American Idol's Paul McDonald Soars to New Heights with "Rocket Man" on Top 11 Revived

Paul McDonald, American Idol Season 10's 'Man with the Bright White Smile' performs "Rocket Man." Idol contestants take on classics by the legendary Sir Elton John in this week's 'Top 11 Revived' Show.

"My band (Hightide Blues) covered this song years ago," said Paul, adding, "and it was a disaster." Hmmm...I'm torn on this one. First, the tweaky suit. We've seen it already on Idol, and in old videos of his band. Paul, you have stylists and designers throwing free clothes at you now! My advice: Take advantage!!! I liked Paul's arrangement and the quiet, intimate vocals, but that ending just freaked me out. The whisper was creepy. Randy Jackson said, "We just got some quiet comfort from Paul. There were a couple of things that were a little pitchy, but when you get into that tender zone, that quiet, that soft voice it's very infectious. But you’re holding back."

Jennifer Lopez interrupted to say, "I wonder if you're holding back in a way? There’s a little bit more to your voice than you even know. And I think you haven't gone there." Steven Tyler, with his usual dry wit asked, "So have you been watering that suit? Cuz there's a lot more flowers on it this time. I love your voice. You always do a little something. When you start singing, hitting every note, that's the day I'm not gonna like you anymore. I like the character where you sometimes hit a note and sometimes you don’t. That's my cupa tea." So Steven Tyler like off-key singers. Who knew?