American Idol 2013: Sudden Death #3 Review

Thursday, March 7, 2013

American Idol 2013: Sudden Death #3 Review

Sudden Death #2 Ladies
Breanna Steer, Aubrey Cleland, Zoanette Johnson, Candice Glover, Janelle Arthur

I was actually looking forward to hearing the next group of girls sing! I am never excited for that because usually I have a male favorite. I will admit that some of these performances surprised me in both good and bad ways.

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Melinda Ademi – “Nobody’s Perfect” – Jessie J

I had high hopes for Melinda after seeing her Hollywood performances but she definitely did not live up to that potential. Her performance of the Jessie J song was not that great in my opinion. She really let her nerves show through and it affected her vocals. I feel as though people were automatically going to compare her to Angela Miller due to the fact that Angie sang this song last week and did a great job. Melinda was just okay, and it wasn’t good enough for the night.

Candice Glover – “Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin

Everyone expected Candice to be amazing and she came through. While I am not a fan of people doing this song on the show, Candice definitely delivered. She is easily one of the best contestants this season and was a shoe-in for the Top 20 and probably Top 10.

Juliana Chahayed – “Skyscraper” – Demi Lovato

I must have been one of the only ones that liked Juliana because from what I’ve read online and heard in the Idol realm, the only other person I’ve seen that really enjoyed her was Michael Slezak from Idology. I thought she did a really nice rendition of the song and I liked her unique tone. But apparently they do not want people with guitars on the show this season and Juliana did not make the cut despite the fact that they let a crazy person through.

Jett Hermano – “Only Girl in the World” – Rihanna

I am not a Rihanna fan despite the fact that she has some catchy songs. I really liked what Jett did with this song and how she stripped it down. I do feel like some of her vocals were forced and a little screechy at times but for the most part, it was a really nice performance. I wasn’t too surprised that she didn’t make it through but I think she was better than some.

Cristabel Clack - “No One” – Alicia Keys

I was a little surprised at how horrible Cristabel was tonight. I thought she showed some signs of promise during her Hollywood performances but this was just not good. I did not enjoy any of it. I thought her outfit was ridiculous and I am not sure she hit any of her notes. It was another overdone song and I think that it just wasn’t right for Cristabel.

Aubrey Cleland – “Sweet Dreams” – Beyonce

I am not sure why people always try to slow this song down. I really like the original and in a night with a lot of ballads it surely wouldn’t have hurt to keep it uptempo. I really think Aubrey has a nice voice and did a fine job on this song but I think it was ridiculous that the judges focused so much on her appearance. She is a pretty girl but for gosh sakes she just performed and sang her heart out to stay in this contest so give her some credit. I am glad that she made it.

Rachel Hale – “Nothing But the Water” – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

I really enjoyed this performance. I don’t remember much about Rachel from the previous rounds maybe partially due to my sporadic watching but I really think she should have made it to the Top 20 over the other country lass, Janelle. I think Rachel has a strong, clear voice and I like that she did something edgy and upbeat. I think it was a solid performance and vocal and I am really disappointed she didn’t make it.

Breanna Steer – “But Your Windows” – Jazmine Sullivan

There is something about Breanna that is really off putting to me. I didn’t enjoy her performance and I thought she just had an average vocal but the judges made it seem like she was the best thing since sliced bread. Maybe it’s just me but I definitely didn’t get this decision.

Janelle Arthur – “Just a Kiss” – Lady Antebellum

Okay I am definitely probably in the minority on this one, but I think Janelle is horrible. I do not understand why people are preaching about her and talking her up to be this amazing performer and singer. When you compare her to country ladies from Idol seasons’ past she doesn’t even hold a flame. She’s definitely not Skylar Laine, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, or even Lauren Alaina (whom I did not like). I don’t care for her personality and her song choice was definitely not befitting of what voice she does have. I was displeased with the fact that she got to go through and Rachel, who is much more deserved, in my opinion. Not a Janelle fan.

Zoanette Johnson – “The Circle of Life” – The Lion King

Wtf. I don’t really understand everyone’s fascination with this woman. Maybe it’s just me but she is not very good at all. I know people are saying that she is entertaining and fearless but there is a time and place for that and singing in front of millions of people in a talent contest. It isn’t about who can do something outrageously weird or who has the biggest hair and brightest makeup. It is supposed to be about some level of talent and I just don’t even understand why they would waste Zoanette’s time when she has no chance of winning. She is only 20 years old, they should have eliminated her now so that she could try and improve and come back because she could be a decent singer with some training. I don’t think it was fair to her, the other contestants or ME to have put her through.

Verdicts:

1.       Rachel Hale is far more talented than Janelle Arthur.

2.       Breanna Steer gives me the heebie jeebies.

3.       I liked Zoanette’s dress.

4.       Candice Glover clearly overshadowed the rest.

5.       “No one” should sing Alicia Keys ever again.

Going Through:

1.       Candice Glover

2.       Aubrey Cleland

3.       Breanna Steer

4.       Janelle Arthur

5.       Zoanette Johsnon

Eliminated:

1.       Melinda Ademi

2.       Julian Chahayed

3.       Jett Hermano

4.       Cristabel Clack

5.       Rachel Hale