BWW Recaps: IDOL's Top 13 Hit Some Bad Notes

There have been a number of noticeable improvements to Season XIII of AMERICAN IDOL, including the inclusion of the best judge in the show's history, Harry Connick Jr., and the Boot Camp featuring Idol-made stars Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry. On the other hand, the new Rush Week was all kinds of disappointment; from Randy Jackson's not-so-triumphant return as the show's new mentor to the contestants having to sprint from their holding chamber to the stage to perform (mostly poorly) just moments after having their fates announced. Unfortunately, that unevenness reared its ugly head again in this week's Top-13 show.

Tonight's theme "This is Me" was a welcome change from the well-worn "Motown" and "Year You Were Born" weeks. The contestants picked a song that accurately explained who they are as individuals and artists. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard that the season's first theme was actually going to be a logical and helpful one. That is so not an IDOL thing to do.

However, what was not logical, nor helpful, as Harry pointed out there appeared to be some technical issues between the band and the singers. Nearly no one started on pitch, and only the best of the bunch were able to right their ship. Was it a function of being uncomfortable with the new in-ear monitors, or is the group just not that good? I have my opinion, tell me yours in the comments below.

Despite the fact that IDOL has a far better track record of producing superstars, comparing this week's first finalists episode to THE VOICE's first two blind auditions shows why NBC's hit is quickly taking the singing competition mantel.

I also think that the IDOL judges (or producers) might have overthought their top-13 selections. To me, it seems like they were afraid that the indie artists in the top-30 couldn't win, so they cut them early in favor of less talented, but more mainstream singers. Unfortunately, that seems to have backfired, as I'm not sure how many of tonight's performances would have gotten a chair-turn on THE VOICE; three, maybe four at best?

Anyway, here's the performances as I saw them:

Dexter Roberts
"Aw Naw" by Chris Young
Three-Word Review: Where's the fun?

This performance was a sign of things to come the rest of the night. Craig seemed like he started the song a half-step too low, and he never really recovered. His performance wasn't terrible, but for someone who said that he wanted to show his fun side, this song didn't really accomplish that goal.

Malaya Watson
"Runaway Baby" by Bruno Mars
Three-Word Review: Slow down girl

While she has demonstrated some impressive natural ability in previous weeks, I'm not sure that this song really showed her talent. It was so fast and in such a small vocal range that it just seemed like she was talking really fast, or even rapping. It also didn't help that she had some "intonation" issues (which has replaced Randy's favorite word "pitchy").

Kristen O'Connor
"Beautiful Disaster" by Kelly Clarkson
Three-Word Review: Don't sing Kelly

Look, there are four female artists that I do not believe should ever be attempted on any singing show, unless you know you are that good, or you want to go home; Whitney, Mariah, Celine, and Kelly. Coming off a wildcard save, Kristen looked great, but sounded a little weird. She needs to move her sound more towards the front of her mouth; it seems like she is swallowing all of her notes, especially the lower ones, and it just made for an odd performance.

Ben Briley
"Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash
Three-Word Review: Running the Line

Lots of props to Ben for singing this song, but it made his voice sound thin and tinny. Also, as Keith said, it was extremely fast, which hurt Ben's ability to hold onto notes and showcase his voice. He is unquestionably one of the best singers and performers in the competition, but he will need to pick better songs to stand out in future weeks.

C.J. Harris
"Radio" by Darius Rucker
Three-Word Review: Don't trust Randy!

Before C.J. performed, Randy said that they took the song up a half-step to better fit his voice, and man was that a mistake. Despite being a crowd favorite, C.J. did not make the most of his wildcard save from last week. There didn't seem to be any melody to the song, and unfortunately that might prove to be his final performance on the show.

MK Nobilette
"Satisfaction" by Allen Stone
Three-Word Review: Ok, I guess

This was definitely a different style of song for MK, but like everyone else, she had trouble getting on pitch at the start of the song. She finally did find the right key about 2/3 of the way through and finished strong. However, a lot of people have been very vocal with their praise for her in previous weeks, but to me she is a very breathy, lazy sound to her voice. If she hangs around (which she should), I hope I can see the passion that everyone else has been talking about.

Majesty Rose
"Tightrope" by Janelle Monáe
Three-Word Review: Best so far

Finally, we get a performance worthy of Idol stage. Majesty is one of the few tonight that looked and sounded like a fully realized artist. If she isn't the frontrunner from the females at this point, I don't know who is. Good performance, great song choice.

Jena Irene
"The Scientist" by Coldplay
Three-Word Review: Demi on IDOL?

Am I the only one that thinks that she bears a striking resemblance to former X FACTOR judge and pop superstar Demi Lovato? That aside, like nearly every other performer tonight, Jena started her song off pitch. However, she quickly recovered and delivered an interesting, but not exactly moving rendition of the song.

Alex Preston
"The Beautiful Mess" by Jason Mraz
Three-Word Review: All Around Talent

Despite some rough spots, he is the most well-rounded artist in the competition. He might lack the stage presence of Majesty, but man can he sing, and we know he is the best musician in this year's crop. He had his own intonation issues, but besides Caleb, he gave the best vocal of the night.

Jessica Meuse
"The Crow & the Butterfly" by Shinedown
Three-Word Review: Where we going?

One thing I do like about this year's group of finalists is that they are venturing out of the tried and true Idol standards and picking songs that haven't been beaten to death by better singers in previous seasons. Jessica sang this song really well, but it didn't do a whole lot for me. The performance just didn't seem to have any movement or dynamics, and didn't show us anything special from Jessica.

Emily Piriz
"Glitter in the Air" by Pink
Three-Word Review: Too low/high

Like many people who don't thoroughly think through their song choice, this ons started too low for Emily. The contestants tend to only focus on the big notes in the middle and at the end, but forget that they have to sing the entire arc of the song. Unfortunately, Emily struggled on both the top and bottom notes, despite the positive reinforcement she got from the judges.

Sam Woolf
"Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty
Three-Word Review: Little bit disappointing

I really like this song, but despite the fact that it was pitch perfect (especially considering the rest of tonight's performances) I didn't love Sam's version. I'm not sure if it was too slow, or if his awkward nonchalance proved distracting, but the song served as a pretty sounding lullaby, putting me a little to sleep as the show wound down. Sam is one of my favorites thus far, but this just seemed like a missed opportunity, on a sub-par night, to move to the forefront.

Caleb Johnson
"Pressure and Time" by Rival Sons
Three-Word Review: Hands down best!

I don't know that song, and I don't really care to know that song, because I can't imagine a better version than the one Caleb gave tonight! This guy is a pro. After tonight, this competition is without a doubt his to lose.

Should be Bottom Three
C.J. Harris
Kristen O'Connor
Emily Piriz

Should be going home
C.J. Harris

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of tonight's performances? Tell us in the comments below and let me know on Twitter @BWWMatt. Also, check back tomorrow for our recap of the elimination episode with a performance by last year's Idol, Candice Glover!