“You did what I’ve been trying to do for four months,” exclaimed Steven Tyler, who later added some expletives.
Scotty McCreery, the 17-year-old high school student, kicked off the show with an eyebrow-raising take on LeAnn Rimes’ version of “Swingin’.” Tyler wished that the deep-voiced crooner “boot-scooted” more during his routine, while Randy Jackson dubbed his song choice as “safe.” Lopez warned McCreery that it’s time “to pull out the big guns.” “We were expecting more from Scotty,” scolded J.Lo.
Lauren Alania, the 16-year-old country songstress and Jacob Lusk, the 23-year-old power vocalist, were also prodded to push themselves farther after taking on Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” and Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father.” Lusk pulled out his in-ear monitor while singing, and later complained of technical difficulties.
“Vocally, it was good, but it didn’t make me jump up and down,” Jackson told Lusk.
Haley Reinhart, the growling 20-year-old singer, received a lukewarm reception for diving into Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Jackson said it was “a perfect direction” for Reinhart, but Tyler noted it was a “little slow at the start.” Stefano Langone, the 21-year-old crooner had better luck with Ne-Yo’s “Closer.” “Speaking for the girls in the audience, I thought it was very, very good,” Lopez told a smiling Langone.
James Durbin once again marched onto the “Idol” stage with the night’s most theatrical performance. The 22-year-old rocker donned an outlandish military-inspired ensemble and was accompanied by four marching drummers for Muse’s “Uprising.” Jackson and Lopez announced it would be the best performance of the evening.
“We just love that you’re out of your mind beautifully so,” affirmed Tyler.
