>We are in studio 36 at CBS Television City, the tension is growing and nine performers are about to make history at the American Idol: The Search for a Superstar Show. Steven Tyler introduced the American Idol show while standing inform of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Steven gave a quick rundown about what the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is all about. Contestants had to do songs performed by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. With a “Long Live Rock and Roll” Steven Tyler scream, Ryan Seacrest quickly takes the stage and the show begins, Live!
First up was Jacob Lusk. He chose “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. Jacob sang the song at a slower tempo than the original which allowed for a softer soulful rendition. The co-writer Siedah Garrett and 3 background signers accompanied Jacob. Jacob showed off his showmanship by grabbing the microphone and prancing around the stage in a white vest and pants. The audience screamed “We Love You!”
Next, Haley Reinhart was to sing Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart”. Before she performed they showed her rehearsing and Will I. Am suggested that she put more emotion into her singing. This song is difficult to do properly because no one does it better than Janis. Janis Joplin’s style of singing was always powerful and over-the-top. But Haley did a good job singing “Piece of My Heart.” The audience response was a bit better.
Casey Abrams performed next. He chose to sing the Creedence Clearwater Revival song “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” Casey sported an upright bass and a piccolo player. All the judges loved his performance. Lauren Alaina was up next with her soulful R&B version of Aretha Franklin’s hit “Natural Woman.” Standing middle stage with red floodlights in the background, Lauren gave a sultry performance considering that she is only 16. Next to take the stage was James Durbin. He sang George Harrison’s song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” He was accompanied by 2 female violinists and a female cellist. At the end of his song the crowd applauded with extended cheering and screaming. The judges liked seeing the “other side.”
Then it was on to Scotty McCreery. Scotty sang “That’s All Right Mamma” by Elvis Presley. Scotty rocked the song while sitting on stairs with background singers. Then he stood up and commanded the song. At the end, young girls from the audience ran up onto the stage and hugged him! A new Scotty, loved it and flavor where some of the terms used by the judges to describe his performance.
Pia Toscano changed her predictable style of singing ballads by singing the Tina Turner song “River Deep Mountain High.” With a horn section and background singers she gave a good performance but the judges suggested that she study the great performers to improve her singing skills. Then Stefano Langone took the stage and sang “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. His interpretation was smooth and cool and was received well by the audience and judges.
Surprisingly, maybe the best performance was given last by Paul McDonald with Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Paul was told to sing “crazy” during rehearsal. And he did just that in a black suit and a wild hairdo. The bottom 3 for the April 7th, 2011 American Idol Results Show are Jacob Lusk, Stefano Langone and Paul McDonald. Tune in to the FOX Network and see the American Idol Results at 8/7c PM.
The result show was a bit of a surprise not only because Pia was eliminated but also because punk rocker Iggy Pop performed live. The Pia Toscano bio will tell you all you need to know about this songbird who auditioned multiple times for American Idol and who, until last night was thought to be a front runner this season.
