"Jolene" Wasn't Good Enough to Save
That's what Simon Cowell said on last night's (March 18) American Idol. He thought about using his "save" feature (a new rule that allows the four judges to override the votes of all of America -- thereby keeping a contestant around for another week) for Alexis Grace. But ultimately, he said, "It was good, but it wasn't good enough. Sorry." And that was just about her performance of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Not necessarily about her overall star quality. Still, though, it's so gut-wrenching to watch what used to just be the sing-myself-out song become the please-please-please-save-me-from-elimination song.
Other high and low lights included:
* The much anticipated first-time-ever live duet from Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood. Totally worth the hype. Did you stay tuned until the end to watch it? They both sat on stools, Travis with an acoustic guitar in hand, while they worked their vocal magic on Travis' hit, "I Told You So." One teeny tiny complaint is that both artists have such distinctive voices that it might have made this take too, well, distinct.
* Underwood's much-anticipated haircut. (Or was that just a faux bob?)
* Brad Paisley's premiere of his new song, "Then." Nice lovey-dovey hook about "I thought I loved you then, now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world." Probably not his best live performance ever, but maybe he was nervous or something. He does have a baby due very soon.
* The group performance of Travis Tritt's "T-R-O-U-B-L-E." Not to sound like Simon, but it was all a little too General Jackson riverboat cruise for me.
* Judge Randy Jackson mixes up Allison and Alexis' names. That was dope. Just goes to show you that nobody's perfect, dawg.
* Randy Travis' continuing humbleness. Of his mentoring week, he said he initially thought, "I don't know what I will tell these people. I have no technical knowledge." That may be true, but he does have the knowledge to be a genuine good guy and a great singer. That combination matters more than any amount of technical knowledge.
Photo credit: Michael Becker/Getty Images
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Kate says:
Carrie’s vocals were impeccable and without comparison
Loved Randy’s look of admiration and ‘awe’ as Carrie sang.
Loved Carrie’s intro.
The hair/dress i believe was to convey a vintage GGO look
I don’t know that anyone is/was anticipating that Carrie cut her hair.
Kate says:
Correction; that is ‘GOO’
Sandy G says:
I was completely floored by the performance of Carrie Underwood. She was simply amazing! Her vocals were amazing in that every note was exactly on pitch. And there is a tone quality in her voice that is sheer purity. I would describe her voice as angelic
Kate says:
According to the judges it was ‘Alexis Grace’ who wasn’t good enough to save.
Emily_T says:
The Duet with Carrie and Randy was AMAZING!!! Carrie vocals were some of the best i have heard from her!!
Im a huge Carrie Fan but saying that i loved the red dress she looked great , i liked the short hair look she can pull off any hair style but what was she wearing on her head it looked like a smushed spider
BUT I LOVED THE PERFORMENCE ON OF THE BEST EVER ON IDOL
DIAMOND says:
I thought carrie’s hair looked bad she had it cut for a long time she was wearing hair extentions for a while. the song randy was good, thats about all I can say about that.and what was the thing in her hair and on her dress weird.
Brenda says:
It was a bow that matched the one on the dress at waist-hair-a styled up look or perhaps a wig-Though the song was great. Randy was so sweet, and he and Carrie carried it off very well. Brad’s song was a lttle hazy-but will be a #1 when released on his cd. All in all, a great for Country!!! Live shows are never perfect, heard the duet on radio and sounds great.
STAR says:
NO IT WAS NOT A WIG!!! SHE LOOKED REALLY DIFFERENT, SONG SHE WAS TRYING TO HARD AND MADE ALOT OF FACES. RANDY WAS GOOD AND SO WAS BRAD.
dl says:
YES IT WAS A HAIR PIECE!! THERE ARE PICTURES OF HER FROM YESTERDAY AND HAIR THE SAME LENGTH IT WAS BEFORE!
Carrie’s voice is just amazing .It soared on ITYS last night.Brad on the other hand needs to work on his.His voiced very thin last night - but I Love the song.
Twangtown7 says:
STAR, nice grammar!
Anyways, Carrie and Randy sounded great. Though I HATED her hair.
diamond says:
did not like the hair at all! brad song was pretty well done.
Musicritic says:
Carrie Underwood - flawless as usual
cj says:
Carrie looked beautiful and had out of this world vocals. Only Carrie could pull off the black bow in the hair. Loved her look and loved her voice.
Rita says:
I recorded the show and was lucky to fast forward Brad, Carrie and Randy. The opening song from the AMI group was just not worth listening too. Carrie was even better than when she was at the GOO I thought. Randy is so humble and a great singer. Love Brad but had to agree, not his best night. I heard it on the radio and it was much better.
MorganRox says:
Scarrie as usual! That ugly look what’s wrong with her?
Kate says:
Carrie could have shown up ‘bald’ and with a potato sack for a dress, and still look the only way she can..BEAUTIFUL!!
countryfried says:
Terrible duet and she looked like she had a spider with the web on her head. We all know she can sing but in a duet you need to make room for the other performer. She was oversinging and Randy had to work to get his voice in there.
barbara baer says:
stop mocking carrie she was
amazing carrie and randy
were amazing love them both
incredible performance
diamond says:
I agree with the person that said carrie was over singing is right! she is loves the atention just on her! get over yourself carrie you were not the only person on stage singing that song, when you do a duet that means two people not just you!
Brenda says:
Randy looked very happy the way she sang-her vocals are strong-his not so much, but loved both.
Some people will never like her regardless of what she does, and there are some artist I will never like, but do not make a habit of trahing-no class-all deserve respect even if you do not care for them.
Julie says:
I am a country fan and am glad that country week is over for American Idol. I’m sure that the contestants are too. I wasn’t really impressed by anyone. I thought Carrie’s outfit and hair were terrible. I can listen to her if I don’t have to watch her sing.