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Did Simon Cowell get it wrong?

Jun 23, 2005, 06:12 PM | by Michael Slezak

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175915__johnstevens_lRemember John Stevens, the red-headed crooner from Season 3 of American Idol? The kid whose badly off-key renditions of ''Crocodile Rock'' and ''Mandy'' drew some pretty brutal critiques from Simon Cowell?

Whaddya know, Stevens has got a new major-label album, Red, coming out next week, and his live act is getting some love, well, at least like, from The New York Times and Variety. The former said of Stevens' recent cabaret performance in New York City that he ''has a pleasant, mild delivery and sings on pitch,'' while the latter noted he ''sings with good intent and a great deal of confidence.''

Somewhere, our girl Jennifer Hudson is sobbing uncontrollably.

fasty Tue, Jun 28, 2005 at 10:29 PM EST

I really like his single "Come Fly With Me." I am looking forward to picking up the CD this week. I did hear his cover of Maroon 5's "This Love" and it's pretty cool and fresh and swinging. I can't help but root for the kid.

BeckEye Sun, Jun 26, 2005 at 11:44 PM EST

After William Hung's record deal, this just isn't shocking! Actually, Stevens isn't nearly in the same realm as Hung, he just has very limited range.

Bubbles Fri, Jun 24, 2005 at 03:44 PM EST

Was he ever on Conan O Brien? Those two would like crazy together..

Esther Fri, Jun 24, 2005 at 08:39 AM EST

I liked John Stevens on AI as much as the next gal, but..."a pleasant voice" and he "sings on pitch"? "Good intent"? These do not sound like good reviews. These comments sound like the kinds of things you say to a kid in an awful school play. Or in dating: "you have a decent personality, but I only like you as a friend."

Flynn Thu, Jun 23, 2005 at 11:11 PM EST

"Your girl" had no control over her voice and just slightly more over her ever-inflating ego.

claudenorth Thu, Jun 23, 2005 at 09:47 PM EST

I'm not a fan, but I'm not surprised either. He wasn't the worst singer, and his version of "King of the Road" was praised by all three judges, as I recall. His problem was that he was not a contemporary pop singer and lacked the ability to pull off that kind of music.

daisyj Thu, Jun 23, 2005 at 08:57 PM EST

I'm not surprised- I always thought he would do well if he stuck to the things he does best. 'Crocodile Rock' was not one of those things.

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