The Half Way Point: It's All About Song Choice

Ok, it's not really the half-way point of the show but I think we still need to stop and take a look at what's been happening. Now, maybe it's just me but I feel like this season is one of the most boring ever. Which I find very interesting because it's also the season with the best overall talent. So how can that be? Song choice (and theme weeks). The themes that the producers have been choosing this season are awful! I've never been a fan of theme weeks that revolve around a band/artist because it doesn't give the contestants enough flexibility. And, it's pretty easy to see who the producers are trying to get voted off because there is always someone who will have a hard time with it. Looking back to Season 1 and 2 there were some really good themes that allowed the contestants freedom to find songs that fit them. Themes like 60s, 70s, 80s, Billboard #1s, Movies, etc. allow for enough variety that everyone can find something they will perform well and still keep the audience entertained. If you don't like a certain artist/band then that entire episode is a chore to sit through (i.e. Gloria Estafan week?!, Stevie Wonder, etc.).

Now, even where there is a good theme these contestants are picking shitty songs. Out of a whole genre of music, they're picking songs that are boring, no one has heard of, or just plain bad (Innuendo, Suds in a Bucket, etc.) This is turn is causing all of their lackluster performances. No one has stepped up and hit it out of the park. By this time last year we already had Carrie's "Alone" performance as well as Constantine's "My Funny Valentine" and (I think) "Bohemian Rhapsody". Next week has an excellent chance of turning in some good performances. With the theme "American Songbook" there are many classic songs that this group would sound amazing on (personally, I'm betting that Elliot and Katharine turn in the best performances). Now's the time to really start picking the right songs because they're all on equal footing now. Any one of the remaining contestants can win the competition (yes, including Ace. It's a longshot but he could do it.).

The really scary thing is that when I was watching Kellie's performance on Tues I suddenly had a vision that she and Taylor were going to be in the final two. Now all along I've been saying Chris and Katharine (and I still hope it's them) but I think Kellie is slowly and quietly improving each week. Her vocals are so much better now then they were in the semi-finals. She's taking some risks and, for the most part, nailing it. Everyone was surprised that she pulled of Bohemian Rhapsody (except for her outfit) and she sounded great on Fancy. I can see her sneaking into the final spot. As for Taylor, with his song choice this week he went back to his normal, dancing self and just had fun with the song. That was the spark that's been missing from the show for the last couple of weeks. No one looks like they're having fun. Watching him this week was very refreshing and I think that if he continues to do that he'll also make it into the final two. This all goes back to song choice. If they find a song that they can connect with and have fun with (or really perform it) then we'll finally get that one break out performance that we've been missing this year. Who is gonna be? When is it gonna happen? I think next week will be a good week and hopefully some of the magic will come back.