Sorry it's been so long since my last review, tons of stuff going on and I'm trying to keep myself busy with the divorce pending. *sigh*
Anyway, without any further ado.
I've changed my rating system to a simple 1 - 3 star system. Either I hate it, it's okay or I love it.
Taylor Hicks - This certainly wasn't a great song choice and Taylor's rendition was rather boring. Perhaps in the country genre Taylor is out of his element? Randy says it was okay, Paula wasn't to pleased with it and Simon says it was safe, boring and lazy. No one was very impressed with it I guess. Everyone except the crown. Sometimes I really hate this crowd, they love to coddle the singers. Sorry Taylor, it was NOT a very good song. 2 stars
Simon Vs Ryan - In the first of two bouts tonight, Ryan quips that though Taylor sang safe, boring and lazy the same can be said of Simons love life. Simon didn't have much to say to that. Point Ryan.
Mandessa - She starts out bad at first, I really wasn't very impressed with it. She does get better as she goes along. I'll live with this rendition, though somewhat repetitive but it does show one thing, Mandessa is not a country singer. 2 stars
Simon Vs Ryan - In an attempt to provide more chit chat, Ryan asks for more comments out of Simon, Simon rebuffs Ryan for his out of place beard, and looking like he will be trying out for a part in desperate housewives. Ryan tries to come back with the same comment on what Simon wears. Point Simon.
Paula Vs Paula - Paula's struggle with herself begins here, is it me or is she off somewhat? Ryan asks if someone at the table has a flask? Hmmmmm
Elliott Yamin - Not a bad song, it's good for country though. Considering I was fairly bored with it, he must have done great. He does put emotion into his song so he brings the song up above what I'd normally rate it. 2 stars
Paris Bennett - I'm always expecting the best out of Paris but the past few weeks she's really let me down. Tonight was no exception. In the preview with Kenny she looked like she was going to do okay, but during the performance she really did bad, barely hitting any of the notes she should have. I do give her credit though, she can belt out some powerful notes, but if she can't do that when it's needed she won't last much longer. For once I agree with Paula, she was struggling. 1 star
Paula Vs Paula - Maybe it's the alcohol, I'm not sure but Paula fails to play to the crowd with Paris. Drinky drinky?
Ace Young - Another song that is very boring. Much as Simon agrees with later, I'm not a big country fan, but I do try to judge on the singing and not on the genre, sometimes I think Simon forgets to do that. Ace seriously does do a good job, though I've never been a big fan of his style. Randy agrees with me on this, though I hate how excited he gets. 2 stars
Paula Vs Paula - As the night goes on Paula seems to be less and less articulate. Either she's really on the booze, or she's taking lessons from Cole.
Kellie Pickler - From time to time I do occasionally find a country song that I like. Kellie has picked a song tonight that I actually like. It was really hard to hear anything wrong with it. She really gets into the song and her showmanship adds to the flavor of the song. Nice job. 3 stars
Chris Doughtry - Everyone complaining about Chris getting to much 'glitz' from the stagehands shouldn't have to much to complain about tonight. Chris sings a song tonight without much lighting, though the darker lighting does seem to add to the 'mood' of the song. I love what Simon says though, we at home DO deserve better. Thanks Simon. 3 stars
Paula Vs Paula - What is with her? She seemed sober after the last contestant, but suddenly she's incoherent again? This show cannot be live! Paula, STOP DRINKING DURING THE TAPING!
Katherine McPhee - Like Kellie, Katherine really gets into the song. Again, I may not like country but she sings this very well. Odd how Katherine is the first to discover that Simon does not like country. I could have told you that weeks ago. Back to Katherine, very well done. Looking forward to her singing again outside of a country song. 3 stars
Bucky - Even though I know the song he's singing, I still found it hard to understand at times. I'm not trying to be mean, but his singing gives me a headache. Paula thinks he shined, I'll just chalk that up to the booze. To his credit though, he does seem genuine in his efforts and attempts. He does seem to 'want it'. Unfortunately that isn't always good enough to advance. 1 star