It’s hard to write that last night’s episode might be the most boring in the show’s entire history but I can’t justify saying it any other way. At the very least, it’s the most forgettable episode of the season except to note that the people pulling the strings *might* be playing up Taylor Swift for a very specific reason. If you watched the show, you probably noticed Taylor’s influence throughout last night’s episode. Innnnnteresting….
Even my favorites (Jack and McKenna) didn’t have performances we’ll be talking about after a few days. In Jack’s rendition of “Blinding Lights,” fans still were able to hear his unique sound but that’s not even close to the genre where his vocals shine. So it was weird to have such a great singer sing a song that does nothing emotionally for the viewer.
McKenna did “Cardigan” by *ahem* Taylor Swift—- and it was fine. Her voice is raspy and pleasant. But the song is so melancholy until the final 10 or 15 seconds, it was hard to feel good about McKenna when the lyrics want us to feel bad. She did a good job of playing the part though; instead of smiling through the whole song, her facial expressions mostly matched the heartbreak or angst of the lyrics.
Another fan favorite, Emmy Russell. She sang “Lose You To Love Me” and her sweetness wasn’t highlighted because the song isn’t sweet. So as much as I enjoy her voice, this song wasn’t fun to listen to. Her voice usually conjures of feelings of peace and security, but this time it just wasn’t there.
The most entertaining performances were only because of how bad they were. Roman (who I predicted would go home a week or so ago) put his spin on Katy Perry’s “Roar” and it was more like something you’d hear at a family reunion from the uncle who used to be a back-up dinner cruise entertainer. That was my Simon Cowell impression. But seriously, it was abysmal. There, that’s my last Simon impression. Roman also didn’t do himself any favors when Katy asked what cologne he was wearing, why he smells so good, and he responded with, “I pray.” Awwwkward. Just tell them what fragrance it is! Not everything has to be tied back to church, faith, or God. It comes across as being too Heavenly-minded to do any earthly good.
Another Ben Stiller as White Goodman performance from Kayko and I can’t figure out how he’s still in this. The best way I can sum up Kayko’s performances is that he’s an actor playing the part of a singer. Such a weird vibe from him and I don’t see him lasting very much longer and there’s absolutely no way he wins it all.
Last year at this time, Iam was clearly in the lead with every performance and it was rather easy to see that. This season, there aren’t any standouts yet. With that said, I can see the winner being Abi, Jack, McKenna, or Emmy. Everyone else ought to go home already.
-Out of the Wilderness
Out of the Wilderness 