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AI Review
I liked the format--I don't remember any time last season where the contestants sang three different songs in a night.
Kim: She had the best overall showing of the night. She sang the least familiar songs (Band of Gold; Anyone Who Had a Heart; Inseparable)--I was only vaguely familiar with the second one, and not at all with the other two. Anyone Who Had a Heart was her weakest performance--it seemed like maybe it was keyed wrong for her. Last year, what finally sealed Kelly as the winner over Justin (for me and my family) was how much better she was at selling a song unfamiliar to the audience. Kim has this ability.
Ruben: I love this guy, and would definitely buy his album, but this was not his best night, and his voice sounded raspy and tired. He seemed out of breath on Signed, Sealed, Delivered (too much dancing?), and on the Peabo Bryson song his pitch seemed a little off and he missed the high note at the end. Smile was GREAT.
Clay: I think you've got to be right, the producers have it out for him--they're probably just trying to even the playing field. On Vincent, he missed more than just a couple of words--more like several lines of lyrics in the bridge and reprise. This song (hello, about a tragic suicide!) really showed off his lack of emotional range. Mack the Knife was suitably cheesy and shallow for him, and he did perform it like a Vegas headliner, except that his tux didn't fit--what a pencil neck! Unchained Melody is a great song, but I think the too-fast arrangement was calculated to ruin it and succeeded in doing so (though he did hit the high note nicely).
Bottom two should be: Clay and Ruben, with Clay going home.
Bottom two will be: Clay and Kim. I can only hope my hour of pressing redial will help her avoid the axe. If not, may she go on to a career of at least Tamyra Grey quality.
tm
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