American Idol kicked its fifth season into full gear on March 15 by introducing its 12 finalists, aged 16 to 29 (Fox’s American Idol – Season Five Photos). The lucky dozen, who have already earned fan bases thanks to the series’ long audition process, were asked to perform the songs of Stevie Wonder live in front of an overcharged, large studio audience for their first time. It was a two-hour grab-bag of a concert–complete with frayed nerves, fashion mishaps and bad choreography–that thankfully improved as the night went on. Even if they weren’t all at their best, the finalists proved to be an eclectic bunch of performers. “I think this is the most unique, diverse, most talented and most talked about Top 12 that we’ve ever had,” boasted judge Paula Abdul at the top of the show, adding that it was anyone’s game to win. That may be true, ladies and gentlemen, but we do have ourselves a frontunner…
Best In Show
Chris Daughtry – Millions of Fox viewers came close to crowning real rocker Bo Bice as its American Idol last season before ultimately going with the more commerical look and sounds of country gal Carrie Underwood. This year, North Carolina baldie Chris Daughtry, 29, could be the one to go all the way with his amazing pipes, electric onstage energy and bad boy good looks. After catching our eye since AI started with his regular guy back story (supportive wife and two step-kids cheering him on from home), great attitude and saavy showmanship, Daughtry topped the Top 12 this week with a kick-ass take on Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” that Simon himself said could be a Billboard smash single. Appropriately, he was the final act of the night. Nobody could have topped him.
Big Steps
Mandisa – Having surely won legions of fans by telling Simon during the Hollywood semi-final episodes that he made her cry when he made fun of her size at her initial audition, Mandisa earned their support this week for her talent. Her rendition of “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” wasn’t the greatest of the night, but it was the first performance that made us sit up and take notice. Following dismal songs by camera ready Ace Young, bubblehead Kellie Pickler and the usually reliable Elliott Yamin (Don’t let us down next week, Elliott!), Mandisa flew off her uncomfortable pumps (with permission from Ryan Seacrest), shook her booty and was the first finalist to look like they actually belonged on the Idol stage.
Lisa Tucker – The AI finalists now have a pack of stylists helping them primp for the camera and 16-year-old Tucker may have benefited the most from their assistance. Although her vocals have never been in question–she has consistently shown off one of the strongest sets of pipes to be found this season–Tucker is the youngest contestent on the show this season, which puts her at a disadvantage. What was great about Tucker’s Idol makeover this week (complete with straightened hair) was that she looked older and more secure but also completely in her own skin. Oh, and did we mention that she owned the stage by belting out “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” with confidence and sass?
Katharine McPhee – Looking more like a star than ever before this week was 21-year-old Katharine McPhee of Los Angeles. We’d resisted her charms until now, but seeing her effortlessly croon “Until You Come Back to Me” was all we needed to sign up for her fan club. Everything was perfect: the song choice, the vocals, the sexy hippie-ish blue and gold dress… Cowell, after declaring, “You’re good” (which is huge acclaim from Simon), compared her to Season One winner Kelly Clarkson. We disagree–McPhee’s an original.
Taylor Hicks – It will be fascinating to see just how far gray-haired Alabama boy Taylor Hicks will go in the competition this season. When he kept making the initial cuts that led him up to the semi-finals, he seemed like a gimmick–an odd-looking white boy with the spirit of Ray Charles trapped within him. Once he got in front of the AI live audiences over the past few weeks, however, Hicks showed that he’s got an infectious spirit and a joyful, soulful ability to keep a crowd rocking. Sure, his moves are questionable and his “Whoo!” yelps a little overdone, but he’s just so damn likeable. And more handsome with every passing week.
Missteps
Kellie Pickler – Although we were moved during auditions by her real-life story, which involves a daddy behind bars, Pickler’s “I’m just a simple country girl” routine has grown grating recently. Week after week, the judges have encouraged audiences to send votes her way despite her average performances. This week, all that bad judgement stared Randy, Paula and Simon in the face as their girl warbled “Blame It On the Sun” in a bad get-up that Simon likened to Dolly Parton. Of course, Pickler apologized profusely when the judges gave her the thumbs-down. Don’t apologize, Kellie. Just be better.
Bucky Covington – We’ve actually been sort of rooting for country kid Covington, who truly does seem like a nice, regular guy who just happens to be on American Idol. Choosing a song by Stevie Wonder must have been quite a chore for him and, truth be told, he did pretty well with “Superstition.” What fouled him up was his hair–which is typically pulled back in a ponytail but this week cascaded down to his shoulders femininely. Simon made him the butt of his jokes with comparisions to Jessica Simpson, causing Bucky to counter that it wasn’t his idea. We believe you, Bucky, but we can’t vote off the hair stylist!
Kevin Covais – American Idol producers have shamlessly been milking the nerdy charms of Covais and this week was no different–two young girls were allowed to bring up a sign they made for the 16-year-old that said disturbing things like “You’re hot” and “Chicken Little Rocks” (a play on Seacrest’s accurate nickname for him). Hopefully any votes that little show may have earned Covais were quickly recalled once viewers got a look at his spastic, awkward “Part-Time Lover.” If that didn’t do the trick, hopefully his cocky attitude towards Simon‘s admittedly harsh review of his number reminded people that fame isn’t for every one–Covais isn’t the cute kid he once was.
Who Will Go?
Who can tell? If American Idol was purely based on talent, Kellie Pickler, Kevin Covais or Ace Young–the handsome yet average singer who smiles big for the camera and makes Paula melt weekly–would be shown the door. But all three have their fans and will probably stay. Melissa McGhee, who did well with the judges despite flubbing lyrics, doesn’t have the support of many die-hard Idol fans and might have to end her journey here. Then again, can Bucky really live down the humiliation of a comparision to Nick Lachey‘s ex? Close call.
