Eye On Idol (4/01/11)

Here’s what we know so far: American Idol voters prefer dudes.
When the finals started four weeks ago, there were six guys and seven girls. After Elton John week, there are six guys but now only three females.

The near elimination and save of Casey Abrams last week meant two contestants would exit after last night’s (3/31) results show. The final tally revealed that Thia Meghia and Naima Adedapo were those contestants.
Which wasn’t exactly a surprise, if we’re being honest.
So the question remains, who’s going to win this thing? It’s still too early to be certain, so here’s a look at the remaining nine contestants.
Early on, Paul McDonald had seemed like he might sail all the way to the end untouched. He’s not unlike the previous three Idol winners in look and style. His version of “Rocket Man” was sturdy, and he sounds like no one else. But his inclusion in the bottom three last night suggests that voters might finally be ready for something new.
Country crooner Scotty McCreery definitely wants to win it, and he’s got a knack for playing the game. He’s stuck to his guns from the start, being a proud country singer that lets us see just a little more every week. He’s also smart enough to play to the crowd, even giving a shout out to his grandmother (awww!) during his performance of “Country Comfort.” Good news for Nashville, whatever the outcome.
Celine-in-training Pia Toscano has a huge voice and the ability to absolutely crush a ballad like “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” which should take her really deep into the competition. But people are starting to wonder if that’s her one really good trick. What happens when she has to sing something uptempo and move around the stage?
Lauren Alaina is really tough to call. She’s spent so much time on camera that it’s hard to imagine viewers not being a little burned out, but she’s also a truly great singer. Her beautiful, country-inflected version of “Candle In The Wind” sounded like a modern hit to me. I suspect we’ll see her for awhile yet.
A couple weeks ago, I hadn’t given James Durbin a second thought for winning but now he seems to be a serious contender. He’s a great performer, as his pyro-happy, piano dancing delivery of “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” clearly displayed. He’s got that hair metal swagger that makes people get up out of their seats and scream.
And Casey Abrams, ever the chameleon, showed something completely different. His previous performances have been totally unhinged with full throated-screaming, but his restrained and tender version “Your Song” should convince viewers to keep him around for a little while longer.

The night’s biggest revelation, however, was Hayley Reinhart. I admit, I originally figured she was on the short list to leave early. But Elton’s far-out, funky masterpiece “Bennie and the Jets” perfectly suited her vocal style, allowing her the opportunity to growl the high “Bennie!” shouts and play loose with the melody. She appeared to be having fun, and it was easily her best of the season. Song choice will be critical for her going forward. More like this, please!
Stefano Langone and Jacob Lusk are probably still long shots, even though they have both given memorable performances. Langone can deliver the goods, but too often he’s more like a really good karaoke singer than a future star. Lusk pours his entire soul into every song, but his tendency to take everyone to church may prove off-putting for viewers. I predict Langone exits next week, with Lusk following shortly after.
Until next week remember, some voices were meant to stay in the shower.