Season 8 “American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert became the first alumni to return to the show to mentor the newest crop of contestants and the showman’s advice helped turn a page for at least one contender — Tim Urban.
Last week, the floppy-haired 20-year-old Texan gave his first real stand out performance all season.
On Tuesday, after taking cues from Adam during rehearsals for this week’s Elvis Presley theme, Tim showed that he isn’t ready to let “Idol” Season 9 standouts like Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Michael Lynche and Lee DeWyze run away with the competition.
On a night when the “Glee” cast was in the audience – a show which judge Ellen DeGeneres suggested earlier this season would be a better fit for the singer because of his chiseled jaw and brilliant smile — Tim brought out an acoustic guitar to give a simple and moving rendition of Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
“I actually liked it,” judge Randy Jackson said, surprising himself with his own reaction.
“I can’t help falling in love with you, Tim. I thought that was beautiful,” Ellen said.
It was Simon Cowell, though, who had the loftiest praise.
“You have managed to go from zero to hero in two weeks,” the Brit noted.
Adam also helped the notoriously stage-shy Lee churn out a new kind of performance for the rocker who engaged the crowd as he performed his Elvis choice, “A Little Less Conversation.”
His booming, hearty rock ‘n’ roll voice in pitch, Lee managed to smile a little at the crowd and looked members of the “Idol” audience in the eyes – a first for the 23-year-old Midwesterner.
“You made that so current. You really made that sound like a brand new song,” Ellen raved.
“It was about nailing the song. That was on the money full stop!” Simon added.
Here’s how the rest of pack did:
Crystal Bowersox opened the show with another strong performance to add to a season of quality stage moments. The dreadlocked mom played the soulful “Saved,” which drew comparisons to a hearty female rock legend from Randy. “It was dope,” he said. “It could have been the second coming of Bonnie Raitt or something.”
Andrew Garcia, who was in the bottom two last week with Michael Lynche, had a harder time on the stage, failing to impress the panel with his version of “Hound Dog.” After Randy suggested it was “not good karaoke,” Simon continued the slam, noting it was “lazy.”
Teen Aaron Kelly roughed up his voice for “Blue Suede Shoes,” and Kara DioGuardi appreciated the new style he brought to his performance. “You’re out of your comfort zone. I like it. You seemed younger,” she said.
Siobhan Magnus whipped out “Suspicious Minds” and while the first part was slow and steady, the latter half found her singing in her upper range. However, the difference between the two parts was something Kara had trouble with. “It’s getting confusing for me,” the judge noted.
Taking a tip for his song choice from Siobhan, Michael Lynche tackled “In The Ghetto.” The quiet performance didn’t thrill Randy, but he said it still was full of “hot!” vocals.
High school student Katie Stevens whipped out “Baby, What You Want Me To Do?,” her response to the mixed feedback from the judges so far this season. While Ellen praised her pipes, Simon said it was “very loud and a bit annoying.”
Cutie Casey James closed out the show with a bluesy rendition of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” but he failed to ignite the judges’ collective fire. “You have brilliance,” Kara said. “But that fell short for me.”
On Wednesday, because of last week’s judges’ save of Michael, two contestants will be sent home.
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.