American Idol 10 Top 11 Redux Studio Recordings available on iTunes now
The studio recordings of Elton John songs from the American Idol 10 Top 11 are available now on iTunes!
A lot of good recordings this week, but my favorite was Paul McDonald's. James Durbin, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart also had a good week in the studio. My personal favorite this season Stefano had his best recording to date which made me happy.
Download: American Idol Top 11 Redux Season 10 (save 50%)
Casey Abrams - Your Song
This was very good. A bit too much on the echo, but nice and tender. Casey is back! He did what he needed to do this week: remind us that he can sing.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Download: Your Song
Naima Adedapo - I'm Still Standing
"A" for effort, but pretty much a total miss. A lesson in: a bad idea is a bad idea.
Rating: 1/5 Stars
Download: I'm Still Standing
Lauren Alaina - Candle In The Wind
An interesting arrangement. I think Lauren did a good job with this. Or whoever is singing here, because Lauren in the studio doesn't sound like Lauren live, LOL. She still needs to differentiate herself though.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: Candle In The Wind
James Durbin - Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
This was good. His voice is still too thin for me. But his fans will love this. Loved the energy in this recording. The last 1/3 of this is amazing.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Download: Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)
Stefano Langone - Tiny Dancer
Omigosh! This is Stefano's best recording -- I'm so happy. They're finally helping him out in the studio. More control than his previous recordings. Woohoo! Go Stefano!
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: Tiny Dancer
Jacob Lusk - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Jacob turns things down in this recording -- and it's so boring. Wow. How did that happen? I felt like he was drowned out by the orchestration. I guess they were trying to make his voice blend in... too much unfortunately. Jacob cannot record well -- you need to mute him for the recording to actually sound passable.
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Download: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Scotty McCreery - Country Comfort
Country loves Scotty! This was very good. Given the right song, Scotty is very solid in the studio.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Download: Country Comfort
Paul McDonald - Rocket Man
Paul McDonald is incredible. I loved this! Paul needs to win this. He's holding back in the live shows, but his vocals in studio are so on point. Amazing.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Download: Rocket Man
Thia Megia - Daniel
Good but boring. There's just no flavor. Hopefully she'll learn. I think a break to "find who she is" will do wonders. She's been on the talent circuit for so long and at a young age, it's showing it's toll in everything (studio, live, etc.)
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Download: Daniel
Haley Reinhart - Bennie And The Jets
A recording deserving of the pimp spot. Well done Haley! This is her best recording to date. A great song choice from her. Bennie! Bennie!! Bennie!!! And the Jets!
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Download: Bennie And The Jets
Pia Toscano - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Another solid Pia recording. I don't care if she does another ballad next week -- she's awesome singing them. The ideal trajectory for Pia now is to sing a song out of her element, and then nail it (think: Carrie Underwood and Alone). That might be an instant "she just won the show" moment.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Download: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me