You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy. On Wednesday’s American Idol, Scotty “baby lock them doors” McCreery sang “You’ve Got A Friend” as part of a night-long salute to Carole King, one of the great songwriters of our time.
After his fellow contestants thoroughly roasted him last week (the eyebrow raising, the holding the microphone like a flute) and the judges implored him to step out of his country music comfort zone, it seemed like the young North Carolina native was up against a wall. In rehearsals, producers Babyface and Jimmy Iovine tried to get him to sing the 1971 classic from Tapestry in less of a baritone and more of a smooth, affectless lilt,but that ain’t the Scotty way. Instead, he came up with a hybrid of country and Seventies soul, and gave one of his most impressive performances ever.
This week, the "American Idol" six, soon to be five, had the pick of songs from the amazing catalog of pop queen Carole King. It was a tough night as the Idolers tried to rise above each other and the iconic original versions of the songs, but the three judges continued to critique with kindness.
Mega-producer Jimmy Lovine was assisted by songwriter-producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, winner of more than 50 BMI awards, in helping the "Idol" Six to achieve greatness, or at least a career beyond "American Idol."
The gifted Jacob Lusk, who was in the bottom three last week, started off the proceedings. He chose King's "Oh no, not my baby," and was asked to "soar" and "riff" by Jimmy. He definitely vocally and physically stepped up to the challenge, wearing a blue and yellow outfit, accented by a bow tie.
Country-boy Scotty McCreedy chose "You've got a friend," which King, as well as James Taylor, made famous. It's the most romantic song Scotty has tried, Jimmy said. He sat on the stage during his performance, accompanied by the romantic sound of violins and cellos, but that didn't likely melt hearts.
Randy, however, said that he did a good job starting with a "tender moment buttery tenor," but advised him not to fall off the high notes. He then inexplicably said his performance was "flawless." Steven said the song was Scotty's best performance of the season. JLo said his strength was in the "storytelling."
Rocker James Durbin also showed a more romantic side, performing "Will you still love me tomorrow," made famous by The Shirelles in 1960. "Carole King and James Durbin were made to come together," Jimmy said.
Steven said the song was playing the first time he ever made out with a girl with in praising James' performance. JLo called it "magical," and said he was the star of the night, noting his consistency throughout the competition. Randy said James wasn't just a great rock singer, but a great singer. "This guy might just win the whole thing," Randy and gave him an RJ hug.
Casey Abrams worked up a bluesy version of "Hi Dee Ho," which was made popular by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Randy praised Casey for being different and entertaining. Steven said, "You made my scalp itch it was so good." JLo would love to see him physically loosen up his legs a little bit.
Haley chose King's brassy "Beautiful," and Steven said, "You are as beautiful as this song is." JLo agreed, and said she had one of the best voices in the competition.
The six contestants also sang duets to help fill out the 90-minute show and show off their talents. Haley and Casey sang King's classic "I feel the earth move," giving it a growly, bluesy spin.
Steven asked Casey, "How much are you in love with Haley," and then proceeded to praise their performance. Haley and Casey have been rumored to be an item.
Country cousins Scotty and Lauren the King (and Gerry Goffin) classic "Up on the roof," first performed by The Drifters in 1962. JLo praised Lauren, who carried the song, but gave Scotty props for being able to sing behind her.
Jacob and James combined for a rockin' "I'm into something good," with JLo as a prop. "Man, where were you going with all that," Steven said.
The live results show Thursday night, will include performance from "American Idol" season 9 finalist Crystal Bowersox and Grammy-winner Bruno Mars.
Source by : cbsnews,americansong
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