Summary
"American Idol" - Top 12 Male Semifinalists - Feb. 24, 2010
Randy tells the boys to bring it, Kara tells them to manage their nerves, Ellen says it's totally different in the studio then on TV, that if you sound bad there it's worse at home, and Simon also tells them to manage their nerves and remember their words.
Contestant #1:Todrick Hall, 24, writer-actor-dancer. He thinks his defining moment was his original song at the audition.
Song: "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson
Performance: He slows it down and roughs it up a bit and brings some smooth soul to it. It's a better start than last night for sure. I don't love the arrangement but he moves well.
Ellen: Thinks he has great stage presence but didn't think the singing was the greatest on the chorus.
Randy: Thinks he's mad talented but didn't think taking the song and totally changing it was the best idea.
Kara: Agrees with Randy about the arrangement but thinks he's a great performer but liked that he took a risk.
Simon: Thinks he came over as a dancer trying to sing as opposed to a singer who can dance and that he murdered the song with the arrangement.
Todrick also wondered if he was going too far with what he says was his original spin and Kara applauds his creativity.
Contestant #2: Aaron Kelly, 16, high school student. He thinks his defining moment was his final performance where he forgot his lyrics but recovered.
Song: "Here Come Goodbye," Rascal Flatts
Performance:The song suits his voice well. There are a couple of tough notes but he's nicely poised.
Simon: Thought it was quite good for a first performance. He tells him to have more confidence and control.
Kara: He's Kara's favorite kind of contestant since he doesn't realize how good he is naturally. She likes the pop-country lane for him.
Randy: He was worried and says there were a couple of pitchy moments but he's a fan of his big voice.
Ellen: Says "ditto to all that" and thinks he's going to be here a longtime and likes how humble he is.
Contestant #3:Jermaine Sellers, 27, church singer. He revisits his problematic final performance of "Man in the Mirror."
Song: "Get Here," Oleta Adams
Performance: It's soft and tender and very close to the original, although he takes some workable detours with the melody. He seems likable but it gets rough in the high parts, but he commits to them, maybe too much, and shows a sense of dynamics.
Ellen: Is a huge fan and likes his look but felt like he was performing not feeling and that he was pushing too hard vocally.
Randy: Thought it was a weird choice and too old and wants him to go more current with Maxwell or Ne-Yo and to go more with the melody.
Kara: Thinks he wanted to show everyone what he can do but thinks the runs should be more meaningful.
Simon: Agrees with the too old criticism and thinks he was screaming in the middle. He thinks he blew his chance.
He talks about the hell of Hollywood and how he was made to look like a diva. He hugs Michael Orland, a coach and member of the band who Jermaine threw under the bus.
Contestant #4:Tim Urban, 20, he doesn't tell us what he does. He's the one who replaced Chris Golightly who was cut over contract reasons and we see him getting cut at final judgement and then producer Ken Warwick placing the fateful phone call.
Song: "Apologize," OneRepublic
Performance: He seems nervous and has trouble power-wise hitting the falsetto notes and a tangles a bit with the vocal rhythms. It's not a very memorable performance.
Simon: Congratulates him for coming back but thinks they made the right decision for not putting him through the first time because he thought the whole thing was weak and his voice is not good enough. If he makes it through it will be because people feel sorry for him and he's cute.
Kara: Says the music overpowered him and he was better with his acoustic guitar. She hopes he makes it through.
Randy: Thinks it was the wrong song and that he's better than that.
Ellen: Thinks it's smart to choose a popular song but he couldn't hit the notes but he is adorable and will get votes but he needs to step it up.
He agrees it was probably the wrong song and it was a last minute switch but he can bring something unique.
Contestant #5:Joe Munoz, 20, student. He recalls having trouble playing his guitar in Hollywood week but he got better.
Song: "You and I," Jason Mraz
Performance: Another light one. He sounds fine, strong in places, a bit shaky in others. It's nice enough, he's got good tone and a nice smile, but again not super-memorable.
Ellen Thought he was comfortable and it was good.
Randy: Didn't love the song choice but he worked it out.
Kara: She liked the song choice and thought he was the best, most consistent, so far.
Simon: He kind of agrees but thought it was safe and forgettable, he doesn't feel he showed star potential.
Contestant #6:Tyler Grady, 20, student. He's the designated "retro rocker." He felt a connection with Kara and Posh. He wants to earn his spot on the stage.
Song:"American Woman," Grand Funk Railroad
Performance: I don't like the spare blues open at all, don't mess with that riff, man. And there it is. The singing feels very shouty and karaoke to me.
Simon: Thinks it was memorably partly for the wrong reasons since it seems like he went to "pretend to be rock star school." He says he needs to pay more attention to the vocals.
Kara: She wants him to add something original to his '70s obsession.
Randy: Agrees it was style over substance and it's time to change the game.
Ellen: Thinks he's got the poses but lacks the charisma from the actual stars of the '70s.
Contestant #7:Lee DeWyze, 23, paint sales clerk. He was glad to be able to play his guitar in Hollywood.
Song: "Chasing Cars," Snow Patrol
Performance: Yikes, it's yet another slow sensitive one. The beginnng is kind of a yawn but he leans into the higher part. He leans a little too far though and hits some clunkers, especially on ends of phrases.
Ellen: Thought it was a good song choice and liked his tone but thought he got a bit shouty.
Randy: Didn't like the song for him, not rocking enough for him although he's a fan of his voice. He suggests something more like David Cook or Kings of Leon.
Kara: Also didn't like the song or the way he changed it. She suggests Bad Company.
Simon: Thought it was the best performance by far and that he's a naturally good singer. He says ignore Bad Company and do something unexpected instead.
Contestant #8:John Park, 21, student. His best moment was Shania Twain loving him. He says he would propose to her.
Song: "God Bless the Child," a standard sung by many
Performance: Oh it starts shaky, he seems nervous. I like his tone but unless you have crazy charisma it's hard to sell a song this slow. He definitely improves as it goes along and it ends really well.
Simon: Thinks you have to have an incredible voice to do that song and John doesn't in his opinion. He thought it was pointless and unemotional.
Kara: Agrees that there was no connection and it was kind of lounge-y and sleepy.
Randy: Thought the song choice was bad but that he definitely has a voice.
Ellen: Agrees it was a bad choice, especially for young girls. She thought he sounded great though and wants people to vote for him.
He says that song is really important to him because of his parents.
Contestant #9:Michael Lynche, 26, personal trainer. We get a recap of his baby drama during Hollywood.
Song: "This Love," Maroon 5
Performance: He's got his acoustic. It's nice to hear some rhythm finally and he sounds pretty good but there's not a lot of range to the song so there isn't much room to show off so consequently it's just good, not amazing. He's got great pitch though.
Ellen: Loves his radiant personality and his song choice.
Randy: Likes him and his persona but tells that he hurt him when he picked him up in Hollywood week.
Kara: Thinks it wasn't outrageously great but good and he needs to challenge himself.
Simon: He says it was a vague, jazzy version and he can't coast on his personality and he thinks he's better than that.
Contestant #10:Alex Lambert, 19, high school student. He thinks his defining moment was the bad group performance and bossy Mary.
Song: "Wonderful World," James Morrison
Performance: Oh my, the hair must get cut. He sings about not belonging and his nerves seem to be making the lyrics true. There are good parts and he's got an interesting raspy voice but it feels awkward and tentative.
Simon: Says it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night. He thinks he's got a good voice but he has to manage his nerves.
Kara: Wants to hug him. Compliments him that he sounds like James Morrison and says he's got great potential. Tells him to believe in himself.
Randy: Agrees that he has a great tone and he hopes he sticks around.
Ellen: Supports his mullet and agrees he has a great voice. She thinks he's not ripe enough yet.
Contestant #11:Casey James, 27, musician. He recalls his first audition where Kara made him take his shirt off.
Song:"Heaven," Bryan Adams
Performance:Armed with his acoustic he does a, you guessed it, a tender ballad. The song is of course guilty pleasure pop. He sounds good, both pitch and power-wise, but is oddly too smily for me. It's totally adequate and earnest but not particularly dynamic.
Kara: Jokes that she doesn't recognize him with his shirt on. She thought it was pitchy, maybe in places. They need to stop going down this road. Seriously she says he's not only eye candy but he's also ear candy but he's got heart and soul.
Randy: Likes him and the song choice and his voice.
Ellen: Thought he sounded great and is judge-proof.
Simon: Liked the song and thought it was sincere and likable but thinks it was his best performance to date.
Contestant #12:Andrew Garcia, 24, musician and stay-at-home dad. His defining moment was final judgement which was very emotional.
Song: "Sugar, We're Going Down," Fall Out Boy
Performance: He starts off acoustic and this song is perfect for his voice. He's pretty great. The song never really rocks out though which is a bummer and saps it of some of its potential drama.
Simon: Was looking forward to hearing him the most but was disappointed because it was too serious, indulgent, and not original enough like his "Straight Up" in Hollywood.
Kara: Thinks he took a risk but thought it was a strange rendition.
Randy: Also hated the arrangement but is a fan of his and "Straight Up."
Ellen: Is also a fan but liked when he opened up when he looked at his wife/girlfriend.
Directed : Unknown
Written : Unknown
Stars : Simon Cowell Mark Thompson Ryan Seacrest Randy Jackson
Genres : Music Documentary Game-Show Reality-TV
Release date : Feb 23, 2010
Countries of origin : United States
Official sites : ABC American Idol
Language : English
Filming locations : Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, California, USA
Production companies : Fremantle FremantleMedia 19 Television
Summary
"American Idol" - Top 12 Male Semifinalists - Feb. 24, 2010
Randy tells the boys to bring it, Kara tells them to manage their nerves, Ellen says it's totally different in the studio then on TV, that if you sound bad there it's worse at home, and Simon also tells them to manage their nerves and remember their words.
Contestant #1:Todrick Hall, 24, writer-actor-dancer. He thinks his defining moment was his original song at the audition.
Song: "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson
Performance: He slows it down and roughs it up a bit and brings some smooth soul to it. It's a better start than last night for sure. I don't love the arrangement but he moves well.
Ellen: Thinks he has great stage presence but didn't think the singing was the greatest on the chorus.
Randy: Thinks he's mad talented but didn't think taking the song and totally changing it was the best idea.
Kara: Agrees with Randy about the arrangement but thinks he's a great performer but liked that he took a risk.
Simon: Thinks he came over as a dancer trying to sing as opposed to a singer who can dance and that he murdered the song with the arrangement.
Todrick also wondered if he was going too far with what he says was his original spin and Kara applauds his creativity.
Contestant #2: Aaron Kelly, 16, high school student. He thinks his defining moment was his final performance where he forgot his lyrics but recovered.
Song: "Here Come Goodbye," Rascal Flatts
Performance:The song suits his voice well. There are a couple of tough notes but he's nicely poised.
Simon: Thought it was quite good for a first performance. He tells him to have more confidence and control.
Kara: He's Kara's favorite kind of contestant since he doesn't realize how good he is naturally. She likes the pop-country lane for him.
Randy: He was worried and says there were a couple of pitchy moments but he's a fan of his big voice.
Ellen: Says "ditto to all that" and thinks he's going to be here a longtime and likes how humble he is.
Contestant #3:Jermaine Sellers, 27, church singer. He revisits his problematic final performance of "Man in the Mirror."
Song: "Get Here," Oleta Adams
Performance: It's soft and tender and very close to the original, although he takes some workable detours with the melody. He seems likable but it gets rough in the high parts, but he commits to them, maybe too much, and shows a sense of dynamics.
Ellen: Is a huge fan and likes his look but felt like he was performing not feeling and that he was pushing too hard vocally.
Randy: Thought it was a weird choice and too old and wants him to go more current with Maxwell or Ne-Yo and to go more with the melody.
Kara: Thinks he wanted to show everyone what he can do but thinks the runs should be more meaningful.
Simon: Agrees with the too old criticism and thinks he was screaming in the middle. He thinks he blew his chance.
He talks about the hell of Hollywood and how he was made to look like a diva. He hugs Michael Orland, a coach and member of the band who Jermaine threw under the bus.
Contestant #4:Tim Urban, 20, he doesn't tell us what he does. He's the one who replaced Chris Golightly who was cut over contract reasons and we see him getting cut at final judgement and then producer Ken Warwick placing the fateful phone call.
Song: "Apologize," OneRepublic
Performance: He seems nervous and has trouble power-wise hitting the falsetto notes and a tangles a bit with the vocal rhythms. It's not a very memorable performance.
Simon: Congratulates him for coming back but thinks they made the right decision for not putting him through the first time because he thought the whole thing was weak and his voice is not good enough. If he makes it through it will be because people feel sorry for him and he's cute.
Kara: Says the music overpowered him and he was better with his acoustic guitar. She hopes he makes it through.
Randy: Thinks it was the wrong song and that he's better than that.
Ellen: Thinks it's smart to choose a popular song but he couldn't hit the notes but he is adorable and will get votes but he needs to step it up.
He agrees it was probably the wrong song and it was a last minute switch but he can bring something unique.
Contestant #5:Joe Munoz, 20, student. He recalls having trouble playing his guitar in Hollywood week but he got better.
Song: "You and I," Jason Mraz
Performance: Another light one. He sounds fine, strong in places, a bit shaky in others. It's nice enough, he's got good tone and a nice smile, but again not super-memorable.
Ellen Thought he was comfortable and it was good.
Randy: Didn't love the song choice but he worked it out.
Kara: She liked the song choice and thought he was the best, most consistent, so far.
Simon: He kind of agrees but thought it was safe and forgettable, he doesn't feel he showed star potential.
Contestant #6:Tyler Grady, 20, student. He's the designated "retro rocker." He felt a connection with Kara and Posh. He wants to earn his spot on the stage.
Song:"American Woman," Grand Funk Railroad
Performance: I don't like the spare blues open at all, don't mess with that riff, man. And there it is. The singing feels very shouty and karaoke to me.
Simon: Thinks it was memorably partly for the wrong reasons since it seems like he went to "pretend to be rock star school." He says he needs to pay more attention to the vocals.
Kara: She wants him to add something original to his '70s obsession.
Randy: Agrees it was style over substance and it's time to change the game.
Ellen: Thinks he's got the poses but lacks the charisma from the actual stars of the '70s.
Contestant #7:Lee DeWyze, 23, paint sales clerk. He was glad to be able to play his guitar in Hollywood.
Song: "Chasing Cars," Snow Patrol
Performance: Yikes, it's yet another slow sensitive one. The beginnng is kind of a yawn but he leans into the higher part. He leans a little too far though and hits some clunkers, especially on ends of phrases.
Ellen: Thought it was a good song choice and liked his tone but thought he got a bit shouty.
Randy: Didn't like the song for him, not rocking enough for him although he's a fan of his voice. He suggests something more like David Cook or Kings of Leon.
Kara: Also didn't like the song or the way he changed it. She suggests Bad Company.
Simon: Thought it was the best performance by far and that he's a naturally good singer. He says ignore Bad Company and do something unexpected instead.
Contestant #8:John Park, 21, student. His best moment was Shania Twain loving him. He says he would propose to her.
Song: "God Bless the Child," a standard sung by many
Performance: Oh it starts shaky, he seems nervous. I like his tone but unless you have crazy charisma it's hard to sell a song this slow. He definitely improves as it goes along and it ends really well.
Simon: Thinks you have to have an incredible voice to do that song and John doesn't in his opinion. He thought it was pointless and unemotional.
Kara: Agrees that there was no connection and it was kind of lounge-y and sleepy.
Randy: Thought the song choice was bad but that he definitely has a voice.
Ellen: Agrees it was a bad choice, especially for young girls. She thought he sounded great though and wants people to vote for him.
He says that song is really important to him because of his parents.
Contestant #9:Michael Lynche, 26, personal trainer. We get a recap of his baby drama during Hollywood.
Song: "This Love," Maroon 5
Performance: He's got his acoustic. It's nice to hear some rhythm finally and he sounds pretty good but there's not a lot of range to the song so there isn't much room to show off so consequently it's just good, not amazing. He's got great pitch though.
Ellen: Loves his radiant personality and his song choice.
Randy: Likes him and his persona but tells that he hurt him when he picked him up in Hollywood week.
Kara: Thinks it wasn't outrageously great but good and he needs to challenge himself.
Simon: He says it was a vague, jazzy version and he can't coast on his personality and he thinks he's better than that.
Contestant #10:Alex Lambert, 19, high school student. He thinks his defining moment was the bad group performance and bossy Mary.
Song: "Wonderful World," James Morrison
Performance: Oh my, the hair must get cut. He sings about not belonging and his nerves seem to be making the lyrics true. There are good parts and he's got an interesting raspy voice but it feels awkward and tentative.
Simon: Says it was the most uncomfortable performance of the night. He thinks he's got a good voice but he has to manage his nerves.
Kara: Wants to hug him. Compliments him that he sounds like James Morrison and says he's got great potential. Tells him to believe in himself.
Randy: Agrees that he has a great tone and he hopes he sticks around.
Ellen: Supports his mullet and agrees he has a great voice. She thinks he's not ripe enough yet.
Contestant #11:Casey James, 27, musician. He recalls his first audition where Kara made him take his shirt off.
Song:"Heaven," Bryan Adams
Performance:Armed with his acoustic he does a, you guessed it, a tender ballad. The song is of course guilty pleasure pop. He sounds good, both pitch and power-wise, but is oddly too smily for me. It's totally adequate and earnest but not particularly dynamic.
Kara: Jokes that she doesn't recognize him with his shirt on. She thought it was pitchy, maybe in places. They need to stop going down this road. Seriously she says he's not only eye candy but he's also ear candy but he's got heart and soul.
Randy: Likes him and the song choice and his voice.
Ellen: Thought he sounded great and is judge-proof.
Simon: Liked the song and thought it was sincere and likable but thinks it was his best performance to date.
Contestant #12:Andrew Garcia, 24, musician and stay-at-home dad. His defining moment was final judgement which was very emotional.
Song: "Sugar, We're Going Down," Fall Out Boy
Performance: He starts off acoustic and this song is perfect for his voice. He's pretty great. The song never really rocks out though which is a bummer and saps it of some of its potential drama.
Simon: Was looking forward to hearing him the most but was disappointed because it was too serious, indulgent, and not original enough like his "Straight Up" in Hollywood.
Kara: Thinks he took a risk but thought it was a strange rendition.
Randy: Also hated the arrangement but is a fan of his and "Straight Up."
Ellen: Is also a fan but liked when he opened up when he looked at his wife/girlfriend.
Genres : Music Documentary Game-Show Reality-TV
Release date : Feb 23, 2010
Countries of origin : United States
Official sites : ABC American Idol
Language : English
Filming locations : Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, California, USA
Production companies : Fremantle FremantleMedia 19 Television
