AI: Motown Week (um....)

This is the week where I question why I do this.

Why do I watch this show?  Why do I spend my time blogging about it?  Why does AI inSIST on doing this to me?  I don't want any more Motown weeks.  Who can I write a letter to?  Srsly.  Someone get me an email address.

Ugh.

But let's make the best of it I guess.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to say a little bit about the fact that the contestants have these amazing producers working with them this year.  I LOVE it.  And I'll tell you why.... the comment I hated the most from the judges (and it was nearly every song) was "I don't really like what you did there with the arrangement" and every variation of that comment thereof and forthwith, etc and etc.  What, praytell, does that have to do with ANYTHING???  I got so sick of hearing that when this was not a "who can arrange the song the best way" contest, but a singing competition (<---that's another phrase I hate but only when other people use it, duh).  They insisted the kids "make the songs their own" and yet would thrash them if they tinkered with it in a way they did not approve of.  It was maddening.     So, long story short, I'm so glad they have these producers helping the kids out.  It takes that whole aspect out of it & the judges can't say P. Diddly Squat.

Now, on to ::deep breath with eyes closed::...Motown week.

Casey

I Heard it Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye

Ok...he's got the semi-slicked back hair which gives me just a hint of what he might look like "cleaned up."  Not bad.  I mean, not great, but not awful.  We all know Casey is not about his looks anyway but still.  As he was groovin' through the audience he suddenly made me imagine him as some kind of Will Farrell character.  And Markie's comment that he was just another Taylor Hicks has stuck with me & has tainted me.  Thanks a lot, Markie.  I now see him as entertaining but am constantly wondering about his marketability.  The fact that, as JLo said, there is no one out there like him may not be a good thing.  There's no one out there like a lot of people.  For a reason.   Buuuut, I liked him.  Of course.

Thia

Heat Wave by Martha & the Vandellas

First of all, loved her dress tonight.  Cute & age appropriate.  Not modest, but still, I can appreciate it without letting my daughter wear it.  I'm good at separating like that.  Secondly... why did it seem like she forgot some of the words?  Were those ooooohs on purpose?  Confusing.  But the judges didn't mention so either it wasn't a big deal or she didn't forget anything.  Anyway, what she did sing was great.  I still feel like she doesn't have a ton of personality but she tried and was pretty much successful.  Much better than her Pocahontas crap from last week.  Oh wait... I just ffwd'ed through the commercials and she does admit to forgetting the words there in her backstage thingy.   Good.  Glad to know I wasn't going crazy on Motown week.

Jacob

You're All I Need by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Dangit.  Shoot.  Now I'm ticked.  Shoooooot!  I actually really liked this.  Like, a lot.  Why did he have to use restraint?  Why did he have to be a little silly?  Why did he stay right on pitch?  Dang you Jacob.  Now what am I gonna do?  It even made me kind of like Motown week, fhs!  This is getting bad.  I may have even watched it twice because I liked it so much.  Now I'm not saying I'd like the "future Jacob who puts out original music" but tonight, I liked him.  And his eyebrows are perfection.

Lauren

You Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes

TBone:  I like this girl.  You can't even hear her accent when she sings.  It's like she's just a regular American.

I remember hearing Phil Collins talk when I was about 11 and freaking out.  What??  He's BRITISH??? It blew my mind.   So yeah, I get it Tbone.   Back to Lauren, she done good.  I loved her dress as well.  She had some attitude.  She walked around.  She sounded good.  What else can I say?  Lauren is solid.  And yet seems fragile.  I'm not sure how she'll hold up in this business.

Stefano

Hello by Lionel Richie

Obviously I was alone with this inside my mind.  Doesn't he have a single FB friend that posted that?  And did he really mouth "I love you" at the end??? Nooooooooooo!   Please no!!!!!!!!  So yeah,  can't take him seriously.  Weirdest song choice of the night.  ::stepping off the Stefano Train::  Yikes.

Haley

You Really Got A Hold on Me by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

I really wish they wouldn't say "We've been working on her eye contact and walking more confidently" because then the whole time I'm thinking "she practiced making eye contact and walking."  I think there are people who connect with America and there are people who don't.  She don't.   She has an interesting voice & it's decent enough but I just don't think there's anything there to make people vote for her.  Sorry! ::said in a British accent like Simon::

Scotty

For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder

Well, he certainly "Scottyed" the crap outta this one, didn't he?  The song was practically unrecognizable.  I wish I knew how many people in America have a Randy Travis album on their iPods because then I could give you a ballpark number of how many votes he's going to get each week.  Again, not my thing but I think he does my non-thing well.   If it were my thing and I was 15, I'd be dialing & redialing and voting online like a maniac.  I'm assuming he's the South's Justin Beiber.

Pia

All In Love is Fair by Stevie Wonder

Bobblehead Pia.  Someone make one now and I will buy one.  While listening to the judges her head does not stay still.  It's awesome.    She's good.  And, like Jacob, it annoys me.  Why can't I be head over heels gaga over her?  Someone please explain this to me.  She's an amazing singer.  I'm wondering if next week when she "kicks it up a notch" if it'll be good or cringe worthy.  I just can't see her bebopping all over the stage.  But I guess we shall see as she is going nowhere this week.

Paul

Tracks of My Tears by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

 I loved this.  With all my heart I loved this.  His guitar and mic stand kept him in one spot which was huge.  I was worried when he first said what song he was doing because I thought Adam Lambert's version was nothing short of genius.  I didn't think Paul could do as well or top Adam's but I really think he did.  Very singer/songwriter-y.  Like a seasoned veteran.  He seems completely unaffected by the whole AI thing (read: opposite of Lauren) Memo to Paul: More of this please.  Maybe even sitting on a stool next week, mkay?  More of that "tear in your voice" as JLo said.  You'll be glad you did.  Love, Landee

Naima

Dancing In the Street by Martha & the Vandellas

::cut to tomorrow night::  Ryan Seacrest, "Naima....Steven Tyler said it was 'E to the Z, ooh twiddly dee.  Jlo said you gave her goosebumps.  And Randy said everything you did was 'smart.'"  Dangit.  Again, I was completely taken off guard by enjoying her tonight.  Motown, what are you doing to me??  I was even waiting around prepared to hate the African dancing and then I didn't.  It even made me smile.  Which bugged.   I'm not joining the Naima Fan Club or anything but tonight was fun.  Oh, and she sounded great too.  It's like Bizarro AI tonight.    PS She is the black Hilary Swank.  K, I'm done now.

James

Livin' for the City by Stevie Wonder

If James ever shows up with bird cages on his shoulders I'll know his transformation into Adam Lambert is complete.  Well, that and some "persuasion" issues.   I reeeeeally liked this.  Again, he knows when to hold back and when to let 'er rip.  He's comfortable.  He doesn't make me worried about what he's going to do.  All good things in my book.    I just noticed he has sunglasses hanging off his shirt in his promo pic up there.  I wonder whose idea that was.  <---just trying to think of something to criticize about him for once.

Sooooooo.....::getting serious now::  I'd like to apologize to Motown week.  I should not have said the things I  said earlier.  You were very enjoyable and I think I forget that every year.  Aside from Stefano, you nailed it.  You can come back to AI again, if you want.  Again, I'm sorry.

Bottom Three: 

 Haley

Thia

Stefano

Going Home:

Haley

I just don't think she did enough to win America back.

Yikes, this is hard this week, you guys!  Can't wait to hear your thoughts....