Country Fried Idol

The Top 9 contestants on American Idol 5 hit the stage this week singing songs from the world of Country music. As expected, most were well out of their comfort zone with this genre. Some embraced the challenge and came out on top, while others fell short of their potential. As was the case last week, the episode lacked an overall sense of excitement. With a group as talented and diverse as this (who received help from the great Kenny Rogers this week), the night, regardless of theme, should have been full of showstoppers. Instead, we got a string of mostly forgettable songs and performances.

Following is the It's Destiny! panel's take on the AI5 Finals Round 4: Country Music.

Taylor Hicks "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
Tammy: This is the most disconnected performance that I've ever seen from Taylor. He looked like he did not want to be on that stage, singing that song. He tried to add a bit of enthusiasm at the end, but the song choice absolutely did him in. I don't know who that was, but that was definitely not Taylor Hicks.
Score: 6.8
Liza: Yeah, I agree. The whole thing felt forced, and he was pretty lifeless up there. This was probably his worst performance to date.
Score: 6.75
Destiny: Sad to say, I agree. Taylor is capable of turning in a fantastic and memorable performance every week, yet he just hasn't been choosing songs that really allow him to do that. On top of the questionable song this week, he just didn't add any flair or energy to the performance. Step it up, Taylor. It's frustrating when someone is capable of greatness and just doesn't bother to utilize it.
Score: 6.5

Mandisa "Any Man of Mine"
Tammy: Again, Mandisa chooses a song that emphasizes the issues she has with her lower register. The performance seemed forced. Mandisa tried to 'do her thing', but the performance remained completely forgettable. I wish I could say the same for her blouse. Stylists, come on! Horizontal stripes are nobody's friend!
Score: 7.0
Liza: I like the fact that she went for a more up-tempo Country song rather than belting out a ballad because that would have been so easy and predictable and boring, but, yeah, her lower register is not her strong suit. I think the Ryan/Simon Desperate Housewives banter after her song helps contribute to the "forgettable"-ness of the performance.
Score: 7.5
Destiny: I'm with Tammy on being frustrated that Mandisa chose, yet again, a song that highlights her weak lower register. Why?! Why, when she has a beautiful strong belt voice, would she ever not sing the majority of a song in that voice? That being said, the fact that she has such a major flaw in her voice really weakens her standing in the competition, regardless of her song choice. Her charm and winning personality just aren't enough to compensate much longer. And, yes, the shirt was hideous.
Score: 6.5

Elliott Yamin "If Tomorrow Never Comes"
Tammy: Though the performance was fairly good vocally (aside from a bit of vibrato), Elliott appeared terrified tonight. Flushed and clutching the microphone with both hands, Elliott seemed to have caught the nerves that Ace had been showing the past few weeks. The audience shouldn't be wondering if you're going to pass out mid-performance, Elliott. Step it up, or step out.
Score: 7.2
Liza: I liked the vocals and the song but was not impressed by the delivery. I must say, though, that Elliott's Idol makeover is really starting to show. I liked the look tonight.
Score: 7.5
Destiny: I loved the vocals and the delivery of this song. Elliott is the best singer in this competition, and he is growing as a performer week to week. I loved the sincerity of his delivery, and he sounded fantastic. I would so buy this song by him today, as well as any recording he put out. Love it!
Score: 9.0

Paris Bennett "How Do I Live"
Tammy: Paris looked decidedly uncomfortable onstage tonight. As was the case with most of the performers this evening, she appeared completely lost when faced with singing a song outside of her element. Her vocals were nothing outstanding either. Would not be surprised to see her bottom-three bound.
Score: 7.3
Liza: Her vocals were nothing outstanding? That song requires a ridiculous amount of range - it goes up an octave and a half. And she nailed that high note on "How do I ever, ever survive" with authority and power. I've heard singers get swallowed whole by that note. Admittedly, her lower register wasn't as impressive, and the opening was shaky, but everything else was really good.
Score: 8.5
Destiny: I'm with Liza on this one. Paris' vocals were impressive on this difficult song. The girl is a beautiful singer, with a rich tone to her voice that is extremely appealing. To top it off, she looked adorable. Loved the hair, the outfit and the whole look. Love this girl!
Score: 9.0

Ace Young "Tonight I Wanna Cry"
Tammy: Ace had been free falling since his 'Father Figure' performance, but tonight's performance was his redemption. It was the best he's sang in weeks, though his falsetto continues to be an ill advised addition to whatever he sings. Falsetto is not your friend, Ace. Don't listen to them! There was no sign of the nerves that impaired Ace so visibly last week, and he gave a very good, subdued performance.
Score: 8.5
Liza: Wow. Who would've thunk that Ace would be the best of the night on Country night? That really was the perfect song choice for him, and I felt like he really connected with the song. Great delivery, very good vocals, save for the falsetto.
Score: 9.0
Destiny: I wouldn't say that there was no sign of nerves with Ace this week. While his hands were steady, there were a couple of shaky, nervous notes in there. However, I agree that this is Ace's best performance in a long time. I wish he'd step it up even more, though, because he's better than even this. It's frustrating to see him not live up to his full potential each week.
Score: 8.5

Kellie Pickler "Fancy"
Tammy: Though Kellie was better than many of her competitors (although that isn't saying much), she was capable of singing this song much better than she did tonight. This song was chosen to capture the 'sass' that is Kellie's strong suit, and she showed little of that. It's hard to compete with the original, but Kellie's wiggly eyebrows and head shakes do not a performance make.
Score: 7.7
Liza: Don't forget the pointing into the camera and squatting, Tammy. I agree with your assessment. Like last week, I thought Kellie didn't bring enough life into the song. She just stood there and sang for a good chunk of the song. But Country is definitely her niche, so, like Simon said, it wasn't a surprise that she did well tonight.
Score: 7.5
Destiny: I so disagree with both of you. I thought Kellie sounded fantastic on this song, perhaps the best vocal she's turned in yet on the show, and I found her performance strong to boot. I love this girl, her energy, and her personality. She's so fun! Seeing her interact with Kenny Rogers reminded me of Dolly Parton. And even remotely comparing someone to Dolly Parton is one of the biggest compliments I could give. This girl is something special.
Score: 9.0

Chris Daughtry "Making Memories Of Us"
Tammy: Chris decided to emphasize his vocals this week, which was a good idea after the screamy mess that was last week. The song suited Chris vocally, but was a bit boring. He managed to keep his vibrato under control, and delivered a nice, understated performance.
Score: 8.4
Liza: It's about time he stepped out of his Rock box. And he had nothing to worry about, either, because his ballad voice is lovely. The softer side of Chris is not a bad thing. I wish the man would smile every once in a while, though!
Score: 8.5
Destiny: Finally! Chris showed that he is capable of something different than his monotonous and forced 90s Rock voice that he's put on every song thus far in the competition. Bravo, Chris, for stepping out of your comfort zone and showing that you do have some versatility and at least some desire to play the American Idol game. He sounded really great, actually showing some color in his voice and delivery of the song. I much prefer this Chris to anything he's done thus far on the show, and my respect for him sure has risen. This versatility makes his almost-guaranteed winning of the competition much more palatable.
Score: 8.8

Katharine McPhee "Bringing Out the Elvis"
Tammy: Katharine's pageant-like delivery of her vocals continues to be her downfall. Though she appeared to be having fun singing the song, it wasn't nearly as much fun to listen to, as the high notes sounded a bit screechy. Another unfortunate song choice.
Score: 8.0
Liza: What WAS that song? All I heard was a repetitive "you're bringing out the Elvis in me". Were there other words in the song? Her performance was, all at the same time, sexy and sultry, as well as playful, but the song was just weird.
Score: 7.75
Destiny: I agree, Liza. It was sexy, sultry and playful all at the same time. Simon labeled Kellie as the minx of the season, but I think that title really belongs to Katharine. She sure played it up full throttle this week. It was nice to see her giving it everything she's got in order to avoid the near-elimination she faced last week. I liked it!
Score: 8.8

Bucky Covington "Best I Ever Had"
Tammy: Bucky gets the pimp spot this week and closes the show. Did he deliver? Yes. Though drowned out by the band, and a bit off-pitch at the beginning, Bucky seemed at home singing this song, and seemed the least nervous of the bunch. Also, the guy is so gosh darn likeable, it's hard to criticize him.
Score: 8.8
Liza: He really did look comfortable up there, didn't he? I loved the ending with the lighting and the look into the camera. He did a great job with the song - his best performance to date.
Score: 8.75
Destiny: Yep, this was Bucky's best performance to date. Although he doesn't "wow" you with greatness, he is so likeable that it gets him by. And that's not to say that he doesn't have a good voice, because he does. I think if he worked with the right producers, he could really become a hit in the Country world, because he has an awesome and unique tone to his voice that really should be highlighted more than it has. That being said, this was an excellent, mature song choice for Bucky, with its haunting melody and ironic lyrics.
Score: 8.8

Who Should Be Eliminated
Tammy: Mandisa
Liza: Taylor (based on tonight's performance only)
Destiny: Mandisa ( I can't believe I'm saying she should go before Bucky! But she just has too many vocal problems, no matter how likeable she is.)

Who Will Be Eliminated
Tammy: Mandisa
Liza: Mandisa
Destiny: Mandisa

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