Snoozin’ to the standards.
American Idol is on Tuesday 04/18/06 (8:00-9:00 PM ET). This week, the top 7 sing the standards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_standards) from Rod Stewart’s catalog.
American Idol Season 5 Top 7
1. Taylor Hicks
2. Kellie Pickler
3. Chris Daughtry
4. Katharine McPhee
5. Paris Bennett
6. Elliott Yamin
7. Ace Young
Did you know Rod Stewart was singing the standards? I recall hearing him sing on Leno several years ago when his first standards album came out. Maybe he needed the money. Maybe its easier to cover 14-15 songs than to come up with that many new songs to fill an album.
I think week’s American Idol show will be part train wreck, part snoozer. I listened to clips of all 60 (or so) of the songs in Rod Stewart’s catalog, and I think that many of them sound painfully alike. At least the way Rod sings them. I’m familiar with a bunch of these songs, but they are not on my iPod, and I don’t go out of my way to listen to them.
I expect we’ll hear some of these songs. I would be very surprised if someone chooses a song not on this list. These are the ones I have heard of, and if I haven’t heard of it, I will not be in the minority.
- ‘S Wonderful
- Blue Moon
- Stardust
- For Sentimental Reasons
- Embraceable You
- What a Wonderful World
- Isn’t It Romantic
- Night and Day
- As Time Goes By
- I Only Have Eyes for You
- I’m in the Mood for Love
- Someone to Watch Over Me
- Our Love Is Here to Stay
- Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
- Where or When
- My Funny Valentine
- Makin’ Whoopee
- You Send Me
- It Had to Be You
- I’ll Be Seeing You
Keep in mind that in 1953, “Doggie In The Window” spent eight weeks at number one on the popular music charts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._1_Hits_of_1953). These songs may be fun to sing, but that doesn’t mean they are fun to listen to. My wife has a theory (and I agree with it) that the more enjoyable a song is to sing (think show tunes), the less enjoyable it is to listen to.
Paris and Elliott have been on thin ice for the last few weeks. The ice under Ace is already cracking. But I think Paris and Elliott have the most to gain, because their singing styles are best suited for these sorts of ballads. This week’s “Entertainment Weekly” said that the most memorable performance from Paris this season was her audition, and I agree. It’s been all (slowly) downhill since the audition, but now Paris may be on the upswing.
Ace may also surprise. Stranger things have happened.
Chris (rock) and Kellie (country) are one-dimensional singers, and I think they have the most to lose. Unless, of course, they let Chris sing Joey Ramone’s version of “What A Wonderful World.” Don’t get me wrong, I like Chris, but I tire of his style after one or two songs.
In contrast, I have already purchased Taylor’s second CD, and I’ve never purchased any Idol merchandise previously. Taylor and Katherine are the most talented singers, and they should sail through easily to the next round. If you have gray hair, you should be voting for Taylor, who, in addition to being the strongest male singer, is the strongest performer in the bunch.
So if you like a singer, no matter what your age, don’t forget to vote. And check out the Zabasearch link below – interesting stuff.
Related Posts
- American Idol Season 5 Blog
- Reality TV Magazine
- The Woes and the Prose of an American Idol Junkie
- Various and Sundry » American Idol
- Vote For The Worst
- Zabasearch.com – Most Searched American Idol Contestants
