American Idol 5: Top 11 Performance Show
Dysfunctional Judges - Great Performances
Recap By Jillian Kuras
March 22, 2006
Welcome to another Tuesday night on American Idol! Tonight, the remaining eleven contestants will sing for America in hopes of winning their votes.
Ryan tells us that tonight's theme is songs from the 50's. The contestants traveled to Vegas this week where they got some extra special help from Barry Manilow. We quickly see a film clip on Barry and his music. He also is shown telling the contestants that making the song they chose unique will be their challenge this week.
First up tonight is Mandisa who is singing I Don't Hurt Anymore by Dinah Washington. In her clip, she is shown working with Barry who encourages her to open the song with big, power notes. Mandisa suggests opening softly because the ending is big. After singing it her way, Barry agrees that her version is best.
Mandisa looks very pretty tonight and I especially like her short, curly hairdo. I'm not sure how the original version of this song goes, but Mandisa sang it with a cabaret, almost big band sound. The whole song just had a great feel to it.
I think this was Mandisa's most complete performance so far. I think she sometimes struggles with her lower register but the entire song tonight was smooth and effortless. The power notes she hit at the end were amazing, as always.
Randy tells Mandisa it was classy, great and amazing. Paula (who gave Mandisa a long, over the head clap) says it was flawless and she is a thoroughbred. Simon says Mandisa is blossoming and that the performance was sexy.
Next up is Bucky Covington who is singing Oh Boy by Buddy Holly. In his clip, Barry tells Bucky the song sounds a little long and he tries to help him sound less repetitive.
I'm not sure I like this song on Bucky. His rendition had a very sweet, pop feel to it. I just don't think it fit Bucky at all. Vocally, he sounded like he always does- ok, but nothing special. I still think Bucky's voice is the type you could hear in any bar across America.
Randy tells Bucky he liked the falsetto at the end even though the rest of the song wasn't his best. Paula says Bucky had fun on stage and gave a solid performance. Simon says it was nothing more than a pointless karaoke performance that falls into the 'so what?' category. I will have to agree with Simon.
Paris Bennett is up next and she is singing Fever by Peggy Lee which is actually a song she sang during Hollywood week. Barry says Paris has good depth and power for only being 17.
Paris has decided to dress according to the theme tonight which is something I never particularly cared for. She's wearing a very old fashioned style of dress and her hair is done up old fashioned as well. She actually looks like she's about 30 which I don't think is a good thing for her.
The first part of the song wasn't that great and I thought it was a little boring. The ending was better though and she really got into the song about halfway through. I just think she needs to work on being a more consistent performer.
Randy tells Paris it started out rough but the ending was more like the Paris they first met. Paula says she forgot Paris was only 17 and that her vocals were impeccable. Simon says Paris has the perfect voice for these types of songs and this is what she does best.
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