IDOL WATCH: Top 11 Perform; A Motown Throw Down!

Season ten of American Idol has introduced many welcomed changes that have revamped the show for the better. As previously announced this year, this time around we won't see the contestants tackle artist-specific challenges as much as we will genre-centric themes. Only five times in the show's history have Idol finalists gone retro with the sounds of Motown (not since season eight), and tonight they got to tackle the classic music yet again.

As if the stress of weekly eliminations isn't intense enough, the results of this week's foray into the Motown catalogue will also decide which 10 contestants get to spend their summers on the fabled American Idol tour.

Casey kicked the night off with a rousing "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." Looking clean-cut and very dapper, his vocal was leaps and bounds better than last week's screamy tribute to Nirvana. Steven commented that he is "the perfect mix of crazy-ass, out of control ego," while Jennifer and Randy agreed that he has carved his very own ‘niche' in the competition.

Thia attempted to redeem her lackluster performance from last week with "Heatwave." Did she succeed? Hell, yes. The song didn't exactly give me chills, but it certainly got my feet a'tappin. JLo told her that she improved, but she needs to connect more with the lyrics next week. Steven and Randy also applauded her for taking a chance with an up-tempo song.

Next up was Jacob's "All I Need to Get By." Determined to hold back on the high notes this week, the result was a beautifully restrained balled filled with a few crazy facial expressions, some flashy arm movements, and oh yeah... a standing ovation. Steven immediately jumped on the stage to congratulate him, and Randy insisted that it was "one of the best performances in the history of the show." Agreed, sir.

Lauren Alaina was the unfortunate soul who had to follow perfection. Belting "You Keep Me Hanging On" by The Supremes, she used the energy in the house from the previous performance to her advantage. Vocally it wasn't anything thrilling but it was nothing if not solid and sassy. JLo liked that she gave the song attitude, and Randy commented that she's now got "her swagger on high."

Singing Lionel Ritchie's chart topping hit "Hello" was last week's standout: Stefano. Through the song was a little one-dimensional, he threw in some gorgeous falsetto at the end. Randy and JLo called him out for not connecting with the lyrics. Steven agreed that he needs to think more about what he's singing.

Haley chose Smokey Robinson's "You Really Got a Hold on Me," and I can't lie, I kind of enjoyed it . Showing off her big range and bluesy tone, the sound was a nice rebound from last week's performance, which earned her a bottom three spot. Randy was happy that the song brought back the Haley that the judges fell in love with. Steven loved her too, commenting that she "didn't look a day over fabulous."

Leaving the comfort zone of the country music repertoire, Scotty performed a twangy "For Once in My Life." Certainly different from the version made popular by Stevie Wonder. Admittedly, I have no idea of why I enjoy hearing Scotty sing. I despise country music; but I melt as soon as he opens his mouth. Steven loved that he took such a big chance and killed it, and Randy claimed that his low notes are consistent ‘lady-killers.'

Pia sang the emotional "All in Love is Fair" in her usual flawless way. Just like all of her past performances, the song lacked anything to complain about. I adore her. JLo challenged her to ‘stomp all over the stage' and own the performance next time. Steven commented that she "is the closest star in the American Idol universe."

Paul played his guitar for the first time on the big stage, singing "Tracks of My Tears". It was a great song choice (compared to the random song he performed last week), and different enough from Adam Lambert's season 8 version that I could still enjoy it. RAndy Loved the tenderness he brought to the song, and Steven said he reminded him of Bob Dylan or Willie Nelson.

Naima decided to incorporate African dancing into her performance of "Dancing in the Street"...hmmm. It felt like a dance break from Aida. Overlooking that interesting choice, she took Randy's advice from last week and avoided her prior pitch problems. All the judges agreed that she was lots better than previous weeks, and loved the arrangement.

Closing the night was James singing Stevie Wonder's "Livin for the City." This boy gets better every week. Rocking his usual scarf tail, he certainly deserved the final spot of the evening. Though Randy thought the beginning was rough, the other two vehemently disagreed, claiming that the song was perfect for his voice.

My official consensus of the week: Jacob gave the best Motown performance (with James as a close second) and Stefano the worst. While Naima and Haley did well tonight, I wouldn't be surprised if they join him in the bottom three (based on their previous track records).

Tune in tomorrow to watch Idol alum and ‘Dreamgirls' Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson perform a song from her newly released album! Don't forget to check in with BroadwayWorld's IDOL WATCH tomorrow night for a recap on who made the top 10! American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm on Fox. Vote for your favorite contestants at Americanidol.com!

Miss the Top 12 sing last week? Click here for a full recap!

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment.

 

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