"America Idol" 4 vie for the top 3
The other treat for the quartet of contestants remaining was having Lady Gaga join Jimmy Iovine as mentor of the week.
James Durbin was first up, performing a song that inspired him, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." It sounded just like the original Steve Perry vocals. Judge JLo said, "Great job, great song, great performance." Randy Jackson, who played bass with Journey, said he took on a high degree of difficulty and succeeded.
Haley Reinhart's first song choice was Michael Jackson's memorable "Earth Song." Unlike Durbin, who did a great imitation of Steve Perry, Haley tried to make the MJ song her own. But, JLo and Randy didn't like the song choice. "The song doesn't suit you or fit you," Randy said. "I thought you were screaming the same note over and over." The third judge, Steven Tyler, had the last word: "They're both wrong," he said.
Scotty McCreery picked what "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest called an "emotional anthem"--"Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning" by Alan Jackson. It was pure country and Scotty showed some emotion, and like a star in the making said the song "speaks to the entire country."
"Dude, I thought it was the perfect song choice," Randy said, adding that he could be a superstar. JLo kvelled, "I'm in love with you, what you stand for and what you bring to your music....it's the mark of somebody who was really meant to do this."
Lauren Alaina's inspirational song choice was Martina McBride's "Anyway," and she gave it everything. She wasin the bottom two last week, and criticized by the judges for her performances. But this week, she was praised. "You broke my heart. That was the most beautiful thing," Steven said. He also cryptically compared her performance to a "blue plate special." JLo applauded Lauren's comeback, calling it a great vocal performance, and Randy said, "Lauren is back, and in it to win it."
In round two, performing the Leiber and Stoller songs, Haley started off the action with "I Who Have Nothing." "How do you feel about getting a little psycho," Lady Gaga asked Haley, hoping she would spice up her performance with more vocal drama. In contrast to the reception of her first performance of the night, she got a standing ovation from all three judges. JLo said, "This is why we can't take it easy on you....one of the best performances of the year." Randy said, "You had a moment that put you in it to win it." "You just 'Reinharted' yourself into the middle of next week," Steven said.
Scotty chose "Youngblood," made famous by the Coasters in 1957. Lady Gaga advised Scotty to make love to the microphone after a fashion. She found him more conservative than she imagined, and wanted to open him up a little bit. Truly an odd couple. Randy described Scotty as a "seasoned professional," showing a humorous side of himself. "You made Gaga's yaya go lala," Steven said.
Lauren went down the Elvis path with "Trouble," which includes the lyrics "Because I'm evil, my middle name is misery, Well I'm evil, so don't you mess around with me." Jimmy said that Gaga was the best person to discuss how to handle the word "evil" with 16-year-old Lauren. "We saw some maturity in you that we haven't seen before. It was sexy and I loved it," JLo said, noting that she was on that attack.
The show closed with James singing a hard rock version of "Love Potion No. 9." Lady Gaga wanted James to move his hips more, in Elvis fashion, but he wasn't into it. Instead he move in voice all over the place. "You are now what I love about sports--you are peaking at the right moment," Randy said. JLo said, "That showed me that you can sing anything. I wasn't sure about that song for you," JLo said. She was thinking more "Jailhouse Rock."
It's not an easy call on who among the quartet of Idols will be knocked out of the competition. They all has some good moments Wednesday night. Now it's up to the voters. Coming up in Thursday's elimination round, Lady Gaga, Steven Tyler and other pros will take the stage as the the "Idol" 4 await their fate.
Pictures: "American Idol" Season 10
Special section: "American Idol"
