American Idol Season 12 Recap: Sudden Death 4 Batch 2 Boys

American Idol Season 12 Contestants:
L-R: Burnell Taylor, Cortez Shaw, Mathenee, Treco,
Bryant Tadeo, David Willis, Lazaro Arbos
Vincent Powell, Nick Boddington,
Gurpreet Singh Sarin and Josh Holiday

It is the last sudden death round of American Idol. In the earlier editions, we only see bits and pieces of this selection process before we get to see the judges' chosen best worthy of the American public's vote. Now we get to see everything live. Is there a benefit to this for Idol? One thing for sure, it did add more buzz to the show. Now let's get this over with so we can move on.

Matheenee Treco
Aurora, CO
Song: A Little Conversation, Elvis Presley

Matheenee is definitely working it.  He definitely got the moves of a showman in Las Vegas. The voice was a bit squeaky for me. Overall, it was not good at all.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin
North Potomac, MD
Song: Nothing Ever Hurt Like You, James Morrison

I kinda miss his comical and laid back approach in singing. I als miss his musicality. In the earlier rounds I always see him with holding an instrument when he sings his solos. Now, he definitely forgot the formula why he made it this far.

Vincent Powell
Austin, TX
Song: Cause I Love You, Lenny Williams

Vincent, definitely, got the soul and the groove in his voice. He is an old school singer and has infectious energy. 

Nick Boddington
Memphis, TN
Song: Say Something Now, James Morrison

I kinda been hearing a lot of James Morrison songs a lot from this season. Methinks he deserves an appearance at American Idol at some point. Nick has a nice voice but tonight, I kinda got bored. I was looking for the 'moment' but there was nothing I could find.

Josh Holiday
Celeste, TX
Song: Better with You, Josh Holiday (original)

Josh sings his own composition. A brave move to do an original at this point. But the payoff is great as what Amber did in the earlier round. But, I think it didn't work this time. Its a bit boring and there were no standout moment at all.

David Willis
Mount Dora, FL
Song: Fever, Peggy Lee

David is the other old school soul in the competition. I hate to compare him with Vincent, but, I think Vincent does it better.

Bryant Tadeo
Hilo, HI
Song: New York State of Mind, Billy Joel

Bryant got it at the start. By the way the crowd reacted, he connected.  However, the momentum went down a bit when he went through the verses of the song. I also felt hand gestures were too much of a distraction. He hit that good note at the end.

Burnell Taylor
New Orleans, LA
Song: This Time, John Legend

Burnel has a wonderful singing voice great for storytelling. Loosing 40 pounds is also an impressive accomplishment.

Lazaro Arbos
Naples, FL
Song: Tonight I Wanna Cry, Keith Urban

This kid has a great story. But tonight, he couldn't match it with a convincing performance. The emotion seems a bit forced.

Cortez Shaw
Dallas, TX
Song: Titanium, David Gueta and Sia

Cortez choose a very difficult song to sing. There were some stray notes in the middle but he recovered nicely and with a big bang at the end. 

The Verdict.

Moving on to the Top 20: Burnell, Vincent, Cortez, Lazaro and Nick

Going Home: David, Bryant, Mathenee, Josh and Gurpreet

I am glad Burnell, Vincent and Cortez made it to top 20. I am not so sure about Nick and Lazaro. Lazaro has a great story to tell and triumphant one if he ever be crowned as the next American Idol. However, based on his performance this round, it is quite doubtful. I think, Bryant David and even Gurpreet made a better showing than the two. What do you think went down this round? Did your favorites made the cut?

Next week, 10 guys and 10 girls complete for votes. Will there be a wildcard round? With so much talent fallen on the way side, I sure hope there is so we can see whom the public likes to give a second chance.