Two left standing

Ah, the pre-Super Bowl Super Bowl. Three songs each; Clive Davis picks the first, they profile him. Hmm, runs BMG... Ryan says he could be described as the most influential recording executive in the world.

Elliott first, singing Open Arms. Clive tells him to show off the power of your voice, via a rock song. Hmmm. In normal suit. Wow, good start; it's a good choice, lets that tone of his come through. Misses a camera cue, off just a bit, but right back on; and he totally milks and nails the chorus, crowd starts cheering. A little bit of a timing problem, but his sincerity comes through. Nicely done. Randy says you worked it out, some problems but not bad. Paula says nice job. Simon says well, good choice but not great performance, a bit stiff--some advice young man, loosen, up, start believing that you can make the finals next week. Seems bit unsure when Ryan asks him; I hope Katharine doesn't just steamroll him on the way to the final two.

Katharine next, in emerald-green dress and wavy hair. I Believe I Can Fly; he wants her to dig down deep, come up with your own song. He adds he thinks it'll be a big turnabout for her. I actually do too, even though I dislike her; she's a fighter. Seems nervous at the start, knows she's gotta do well. And oddly enough, she lets the backups hit the chorus--very very strange. The song's kindof a mess, she's belting it out, but it feels so disjointed. Not good. Randy says you look amazing, but song's too big for you, not quite right. Paula compliments her woman to woman, but says it's difficult; Kat bursts out you guys have been difficult on me, Paula says Randy... he says not a good choice, she says I didn't choose it! he says I meant just do the melody. Simon says some bum notes, but not bad, kindof created a bit of a moment. He's back on the bandwagon. There's total chaos, with Randy and Ryan and Simon and Paula all talking at once.

Taylor gets Dancing in the Dark; Clive's kindof gotten dogged by the last couple of choices, Taylor thankns him for calling Bruce Springsteen and getting permission for a Springsteen song to be done for the first time on AI. In normal gray suit. Wow, Taylor nails it right from the start, it's like the perfect song for him and he absolutely hits it. Like it was written for him. Vocally, performance-wise, it's like my favorite Taylor performance. He totally plays the crowd, gets Paula up to dance with him, it's a great performance in every way. Randy says you had a good time, great job. Paula says you're incredible. Simon says it was okay, a bit pale compared to the original. Paula's like drunk or something, Simon says for her age she's fantastic. Taylor's floating above it all, he's like the incumbent president, doesn't need to do the down and dirty campaigning.

Back, Ryan's in Paula's seat, and she's in his lap. Judges picked the second song. Douglas Wilder on tape with Elliott in Richmond. What You Won't Do for Love, picked by Paula, she says he's all about love, for the funky white boy. It's another strong start for him, his tone is really being showcased. I assume Simon picked for Katharine, will be an advantage for her. The song's kindof boring, Elliott tries his best but it's just okay. He should sing John Mayer songs. Randy's like not a great performance, a little sharp most of the song. Paula says you just pierce to the heart. Simon's like not the best song in the world although the style suited you, thought you sang that pretty good.

Katharine next, LA mayor says Simon wants her to sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Simon says this is probably the most perfect song in the world for her, maybe this'll be her big moment. Wow, lighting is great--no music, just her on the floor a cappella. My gosh, it's giving me chills. Wow, she's just slowly letting it spool out, you have dead silence in the theater. Her timing is artificially imposed, but she sticks to it, and you don't feel like it's the same old same old. She just sang her way into the finals, maybe winning the whole thing. Just too bad she's so aware, her eyes are always seeking out the camera. She nails the ending, too. Cword likes it, although it's not quite electric and crazy. Randy says finally, this is your best vocal of the season. Paula says you're in your element when you don't go overboard, and tap into your natural self. Simon says you don't need to lay it too much; that was the single best performance of the competition to date. Well, I don't know about that; definitely her best.

Governor of Alabama says Randy's picked You Are So Beautiful. Wow, now that's another good pick, voice totally fits. Just do it simply, Taylor. And he starts great, even a little shyness, restrained. Simple, just his voice, no craziness. Wow, he's totally got the audience in the palm of his hand--it'd be better than Katharine's great performance, just not long enough. Randy likes it. Paula likes it. Simon says that was far and away your best performance so far, then says well-done, Randy. Ryan and Taylor are pointing out Simon's clapping, and that he's happy. Poor Elliott.

Own choice; he's doing Ray Charles, I Believe To My Soul. Not sure about this. He's too much in Taylor's niche, but without his self-confidence. And the song's okay; not a great song, drags; oh well, he's happy just to have outlasted Chris. Randy says not the perfect song, but you can definitely sing. Paula says it's not a song people can connect with, but you're a funky white boy. Simon's like these songs won't carry you through to next week, but you're a great guy and a great singer and you'll make your mom proud.

Funny, he came in with more votes than Katharine, but it's like he's accepted 3rd place. I Ain't Got Nuttin Like the Blues is her choice, she says she picked it cause she didn't wanna get compared to anyone in the industry today. Okay.... It's her kind of song, slinky and bluesy. She loves doing these performance songs, totally the opposite of what SOTR is. Oh well, maybe she'll learn at some point. Randy says it was okay. Paula says essentially you're out of your element with songs like this. Simon says overall a good night, 5 steps forward 1 back, wish you'd ended on Rainbow, just okay. She doesn't care, had her moment; has probably already forgotten it was Simon's choice.

Taylor, Try a Little Tenderness. An odd choice, who's ever heard of it, and it's not a very good song. It lets him do some dancing after the intro, but just a meandering, unmelodic performance. These people really don't know what's best for themselves, they pick things for all sortsof sentimental and dumb reasons. Just sing what you sound best at, who cares if it has a hidden message or if you like it. Randy likes it, says his new name is Have a Good Time Funky Taylor, has trouble getting it out over the crazed audience. Paula loves it. Simon says good choice of song, good performance, hideous ending, but see you next week.

It's crazy, but if Katharine beats Taylor in the end, I won't be upset; she definitely wants this more than anyone else, and got here pushing every asset's she's got. Even though I don't think she's a geniune person at all, she's definitely a better contestant than Elliott. And has a shot at making the finals competitive.

Katharine II
Taylor II
Taylor I
Elliott I
Taylor III
Katharine III
Elliott II
Katharine I
Elliott III