Neil Diamond Night

I wasn’t sure how Neil Diamond week would be. . . heck, I haven’t been sure about ANY of the mentors so far. . .

The show, as you know if you watched, was TOTALLY unsettled. This is the first week of two songs per contestant --- I think they should wait until it’s down to four or even three to do the two-song thing. Everyone and everything was SO rushed!! Run onstage, sing, Ryan practically shoves you offstage, next contestant on. . . no time for one-on-one judging of the first performances, which was DEFINITELY a problem with poor Paula.

Each contestant was shown rehearsing with Neil Diamond, announcing which two songs they would sing. Then we got to hear what Neil thought about each person and how he felt they would do.

Jason started with “Forever in Blue Jeans”. I thought he looked more comfortable than he ever has onstage, I enjoyed his rendition and also thought it was much stronger than last week. Loved when he showed his lower register.

David was next with “I’m Alive” --- Neil mentioned that David’s rendition had given him goose bumps. Ditto with me.

Brooke sang “I’m a Believer” (who would have guessed?). I was actually pleasantly surprised that she didn’t overdo the theatrics like I expected. However, the lyric is “not a trace” --- Brooke sang “without a trace” which is a TV show, not the lyric from this song.

Lil’ David sang “Sweet Caroline” --- I really liked the way he changed it up. His voice, as always, was strong and pure, every note on key.

Syesha wrapped up the first round of performances with “Hello”. Technically it was well sung, but this song is sad and melancholy, rather plaintive. Syesha smiled and mugged for the camera during her performance and kind of ruined the song for me.

If you didn’t see the show, they mentioned in each clip of contestant and Neil time that each person would sing two songs and which songs they would sing. To further throw everything off, they waited until everyone had sung one song, brought everyone out, and had each judge to a VERY short critique on each person.

When it was Paula’s turn, she started with Jason, gave a few words about his performance, and then launched into “then your second song. . . “ Simon tried to stop her (which Paula mistook for Simon’s regular antics), then Randy interrupted her by saying that they were just critiquing the first song. Paula looked stunned and actually uttered “oh, I thought you sang twice already”.

I racked it up to Paula’s natural wackiness, coupled with the frenetic pace of the show. Some viewers are seeing Paula’s flub last night as “proof” that the show is rigged. However, judges DO watch the rehearsals, and Paula’s notes MAY have been taken at that time. But, there’s no telling where Paula’s head is at. . . ever!! Total space cadet!

Ryan moved the show rapidly into round two. Jason chose “September Morn” for his second song of the night. I enjoyed this performance, too, although Jason’s attempts at moving around the stage are still really awkward. He could have performed this song while seated and it would have been as if not more effective.

David sang “All I Really Need is You” -- another stellar performance!! If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times --- this guy BETTER end up winning, or at the very least in the top 2.

Brooke returned to her safety zone behind the piano and sang “I Am, I Said” --- I don’t want to keep harping on Brooke but she chose quite possibly the MOST difficult song to sing, shook like a leaf, has now affected this weird over-vibrato in her voice and how did she think she would be able to see the lyrics she wrote on her palm if she was playing the piano??? Maybe Brooke’s operating with the other half of Paula’s brain!!

Lil’ David’s second song choice was “America” --- anyone who thought he wouldn’t choose this is on crack, although I don’t think he chose this song as a smart move, like Simon wanted the public to think --- totally opposite from Kristy Lee’s strategy with her earlier plea to patriotic America. David chose this song because of his beliefs, not because he thought more people might vote for him. After all, it’s about COMING to America (as in immigrants) and not all Americans are in favor of ANYONE coming to their country (“they’re taking all our jobs”, “they’re sitting around collecting welfare”). So, if you think about it, choosing that song may have been a RISKY move.

Syesha wrapped up the night by singing “I Thank the Lord for the Night Time”. It was a solid, Broadway-esque performance. Not enough to take her to the finals.

My choices for Bottom 2: Brooke and Syesha.

I predict American will send” Brooke and Jason.

I HOPE Brooke will go home, but I fear Jason will leave first and we’re gonna have to listen to Brooke for possibly one or even two more weeks.

Not as bad as Kristy Lee, but close. . .