Song choices soured some of these performances and the absence of Pia was disappointing. Here's the order of how the eight finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next month:
1. Casey Abrams
If he leaves tonight, he's going out with what he wanted to do. Passed up the producer-recommended Phil Collins to go with Nat King Cole. Intimate, delicate, incisive performance that left some people scratching their heads while others simply said "brilliant."
Odds of winning: 15-1
2. James Durbin
Great rock vocal that would make Sammy Hagar proud. Clearly, this kid puts his heart and soul into performing. Only downside was heavy reliance on band and audience. James — you only have two minutes to sing, so sing.
Odds of winning: 10-1
3. Stefano Langone (bottom 3)
Another terrific, dead-on effort. He's singing like this could be his last night, which is how you get it done. Sang with passion and is finding out how to connect. Not sure if he has the votes to avoid Bottom 3 again, but he doesn't deserve to be there.
Odds of winning: 25-1
4. Scotty McCreery
With Pia gone, this 17-year-old country phenom has a good chance to win the whole thing. Carrie Underwood paved the path for country stars emerging from Idol and there's no reason to think Scotty can't do the same. A star is indeed born.
Odds of winning: 5-1
5. Lauren Alaina
Really now, Miley Cyrus? Thought she did a good job with a campy song, but this did nothing to move her forward. Packs a powerful voice, for sure, and is building a loyal fan base. Thought the black dress was a little frumpy.
Odds of winning: 8-1
6. Jacob Lusk
Clay Aiken set the bar with this one ("Bridge Over Troubled Water"), so Jacob's task was tall. This is an intimate Simon and Garfunkel classic that needs time to build. Thought he turned this into something you'd hear at a gospel brunch.
Odds of winning: 25-1
7. Haley Reinhart (bottom 3)
Cute girl who's using a sultry persona to win votes. Blondie's "Call Me" is not a singer's song and she struggled with the vocal. Thought she was off-key at times and when she turned on the power it sounded more like a screech.
Odds of winning: 30-1
8. Paul McDonald (bye, bye)
When the Kenny Loggins-like singer leaves the show, he has two choices: Pitch teeth-whitening strips or Arizona iced tea. His cactus-style outfits overshadow the fact that he's out of his league here. Seems like a nice guy, but the end is near.
Odds of winning: 30-1
Wow. You picked that one perfectly, Dan.
Posted by: Karen | April 15, 2011 at 07:32 AM