Idol duets makes you ponder: Can a coronation song performed by another contestant sound as sweet?
Hello, you littleAmerican Idolfans.
It seems like just yesterday that we were together, and thats because we were.
Credit: Michael Becker/Fox
But before we begin, lets chat about the whole premise of this episode: the judges vote.
Well, thatandthe Idol duets.
because apparently America gets no say-so.
But, Im sure well discuss that later.
Tonight is Idol duets, which is where veterans come back and perform with the newcomers.
Unfortunately, it doesnt happen for her.
And putting her next to Lauren does nothing but highlight the disparity.
Its like theyre the same person, but not.
The judges knock him for the performances authenticity, though, so tough times for Stringfellow.
So maybe I need to let it go.
Stephany, however, struggles to hold her own.
But against Ruben…its a tough show.
Im sorry (2004).
Sonika Vaid, Skyfall
Partner:Caleb Johnson
Rank:Second
This is what Ive wanted for Sonika.
An interesting outfit and song and performance.
Im not saying that it wasperfect.
The combo with Caleb sounds nuts, but the moments she shined brightest were in working against Calebs vocals.
Specifically, the low-range harmonizing she pulled off wasinsane.
Sonika also gets bonus points for thanking the band.
Rickey Minor is somewhere in the shadows feelingsovalidated.
The biggest thing that he has on Jenna is consistency.
Theres likely only room for one Renae in the competition anyway.
The fact that theyve chosen Summertime has me saying, This cant be a good idea.
Fantasia does exactly what she did 12 seasons ago: dominates.
LaPorsha, who I have nothing but undying support for, does not.
She yells and grinds through the song in a way that Fantasia wouldnt dare.
Keith gives them a standing ovation, but that performance wasnotseason 3, and LaPorsha isnotFantasia.
I still believe in the power of LaPorsha, but I dont believe in that performance.
MacKenzie holds his own in a song that was basically chosen for Lauren Alaina.
But its the first time that I feel like the new contestant wasnt singing backup for a past victor.
With that being said, it also felt like two separate renditions being performed at the same time.
Jennifer Lopez says its mismatched but feels right together, which are my thoughts on peanut butter and bacon.
NEXT: Coronation songs for days
Scott Borchetta makes an appearance (hi, Scott!)
Way harsh, Scott.
Thats why youre wonderful.
Gianna Isabella, Beautiful Life
Rank:Fifth
Did you know theres a color called metallic eggshell?
I choose to focus on the color of Giannas outfit because this arrangement is messy at best.
I dont think weve seen the last of Gianna, like it or not.
Avalon Young, Flying Without Wings
Rank:First
Speaking of coronation songs, lets talk about Rubens.
The best part of Avalons performance is that her admiration for Ruben is palpable.
Also, big kudos for not looking like she just swung in from the gym.
Avalon is growing on me.
However, Jeneve Rose Mitchells own is literally out of control.
You see, whatssupermisleading is that in rehearsal, Jeneve was REALLY GOOD.
Shes like running around and yelling and doing little finger guns and blushing.
I wont even rank her with a number.
Just the color of her aura tonight.
Jordan Ex-Man Bun Sasser, I Believe
Rank:Sixth
Yall.
This is my third favorite coronation song (behind Home and A Moment Like This, because duh).
And then Jordan gives it his best go, which means he oversings it.
And then hegoes there.
I understand his spirit, but his execution doesnt take me to the same place that Fantasia does.
As the song ends, Fantasia literally palms Jordans face, as if shes blessing himandcondemning him.
The judges agree that he oversings it, which doesnt bode well for moving forward.
