Shania Twain Comes on Over to American Idol
They saved the best for last, and for Shania Twain. American Idol invited country-pop pioneer Shania Twain on as the mentor Tuesday night (April 27) with just six contestants remaining. They all did Twain songs, some better than others. But for the most part, it was all good.
At this point in the show, you can pretty much assume that everybody loves everybody. There is not a whole lot of criticism going on. So there were really only positive things to say about Lee DeWyze ("You're Still the One"), Michael Lynche ("It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing"), Casey James ("Don't"), Aaron Kelly ("You've Got a Way") and Siobhan Magnus ("Any Man of Mine").
It was Crystal Bowersox who probably received the least love of the night. Is that why I finally started to see past the lip piercing and the dreadlocks? No. I'm not that much of a contrarian. I didn't favor her because of their dislike of her. I just thought her performance of Twain's "No One Needs to Know" was the best because it was, what's the word -- oh, yeah, country. She had a quiet little interpretation of the song (one she called a message to her boyfriend whom she hoped would man-up one of these days) with a mandolin, snare drum, upright bass and lap steel guitar behind her. It was perfect. But Simon Cowell called it "limp," saying the song was "forgettable," and compared the performance to the feeling you get when a coffee shop hires a band to sing to you -- and you don't particularly want them to. Bowersox defended herself, saying, "Bigger isn't always better."
If it was up to me, I'd say Bowersox and that backing band of hers owned country week.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Roxanne says:
Lee was the best and Siobhan the worst in my opinion.
woodford\vfish says:
Kright yes did it right
woodford says:
Oops crystal..did it right!
D Trotter says:
Some weeks back, Simon was widely quoted saying that AI would like to find someone “relevant”, instead of just another winner of a singing contest; the judges have often reiterated that desire in their performance comments.
Problem: I’m not sure Simon would recognize “relevant” if it latched onto his nose like a gila monster.
The closer we get to the Big Finale, the more the judges fall back into wanting the Big Knockout Performance. “Ya Gotta Bring it! Put it all out there!” they tell the contestants.
I just love that Crystal doesn’t care. Knows exactly who she is and what she wants to do. (Gosh, I wish they would let her do her own stuff!) And she’s 100% correct — an artist doesn’t go for a knockout vocal every time. Sometimes you sing the blues like Hank Williams or refuse to back down like Tom Petty, no big climax required.
There may be better pure singers in the competition, but the ones with “relevance’ potential are Crystal and Casey.
ylewis says:
it was fantastic to see Shania Twain!!! she looks amazing!
I just wish she would come back and start singing again!!she is so wonderful. I bet it was a complete thrill to have her teach them, encourage them!!! I would of love it!!
I enjoyed Lee and casey, they did well!!!
Dana says:
In my opinion, Siobhan was by far the worst performance last night, even though the judges seemed to be okay with it….I was cringing as she made a train wreck out of my favorite Shania tune “Any Man of Mine”…and with the woman who made the song a hit sitting right there in the front row! I was thinking that particular song really should have been offered to Bowersox, who could have really shined with it with her vocal range. The song that Crystal sang I was quite disappointed with, as it did not reflect her great vocal talent and did fall rather limp. Another two people who would be a great mentor this year (and especially for Crystal, since she reminds me so much of both of them) would be Jewel and Joan Osbourne.
Lillian says:
I thought that all of them sounded horrible and totally butchered my favorite Shania’s songs, that is, except for Aron Kelly, the 17 year old. He nailed You got a way and I thought he was the best of the night. Crystal butchered one of my favorite tracks by doing it way to slow. Shania was probably cringing listening to them. the girl who sang any man of mine should be the one to go next. That song was unrecognizable to me with all the screeching. I don’t know why anyone thinks this girl can sing. Her high note sounds worst than my cockatoo’s screeching.
rosyz says:
I thought Aaron and Casy did well last night. They got it right. Siobhan was screeching too much and Crystal was not impressive. She was not good at all last night. But then it all depends on who has the most votes and dedicated fans to find time to vote for their idol. I think Aaron has lots of tweens and teen fans so that will be an advantage. This year`s AI is the weakest of the group. Goodluck to them all.
K says:
Shania was a great mentor. She gave good advice, and seemed to genuinely care about them. I loved seeing her reactions when she was sitting in the audience.
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Crystal lost Idol. If the judges or fans pick a favorite, they almost always lose. It happened with Carrie, Chris, Adam and David- it will happen again.
I couldn’t see Crystal winning anyway- she doesn’t project the modern, fresh pop star that the voters like to crown. She’s extremely talented though. Honestly don’t care who wins- the show’s quality has been declining for a really long time, and it’s hit rock bottom this year.
K says:
Opps, I meant Bo, NOT Carrie.
Lisa says:
In the end it doesn’t matter. Some of the most successful artist from that show were voted off early. Winning the competition doesn’t secure you a place in the “real world”.
countryiscool says:
I already read on msn that “The Screamer” was the one to go tonite. I have no favorites this year so I don’t care who wins. With Simon gone next year, I will find something else to watch. No one has really piqued my interest after Carrie, Kelly, Kellie, and Bucky were on.
countryiscool says:
PS loved seeing Shania though, hope she comes out with new material SOON! She looks great- as always.
frank says:
only reason i watched was to see shania,i could care less about the others.
DustinG says:
Crystal was brutal! I havent liked any of the contestants yet! I think Lee will win though!
Me says:
Dang I missed it. Will have to check Y ou tube