I like the idea of American Idol duets with past contestants. It’s taking a page out of the So You Think You Can Dance all-star playbook. But I wish they had waited a little later in the season to introduce these Idol all-stars. Last night proved that the contestants are just finding their footing and I’m not sure duets with well established, incredible singers will help their growth more than overshadow them. But let’s hope I’m wrong!
As I always do, I’ll rate each song on a scale of 0-5 along with a short blurb and then pick my favorite and least favorite performances of the night. For this special episode, my star ratings will reflect the contestants more than the duet as a whole.
Emily Brooke & Lauren Alaina (“Flat On The Floor” by Carrie Underwood) - * * *
I forgot how much I like Lauren Alaina, a powerhouse vocalist who’s (even as an all-star) only 21. But my worry about overshadowing proved valid as, ultimately, the performance felt like Lauren invited her kid sister to sing alongside her. The silver lining was that Emily’s vocals were much more in tune than her previous effort.
Thomas Stringfellow & Nick Fradiani (“Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson) - * * ½
“Man In The Mirror” is a terrific song but not one particularly suited to either Nick or Thomas. There was less vocal affectation here, but this was terribly white bread bland.
Stephany Negrete & Ruben Studdard (“Superstar” by The Carpenters) - * * * *
We tend to forget how amazing of a technical singer Ruben is since he’s not the most relevant of Idol winners. Stephany blended really nicely with Ruben’s melted-chocolate voice. While there’s still a plasticity to Stephany, she’s getting better each and every time.
Sonika Vaid & Caleb Johnson (“Skyfall” by Adele) - * * * ½
Last night, Sonika displayed a pitchy, feathery voice that was sweet but unsatisfying. Her vocals were more assured in the duet round, but that was just the wrong kind of song for Sonika. She’s more Sarah McLachlan than Adele, more introspective and quiet than big and theatrical. They sounded nice together, actually, but Caleb was definitely doing the heavy lifting.
Jenna Renae & Scotty McCreery (“My Church” by Maren Morris) - * * *
More than most others so far, the pairing of Jenna and Scotty feels organic and relevant. Their chemistry was great and brought a fun, even goofy quality that was missing from some of the super-serious performances. I’m not sure what to say here. It was fine. I enjoyed it. But I’m not going to remember it by the end of the show.
La’Porsha Renae & Fantasia (“Suppertime” from Porgy & Bess) - * * * * ½
I distinctly remember Fantasia blowing America away the first time she sang “Suppertime” back when she had a last name. You just knew Fantasia was destined to be a huge star. (If you doubt that, listen here). The same goes for La’Porsha who just radiates star power and was able to go toe-to-toe vocally with one of the best singers Idol’s even churned out. Nicely done, ladies.
Mackenzie Bourg & Lauren Alaina (“I Hope You Dance” by Lee Anne Womack) - * * * *
Lauren is right, the overdone “I Hope You Dance” isn’t in Mackenzie’s wheelhouse and it’s smack-dab in the middle of Lauren’s. But the good news is that Mackenzie showed the vocal range lacking in last night’s more lyrical “Say Something.” This won’t be a Mackenzie performance we’ll remember come the finale but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still around in April.
Gianna Isabella & Nick Fradiani (“Beautiful Life” by Nick Fradiani) - * * *
Where Gianna shined last night, her light was a bit dimmed next to Nick Fradiani. That is a bit odd as Nick isn’t the most charismatic of Idol winners. But it wasn’t just the charisma: Gianna struggled with the harmonies and sang the song with a pageant-y smile plastered on her face.
Avalon Young & Ruben Studdard (“Flying Without Wings” by Westlife) - * * * *
It’s tough to sing Ruben’s signature tune next to the original Velvet Teddy Bear himself. So I can’t really fault Avalon for feeling more like Ruben’s glorified back-up singer than a real duet partner. But Avalon is a very talented singer with a good stage presence, just not quite defined enough to go toe-to-toe with Ruben.
James VIII & Caleb Johnson (“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones) - * * * ½
James definitely felt more at home doing an all-out rock song with Caleb beside him. They really make a great pair and James’ guitar skills are becoming clearer. But if I were just tuning in, I’d guess it was Caleb singing with the guitarist in his band. That’s not an insult as much as a note to where James might fit in best within the music industry.
Janeve Rose Mitchell & Scotty McCreery (“Gone” by Montgomery Gentry) - * * * *
What I love most about Janeve is that, at such a young age, she feels so comfortable in her own skin and so unique. Unlike the last few contestants, Janeve totally stood up to Scotty. Was it the best vocal performance? No. But it showed a lot of personality and chutzpah. At this point, that’s almost equally as important.
Jordan Sasser & Fantasia (“I Believe” by Fantasia) - * * *
Jordan had a pretty disastrous outing yesterday. His reedy, emotional voice was in better form tonight but I’m not sure he did enough to redeem himself. (A solid five stars for Fantasia, though).
Best of the night: La’Porsha (again)
Worst of the night: Emily (again)
Who got sent home: Jordan, Stephany, James, Emily, Jenna
Who should have gotten sent home: Jordan, Thomas, James, Emily, Jenna,