Welcome to the third judging Panel of Season 3! This is how judging will work. You will step as a pair to perform. You will get individual feedback and feedback on the performance as a whole. Then the judges will comment. You will leave and we will decide who will be eliminated each week.
First up is Jo and not Jaylen. Jaylen did not submit so Jo sang Heaven by Bryan Adams alone.
https://soundcloud.com/jo-j-khriam-warjri/703-idol-org-top-8-performance-heaven
Comments:
Penny:OMG, this is so pretty. I literally have goosebumps. I love that his accent comes through in his singing. great pitch so far, and strong work, considering he didn't have his partner. His improvisation is placed, and not overused. He should use care with phrasing, though, but I think that might be a language thing. His OOOOOHHHHHH! so pretty! Ok, I'm hearing a few TINY pitch problems, but I think that's because it was supposed to be harmonies and duet. This was a solid performance; I would have loved to hear this as a duet, but I understand that you did all the heavy lifting on your own. You're to be commended for putting in the work.
Topaz: Really sorry for you Jo that Jaylen didn’t submit, because it brings you down a bit. You sang really well though. You have the chops to like reach the finals but you need to fix the audio. This audio was even worse than last performances. Please do it because I love your voice!.
Second up are George and Jordan. They sang Footloose by Kenny Loggins.
https://soundcloud.com/user-909624324/george-jordan-footloose-duo
Comments:
Penny: First of all, this is one of my all time favorite songs, and Kenny Loggins is deceptively difficult, so I applaud this choice! George:
Nice tone, there were some pitch issues, that could come from holding back. Open your mouth and belt it out. There are definitely times to be quiet, but there are also times to change it up and really let go. It felt like you were a bit afraid to really sing out, like maybe someone was sleeping in the next room or something. I do like the tone of your voice, I'd just like to hear you really let go. I know it's scary to do; but give it a try - you'll see what I mean.
Jordan: I love that you really sang out! You struggled with some of the melody, but, like I said, this is not an easy song to sing, despite the fact that it sounds all fun and games. Great tone; the quality of your voice is just fun to listen to. there were a few points where you seemed to fall off of the notes at the end of phrases, this might be a case of running out of breath, or it could be something else entirely, but definitely bears mentioning, because with that one adjustment, this would be a stellar performance. This, overall, was really fun to listen to! Thanks guys for taking this on, and doing the work. Can't wait to hear what you do next. That 'cut footloose' is giving me life.
Topaz: I’m really happy you chose this song, it’s so much fun! Okay I don’t know but I think this tied with asa and natalie’s for my favourite omg. Harmonies ❤, that’s some great working together there. George I love your tone so much, the little vocal breaks you did were amazing. Jordan, I can tell you had so much fun with this song and omg that last belt! You snatched me right there. I think you could still experiment with your tone a bit more. Try a warmer sound for some parts.
Third are Asa and Natalie. They sang The time of my life from by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_4JpQoBAu9eWFpfTjNMOUVxbU0/view
Comments:
Penny:
The first thing I want to say is that this is a brave selection as well. Traditionally a male/female duet, I love these two voices singing this song. This is the only submission that I'm hearing actual harmonies, and that can't be easy to do when you're not face to face with your partner. Those harmonies are gorgeous! Love 'em. Your tone is so clear, it's really bright.
Asa: I liked the variance between soft and breathy and bright and clear. Your start was strong, but you seemed to struggle to catch your breath in the middle. Again, breath is everything. You guys worked hard to complement each other, and I think that's the point of this exercise. You both put a ton of effort into this submission, and it shows. Your voices work together beautifully. Watch your phrasing, and sit up straight! Thank you both for brightening my day.
Natalie:
Really breathy, with a ton of vibrato, which was distracting at points. Tone and pitch on point. The beginning was shaky; it seemed like you didn't know the song well. I get it - when you're competing like this, sometimes you have to learn a lot in a short period of time. Just bear in mind the need to start strong. As the song went on, you seemed to become more confident and I loved hearing that. Practice breathing from the diaphragm, and make sure you either sit up straight or stand when you sing, so you are able to fully vocalize the lyrics.
Topaz: This was probably my favourite submission so far. Asa you are awesome just like the last two rounds. I feel like you lifted Natalie up and you worked together very well. Your voices sound nice together and colour really well. Both a great job!
Fourth and last are Alex and Brian. He sang Lovesong by the Cure.
https://soundcloud.com/user313973895/alex-and-brian-703-week-3
Comments:
Penny: Ok. let me start by saying it's a very brave, and ambitious choice, so I give them props for choosing a song this difficult. The thing that makes it hard is because The Cure is such a unique band, and Robert Smith has such a unique voice, that it's hard to hear the song and not compare it to the original. That said, I think with more time, this submission could be gold. Both guys put their own unique spin on the song, which is sort of cool and refreshing. That said, it was difficult for me to distinguish whose voice was whose, but it's ok. I have similar notes for both competitors. There were times for both singers when they really seemed to open up and sing out, even when they were being 'breathy'. Both have lovely voices. There were also times for both singers when they struggled with the melody and phrasing of the song. Both guys clearly know how to sing, and this isn't a matter of being of being 'tone deaf'. I think this duo was hampered by being unfamiliar with the song. I like both voices, and I think both are talented. I think they struggled finding common ground and ultimately chose a song that was just not in either singer's wheelhouse. Honestly, I respect that. It's one thing to choose a song that is great for one singer, but to try to come to a consensus is difficult. Kudos to you both for working to find some common ground.
Topaz: First of all this combination is super cute ❤. I think the song fitted Alex a bit better than Brian. You both seemed to have some pitch problems throughout the song. Try to hold the note you are singing and practice with that. You both need to step it up ?.
All right, now that you've been critiqued, the judges will deliberate and when you return, announce which one of you will be going home.
