Image Credit: Michael Becker/Fox; Kevin Winter/Getty Images (2)
From James Durbin’s militaristic take on Muse’s “Uprising” to Jacob Lusk’s shaky start with Luther Vandross’ “Dance with My Father,” once again, American Idol vocal coach and arranger Debra Byrd and associate music director and arranger Michael Orland are here to give their peerless insights into the Idol Top 7′s attempt at 21st century music. For a decade, Byrd and Orland have been on the front lines with the contestants, from Hollywood Week to the grand finale in May. The two work with the contestants on their respective songs, helping them shine on the Idol stage and in front of a national TV audience. Check out their thoughts on Wednesday night’s performance show below:
SCOTTY McCREERY — “Swingin’” (LeAnn Rimes)
MICHAEL ORLAND: I think that maybe he could have explored some other song choices this week. There were a lot to pick from from 2000 to 2011, especially on the country charts. We did look at some others, but when he saw this one, he responded to it a lot. I guess there was another version of this song that was out a while back, but he just redid it again, so it was all available. This is my thing: It’s a double-edged sword, the way they do the show now in that they want you to be who you are every week. Now we’re not going to see Scotty singing disco one week and folk one week and theater one week. He’s singing who he is every single week, so it’s like, how much can he change it up?
JAMES DURBIN — “Uprising” (Muse)
MO: It was his idea from the beginning. When we went to Interscope [on] Friday, he was on his laptop waiting to go in. He pulled me over and was like, “Michael, you have to see these outfits. This is how I want to dress.” He was already finding this clothing on the Internet. He’s like a producer too! He knows what he wants. He envisioned the whole thing, with the drummers coming out.
I guess [Muse lead singer] Matthew Bellamy was at the show [a few weeks ago], and James is a big huge fan of his. He dared James to sing that last chorus up an octave. When [James] did it the first time, he sang the whole chorus up an octave, and Rock Mafia, who produced his track, they had the idea of doing one line up the octave and then come back down an octave, and then do the up-the-octave again and then come back down. It gives it more power when he does [go up high]; he’s not just laying up there.
HALEY REINHART — “Rolling in the Deep” (Adele)
DEBRA BYRD: After she made her decision to sing [this song], she was very positive that that’s what she wanted to do. It’s a risky choice. It sounded very good on her. She wore the song well. It was a bit of a process for her to bring a strength to it. We had conversations about the strength of the song; not her vocal, because she’s got a strong vocal. She proved that on “Bennie and the Jets.” But I wanted to talk with her about the strength of being a woman. Her approach to it was a little too nice. I said, “That’s because you’ve got Adele’s video [for the song] stuck in your consciousness.” Adele just sits in profile and sings. I said, “I want you to dump Adele’s video and bring some fire into the first line.” And she got there.
[Singing it behind the judges] was a staging decision. She said, [shrugs a bit] “Okay.” It’s a different look, and we’re always looking for different looks on the show, between the executive producers and Debbie Williams [the stage manage], and the director. It becomes how to make the show more interesting.
JACOB LUSK — “Dance with My Father” (Luther Vandross)
DB: I don’t know what happened [at the opening]. The only thing I can say is there was a technical mishap. I was looking at a monitor, just off to the side [of the stage]. So I can’t see on the stage. Whatever technically that happened that threw him off, threw [the string players] off as well. It was quite an evening for Jacob! And I think he handled it well, because I thought he was going to stop, and he didn’t. I’m glad he didn’t; I’m glad he soldiered on, because stuff happens. I believe Brooke White [from season 7] is the only contestant to have ever stopped. I’m glad he kept singing, took his earpiece out, and was really adjusting to what was going on. While that whole thing was going on, I was not breathing. When it was over, I had this whole release. I just didn’t know what the outcome was going to be. I’m glad he didn’t stop, but it freaked me out.
CASEY ABRAMS — “Harder to Breathe” (Maroon 5)
MO: I love that the boy is a great performer even with his instrument. I love that he just moved the strap and moved the guitar away and took the mic off the stand. I know a lot of singers that cannot do that; once they’re playing their guitar, they’re just stuck there at the mic stand.
I definitely think he brings a lot of humor to everything he does. He’s such a funny guy. I know he planned to sing that [final] line to [Jennifer Lopez]. He did not do it during dress rehearsal because he didn’t want anyone to see it. But that kiss I think was all ad-libbed. I thought it made the evening.
STEFANO LANGONE — “Closer” (Ne-Yo)
DB: When Jimmy said to him [he needs to stop begging as he performs], I became an interpreter of that [for Stefano]. It’s about body language. He will tend to close his body off when he sings [brings arms tightly into her torso], as opposed to singing this way [brings arms out to her sides]. That’s a vulnerability that a lot of singers aren’t comfortable with. It’s process to get that comfortable. This is also because Stefano boxes — so as you put up your dukes, you tend to do that [brings arms in to chest again] to cover your face. If you open up, it’s not a begging thing; you’re confident, and that’s what Jimmy was saying.
It’s also the short-sleeve shirt. He’s got nice things, his biceps and chesticles, what are they? Pecs? [Laughing] He’s got nice pecs! He’s always been buff like that. I said, “What are you going to wear [this week]?” He said, “I’m going to wear a black shirt.” I said, “Is it a short sleeve shirt?” He said yes. I said, “You’ve got to give them your biceps.” [Laughs]
LAUREN ALAINA — “Born to Fly” (Sara Evans)
MO: I know the song really well. When we were going through [the songs], she definitely had a tough time picking what she wanted to do. As soon as I mentioned Sara, she was like, “Oh my god, ‘Born to Fly’!” I happen to love that song, so I encouraged her about it. I love the lyric for this show and what it says. Rock Mafia did the track for that one; I think she’s really comfortable with them, and I think they just get her. At one point, she was questioning, “Is this the right song?” We ended up singing through a bunch of songs that day, and [we chose "Born to Fly"] just by process of elimination. She knew for sure she wanted to do something up tempo. So that helped, and then, you know, have some attractive boys on the stage with her, and she’s a happy girl.
Read more:
‘American Idol’ recap: In (And After) The Year 2000….
‘American Idol’: Steven Tyler’s F-bomb and Jacob Lusk’s musical snafu, on the scene of Top 7 performance night
EW.com’s Top 7 Power List
Rock Mafia’s suggestion for James to go up and down an octave for the chorus was the right idea. I thought it sealed the performance. I know not everyone will feel this way, but I really liked it, and I’ve not been that big of a James fan.
IMHO James was totally ripping off Adam Lambert’s video of A Time For Miracles. Nothing fresh here.
Yes, we all know that All Music before Lambert was stuff Gay God Lambert could do better. And all performers since the Dawn of Lambert just imitate him and his Greatness. Al of them failing, of course. Badly.
Give it a freakin rest! Kris Allen is a fine guy that just competed with your God. Siobhan Magnus is not a Lambert wannabe. Crystal Bowersox is her own gal not “driven by trying to measure up to Adam”. James Durbin is his own guy with 20 or so people that inspire him and on that list, Steve Tyler and Hulk Hogan are more critical to his vision than Lambert. Haley doesn’t try to “sing as good as Lambert”. Haley tries to sing her best.
I thought the Gaykens and Claywomen were obnoxious about cotting down anyone but “Our Clay”, but the Gayberts and Glamberts have them beat by a mile.
Look, Adam Lambert is good. But he will be lucky to sell 1/4 of the records Daughtry will sell in his career or have 1/80th the success of Gaga or Madonna.
That sounds pretty bigoted Petra. And at this point, i’m guessing that Lambert’s going to considerably outsell Daughtery (I love both). Lambert’s more versatile, and he moves with the trends. Daughtery is just Daughtry, and his style is pretty out right now.
tarc, I like Lambert but I highly doubt that he will ever outsell Daughtry. Just look at the numbers so far.
Huh? Drum corps is where in Adam’s A Time for Miracles? Paramilitary wardrobe? The pathos of the lyrics against JD’s childhood experiences? Um–to qualify as a “ripoff” doesn’t it have to bear at least a teeny weeny similarity? Adam’s season on AI blew us away — this is James’ season. Your horse is running on a round track.
Haley did just what she needed to do to redeem herself from last week (although she already did, really, with the Casey duet); but on her own, on a performance show, she needed to kick butt and she did. Lauren, meanwhile, needs to bring it or she’s in danger. It’s soooo frustrating because Lauren’s got the voice, she just doesn’t have the passion. I want to shake her!
I think the coaching really helped Haley. Awesome as her voice is, it REALLY bugged me how she pranced around happily singing Janis. Last night was great because she showed some anger to go with the lyric and that growl. If she keeps emoting appropriately she’ll do fine.
I don’t know that Lauren HAS a stronger voice. I can’t imagine she wouldn’t have used it by now if she did? She might be best off as a Disney girl (but she’d be GREAT at it. Move over, Miley, let a REAL girl in!)
p.s. I didn’t miss Pia AT ALL lol.
Dear Lord , Dial Idol says, Scotty got 24 million plus votes with Jacob 2nd, Vote for James next week guys, I pray he is here. I love him , he is the best.
With texting taking over the voting Dial Idol has become irrelevant. Pia was in 2nd place according to DI the week she got voted off.
she was in third place. paul however was in last place last week, so you cannot really tell. what is sure is that scotty has always remained in front — which is such an oddity to me — do they really want someone this dull who can only sing country? Although well, but with this group, Casey and james should be the final 2.
I like Caseys solid artistry and music skills. But the elephant in the room is the guy just isn’t that great a singer. Last year we had Lee Dewyze as the genius songwriter and studio wiz who, BTW, had this little problem with charisma and singing in tune.
Not another one, please. Casey 3rd or 4th because I like and respect him. Haley and James in the Finale.
And again, nonsense, Petra. Casey’s a inspired singer. I’d rather listen to him than any of the others (and have), though I’m a huge Haley fan as well.
Loved Casey’s performance last night. I thought Harder to Breathe was going to get uncomfortable like the Nirvana song (which I still thought he killed), but he was entertaining, played well and sang great. The kiss was amusing, and JLo was in on it.
I like it also, I just wish he could have hit some of the words harder in his phrasing. Is there anyone OUT there cause it’s getting HARDER and HARDER to breathe instead of leveling that out so much.
Casey should win Idol. He is such a versatile and creative artist who is musically talented vs his competitors.
Scotty or Jacob should go home this week. Both will probably land record deals following Idol.
could not agree more — there is no one on idol who is more versatile — in every genre he nails it. Unlike scotty who is the front runner, who sings the same tired country song week after week — he will get a record deal no matter what. It’s casey who needs the win and should win.
Again, “Swingin” is NOT a LeAnn Rimes song. It’s a John Anderson song from the early 1980s.
Yep and the boy didn’t hold a candle to John Anderson’s version of the song he co-wrote. So ready for the tweenies to quit voting for him….
Thanks for pointing that out. Someone should tell Scotty!
Yes, it is a John Anderson song, but LeAnn Rimes covered it more recently.
John Anderson released Swingin in 1982. Yes, LeAnn Rimes covered it, but WHY did Scotty choose it over all the great Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Trace Atkins, Brad Paisley, etc. etc. songs that were released in the past 11 years?
‘Cause Scotty’s a dumbass
I find it pretty interesting that Debra didn’t say a single word about Stefano’s vocal abilities. Yikes.
You mean lack there-of.
MO loves him some Casey Abrams. That’s okay…I do too.
What a difference with Stefano! Jimmy really is fixing him; he used to look like a 2 yr old throwing a temper tantrum. This time I was able to enjoy his voice. Too bad about Jacob. I just love listening to his voice. James and Lauren had their best nights in my opinion. There’s a reason why no one else holds the mic in that “signature way” that Scotty has. It’s cause it kinda makes him look like a dbag. He just came off as too smug tonight in my opinion.
smug +1
Can’t tolerate him any more on stage. When he’s just fooling around and being a kid, he seems great. Onstage I find him insufferable to watch. voice pretty good. But the whole attitude and mic and eyebrows thing…..ick.
Insufferable + 2
seriously i don’t get why you are all against stefano, yet scotty gets a pass every week for singing the same song.
It would be awesome if a 16 year old Laurn would be the next American Idol.
Lauren is a doll. Is the only one left who is actually, with James, excited about being there and not hung up on themselves, it would be great.
Casey is an oddity, that is the only reason he is still there; he is not a good musician, he cannot sing, he is not easy on the eyes, he is hard to watch, both physically and while performing. The same thing with Scotty, he looks nutty. James and Lauren are the only two good performers left of what, due to the poor judging and selection, is a very boring lot of people to choose from. Jason needs to go home and cry, I am tired of watching him cry on stage every single week.
Are you a musician Maggie? That you know Casey is not a musician? People should add “in my opinion” when making statements like “he is not a good musician” as if that’s a fact.
Yeah, Maggie. That’s why Randy said Casey was the best musician that has ever been on Idol. But, you have deemed him otherwise. And, how many instruments do YOU play?
The trouble is, maggue, he’s a great muscician and a damn fine singer. Get a clue. Seriously.
James Durbin did a lousy job with Uprising and the song was a monotone mess. There was nothing challenging about the song and his high notes are still off pitch and hard on the ears. I don’t care what he wore or what musicians are performning with him, the bottom line is that he is not a good singer.
Monotone? Nothing challenging? This explains what kind of ears could hear much pitchiness (outside of the tiny bit ANY live performer who is not standing perfectly still will have.) “Hard on the ears” is subjective, but those other statements are way out there. Sorry, dawg.
you hit it on the head, Iah.
JAMES DURBIN for the win!!
He is one of the most entertaining singers ever to be on Idol. You can tell that he LOVES being on stage.
I don’t see him as being as polarizing as Adam Lambert was, so he might actually have a good chance at actually winning. Then again,I thought the same way about Daughtery.
Regardless, James has a big future ahead of him.
Daughtery deserved the win but shot himself in the foot with the whole sunglasses performance. I thought the same thing before about James just being a watered down Adam, but I listened to Adam’s Rings of Fire on UTube this morning and without watching the onstage effects, etc, James sounds a whole lot better. The drums thing was way cool.
Hell yeah! I don’t think if will happen but OH wouldn’t it be delicious.
oops that was meant in reply to something else, sorry!
haha actually it wasn’t. I saw the Daughtry bit and thought I’d jumped to another page. I totally agree he is one of the best ever. Also that he’s not as polarizing but, I’m afraid America just won’t have it. Oh well, I do think he will have a career.
Jacob has quickly become my least favorite contestant — he doesn’t sing as well as he did and his arrogance over the man in the mirror still sticks with me. Why are you all so against stefano and so much for Scotty — who really can only do one genre.
How many country singers really do? He could do crossover songs. He’s not my favorite, but you have to admit his voice is naturally a great country artist voice.
There are a lot of styles of country; boring, boring, boring Scotty won’t even try them. Heck, the kid won’t even hold a note for mor than 2-3 seconds. Sure, he’s a kid and will get better, but we’re voting on hisperformance NOW, and his performances range from irritating to excruciatingly boring.
Loved the little videos prior to the performances, but I swear, after seeing everyone talking about Scotty’s “flute playing”, it seemed like Scotty exaggerated it in his actual performance last night.Truly cringeworthy. I couldn’t even watch, but had to close my eyes to listen.
I noticed that too! And same reaction. LOL.