American Idol 9: King of the Silver Screen – Songs From the Movies
By CanuckGirl | May 11, 2010
It's that dreaded Movie Song Week on American Idol. You know, the scary one where we're all frightened to ponder the possibilities of which Idol will kill us with their Cheez-Whiz rendition of "My Heart Will Go On" or "Against All Odds." Luckily, the decision to bring Jamie Foxx back from last year's mentoring stint was a bright one. Despite the fact that I can't stomach the dude's music career (AutoTune... anybody?), I really like Jamie. Sure, I bet the first thing that comes to mind when YOU think of Jamie Foxx is his Academy Award winning portrayal of Ray Charles, or even his outstanding performances in Collateral or Dreamgirls. But THIS girl's brain thinks along different lines. I recall cross-eyed Wanda from In Living Color. That's MY Jamie Foxx... live with it. At any rate, Jamie's a great mentor. So much so that he brought along t-shirts emblazoned with the word "Contestant" or "Artist." He was left to decide which t-shirt an Idol would receive after each mentoring session, let's see how the distribution pans out.
Lee DeWyze received an "Artist" t-shirt from Jamie before smouldering on Seal's "Kiss From a Rose" from Batman Forever. Perhaps it wasn't Lee's best delivery as he seemed to have a few tuning issues. As much as I really like this song a whole bunch, I don't believe it was a good fit for this guy. Simon claimed it was verging on karaoke, and I don't totally disagree. However, we all know Lee is better than this performance. Again, I'll implore our neighbours south of the 49th to keep this guy in the game. Don't let me down, America!
A year ago, Michael Lynche set the high personal goal to make it into American Idol's Top Three. He's THIS close, so we'll see. Jamie wanted to hand him the "Contestant" t-shirt, but Mike wouldn't take it. I'd have to side with Jamie on that one as I don't believe this guy is a true artist by any means. Anyway, Michael (Lynche) aped Michael (Jackson) on "Will You Be There" from Free Willy. Again, I really don't care. I've heard this style of singing thousands of times and it just doesn't move me. Blah! Dull.
Lee and Crystal then performed a duet of The Frames' "Falling Slowly" from Once. No, I've never heard of The Frames, nor do I know the song or movie. I suspect I'm not alone in this ignorance. Nevertheless, this was COOL! Nice to have two true acoustic-guitar-playing musicians singing their hearts out to each other. This performance was not to be judged, and no phone numbers were displayed, but if you ask me, this should be a preview of your Top Two right there. Just sayin'.
Jamie demanded that Casey James "seduce" him with Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" from The Graduate. He handed his faith to the blonde boy from Texas in the form of an "Artist" t-shirt. Admittedly, Casey's take on this classic was unique, so he earned the garment handily. Of course, regarding the song's subject matter, Randy had to grill Casey as to why he chose to cover this particular number as he glanced snidely at Kara. Things that make you go "Hmmm."
Crystal Bowersox made an original choice with Kenny Loggins' "I'm Alright" from Caddyshack. Who woulda thunk that this song could ever rise above the mental image of a shimmying gopher? She put her own stamp on it, as Ellen said, she "Crystalized" it, and it was quite fantastic. I can't wait to buy this girl's CD.
Casey and Mike took their turn on the duet stage with Bryan Adams' "Have You Ever Really Really Really Really Really Really Really REALLY Loved a Woman" from Don Juan DeMarco. This is a bad song. I love Bryan Adams, but for me, for you, for me, Bryan's career tanked when he started writing crappy soundtrack tunes. That's just my opinion though, 'cause the sales will tell you different. Regardless of the song being poor, Casey's guitar playing was transcendent. Forget the cheesy duet, just let the boy play. Oh, and let's not forget Ellen's line of the season, "The answer is yes, I have really loved a woman!" Pause the PVR... I have to recover from my outburst of laughter!! Let me catch my breath. Nicely done, E!
I don't like making predictions, but if Lee, Crystal and Casey aren't left to carry this season into the Final Three, then I have little faith in America's ability to see and hear things clearly. Even Jamie Foxx's t-shirt distribution skills have to count for something. I think it's time to send Big Mike packing. I don't feel a strong urge to sleep through the remaining episodes.
Wednesday's movie night will bring forth performances from Idol alumni Daughtry and Fantasia, as well as a special bonus from Bon Jovi. I'll have a Diet Coke and a medium popcorn... hold the "golden topping."
CANUCKGIRL delivers the thrills and spills of America’s favourite singing competition direct to your monitor. CanuckGirl is NOT a professional journalist, nor does she play one on television.
Comments
Excellent Recap!
Once again, you are right on the money. Jamie Foxx, actor — amazing! Jamie Foxx, recording artist — not so much.
I honestly wasn't impressed by much last night, other than Crystal and Lee's duet and Crystal's Caddyshack song. Yeah, totally your final two right there. Everyone else - bad song choices. Unless you're planning on turning "Kiss From a Rose" on its head in some kind of weird arrangement, what are the odds you'll sing it better than Seal? Lee should have thought that one through better.
But Crystal's Caddyshack song was inspired! Not only did she totally breathe new life into it and make it her own (which the judges keep reminding they're supposed to do), it also reminded me of a great movie that always makes me feel good when I watch it. Don't discount the subliminal!
I'm thinking Big Mike has shown us everything he's going to show us, and it's time to go home. And Casey? Sunk himself with the song choice. The whole time he was singing it my mind was waiting for the Garfunkel harmonies to kick in, and they never did, which was (again, subliminally) kind of a letdown.
My favourite part of the show, though, was Jamie Foxx explaining the "Artist" vs "Contestant" T-shirts, with Seacrest trying to translate it. Ryan: "So they want to get the 'Artist' shirts?" Jamie: "Not necessarily!" I loved seeing Seacrest being as confused as I was!
Free Mikey
I totally agree Canuck girl - time to let Big Mike go. We've seen all we're going to see. I'm always surprised how at this point bad, or at least not thought through, song choices are made.
High point for me was definitely Lee and Crystal's duet. Now that the Canucks are done (so sad) you might want to check out 'Once' the indy Irish movie that Falling Slowly is from. The song is the highlight of the movie as well. The best thing about the song was the simple arrangement (although the band couldn't quite stop themselves and had to throw in some unnecessary violins at the end).
I also think I noticed Ryan begging people to vote more than usual - did he say something like it's your duty??? Nah - but it sorta sounded like it.
The Canucks are done...
...I guess I'll have to paint my toenails a different colour then.
Thanks for the movie recommendation, Mszmull. I felt kinda bad that I'd never heard of it! Will definitely seek it out.
Falling Slowly
I remember that song as being one of the highlights of the 200? Oscars (the one Jon Stewart hosted, I think) when these two people I'd never heard of performed it beautifully. I think it won the Oscar, too.
Casey
NO one on this season has really 'done' it for me. I even go against the trend by preferring big Mike to Lee (so what if I'm a sucker for the Big and Burly type?)
What I really want to say is that the only thing I could think of while I was watching Casey perform was "Tiny Tim"! I mean the little guitar, the wavey hair parted down the middle.
If I could vote I'd be dialing for Crystal.
Cheers!
Terry
I too remember that song it
I too remember that song it was being best of king silver where no one could stay without laughing.
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