Top 25 Performances of 2012 – New Year’s Countdown – #12
#12 is Hollie Cavanagh with "Bleeding Love"! I remember going over the pre-released song list for this specific theme week (British Invasion? I think? Something English.) and reading the words "Bleeding" and "Love" next to one another. Then, I remember thinking "Oh, Hollie…no." I may have even whispered that out loud. I knew she'd be the one to tackle that Leona Lewis ballad I can barely get through when it spontaneously arises over the radio airwaves. Silly me, though. Hollie was pretty fantastic!
The Jesse McCartney/ Ryan Tedder penned ballad is actually great when it's performed well by someone who actually cares about it. I'm not sure Leona Lewis' biggest hit in the US ever sounded better than when Hollie performed it on American Idol. I'm not knocking the super talented vocalist Leona. I just think this song is better suited to someone who interpreted it the way Hollie did. Also, there's a lot to be said for an artist who decides to nix the big bombastic moment in a song in favor of her own nuanced moment.
I wish we had seen more of Hollie Cavanagh behind the scenes of American Idol. Much attention was paid to her clear-as-ice mega-voice, which is spectacular, but the little murmurs of conversation we got from her in interviews always hinted at a funny and charming personality to match her cute demeanor. I hope Hollie sticks to her guns and records a rad pop album sometime soon. Although, a ballad in the vein of "Bleeding Love" would totally suffice.
To view Hollie's original performance, go Here.
If you’re interested in how this countdown works, check out the original post Here!