

This week we are down to the final six and learn immediately that the songs performed are by the one and only Carole King, whom I guarantee no one in the competition except for maybe Casey has ever heard of. They probably spent most of their research time saying to themselves, “Oh, THAT’S Carole King.” We also learned that Babyface would be joining Interscope Records Guy in the mentoring of the kids. I wonder, again, if any of them know who Babyface is (except, again, for Casey, because he’s really smart). On to the show.

The Good -

Casey Adams AND Haley Reinhart — “I Feel the Earth Move”

Holy gawd, my dreams have come true. Haley and Casey are performing a duet that people will actually get to vote on AND they’re singing what’s possibly Carole’s most well-known song, which is a sure-fire way to score some major votes. So the performance was super fun. On their own, they each rocked it like they do, but when they brought it back together for the chorus, it was a little frightening. They finished it off with an awesome ending harmony and SteTy went nuts.

Lauren Alaina — “Where You Lead”

Ok Ken Cook, you know I lurve you right? I know there’s some serious weather happening right now, but you’re making me miss Lauren’s entire mentoring video package. I guess tonight’s the night the wardrobe director was sabotaged by her intern and was somehow stuck underground. Lauren’s earrings were bigger than her face and her blueish cowboy boots completely clashed with her tie-dyed one-shoulder toga. The performance was actually pretty good for Miss Peach Fuzz. Notice I said “performance” there and not “singing.” RDog totes agreed with me AGAIN. I'm glad to see she stepped out of her pageant queen comfort zone.

Scotty McCreery — “You’ve Got a Friend”

Ken Cook, I’m glad you’re only interrupting the country singers thus far and Ima let you finish, but seriously you’re kind of chapping my ass right now. Anyway, I actually DIDN’T know that James Taylor didn’t write this song, so that was a nice surprise. Also a nice (but painful) surprise, is that Scotty did this song justice. Honestly, and y’all know I hate country, I really enjoyed Big Balls’ added twang. JLo made a good point that he did a great job of telling the story of that song. It pains me to say this, but I think he’s safe for another week. Unless America lost its mind after finding out Obama’s actually American.

Casey Abrams — “Hi De Ho”

This kid is simply brilliant. I can’t EVEN right now. Casey mixed a little of his Jack Black with a lot of Cab Calloway. There were trumpets and a piano and harmonicas and backup singers in mis-matched outfits. I feel like I’m in a Kerouac novel, and Casey is leaving me shivering for more.

Scotty and Lauren — “Up on the Roof”

FINE, Ken, I’m moving into the basement already, which is a bit ironic considering title of the the song that’s about to come on. Ok, really I’m sitting on the stairs leading to the basement, kind of like Lauren and Scotty are doing right now. Wow, Lauren looks really pretty sitting down. She also SINGS really well sitting down and is completely stealing the show from Scotty. HA! JLo complimented Scotty for singing great backup to Lauren. I don’t think that’s AT ALL what they were shooting for, but good on you Miss Peach Fuzz!