American Idol Gaga Style – top 4 performance review

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American Idol is approaching the end, and this week with the top four was one of the best shows in a long time. Like last week they each did two songs, one old and one new. This time they did songs that were inspirational and songs written by Lieber & Stoller. Then for the second songs they were coached by Lady Gaga. Thus it made for a very interesting night. Let’s see who performed what and, of course, make our weekly predictions.

James Durbin kicked off this week like he did last. His first song was “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. The song is originally slower, but James put his spin on it and make it pure rock. James really stepped it back up after his slower last performance last week. Randy, who often covers this song with his band, adored it, along with Steve and Jennifer agreeing that James ruled the stage once more.

Haley was next with “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson, which again was a major risk. Since Jackson died back in 09, his music is still fresh. Plus covering a widely known and respected artist, such as he was, makes for a more dangerous performance. Yet Haley stood by it and give it her all. I am not a fan of hers, but I do think that she really tried with this one. However, she did not please the judges once more. Jennifer and Randy said it was a bad song choice, while Steven agreed but quickly smoothed it over.

Scotty took a serious turn with Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?”. The song was clearly about September 11th, 2001, which was a very emotional day. Thus the song was just that; emotional. His serious side showed just how much we have seen this 16-year-boy grow up and become one of the best singers this year. The judges praised him, but not as much as they did with James.

Lauren sang “Anyway” by Martina McBride, who is known as the country diva. Lauren sang it with soul and made it flow. She did a fabulous job, as she always does. Her vocals were perfect, which just added richness to the whole song. The judges loved it as much as they loved James’ first song, which was great news for young Lauren.

For round 2, Haley kicked it off, and she came back with a vengeance. She sang “I Who Have Nothing,” originally by Ben E. King. She seemed to be more in her element with this one, really stretching where she is strongest again. Of course she was upset over the judges’ comments on her first performance, but she hung in there and stayed strong in her second performance. Lady Gaga said that Haley was amazing, which the judges agreed with after this song. Jennifer said that this song was proof why they could not go light on her.

Scotty came back with an up tempo song, ‘Young Blood,” by the Coasters. This was more proof that he could go outside of his element and still own it on stage. His personality shone through, which delighted Lady Gaga. He brought in humor and a perfect vocal performance, as usual. The judges loved seeing him outside of his comfort while still being able to sing as if he wasn’t. Scotty really could easily cross over into rock music with his amazing vocals. It hard to believe that he is only 16 sometimes.

Lauren sang “Trouble,” by Elvis. Lauren was concerned with some of the lyrics, but Gaga helped her feel okay with them. By the time Lauren sang it, you would have not known she had any concerns prior to it just a few days ago. She had a new attitude on stage, which worked well for her song or “character,” as Gaga put it. The judges loved the new Lauren, which thrilled the young girl who sometimes gets upset over things said to her.

James closed out the night with “Love Potion No. 9.” The song was originally done by the Clovers and is a slower song. Yet James took it up a notch like he did with his Journey song, bringing it to life with that amazing rocker feel only he can bring to a song. This was a perfect example of making a song your own. James made it more lively song with the help of Gaga, who told him to shake his hips like Elvis. Which James did, just like Gaga told him to. Jennifer said she was concerned by his choice, but he proved he could sing anything. Randy and Steven adored it, as well.

For the weekly predictions, it really could be anyone who goes home. However, I think Haley has the best chance to go home. She sassed back, and you could tell she is fed up with the judges and had not really been in her element. She might have done better if she waited a few years before she came on the show. I don’t think she even really knows where she is as an artist, unlike James and even the other younger stars this season.

Who do you think will go home?

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