Reality Check - Defending Alex Preston, and a Warning to Bria Kelly - Video
TVLine.com's Michael Slezak returns with American Idol Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle for an all-new Reality Check, dissecting the week in reality singing competitions!
Michael and Melinda discuss what they feel happened to Majesty Rose on American Idol XIII, as she went from one of the frontrunners to being an early boot. We also get some interesting analysis as to why Sam Woolf's performance of "Hey There, Delilah" didn't really work, as well as why Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene's performances were so bold. Michael and Melinda also mount an engaging defense of Alex Preston's cover of "Don't Speak". Meanwhile, the hosts have a warning for The Voice Season 6 frontrunner Bria Kelly. It's a great episode, so check out the full video below via TVLine:
THOUGHTS
I go back and forth on Alex's cover of "Don't Speak". I can see what he was going for, and he had some absolutely stellar moments, despite flubbing the lyrics in the early going. He doesn't have the fire that other contestants have, although he arguably has more originality than anyone else in the field. That contrast, to me, makes him one of the most interesting contenders in the competition. I mean, he clearly wants this. But his laid-back demeanor seems to be at odds with the dramatic weight of his performances.
Of course, I don't think this is an issue many of the other contestants are having on The Voice this year. If anything else, I'd argue Tess Boyer and Bria Kelly almost connected too much to their performances, in that their emotions practically overwhelmed their vocals. With that said, I still found both to be impressive, particularly Tess, who continues to deliver. But I do agree that Bria needs to watch her grit and her penchant for internalizing each performance. She can be a contender, but not if she gets lost in herself all the time.
What did you think of the episode? Do you agree or disagree with Michael and Melinda's opinions? Sound off in the comments!
Credit: TVLine.com