Pbmom's Blog

Two of the acts that I was hoping would win left the competition last Thursday: Jennel Garcia and Lyric 145. I guess that America just wants to hear cover songs and nothing original anymore. The list of how the contestants placed based on their votes. From first place to 10th place: Tate Stevens, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Vino Alan, Emblem3, Cece Frey (that is a surprise), Fifth Harmony, Diamond White, Beatrice Miller, Arin Ray, and Paige Thomas. Tonight they are dedicating their songs to someone special in their lives for whom they are thankful.

Demi Lovato’s Young Adults

Contestant: Paige Thomas
Twitter @PaigeAva
Song: “Everytime” by Britney Spears, dedicated to Colleen who took her in after her mother died.

My thoughts: It was a strange song. The lyrics match more of what you might sing to someone who is no longer with her. “Notice me, take my hand, why are we strangers when our love is strong.” Just a confusing pick. Her enunciation was a bit better tonight, but again, it sounds at time like she is stumbling through the lyrics. It was also pitchy, like right under the note.

The judges: Since it was Britney’s song, they let her comment first. Britney thought it was beautiful. L.A. Reid thought it was not good enough tonight to get her out of the last-place spot. Simon said at moments she sang really well, but her voice was muffled. He thought she could be going home. Demi said it was pitchy but she let her emotions take over.

Paige Thomas

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Contestant: CeCe Frey (pronounced “fry” like “French fry” and not “fray”)
Twitter: @CeCeMissXToTheO
Song: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler dedicated to her sister Kelsey who died at a young age.

My thoughts: Her story was very touching. I like this emotional CeCe. The song was less pitchy than last week, although it was very pitchy at the beginning and the end. She had a tough time on the high note. I doubt she is going to be in the bottom because she will get the emotional vote. No one is going to vote off the person who had a sister with a disability.

The judges: LA Reid said her emotion was genuine. Britney said it was amazing. Simon said he hoped the public will keep her in the competition. Demi said she was proud, that she poured her heart and soul.

CeCe Frey

Britney Spears’ Teens

Contestant: Arin Ray
Twitter: @ArinRaySings
Song: “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias dedicated to his brother who was a father figure in his life.

My thoughts: Don’t laugh, but in the wide shot, the red curtains looked like red condoms. My husband actually pointed that out to me. It was rough in places but it was a huge improvement from last week. However, there was no challenge in the vocals. I still think he needs to stop trying to have a relationship backstage with Normani and concentrate on his performance. I think he will be going home on Thursday.

The judges: L.A. Reid said the song was too big, a tough one for him. He gave a good performance but not a 5-million-dollar performance. Demi said she was bored. Simon said he felt Arin was trapped in a cage. He said he thought he was not seeing from Arin on this show what Arin the performer would do in the real world.  Arin said he was not doing what he wanted to do.  He wanted to be able to dance.  Britney thought it was really good.

Arin Ray

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Contestant: Diamond White
Twitter: @DiamondKWhite
Song: “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion dedicated to her mom.

My thoughts: I’m calling BS on the story about her mom. She said she had a 50/50 chance of “making it through surgery for scoliosis.” Doubt it. All spinal surgery carries a risk of paralysis, but I think the 50/50 chance was that it would actually be of benefit to her. It does not carry any more increased risk of death other than any other surgery. Cardiac surgery has a higher risk of death. Now, if she had complications after the surgery, like blood clots, pulmonary embolus, coma, etc., then I could see that. People tend to remember things differently as time goes on and exaggerate their responses. One thing they teach you in medicine. If someone says they are exercising 5 days a week, usually it is less. If they say they are drinking 2 glasses of wine per week, it’s probably more. Anyway, back to Diamond’s performance, it started off weak and pitchy, but she worked it out. She did a good job on the high note. But, again, I get back to the fact that these songs all sound like covers (nothing original about them).

The judges: LA Reid said she had never had a moment like that. Demi was blown away. Simon said she was fearless and incredible. He believed the lyric. Britney said it was beautiful.

Diamond White

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Contestant: Beatrice Miller
Twitter: @BeatriceMiller
Song: “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol dedicated to her twin sisters who have had some challenges in their lives.

My thoughts: When Carly Rose sings, she sounds like an adult. When Beatrice sings, she sounds like a child. She is suffering from vocal strain. It was pitchy and not good. It was, however, better than last week. I don’t think she will be in trouble, although she will be towards the bottom of the list again.  I think, though, she might be great for the Disney Channel.

The judges: LA Reid said Britney had good taste. Demi said it is like she is singing the same song every week. She needed something different and fun. Simon said this song meant something to her and that this week was better than last week. Britney said it was her best performance so far.

Beatrice Miller

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Contestant: Carly Rose Sonenclar
Twitter: @CarlyRoseMusic
Song: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland dedicated to her brother who has always been there for her.

My thoughts: It was awesome. I had goosebumps. I think she may win this competition.

The judges: LA Reid said, “Wow girl.” She is a force of nature. Demi said it was amazing. Simon said he had heard more versions of that song over his career and that was one of the best versions of it. Britney said it was amazing.

Carly Rose Sonenclar

L.A. Reid’s Over 25’s

Contestant: Vino Alan
Twitter: @VinoAlan
Song: “God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood dedicated to our troops

My thoughts: Anyone who sings a patriotic song ensures they are going through the next week. Vino might get the #2 slot this week with that. I got chills. He did an excellent job.

The judges: He received a standing ovation. Britney said it was spot-on and amazing. Demi said there is something special about him. Simon said he could be seeing him at the #1 spot tomorrow (prior to Carly Rose singing). LA Reid was proud of him.

Vino Alan

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Contestant: Tate Stevens
Twitter: @TateStevensCtry
Song: “I’m Already There” by Lonestar dedicated to his father.

My thoughts: It was pitchy. His movements sometimes feel forced or manufactured, especially when he is trying to emphasize a lyric. Last run was good. This is a very personal song for me. I heard this song on the anniversary of my child’s death, and the chorus reminds me of what my son would want me to know–“I’m already there. Take a look around. I’m the sunshine in your hair. I’m the shadow on the ground. I’m the whisper in the wind, your imaginary friend. And I know I’m in your prayers. I’m already there.” The Lonestar version makes me cry every time I hear it; I did not get that from Tate tonight.

The judges: Britney said LA is doing a great job. Demi said it was not his best performance but it was incredible. Simon said he loves the song and story, but it was not as confident. LA Reid said America loves you.

Tate Stevens

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Simon Cowell’s Groups

Contestant: Formerly LYLAS, then 1432, which meant “I Love You Too” , and now “Fifth Harmony”
Twitter:
Song: “I’ll Stand By You” by Pretenders dedicated to God

My thoughts: Choirs always make you sound better. It was average. There was nothing that blew me away. I do like their genuine friendship that you can see between them on stage. No one dedicates a song to God and goes home either.

The judges: LA Reid said that was great. Britney said it was touching and beautiful and bravo. Demi said she was not crazy about the song choice but they made it beautiful. Simon said the competition would not be the same without them.

Fifth Harmony

* * * * * * * * * *
Contestant: Emblem3
Twitter: @EmblemThree
Song: “Secrets” by One Republic dedicated to their youth leaders who inspired them.

My thoughts: It was horrible at first but it sounded better later. I still like them. They might be the only original sound left in the competition.

The judges: LA Reid said it lacked emotion. Britney said it was well done. Demi said it was a great change of pace and they had more emotion. Simon said it was fantastic and they were such a pleasure to work with.

Emblem3

My picks for going home

The bottom two will be Arin Ray and Paige Thomas.  However, I think they are going to pull something about not sending anyone home since it is Thanksgiving Day.

Who are your picks to leave tonight?