Hollywood Sick-In

It’s Hollywood Week and everybody is sick including your Friendly Neighborhood Muser. While this may be briefer than usual, it will be no less professional.

I’m still reserving judgement on the whole “MOST TALENTED CROP IN IDOL HISTORY!” thing but there were a few Idol winner worthy performances tonight. And as if to validate the brutality of cutting down the field of 175, one of those Idol winner worthy performers, Jade Flores – who wanted to be a Hispanic country singer – didn’t make it out of group rounds.
Here were my top three of the night:

• Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon – the pastor’s kid.
• Nate Walker
• Wayne Coda – whose Chris Stapleton-ish voice not only won me over but the judges, too, despite badly flubbing his words. Props to his team for seamlessly covering for him.

On the next level down I had:

• Laci Kaye Booth and her unique, soulful spin on (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.
• Laine Hardy who sounded surprisingly authentic and good on Bruno Mars Grenade.
• Alejandro (he’s going by first name) who is gifted but I found myself captivated more by his spectacular guitar technique than his delivery of the song. Less will be more in his case, I believe.

I didn’t think Madison Vanderburg yelling at times qualifies her to be the next Kelly Clarkson. She’ll need to dial it back.

I was really surprised that the judges didn’t put the entire last group (Unexpected Vibe) through. Their Backstreet Boys I Want It That Way would have earned them a recording contract on the spot if I were running a record label. Their harmonies were so sublime. I’m disappointed that the judges didn’t put them all through. But since this is a solo competition, I looking forward to hearing more of Assata Renay who may also earn a one-name sobriquet[1] if she turns out to be good.

That’s a wrap for now. I’m hoping to feel better tomorrow. I’d listen to some music but I have a headache and my ears are filled with fluid so . . . and never mind. I’m whining. Which isn’t professional. 😦

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[1] How’s that for a professional word. 🙂