My critique:
Not a bad showing, even though I hate this genre. It's challenging music, and it suited some voices more than others - hearty attempts by all, and I'm sure we're all glad to have this behind us. Patronus's insightful and well thought out critiques sum up my thoughts neaerly to the T. Sorry my review's so scattered tonight - it's been a long, stressful day and my mind's not totally on things. Care about my score more than what I have to say - read Patronus's review for better constructive criticism.
1. Ebonic_Singer - "Georgia"
I can't place this type of singing - it's not quite Ray Charles, but it's certainly not country. I didn't ding you the full 3 points off but I had to penalize you a bit for lack of versatility. It was a lovely rendition, but...not country enough (if at all). You've got a great voice and this was definitely a sexier version than Willie's (and boy, am I glad).
There's nothing wrong with riffing if that's your "thing", but if it's going to be your trademark, you HAVE to work on the pitch - if you don't nail the pitch, there's nothing to show off. A lot of the riffs were off-key, especially the second-to-last note of the song - if it's your big finish, make sure it's pitch perfect! Hope you bring it again next week. (7.2/10 - consider this a gift - it would've been in the 6's if I'd knocked all -3 points for not making it country.)
2. Allie - "The Lucky One"
Another good song for your voice and range - I'm not really familiar with Alison Krauss's original, but it was sweet and pleasant enough. The volume for the voice was inconsistent (sometimes it seemed like you were swallowing the words) so watch out for that. I still think you need more energy in your singing - this was a great opportunity to be sarcastic, ironic and bitter, but it still seemed like you were singing the words without feeling anything. I hope if you make it next week, you blow us away with a song that shows more power, range and your belt. (7.3/10)
3. jrb_actor - "Status of a Fool"
Perfect song and genre for you - it seemed to come naturally. Excellent voice control, tone and pitch. Work on your diction in the higher notes - it could be a bit over-powering at times but your voice soars. (8.2/10)
4. Rathnait62 - "Hard Candy Christmas"
I'm not a Dolly fan, so I suppose that's my bias. Your voice sounds good - it suits the song well. Good pitch, tone, blah blah. It's nice because you're one of the few contestants who gives consistently good performances every week so far. I just admit to not liking this song a whole lot. But you seem comfortable in the country genre. Look forward to next week. (8.1/10)
5. broadway86 - "Live Like You Were Dying"
While this is a better performance than last week, there were a couple of issues. The mic sucks - hopefully someone on here can help with that, because your voice and the music needs to be louder. I don't think your voice is meant for country - it's best for easy listening/pop, so next week should be your ideal theme. There were also pitch problems that I'm sure you're aware of. It seems like such a depressing song - I don't know if it's like that in the original but there wasn't much energy. I hope people give you another chance to prove yourself because next week will be the real test since the theme's so broad. Try something upbeat and with more range and energy. (7.3/10)
6. Kitzarina - "Goodbye Earl"
A million points for choosing this song. It's not your best performance but the best thing about you is how unpredictable and original your choices are, and you make it interesting every time. I don't think country is your best genre, but that's okay - I don't like it anyway! At least you maintained the spunk and heart of the original, and you set an example of how to put energy into a song. I look forward to next week. (7.9/10)
7. Link Larkin Wanabe - "Cry"
The baritone was a shock to me - it was like the lead singer of the Crash Test Dummies! This was a good showing - I think you're clearly more comfortable in the tenor range than baritone, but it was interesting because it was almost as if two people were singing. I'm not a fan of your baritone, but the point is you took our criticism for your overt boy-band-ness and completely changed, nearly beyond recognition this week. And I'm very pleased. And relieved that you can't touch N*Sync, BSB or Hanson next week. (7.5/10)
8. WesternSky2 - "This Kiss"
Great tone and voice. Credible country accent - it seemed to almost come naturally. I'm not a big fan of this song, but I thought it was a decent showing (not as strong as last week though). My only major problem was the strain in your voice for the higher notes (specifically "This kiss...this KISS!"). The second "kiss", especially, seems to be weak. At first, at least your pitch was on, but it got flatter and flatter as the song progressed. Still, you know I'm a fan. Can't wait till next week (something faster perhaps?) - (7.6/10)
9. Spidey - "Callin' Baton Rouge"
Now THIS is country! Holy smokes. Pleasant voice but this isn't a natural genre for you. No country accent, but you've got a throaty voice that's effective elsewhere. Still a good showing, though. You improved your diction from last week. You've got a decent range - I just don't like the song and don't think it did you justice, or vice versa. There were a couple of pitch problems to work with as well. (7.8/10)
Sorry this isn't as detailed as last week. Hopefully next week I'll have more time to focus!
"It's not always about you!!!" (But if you think I'm referring to you anyway, then I probably am.)
"Good luck returning my ass!" - Wilhemina Slater
"This is my breakfast, lunch and f***ing dinner right here. I'm not even f***in' joking." - Colin Farrell
Updated On: 2/1/06 at 01:24 AM
