow you have a lifetime ahead of you to make incredible moments in music, my darling."
The judges were impressed, though, by Candice Glover, who first sang Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man," resulting in a standing ovation. Minaj gave her a big thumbs up before adding, "I don't know if you lost weight, but baby girl, you look good." The accolades kept coming with Glover's rendition of "You've Changed." Jackson said, "Candice is in it to win it!"
Time will tell if that really is the case. The gals lucked out last week, all managing to stay alive in this competition. But that won't happen Thursday night, when one of the gals is sent packing.
Tell us: Who do you think will be eliminated next?
