News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By Jill Berry

Hello, all! My name is Jill Berry and I've been given the opportunity to write the Editorial Review for the popular reality show, ‘American Idol.’

On Tuesday night you may have noticed that your show guide said the ‘girls’ were up. Apparently, Crystal Bowersocks has a medical condition that's keeping her in the hospital so the ‘boys’ agreed to change nights.

So, the first of the 10 was ‘Big Mike’ (Michael Lynch). He's definitely true to his nick-name, as he has a bigger than life stage presence. Unfortunately for me, and for him, his song was quite forgettable. ‘This is a Man's World’ by James Brown was a good choice for him as it’s the right genre---R&B Soul and all that---but boring. It was an improvement from last week, none-the-less. The judges mostly disagreed with me, as they all liked it, including Simon. Shocker: from ‘pussycat to lion’ in one week. I know a lot of you aren't fans of Simon, but his advice/criticisms are generally on the mark and I get a kick out of him.

Next up was John Park singing ‘Gravity’ by John Meyer. I liked the song, but this guy just doesn't do it for me. The judges went with me on this one, as most of them thought the performance was flat and forgettable. I think he'll be voted off on the next elimination show.

Next up, girls, was the ‘eye candy’ of the show: Casey James. His choice was ‘I Don't Wanna Be’ by Gavin McGraw. It’s a good song and he did a not-bad job, but I'm pretty sure he forgot to breathe as he seemed to ‘gasp’ his way through it. He had definite stage presence and the guitar solo at the end with the original riff was a great touch. But, as Kara pointed out, and I tend to agree, “This is a singing show.” The much-touted ‘cougar’ actually didn't like his performance and thought it was a step backwards. Poor Casey: he looked crushed.

Our ‘unripe banana’ Alex Lambert was next, singing ‘Everybody Knows’ by John Legend. I love the original sound quality to his voice and he seemed more comfortable in his own skin this time around. Ellen said that his banana has just about ripened and all the judges were impressed. Simon came up with a really good one this time:  “The only time to be nervous is if you’re useless, and you’re not useless. So, quit whining about nerves and get on with it!”

I wonder if that would fit on a bumper sticker?

Todrick Hall did his own version of ‘What's Love Got to do With It’ by Tina Turner. Not bad, but you've gotta ask yourself, ‘Would Tina like it?’ I can't presume to answer for her, but I'm thinking not. In his favour, he does have good energy on stage and a cool voice. I don't get sleepy when I watch him. So, points for him. Judges didn't like it and Simon said to “keep dancing and quit singing.” What a peach! Ha!

Next up was Jermaine Sellars singing ‘What’s oGing On’ by Marvin Gaye. How many gosh-darn times have we heard that one? Sheesh. So boring and so annoying. I'm pretty sure he'll be the second voted off. I mean, really? These kids (listen to me---I'm only 40) have until age 28 to compete in this show and they pick a song that my mom and grandma listened to on vinyl! OK, to be fair, it is a pretty good song---a classic. But update it a little. Give it a re-mix or something.  

Our ‘straight-up’ favourite was Andrew Garcia singing ‘You Give Me Something’ by James Morrison. Not too bad, but it was a big disappointment for me and the judges. Ellen said it first. “The last two performances haven't been as good as ‘Straight-Up’ so we’re always expecting more. You've set your bar pretty high and now you need to surprise us.”  Enough said.

Aaron Kelly was so young and cute singing ‘My Girl’ by Smokey Robinson. It’s hard to call him a disappointment because that would be like yelling at a puppy: cruel.  He was 200% better than last week, the judges and I agree, but---old song, old version. You’re 16, Aaron: ‘young it up’ a bit!

Tim Urban, one of my favourites of the night, sang ‘Come on Get Higher’ by Matt Nathansan.

Yes, he's a bit raw, but he has a unique voice and he's very sincere. When he's singing, I take notice and I actually stopped eating my Dairy Queen chocolate sundae! That’s huge! And get this: Randy, Ellen and Kara didn't like the performance and Simon disagreed with all three of them! It was unprecedented. It might even make front page news! Seriously, folks, when Simon goes against three judges and praises the ‘talent’, it must be memorable.

Our final contestant of the evening, Lee Dewyse, sang ‘Lips of an Angel’ by Hendrix. For me, this was one of the best, and so far, better than Andrew Garcia. Lee has good stage presence, a very recordable,Top 40-quality voice and a lot of passion. Is he our ‘dark horse’?On Wednesday March 3 the top 10 girls are up. I'll be back then. Until then, Idol fans, rock on!

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