Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Idol Meter: Don't discount Scotty McCreery

dol's widely projected front-runner Casey Abrams nearly was knocked out last week, so it would be prudent to put Season 10's quirkier characters in the Idol Meter spotlight while they're still here.
  • Scotty McCreery: Beware the man in black.
    AP
    Scotty McCreery: Beware the man in black.
AP
Scotty McCreery: Beware the man in black.
Scott McCreery: The deep one
It's easy to underestimate Scotty. His rumble of a voice and strict country orientation seem more like the marks of a one-trick pony than a dark-horse winner. But his Nashville covers are accomplished and mature well beyond his years, and you could say the same thing about his general demeanor — he's the best in interviews, with a sly wit behind the aw-shucks charm. And the inspired way he countrified Stevie Wonder last week breeds confidence he can easily do the same withElton John tonight.
Naima Adededapo: The vivid one
Naima's unlikely survival after her first two performances was a triumph of personality over ability. She danced, she smiled, she dazzled visually — she did everything but sing on key. Last week, she sang Dancing in the Street, a song less challenging vocally but admirably suited to her vibrant persona. It may have put her on the right track, but she needs to pick the right track from the Elton John catalog — steering away, for instance, from the ballads.
Casey Abrams: The wild one
Casey was an instant favorite from audition to semifinals with unusual song picks and exuberant performances that displayed his formidable vocal and instrumental skills. His Nirvana cover was a good idea with an abrasive, one-dimensional execution, while hisMarvin Gaye turn was merely forgettable. To avoid the dreaded Siobhan Magnus Syndrome, he has to grab an instrument and show off those dazzling vocal chops. If, that is, there's an Elton song that will work.

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