Tonight, we find out if our two contestants have survived another grueling week in American Idol-dom, but for now we can enjoy last night’s performances from Heejun & Jessica. Since MJ’s BB always does a great job on the recaps, I’ve included the excerpts regarding the two singers. For the rest, please do check out her blog. It seems like Jessica knocked another one out of the park, and Heejun, while improved, still has some work to do.
“A Song For You” by Donnie Hathaway – After Jimmy and Steven called Heejun on not taking the competition seriously. Jimmy says Heejun came into rehearsal with a “spanking new attitude” and it was nothing but praise from Jimmy and Stevie. But the performance has its usual flaws—pitch problems, lack of breath control, garbled diction. Heejun has got some raw material to work with—a lovely gravelly tone. Plus, he sings with a ton of emotion–both pluses on for Heejun. But the entire group blew smoke up his ass this week. Stevie and Jimmy even indulged in some arm-chair psychology “Heejun is so sensitive…I think he was just putting up a front.” NO. He was giving his fans what HE thought THEY wanted! Only Randy would say that the performance “wasn’t perfect”. To say the least! A standing O? Really? Heejun could use some major constructive criticism, but the judges may not care for him enough. The judges spin the tale like they picked him for his buttery tone. Nope. It’s because he’s cute and lovable–like the adorable way he rattles off his numbers tonight. He is comic relief. As such, it’s time for him to go.
Sweet Dreams by Beyonce – Stevie thinks it’s brilliant that Jessica slowed the song down. Michael Orland tweeted that he arranged the song. There’s also a set with doors she walks dramatically through, like a surreal dream. Jessica did what Hollie should have done–or have somebody do for her—rearrange the song so there would be no comparisons to the original. There’s no doubt whatsoever that Jessica can sing. There’s nothing much to say about her performance. She’s pretty perfect. The judges compliment her for holding back. I guess only Erika gets the “you need to give us more” critique. Randy calls her a born star and declares “she’s in it to win it”.
a-Tunes 