[8:00] Here we go! Top 8! Songs from the year they were born. They cycle through the baby pictures of the judges. Paula and Simon cop out with pictures from 8+ years of age.
[8:05] Danny is singing “Stand By Me”. Performance seems safe but definitely has that soulful characteristic. Ending is far more impressive than the beginning. Randy didn’t like the arrangement but loved it anyway. Kara had the same feelings as Randy. All Paula can say is “Wow”.. and liked the arrangement. Simon thought it went from okay -> lazy -> terrible so overall “Great”.
Grade: B
[8:13] Kris up next.. talking about their first day off in two months in the last week. Apparently when he was little, he wanted to be a taxi cab driver. “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” from inside the pit w/ guitar. Judges seem bored.. and this seems like a safe performance.. it was mediocre. Kara says she liked the song pick but she thinks it was like homework for him.. Paula says he’s the most likable. Simon thought it was boring, indulgent, forgettable and that he came off as a guitarist wanting to sing.. and calls it a stupid song choice. Randy agrees and bashes the arrangement.. because he got drowned out by the instruments.
Grade: C
[8:19] Lil’ up next. Origin of her name – Lily.. pronounced “Leel”. “What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner. Girl has pipes… I cannot lie. Seems like a subpar performance… and safe…. for her. Paula compliments her attire.. but thought the band led her.. or something like that. Simon called it a 2nd/3rd rate Tina Turner… and thinks they’ve lost her. Randy doesn’t think she’s listening to them.
Grade: C-
[8:30] Anoop explains his outburst at Kara’s comments as out of character and out of passion. “True Colors”. Back to the soulful, slow song.. and it’s pretty good.. but the arrangement is okay. Super, super safe. Randy congratulates UNC and liked the vocal. Kara says he controlled the song. Paula loved song choice. Simon thought it was very good.. made the song original.. and says there’s no need to apologize.
Grade: B-
[8:39] Here we go with Scott. “The Search Is Over”.. with an electric guitar?! Starts off mediocre and goes downhill fast. All over the place with the notes to me. Kara commends him for taking on a difficult song.. calls it an okay performance.. some parts being overambitious. Paula – “Bravo”. Simon suggests he go back to the piano next week. Randy thought the problem that it was all okay.
Grade: D+
[8:45] Allison is up next! “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Terrible song choice.. you can’t make this song rock. It’s just impossible. I love her voice and it sines through here. Very good performance. I admire her trying to make it sound rock. Paula and Simon thought it was really good. Randy says Allison reminds him of Kelly Clarkson. Kara loved it.. for making an old song young.
Grade: A-
[8:54] Matt’s up! 1985! Stevie’s “Part Time Lover.” Good song choice! Nice riffs. Definitely a fantastic performance.. nice ending too. Randy thought it was one of the best vocally. Kara thought it was incredible. Simon thought it was a million times better than last week.
Grade: A
[9:01] Adam’s up… with 10 seconds left before the show is scheduled to end. 1982! Love the beginning of the song. The weird notes actually are bearable this week. Good riff. Dude can hit high notes… notes guys shouldn’t be able to hit. Simon gives him a standing ovation… he’s the only one to talk out of the four.
Grade: A-
First Impression Bottom 3
- Scott
- Lil’
- Anoop
