All the Queen's subjects

It's Queen night on American Idol--and I assume only Chris is happy. Am sure this show can survive three bad Tuesdays in a row, only question is whether some of the more fragile contestants will.

Opening tape shows original Queen performing We Are the Champions, We Will Rock You, and Bohemian Rhapsody--and what else? I guess we'll find out. They show Idols walking in and greeting band, so odd. Hmm, Kellie looks pretty good in previews; Taylor seems to be having a good time too.

Bucky up first; band says he's got a good attitude, is a good performer. Doing Fat Bottomed Girls... okay. In leather, wow, he's actually pretty good from the start, song fits his range. Drops some words, and enunciation is a problem as always, but very good choice. He's oozing confidence, growing into that Bo role more every week. Voice isn't that great, but not bad at all. Randy says good energy, bit pitchy but liked it. Paula says interesting that you kept true to who you are, it worked. Simon says good song choice, overall quite mediocore... hmm, Simon's back to trying to shape the show.

Ace up next, in striped shirt and leather pants. And more make-up than usual. Ryan talks to him before, he admits being outof his comfort zone this week. And him giving them an idea for the arrangement, and the band saying they don't think they're gonna play it that way. We Will Rock You. Another good song choice, he's just up there chanting though--letting the beat of the song carry everywhere along. Hmm, actually gets worse as he goes on; not really much you can with the lyrics, crowd not that into it. Not sure after all it was a good song to do, kindof boring. Randy says like a 5 or 6, just karaoke, didn't get it. Paula struggles to say she like he tried doing something different, took a risk. Simon says it was a complete and utter mess, it didn't work, you were forgetting the words, Randy was being kind--Randy chimes in yeah; Simon says he really hated it. Ace tells Ryan he thinks he rocked, dodges his questions about was it uncomfortable with Queen rejecting his ideas.

Kellie says her dad listened to Queen, band says she did pretty good with Bohemian Rhapsody, but a tough job ahead of her. In black leather outfit, heavy racoon mascara. Hmm, very different interpretation; interesting look/feel to it, her personality is really starting to come out, especially the theatrical side. Actually I really like it, she's totally performing, no fear at all, totally in control, totally transfixed watching her. Wow, one of the best things I've seen this year on this show, she totally nailed it. Randy says at first he was worried but you worked it out, was entertained. She's totally blossoming. Paula says good job. Simon says you're very brave, started weird but although it should've been hideous on paper, he liked it.

Well, if Chris doesn't rock this, the world's upside down. Doing an obscure song, Innuendo, band loves him, says he's got a real rock sensibility. In black shirt/black jeans. Song is pretty unmelodic, but he looks right doing it, just rips it out. Audience kindof not into it. Hard song to judge--totally unenjoyable, but I guess he did it about as well as you can. Randy is like I've been one of your fans, you didn't disappoint, you delivered. Paula liked it too, trips over herself trying to say to compliment him. Simon says they don't perform that song live cause it's not a very good song; best vocal, most believable, but disappointed because you didn't decide to entertain the audience at home, you could've had a moment tonight--but once again, too indulgent.

Next, Katharine, in a hideous red satin top and big black belt and pants--what a weird look. Don't Stop Me Now, band says she has a lot of joy/bounce in her; then changes her mind to Who Wants to Live Forever, to showcase her voice. Good start, very dramatic, all dark and slow. Ugh, then her voice is just all over the place in the middle, just off--powerful, but not pleasant to my ears. Big but yowling. A big miss for me, let's see what her judges think. Randy is like it's good to hear you go back to your element--a bit pitchy, and a bit too big for you at spots, but overall good. Paula says nothing, glorious voice, good job. Simon says you almost had a big moment, lightning director made you look good; overall one of the strongest tonight although some pitchy moments. Well, he's back lobbying for her.

Next Elliott, in shiny tan shirt and jeans, Ryan asks him beforehand about what he did pre-Idol; Somebody to Love, which he'd never heard before this week. Uh, okay... band tells him written with Aretha Franklin in mind. Say it's a hard song, but he did a good job. Ugh, totally not believable with this song, and is like off from the get-go. I think he's gone after this week--his voice is like thin, and rushed, and the whole thing just doesn't work. Wow, totally yowling in the middle. Whatever happened to sweet-voiced Elliott? It's like he's pushing so hard, has just gone off the deep end. Randy says probably the hardest song so far, some pitchy problems, but overall loved it, really dope. Paula says the best vocal tonight, great performance. Simon says you chose the tough one, kindof in and out performance, overall you probably pulled it off. Hmm, okay; don't agree.

Taylor sang We Are the Champions with the band, then decides to change it, to A Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Band liked his vocals on original, but he wants to dance. In shiny gray suit. And off he goes, kicks down the mike stand on his second try. Didn't even know this was a Queen song. Vocal just okay, but he's kindof entertaining. Bit too conscious at this point of his own appeal--none of the magic energy outof nowhere of his earlier days. Oh well. Randy is like welcome back, crazy man. Paula says you did an old song in a refreshing way. Simon asks him if he's drunk, says he thought it was ridiculous.

Paris closes, in black bustier-type outfit. Band says she's damn good, doing Show Must Go On. She loved being on stage; band says he likes everything about her. Yaay. Looking very adult in her look, and attitude. It's all dress-up; reminds me of Tina Turner. Powerful voice, slow and strong. But kindof a disjointed performance, never really got into it for some reason--song may be some of it, crowd reaction is a bit desultory. Overall, I always like her, but not sure about song choice--but she did seem to perform it well. Randy is like started out a bit rough, but you worked it out baby. Paula says everyone is finding out what a powerhouse you are. Simon says he thought it was all a little weird, and that's it. Uh-oh... too bad Queen's not voting.

Really enjoyed Kellie's performance, looking back on it. Fear for Paris.

Kellie, 3
Bucky, 1
Chris, 4
Taylor, 7
Paris, 8
Katharine, 5
Elliott, 6
Ace, 2

Screen grab of Paris by by C. Gomez via Flikr.