Pbmom's Blog

Yes I’m two days behind. I have no clue at this point as I am typing this as to who is going home (watching on the DVR). This season is really great with these talented contestants, so I really did want to write something, but likely an abbreviated version. Writing blogs is my hobby; I have a real full-time job, a child with a disability and this week a norovirus (not confirmed by lab tests but it fits the profile) hit our house. Sometimes life just gets in the way.

Two themes: Songs from Burt Bacharach and Hal David. And the second are “songs the contestants had actually wished they had written.”

Angie Miller

Song 1: “Anyone Who Had a Heart” by Dionne Warwick

A bit pitchy again. I think she is at her best at her piano. The song choice was boring for me and making me sleepy. She looks terrific but her song choice is not going well.

Keith points out that he doesn’t hear singing the passion and I think his point is valid. She has not had much experience in that department, and many times I think she is pretending (that is “acting” like an actor who also does not have much experience. It will come as she ages and I think her album should be Christian contemporary, like Colton, because that is where I see her shine and where she moves me as a singer.

Song 2: “Love Came Down” by Kari Jobe

It is risky doing an unfamiliar song. I had not heard of it. This was better than the first one. This has a contemporary Christian feel to it and she did great. The judges loved it.

Angie Miller

Amber Holcomb

Song 1: “I Say A Little Prayer” by Dionne Warwick

It was good. The very low notes were difficult for her (she was slightly flat there). Again another sleeper song until the ending. She did put her own spin on it which was good.

The judges loved it (to the point Nicki declared her her new favorite).

Song 2: “Love On Top” by Beyonce

Liked how she used the backup singers at the beginning. She looks like a pop star. I thought this song was better than the first and on some of the noted I did feel like it was Whitney. At the end it got slightly pitchy but it was nice to have an up-tempo song. Judges loved it too.

Amber Holcomb

Lazaro Arbos

Song 1: “Close to You” by The Carpenters

No comment. No, I will comment because in this blog I am already irrelevant so it does not matter. It won’t churn votes for him because I have criticized. It was horrendous. Lazaro, dear one, you are a good guy but this song was hardly ever in key. The judges agree with me. Mariah–condense! Tell him all this after the show. The other two judges want to speak.

Song 2: “Angels” by Robbie Williams

The beginning was rough. His lower register needs a LOT of work. This was better than the first song, but it was still not good enough to stay.

Lazaro Arbos

Kree Harrison

Song 1: “What The World Needs Now is Love” version of Jackie DeShannon

I want to see Kree, Amber and Candice in the finale. She really can cross genres easily. I loved the interpretation of the song and making it different and a song from Kree. She has never disappointed. MARIAH– Condense! This is not Camp Mariah. You have other fellow judges.

Song 2: “Help Me Make It Through The Night” by Kris Kristofferson

This happens to be one of the few country songs I like and I loved this unplugged version. If I bought a country CD it would be Kree. It was beautiful. Great job! (Nicki called it a Kreedom show). All the judges loved it.

Kree Harrison

Janelle Arthur

Song 1: “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” by Dionne Warwick

Underwhelming. She does work the audience and stage well. There were moments that were sweet and effortless. I thought there was emotional disconnection in this song. Some notes were flat.

Song 2: “The Dance” by Garth Brooks

Her lower register is rough. She again had beautiful notes and notes that were sharp or flat. Unfortunately this is nowhere near the level of the other girls, so I put her in the bottom 2 with Lazaro. The judges were not impressed.

Janelle Arthur

Candice Glover

Song 1: “Don’t Make Me Over” by Dionne Warwick

America–this is your next American Idol. Week after week she is perfection. If she does not win, I will support her career. I haven’t picked it wrong yet. The judges gave her a standing ovation. By the way, all of my 50 votes went to her. She won me over during the auditions and that feeling has not changed.

Song 2: “Lovesong” by The Cure

BEST performance EVER this season 12. I loved her taking the rock star and making it bluesy. I would actually buy a ticket if she ever came into town. What a FANTASTIC way to end the show. Keith got up and bowed to her from the ground. Mariah threw a glitter bomb. Candice was very moved by the support in the studio. Truly AMAZING!

Candice Glover

My picks in order: Candice, Kree, Amber, Angie, Janelle, Lazaro

RESULTS SHOW

Jimmy called Lazaro’s performance an Ambien milkshake (so funny–I need to borrow that). Amber is in e bottom two? You are crazy, America, and I am not just saying that because she is from Houston. FINALLY! Lazaro is in the bottom and I KNOW the judges will not save him.