As the competition moves on this week, I find
myself enjoying the performances – but getting
very picky with the critiques. And that's good
because that means that the level of performance
has risen.
Scotty Mc. Didn't move me. Good country arrangement.
Solid performance. He's getting comfortable on
stage – but I fear for the wrong reason – he stays
in the safe zone. He's not selling the song, he's
selling himself. That doesn't sit well with me.
Naima A. Also is losing focus. It was a good reggae
arrangement. She's selling her style, not the song.
I think the judges were wrong with the point of their
critique. I suspect now that Naima's on the tour, the
powers that be have determined that she wouldn't sell
CDs like her competition. So she'll
receive criticism until she's voted off.
Paul Mc. I think he's made a contest decision to play
the guitar because it prevents him from doing his
Capt. Jack Sparrow stage walk.
Stefano Didn't connect any better this week than the
last. He'll be good for the tour, but I'm thinking JLo's
comments were meant to sway votes to Stefano.
Pia T. Intelligent, talented singer. Again.
Laura A. Showed up this week. If the song means
something to her, she can shine. Best of the night.
James D. My wife thought his performance looked
like a cheesy 80's concert. He sang well.
Thia M. Like Lauren, she can shine when the song
means something to her. But it's too little too late.
Jacob L. Learning not to oversing – but still overacting.
His facial expressions seem affected. That's starting to
get on my nerves.
Casey A. A more subdued, but smart performance here.
A good song choice for a humbled contestant.
Haley R. Does making changes according to the judge's
advice outweigh one's performance? Her song was
arranged well for the recommended style. But she
overdid the “rough vocals” and was pitchy. Best
performance of the night, Randy? I know one would
be more favorable to a contestant who just took
your good advice to heart, but really? Did Haley
have such a huge gain in votes the week before
that the producers want more positive spins for her?

My Bottom 3: Stefano, Haley, and Scotty
Who's leaving: Naima & Thia Neither gained with this week's
performance and neither has the voting block to save them.