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JOLLEY GOOD TIME Paul shook off his self-doubt during his solo, but would not escape the wrath of the Nerves Nazi.
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Eliminated: Nicolas Mathis, the warehouse worker with two kids who just couldn't connect with the band and subsequently stomped off the stage after being cut, and tall, flavorful strip of bark Papa Peachez, whose Fab Factor had apparently been stifled by the doldrums of a reality singing competition. Nicki really took his complacency and "You and I" song choice to heart and nearly cried out of disappointment, but for me P.P. couldn't get off the stage fast enough. "I just don't like singing other people's songs," he nonchalanted to the camera. Cool, thanks for wasting everyone's time.
Nick Boddington delivered my favorite solo of the night with "Stars," starring himself on keyboard and his gentle tenor as a new reason to get excited about season 12 of Idol. This was probably the most understated and mature performance we've seen so far from anyone, so I'm pumped. Keith marveled at Nick's ability to hit all those half-intervals in the song -- "You either get 'em or you don't, and you nailed 'em," he told Nick.
Then Charlie Askew strutted out in a shiny oversize brown suit and bright blue sneaks, determined to get the lead out in a rousing and surprising cover of "Somebody That I Use To Know." He made a smart move in using his optional mic time to explain that he dated a girl for almost two years (but I thought his only friends were birds?!?) and, two months later, still has hopes she won't become a stranger. I couldn't believe how at-ease he seemed onstage even while darting around and jabbing at the air with different limbs and at times entire sections of his body.
"You have this quirky thing that is so odd that it's right," said Nicki. "I glorify weirdness," replied Charlie. So these two are on the same page. Until she eats him!
JDA (who wore a black veil this time for high drama) and Mathenee Treco also moved on in Charlie and Nick's group, though we didn't witness their solos.
Meanwhile, "Jar of Hearts" was the clear favorite song choice of the guys' solo round -- Burnell Taylor and Marvin Calderon both advanced after their impassioned covers. Burnell in particular impressed me this time -- he really can do so much with that voice of his even while standing perfectly still and looking, as usual, like he's about to doze off. Marvin showcased a gorgeous falsetto at the end of his tryout.
Eliminated: Micah Johnson, Gabe Brown, Sanni M'mairura, and Nate Tao
"You won! You won!" Nicki congratulated the 28 non-winners before her.
Which guy was your favorite tonight? Are you as upset as I am about Gabe and Nate?
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