Judging Jesse Langseth on “Idol”
Posted on February 25th, 2009 – 10:36 PMBy Jon Bream
As Eminem sings, you get one shot, one opportunity. And our homegirl Jesse Langseth didn’t really seize her chance on “American Idol” on Wednesday. She wasn’t bad (like Eden Prairie’s Casey Carlson last week) but she wasn’t good enough either.
Her song choice — “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes — was too old, too safe. It didn’t really give her a chance to shine because it doesn’t have much vocal range. Langseth brought kind of a cool, moody vibe to the song but the performance lacked distinctive personality.
“Forgettable,” as Simon Cowell said? Well, not memorable.
On her “Idol” stint, Langseth demonstrated that she has talent and personality, though the strength of her personality emerged when she chatted back and forth Wednesday with the judges. She was confident yet humble.
Allison Iraheta, the youngest competitor at 16, was memorable. Her version of Heart’s “Alone” showed plenty of vocal range — but not much personality — but she impressed, in part, because her competition paled in comparison.
The judges liked Allison better than I did but she was the standout female singer. Comely Megan Corkrey and soulful Mishavonna Henson showed potential but didn’t really seize the moment.
By contrast, two guys truly worked it right on Wednesday. Adam Lambert, who looked like Joe Jonas trying to be Pete Wentz, turned on the drama, cleverly updating the Stones’ “Satisfaction” with style and a little too much screaming. And Nick Mitchell as Norman Gentle did a delightfully hilarious sendup of “Idol” by mixing right-on musicality (the dude can sing) and humor on “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from ”Dreamgirls.” His performance made my night.
What did you think of Jesse Langseth’s performance? If she doesn’t advance this week, do you think she has a chance to move on via the wild-card night?
26 Responses to "Judging Jesse Langseth on “Idol”"
For the most part i thought she did fine…there were a few sour notes..but that girl has soul..you can see it. I do think she will advance in the wild card spot.
Norman Gentle? Really??? This guy was funny in the beginning, but now is just plain ANNOYING! It IS a singing competition after all. Not “Last Comic Standing.” And although Jesse Langseth may not have chosen the right song, she definately can sing and I thought she showed more “real” personality than any other female singer of the bunch!
Nick Mitchell is an absolute joke. If he gets through all credibility of the show is shot. Allison ruled the night. None of the guys blew me away. I hope Allison and Megan get through tonight. I am sure Adam will since he has gotten all of the hype. PLEASE no Norman Gentle…
I think what you said at the beginning sums it up best she wasnt bad but she wasnt good either.
Finally i just want to know what everyone sees in Adam Lambert? His perfromance was mediocre and im surprised Simon didnt rip him more. Kris Allen was 10 times better then Adam. They really need to stop putting these guys in the pimp spot. Seriously last week it was Danny and now Adam and when they both were done singing the crowd irrupted. Both are good but not as great as they are being made out to be.
She’s got a good voice and I’d definitely like to hear more of her. And by that I mean more singing, not talking. There’s a fine line between not speaking up and speaking too much and she was way over that line last night.
Considering the others in her group, I think she’ll make it through and I hope so. She’s definitely got potential.
I thought Jesse was the best female singer and I was shocked that the red head 16 year old and blond tattoo girl got higher marks from the judges.
Jesse was extremely annoying. Her voice is average, then she wouldn’t shut her pie-hole when the judges were making comments. She tried too hard to be “cool” rather than just singing good. I was embarrassed for her.
I have to agree with the judges that Allison was the best female singer last night. I played back the replay and it was very good for a kid who is only 16 she has the voice to sing right now. She is another Kelly in the making beter then last weeks female pick.
Glad to see I was not the only one not blown away by Adam. He is as annoying as the blond tattoo chick. Kris Allen was the best, IMHO. Nick should be make a serious effort one time.
So far the two nights of 12 have been a snoozer.
Did Jesse want us to think she has Bette Davis Eyes? I didn’t like the performance. In comparison to the original artist that sang it, it sounded very rough. She appeared to treat her performance like it was a joke afterwards. I think she did because she knew it was a bad performance. Looks aren’t everything! You have to have the ability to sing.
She didn’t show any monster voice; albeit, the song style didn’t call for it.
She is totally photogenic though. Closeups of her face were fantastic to me. She’s very sexy.
Does she have the voice? If she makes the wildcard, will she over-correct and look foolish.
I’d suggest another “Davis” type song which is less subdued but with more improvisation and/or over-the-top vocalization which shows the athletic skill of her voice.
And, play up her attractiveness.
Though I don’t believe she brought her all I thought she still did better than most of them last night! I hope she makes it to the next round and shows off what she really can do! I don’t see the hype in Adam and the blonde girl they gave praise to looks like a robot when attempting to dance or move around.
I was listening to it in the other room, and she was fabulous! As my wife said, ” I hate this song, but she makes me want to like it!”
I wasn’t impressed by Jesse’s performance at all. I’ve heard her sing in clubs around the twin cities, and quite honestly, I don’t know what all the hype is about — she’s not that great and neither was her performance last night. She may make it through a few more rounds, but I certainly don’t seeing her taking it to the end.
I’m surprised nobody has noted yet the obvious - this is Jonny Lang’s sister who seems to have confidence only because she is his sister. I see this look in her eyes of false confidence. She can’t sing, and I don’t understand how she even made it this far.
Oh my gawd, does anyone else out there think that Adam Lambert is a young dead ringer(no pun intended) for the late great ELVI
Oh my gawd, does anyone else out there think that Adam Lambert is a young dead ringer(no pun intended) for the late great ELVIS
Looks just like ELVIS
ADam/ ELVIS
I don’t think Jesse has that great of a voice. She won’t make it through. I HOPE the votes aren’t there for Nick (Norman)–he’s a joke. I predict it will be Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey in the final.
votefortheworst.com is promoting Nick…..
What is wrong with Star Tribune. Is there no other worthy news around the world that they choose to publish crap about American Idol. Star Tribune resembles more and more a high school newspaper.
Jessie is overrated. Her singing was mediocre at best and she wouldn’t shut up when the judges were talking! She won’t make it ….
Anyone who says that Jesse is overly confident just because her brother is Johnny is obviously ignorant. She has done everything she could to avoid using his popularity to change the competition. Have you seen any mention to him from her or the show? Nope.
Jesse is well known in Minneapolis and has a beautiful voice is quite talented. I thought she did wonderfully, although she didn’t show everyone what she can really do.
>>Norman Gentle did a delightfully hilarious sendup of “Idol” by mixing right-on musicality (the dude can sing)
Wrong on both counts. The guy’s an idiot.
jesse can defintely sing and i am heartbroken not to hear her bluesy voice anymore on american idol
