Top 11: Country week ( with a guest reviewer)

Idol : Country week – Top 11

Week two in the world of Idol. I have to admit, I don’t feel qualified to review the kids performing country music this week.

DJ Robbie Rob only knows a handful of country tunes to compare.
Last Name by Carrie Underwood, Elvira by the Oakridge Boys and a few things by Dolly Parton.

I felt compelled to outsource portions this week to keep my street cred with the country folk.

I called on my good friend Ellen. Ellen knows all about the Brad Paisleys, Urban Kieths and Garth. She grew up on a farm, vacations in the woods and can light fire without a match - so she knows her country flava. (whisper: and she looks like Reese Witherspoon).

Ellen is going to make a few notes on her favorites from tonight’s episode.

So, the judges entrance IS going to happen EVERY week? Damn! Did anyone else wish Ryan falls down the staircase like Beyonce? Just kidding?

COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK..Hee Haw! This week’s mentor Randy Travis.

Michael – “Aint going down till the sun comes up” – Too bad for Mike, this isn’t country idol..oh wait there is a show called Nashville Star. Michael did a good job, he was more confident, relaxed and had more fun then last week. I don’t agree with Simon’s 1.5 on the 1-10 scale but then again, why waste my time on the judges and Paula’s cleve?
Ellen: It's always easy to tell the best country singers by the ones that are able to somehow sing all of the lyrics and crazy melodies without you even realize how difficult it is. That said, several of tonight's contestants did not make the original performers proud. Michael Sarver was one of them--I'm not sure he did right by Garth. (And I like Michael.) This is too bad because it was really Michael's week to shine. This guy has "country music" written all over him.


Allison –“Blame it on your heart” – I believe the young’en turned that country song into a rock number. I sorta liked it. A toe may have tapped.
Ellen: Allison did better. If I listened to it without watching it, I'd say she did a nice job, but she's too young to be singing that song. Too bad she couldn't sing something by Taylor Swift, a singer more her age. I would have loved Allison to rock out to "Picture to Burn." [Robert, great song, check it out...] (And she couldn't pick Taylor Swift because she hasn't been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry yet.)

Kris – “To make u feel my love” – I was all set to rag on Kris hiding behind his guitar then he doesn’t bring it. Now what am I going to complain about? I guess it was good. Way way better then last week.
Ellen: Kris: Married or not, this guy's a heartthrob...and that was a good song choice. It's old enough that most people don't remember it to compare it to the original, but it's also relevant enough that it resonated with today's audience.

Lil – “Independence Day” – Lil said she wanted to honor the country flava of her song. Randy Travis was pleased. I actually waited for the judges before I wrote. But the judges were a little too tough on Lil (which is short for LILLIAN no Little..). I actually must research to see what past “power divas” succeeded with on country week. Did they actually suggest Lil sing I will always love you, after all of these years of belittle the ones that do? Did I like it? Umm Ellen..
Ellen: Lil Rounds: I have not been a huge fan of Lil's yet, but tonight she really knocked one out of the park. This woman is no-nonsense, which I love. She was able to take a country song and give it a little rock-and-roll, a little gospel, and a little pop vibe. She was smart to pick Martina McBride...another woman who can absolutely sing.

Adam – “Ring of fire” – Randy Travis said and I quote “ I don’t know what to do with that boy”..lol
OMG?! Okay, I aint seeing it. Last week I listened to the mp3 and enjoyed it without the video. I ran into 101 Adam fans this past week…that made me go into this week open minded. I may have to close it again. I quote Randy Travis again “Speechless”. Ellen likes Adam..can’t wait to read this.
Ellen: Adam is not a performer suited for country week, which he has admitted. And it's lucky for him this week came when there are still lots of contestants in the bottom to go home--because otherwise, he would have. That was just painful. Yes, it was an "artistic" performance, but maybe I'm just too concerned that he was ruining Johnny Cash.
( DJ Robbie Rob: You know I’m laughing right)

Scott – “Wild Angels” – Scott can see. That’s all I got, I won’t be the one criticizing the blind man.
Ellen: Scott: Like the haircut. Good song choice. I don't see him in the bottom three.

Alexis –“Joleen” – Ut oh, it’s too soon to repeat a song that was performed last year but she did it. Alexis’ version was much better the Brooke’s from last year. I liked it. I like her (but not as good as last week).
Ellen: Alexis: I'm not a fan of that song choice--it was boring and it didn't do enough to show her range. I wasn't terribly impressed.

Danny – “Jesus, take the wheel”. That was Blah for me. Maybe it’s my disconnect from country music (which is sad since I grew up in Ga). The judges said brilliant. Now when I hear the judges responses I immediately think of the new scandal or a pre selected top 4. Won’t spend $1.05 this week on anyone.
Ellen: Danny: Next to Lil, this was the best song choice of the night. How can you not vote for a church music director who's singing a song about Jesus?

Anoop – “You’re always on my mind” Oh, I know this song. Come on Anoopdawg. You almost went home last week bring it. Ut oh..wait for it. I liked it. So far Anoop is my favorite of the night ( and that aint saying much..lol) ! …Simon agreed. ( I am a bit teary eyed ) I can’t go on..I can’t go on. Anoop, Anoop..Anoop. This is proof positive that this show changes week to week. I will buy one song this week and this is it.
Ellen: As for Anoop, I'm a country fan, and even I don't know what he was singing. Buh-bye, Anoop. Fun knowing you. Hope UNC makes it farther in the NCAA pool than you did on American Idol.
DJ Robbie Rob: Ellen, you are so getting this song on your voicemail tomorrow. Work, house and cell. This performance brought tears to my eyes..in a good way unlike last week.

Megan – “I go walking after midnight” – She was looking HAWT but I was getting an Ana Nicole Smith vibe. Her voice seemed shaky. Oh wait, they said she had the flu and went to the hospital earlier..Nevermind..! You go Gurl.
Ellen: Megan seems totally out of her element. Maybe in the 40's she could have recorded a good album. I keep waiting to hear the little record scratch while she's singing--it is that old-fashioned. She did look great.

Matt – “So small” – Yet another dude, trying to take on Carrie Underwood. I would agree with Simon. Tonight, Matt was better then Danny!!
Ellen: Matt: While I liked Matt's performance almost as much as Danny's, I still don't prefer him. Danny sings with more heart. What Matt has going for him, of course, is this whole bit with the piano...though, since this is a singing competition, I don't know that the pianist ability is going to win it for him. I am a fan of piano bars, though, and see Matt continuing to improve throughout this competition, so maybe he's got some surprises in store for me.
Ellen: My bottom three: Megan, Adam, Anoop, with Anoop going home.

Ellen, thanks so much for contributing, it was fun. You are truly a little bit country and I “ain’t”.

I would like to ask you to make yourself available for Janet Jackson week. ~ DJRR
PS I think Michael is headed home.