Last week results show really shook up the competition when fan and judge favorite Casey the grimacing, growling supposed genius was voted off Idol by America then unjustifiably saved by the judges and promised a spot on the national Idol Tour. The producers sure know how to entertain. This is some fine sitcom writing, If I must say so. Made me think it was sweeps month with all of the hijinks, surprises and whatnot. However will they top themselves?  Anyway, this week we have an American Idol Top 11 Redux.

HeHates’ Idol Idle Thoughts: 1) I’m convinced Jennifer has a mild case of Tourette’s syndrome. You can’t get this broad to shut the hell up. She will talk over you, mutter under her breath when others are speaking, and uses up the majority time reserved for the performance critique. STFU already. Damn! 2) Professionals were hired to style the Idols? Fire ‘em, STAT. Most of the makeovers were just plain awful. 3) I’m more than ready for Randy to be put out to pasture. His humor falls on the opposite end of amusing on the funny spectrum, his critiques on average are useless and his mode of communication makes me violent. “Yo! Yo! Yo! Listen, yada yada yada. Know what I’m saying?” 4) Sorry but Steven resembles a freshly groomed poodle just returned from the dog groomers. What is really going on with his hair? 5) Jimmy Iovine creeps me out but for some odd reason he’s growing on me. Last night he finally said some shit that made sense to me. Maybe he really does know a little something about making good music. *wink*

Before we get into the performances, HeHates has one question that needs answering: 1) Is Howie Mandel on something? SERIOUSLY!

1. Scotty was up first this week. He turned in a solid yet unspectacular performance of Country Comfort. He really needs to strengthen his higher register. Good to see him incorporate guitar playing into his performance this week. His performances are still a little bit raw but he continues to grow.

GRADE B+

2. Naima put a reggae spin on I’m Still Standing. The judges were underwhelmed by her take. They strongly suggested that it was a misstep.  I, on the other hand, thought it was a good choice for her considering the limitations of her voice. *note: I was extremely bothered by the judges’ hyprocrisy in praising Scotty for turning his tune into a country song while criticising Naima for flipping hers into a reggae jam. Sadly, Naima just lacks the voice to hold a listener’s attention longer than a minute.

GRADE B-

3. Paul whispered sang Rocket Man. Seriously, I’m growing increasingly bothered by his tired act. BORED. Not much else to say except the performance was okay. He was far too pitchy for my liking. I did find his suit amusing.

GRADE C-

4. Pia opted to sing another ballad. She performed Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. She tried to let loose and bring the emotion but didn’t quite succeed. Her voice is strong as ever but this tune was too much for her. She hasn’t lived enough to tap into the emotion needed to bring life into this song. It was an above average performance but unremarkable. She is a diva in the making. It’ll take  a few years before she arrives though.

GRADE B-

5. Stefano, thankfully, didn’t sing soul music. He put a hurting on Tiny Dancer. He tried his darnedest to keep his eyes open and connect with the audience to please Jennifer. This kid just needs a lot of work. He really doesn’t know how to use his voice. It’s pretty aggravating. Though he bothers me, I will admit the kid has the makings of a nice voice. He has a nice tone, nice range and can do adequate licks when necessary. However, his style is too raw. All I can think of when he’s on stage is “High School talent show.” There is something blase and underwhelming about his stage performances. This performance was a snooze.

GRADE C

6. Lauren took a risk and performed Candle In The Wind. Hmm!!! I like the kid but was not fan of this performance. She started out of tune but found her way thankfully. She was able to sing most of the song well but lack emotional connection to words dectracted from the performance.

GRADE B

7. James screamed his way through Saturday’s Alright. *rolls eyes* Wake me when you’re done!

GRADE D+

8. Thia sang decent rendition of Daniel. Her tone is amazing. If this kid had some charisma, confidence and knew how to command an audience’s attention she really could have killed this song. Instead, she delivered something far too timid and mild mannered for this stage in the competition.

GRADE C-

9. Casey was fairly laidback and composed as he sang Your Song. He just couldn’t help himself midway through and fell back into his grimacing, growling singing style. I didn’t hate it but his voice does nothing for me. I just don’t get him.

GRADE C

10. Jacob with his left hip cocked to the side, overdramatized Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. I’d rather not watch or hear this guy perform anything. His antics are so over the top. BARF

GRADE C

11. Haley growled and groand her way through Bennie and the Jets. There is something so awkward about her. I can’t watch the screen when she peforms and it makes me laugh too hard. Vocally, I just don’t care for the way her singing style dates any song she sings. Boo! Not a fan.

GRADE B-

I was unimpressed with all of the performance. Perhaps my expectations are just too high. I thought this was the cream of the crop?