American Idol 2011 & The Wild Card

Last night the new judges used the wild card to save Casey Abrams. The poor young man looked ill as he was about to sing for his “life”, his chance to save himself on the show. The judges surprised everyone, told him to stop, as he started singing, everyone including Casey, didn’t know what to expect, and the judges told the lucky young man, “No, no, do not sing, we already know you, we think America got it wrong, we unanimously agree you are talented and want you here on American Idol.” Casey was so stunned, he was shaking, and absolutely looked sick to his stomach, he never expected to be saved and be the 11th to go on the summer tour. It was a fabulous and heartwarming moment.

The show was star-studded and felt more like a season finale than a regular show. With guest appearances of Stevie Wonder, Marc Anthony, Hulk Hogan and Jennifer Hudson it was a thrill a minute.The boys, especially James Durbin, loves wrestling, so as they showed a clip of the kids fooling around in the mansion, it was fitting that the Wrestling Super Star Hulk Hogan made a surprise guest appearance instead of the boys being eliminated!

Stevie Wonder made his appearance for Steven Tyler’s Birthday and sang an abbreviated Happy Birthday song as they brought out a Peter Max portrait of Steven Tyler with a birthday cake. He seemed very touched, saying he was speechless, which couldn’t happen often.

I am enjoying the season, but just like Stefano Langone and Pia Toscano can’t connect with the audience, I feel the disconnect. I think many of the singers are very talented, I’m just missing the personal connection with any of the contestants this year. I don’t know if it’s because they’ve made it more an abbreviated season, or it seems that way to me, or if I’ve spent to much of myself getting to know the new judges and I’ve gotten emotionally attached to both Steven and Jennifer. But unfortunately, I feel no love for any special singer this year. I appreciate the talent of Pia, but I don’t care if she wins. I think James is talented, and has shown amazing strength to overcome Asperger’s disease to sing as he does, but his high screechy note grates on my nerves after a while. I think Scotty McCreery has a wonderfully professional ready country voice, it’s just country isn’t my cup o’ tea. I like Stefano, but again, I’m not feeling him, Dog. I want him to keep his damn eyes open, and yes really, sing the song with heart. Ditto, with the heart in it for Pia. Thia needs some seasoning. She has a beautiful voice, she just doesn’t have a style, and Hollywood would eat the little girl alive. Casey does have to stop his growling and go back to SINGing and be the great musician he is. The judges have been pretty much spot on! I just haven’t bonded with anyone. Naima Adadeyo did her best job the last time, the Motown song with her African dance. She was very, very good, with no pitch problems, if she can keep it up, maybe she’ll be a contender. Haley Reinhart & Paul McDonald sing ok they just don’t do it for me. I can’t figure out Paul. I’m not sure if I like his spastic movements and sometimes I like his voice, but don’t think I’d listen to more than one song of his on the radio. Haley tries to drip sexuality and I think she tries too hard. Her voice is real good, but her growl can be too much at times. There is no consistency and she’s not comfortable in her own skin performing before people. As for Lauren Alaina she’s real cute, she’s just a little rough around the edges and she’s not consistent either. I think she needs a little more time, too. She’s very young. So, it’s still anyone’s game…maybe someone will pique my interest in the future. Who’s your favorite?

(C) Written by Evelyn Garone 3/2011