), I thought I'd offer my "look-back" review... my 'take' on his performances throughout the season.First week... "You Turn Me On" made popular by Tim McGraw...
I thought this was a great song choice, never mind what the judges said. It was the perfect song to 'identify' himself to the audience. The only other song he could have done that could have accomplished it as equally successfully is if he DID do "Get Your Love On", but seeing Originals night wasn't until the 5th episode... waiting to "identify" himself as an artist until then would have HURT him more than help him. Perhaps "Memphis Women and Chicken" could have identified him as well, too. However, since more people would have probably heard of "You Turn Me On" versus "Memphis Women", I still say it was the best song choice for the first week of the season.
Second Week... "Once In A Blue Moon" made popular by Earl Thomas Conley
Again, a great song choice, and this is why: The first week was a "who I am as an artist" establishment... The second week, he decided to slow things down a little and show a softer side of himself. It also showed that he CAN indeed sing... not just behind a guitar, but rather, his vocals are strong enough on their own merit to validate a long career in the music business. Like he said... "some people can write... some people can play... some people can sing"... he can do all 3!
Third Week... "Memphis Women and Chicken" made popular by T. Graham Brown
He was warned about his song choice AGAIN on this one. I think Zac could have come out and sang "Mary Had A Little Lamb" (hehehe... that was for Angela...
) and would have still placed in the top 3 (at least) of the contest. But anyway, back to the performance of the song... Choosing to do this song showed that he doesn't take himself too seriously... he knows how to just let loose on stage and ENJOY himself. Have some fun with the audience... He showed that, despite an audience's unfamiliarity with a song, he can connect with them anyway. He has that chemistry when he performs.
Fourth Week... "Something To Be Proud Of" made popular by Montgomery Gentry
Here's a classic example of "twist my words". The judges chose this song for Zac... a song he didn't like (which, ironically, lots of his fans --- myself included --- agreed it was not THEIR favorite song, either... even some 'bloggers-in-the-know' criticized the judges choice of this song for him) Anyway, after working with/on the song during the week, he had been able to identify with the song more personally. He said he was able to see himself in the song... and his performance was stellar, as usual. The judges' only criticique was regarding his attitude. It was Anastasia's comment this week that was perhaps the most angering of all the things she'd said to Zac all season. However, I refuse to dig that up... so, I'm leaving it be. Hehe...
The fact that Zac was actually able to identify with the song on some level meant that he, as most great artists, was able to take the song and make it his own... make it BELIEVABLE... make it something he could 'put his name on'. Obviously, it wouldn't have been a song he chose for himself, but he could definitely 'be proud of' his performance that night.
Fifth Week... "If It Wasn't For The Whiskey" --- Zac Hacker Original
This week, we learned a lot about Zac. If you saw or heard any of his interviews regarding his decision to do this song, you know it's a song he feels very strongly about. According to one interview he did, he wasn't even sure if his dad would STAY in the audience during his performance --- he'd only played it in front of him a couple of times before. His dad had gotten up and left both those times.
In her blog, Anastasia made a comment regarding his performance of that song --- showing his vulnerability. I'd say so... Uncertain of how his dad would handle that kind of publicity about his past, putting himself completely out there...
The last shot of him at the very end of the song... his eyes are closed... when he opens them, it's like they pierce through you... There's definitely fire in his eyes! And... if ya can't put fire in the song, then put the song in the fire!!
Sixth Week... "Stranger In My House" made popular by Ronnie Milsap
With this performance, Zac showed a great versatility in the types/styles of vocals he can lay down on a track. His subtle, soft tone to his voice was a stark contrast to the piercing, clear tones of "If It Wasn't For The Whiskey" the previous week. Maybe that was what threw Blake off... expecting to see the same thing each week with Zac WILL lead to disappointment. But to the devoutest fan, it's what appeals to them most.
Seventh Week... "Lady" made popular by Kenny Rogers
After witnessing this stirring performance, I couldn't help but be convinced he would win the title! If the competition didn't include his sister, I'm positive he WOULD have won. Despite the fact that he did NOT win the title, this song will definitely be one of the 'highlights' of all of his season's performances. Many spoke of Zac's performance being "better than Kenny Rogers himself"... whether they were die-hard Zac Hacker fans or not. One thing is certain --- it got him many, many votes... and pushed him even closer to that title.
Eighth Week... Acoustic performance of "If It Wasn't For The Whiskey"...
Blake is jealous. It's pretty obvious... hehehe... and he has every right to be. Zac took the stage with nothing more than his guitar in hand, a barstool to prop himself on, the microphone in front of him, and the eyes of a couple million people... and did nothing short of amaze everyone in the process.
Zac's loyal fans were not surprised, however... but perhaps felt a sense of vindication, as did he, no doubt.
Eighth Week duet... "Hard To Handle" with sis, Angela...
I may be slightly partial, here, but I truly believe that Zac outshined Angela on this performance. It was pretty clear to all who watched along, though, that they were indeed comfortable performing together. That being so, maybe we will see more of this in the near future. That seems to be the direction they are interested in... for now, at least.
Solo projects in the near future??
One can only hope...
