Well, lots of people sang and then Jordin won. Really…does any more need to be said? But then again, Blake is just as much a winner. He’ll have an album…it will be big. Same for Jordin.
Thanks to all of my readers this season. I really appreciate you all taking the time to enjoy American Idol with me.
And a special thanks to Linda the Librarian for hosting a spectacular AI party at her home. It was great…everyone had a fantastic time!
See everyone next season!
So, all of the judges are dressed like…well, rather strangely… tonight. I’m not sure why that is…
And then we have Paula “I-Tripped-Over-My-Dog-And-Broke-My-Nose” Abdul. Now, is anyone really buying this story? Come on. True, Paula hasn’t been visibly inebriated on the show as in past years…but, still.
Anyway, on to the singers…
Blake Lewis – So, I really have nothing new to add to Blake’s performance of “You Give Love a Bad Name” tonight. Still like the vocals…still hate the rest. Wait…I take it back. I do have one thing to add…I actually think his vocals on this song were better than the first time he performed it. I think the beatboxing…well, you know what I think about that.
Randy loved the beatboxing, but thought the singing was just alright, Paula thought he was off the scale (that was my interpretation of what she said) and Simon declared Blake to not be the best singer, but the best performer in the competition.
Jordin Sparks – Jordin decided to go with a more contemporary song for her opener this week…certainly in an attempt to placate Simon after he chastised her last week for performing a 60 year old song. I think “Fighter” works well with Jordin’s vocals. She’s no Christina Aguilera…thank God. I liked it.
Sgt. Pepper found her voice stellar, Drunky McGee also proclaimed her stellar (as well as awesome) and Simon, predictably, liked her choice of a younger song, but found her vocals to be a bit shrieky in the middle.
Blake Lewis – Blake’s performance of Maroon 5 in the past has benefited him extremely well. It’s really a great style for him. Tonight is no exception. His performance of “She Will Be Loved” sounded nearly as good as the original to me.
Randy found it to be very nice, man, very nice, Paula thought he sounded great and relaxed (and I think she should know what relaxed sounds like, as I speculate that she is currently on some medication that is having a relaxing effect on HER) and Simon found it to not be as good as the first performance and finds it a poor choice to be a final song choice.
Jordin Sparks – Jordin decided to revisit “A Broken Wing” for her second performance. I could be wrong, but I don’t remember it sounding this country the first time (the music, not her vocals). She sounds great as ever…although I do worry that the song may be a bit too safe for her. For the first time ever, I’m starting to worry that she may not win the season. Why? Oh, I don’t know. Just because…
Randy proclaims it flawless, unbelievable and a whole bunch of other things, Paula calls her really great and Simon says it was good…but in such a was as to make it sound much better than I just did.
Blake Lewis – Blake has the misfortune of being the first one to sing the standard crappy American Idol song. These songs are always horrible…it almost seems like punishment to me. You won American Idol! Congratulations! Now you must record this absolutely, heinous, sappy song! Knowing who wrote it this year…yeah, it doesn’t make me like it anymore. I think Blake did the best that he could with what he was given.
Randy agrees with me for once, saying that he did a pretty good job with it, Paula thinks he did a great job and Simon found it to be a little odd.
Jordin Sparks – Lucky us…we get to hear the crappy AI song twice! Oh joy! Well, the song does sound a bit less crappy coming from Jordin…the tender, sentimental crappiness workes better with her vocal styling. I still don’t like it any better…but it seems less awkward. Based solely on the fact that the winner has to record this mess, Jordin should win. Blake clearly can’t pull it off. And, in the end, if Jordin did win…well, I think Blake would be the real winner…just because he wouldn’t ever have to sing this twaddle again.
Randy, who seems to actually believe that American Idol IS a singing competition (silly Randy) declares that Jordin deserves it all and that SHE is what it’s about, Paula babbles and Simon says that she wiped the floor with Blake on the crappy song…crying and all. (I love you Jordin!)
Considering that both Blake and Jordin are absolutely going to get recording contracts out of this show, does it really matter who wins?? Personally, I think that Jordin will…just because, once again, Blake cannot possibly be expected to record that “This Is My Now” song.
Well, before I discuss tonight’s results that have knocked us down to the final two contestants, I must first discuss…Elliot Yamin.
Last season, Elliot was one of my favorite contestants…to make fun of. He always had that serial killer look when he performed. You know, that crazed, I’m comin’ to get ya look…kinda like Phil from this season. So, apparently, Elliot has managed to get the crazed killer look under control…by keeping his psycho eyes closed during his whole performance. Okay, Elliot…is this really any better? Now, instead of looking like a crazy killer, you now look like a blind man when you perform. Ok. Whatever works for ya Elliot. Personally, I’m not even sure why he was on Idol tonight. Does anyone really care??
So, the results. Well, it’s a bittersweet night. Melinda has left the stage for good. You know, last night’s show was so good…it was hard to imagine who would be going home. I hate that it’s Melinda…she surely sang her best. But, then again, Blake was pretty good too.
Anyway, I have no doubt that Melinda will go far anyway. She’ll have an album…hopefully, she’ll do some of her Tina stuff on it and I’ll buy it.
So, I guess this just ensures Jordin’s win…
So, here’s how it works tonight…we have three songs for each of the remaining three contestants. One song will be picked from the judges, one from the producers and one from the contestants. And now…on to the singing:
Jordin – Simon’s choice for Jordin is Wishin’ On a Star…a smooth, mellow jam if ever there was one. Jordin, in my humble opinion, sings the hell out of this song…and takes me back to my swingin’ 70’s days…you know, the disco ball, the bell bottoms, the smooth, groovin’ tunes…ahhh, memories. Oh wait. That’s right. I was 2 when this song came out. Ooops. I loved Jordin’s version nonetheless.
Randy tells us that Jordin is hot and sounding like a little like Beyonce, Paula tells Jordin that her performance was a great way to start the show and Simon had no fault with Jordin’s vocals, even though he didn’t really like her performance, due to the arrangement.
Blake Lewis – Paula chose The Police classic, Roxanne for Blake. Roxanne has never really been one of my favorite songs (although I must admit that every time I hear Sting sing it live, it has me up on my feet.) Anyway, I think Blake did a really great job with this song. He took the judges advice from last week and decided to just sing for once. The song really suits his voice well…as does that vocal echo effect that they have going on with Blake.
Randy gives Blake and A and calls it hot, Paula says that Blake did her proud and that she really loved it and Simon found it good, but not great and not as good as the original. Well, DUH!
Melinda Doolittle – Randy picks a Whitney Houston for Melinda…and, quite frankly, I think Melinda is the only contestant this year who can come close to handling a Whitney song. Luckily, Randy didn’t pick one of Whitney’s really classic songs…yes, this song is known…but it’s one of those songs from right before Whitney’s decline. And, in my opinion, that makes it a bit easier for Melinda to tackle. And I don’t care if you follow my logic on that one or not. Anyway, I think that Melinda did a fairly good job. She was no Whitney Houston, but was still good nonetheless. I still prefer my Melinda to be rockin’ out though.
Randy says it was hot and she blew it out tha’ box, Paula declares her amazing and that it was one of her best performances of the season and Simon thinks it was her best performance in the last four weeks. Simon then declares her the winner of round one. I, personally, declare her second place and Jordin the winner of round one. That is my word and the word was good.
Jordin Sparks – So, the producers, in an obvious attempt at outright cruelty, chose “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer for Jordin’s second song. Clearly, the producers hate Jordin. I think Jordin gave this song all that she had. But, honestly, I didn’t like it. The arrangement was horribly hokey sounding. And, even though her vocals were good, the song was just…weird. And quite frankly, it’s just a weird song to pick for this show.
Randy says that it was hot and that it doesn’t really matter what song she does, Paula thought she was fantastic and Simon didn’t like the arrangement but liked her singing.
Blake Lewis – Clearly, the producers like Blake a bit more than Jordin. They picked “This Love” by Maroon 5 for him to sing. It’s a song that’s right up his alley…VERY Blake-like. He does another good job…although he does decide to bring some slight beatboxing back on this one. But, I’ll allow it this time. It’s not distracting from his performance overall…and it’s was just a little bit.
Randy thinks it was very nicely done and it’s the kind of song that he should do on his album, Paula found him to be totally in his element and Simon thought that he sounded very comfortable and proclaims the performance to be good.
Melinda Doolittle – The producers, taking a cue from all of the Tina reference’s this season, picked “Nut Bush City Limits” for Melinda. This is actually the only Tina Turner song ever actually written by Tina Turner. And, of course, this is the Melinda that I really like…Rocker Melinda. I have a feeling, however, that a number of my regualr readers will not be fans of this performance. And that’s okay. I loved it. Although I really would have loved “Honky Tonk Woman” or “Proud Mary” even more. But I’ll take what I can get.
Randy tells Melinda that’s she’s great and stellar and that she should have this kind of song on her album (I AGREE!!), Paula says that “We love you, we love you and we love you” and Simon says that he loves that side of Melinda and that this performance was brilliant.
Jordin Sparks – Jordin, for some odd reason, chooses to sing “I Who Have Nothing” again. Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely LOVE this song by Jordin. And I was glad to hear it again. But I think that it would have been nice to hear something else from her. Like, maybe…”If I Can’t Have You?” haha
Randy thinks it was her best performance of the night, Paula thinks she sounded really great and Simon, even though he thought she sounded very well, hated the fact that she was singing such an old fashioned song.
Blake Lewis – Well, surprise, surprise. Blake decides to sing Robin Thicke’s first song. And who introduced the lovely readers of this blog to this song a few weeks ago? Why, that would be me. (Who else would it be? It’s my blog.) Anyway, I think this song works really well for Blake. I like Mr. Thicke’s version better…mainly because it’s a little dirty…and ya can’t have that on American Idol. But, still…Blake did a really good job this evening.
Randy found it just aiight, Paula thinks that he had three great performances and Simon REALLY liked it…which is a high compliment coming from Simon.
Melinda Doolittle – For her final performance, Melinda decided to go bluesy/rock again…and I love her for that. And I totally believed that she was a W-O-M-A-N. She was great. I love Melinda. Oh, wait? Did I say that already?
Randy thinks that she could sing the phone book…whatever, WHATEVER!, Paula says that she’s in the spotlight and she’s fantastic and Simon says that she is the most consistent deliverer of the whole contest.
So, overall, I think this was a really strong night for the Idols. Which makes elimination really tricky to predict at this point. Honestly, I think they should all stay. But, realistically, someone has to go home. My pick would be Blake. Although, it could be Melinda. Or even Jordin.
Oh, hell. I have no idea.
So, tonight’s elimination was such a non-event to me that I almost forgot to blog about it! So, LaKisha is gone. Oh well. Three divas was two too many. It will be interesting now to see if Blake can resist the beatboxing next week or not. Personally, I think he’s gone next week either way. I mean, Melinda or Jordin would have to absolutely bomb both of their performances for Blake to stay. Still, stranger things have happened on Idol. This season really hasn’t thrown out too many surprises so far…
So, the music of Barry Gibb, huh? Tonight’s theme makes me more excited than someone my age should be. Clearly, I was born in the wrong decade.
So, on to the contestants:
Melinda Doolittle – I’ve never heard the original version of Melinda’s first song, but I can tell from the rhythm alone that it was a Bee Gees song. Unfortunately, I found it kind of boring. Melinda’s vocals sounded great…as always. But the performance…I think I feel asleep a little. I was not wowed.
Randy thought it was good, Paula danced around the fact that the performance was pretty boring, without ever actually saying it and Simon told Melinda that she didn’t sound like a star tonight.
Blake Lewis – So, Blake decided to “Blake-ify” one of my favorite Bee Gees songs. It worked much better with this song than it did with the Bon Jovi song last week. Still, and I know that I am in the minority on this, I’m over Blake. I’m tired of the vocal antics…I’m ready for him to go home.
Randy didn’t thought the beatboxing made the song corny tonight (umm…that would be my feeling about every beatboxed Blake song), Paula came close to actual criticism by saying that the song was a little pitchy and that he didn’t have the best night with this song and Simon thought that it was absolutely terrible.
LaKisha Jones – When I first heard that LaKisha was going to sing “Stayin’ Alive”, I thought…what the hell? Then she sang it. And I still thought…what the hell? I didn’t like it…at all. There wasn’t anything wrong with her vocals…it was just the…I don’t know. It was just weird. I think this song is a bit too iconic to try to change around. It did not work for me. At all.
Randy thought the song didn’t need to be changed as much as it was and that it just didn’t work (and for once, I totally agree with Randy), Paula also didn’t like the changes and Simon thought that her performance was not great and slightly scary.
Jordin Sparks – I fully expected Jordin to make a fantastic comeback this week. And even though she had a bit of a rough start, I think she did manage her comeback. This was a perfect song choice for her…actually, I think that she could do justice to nearly to any Barry Gibb song.
Randy declared Jordin’s performance to be the best so far tonight (which isn’t really a compliment at this stage), Paula agreed with Randy and Simon said that it was the best so far…I’m assuming that he was speaking of tonight as well.
Melinda Doolittle – Melinda reached deep down into her self for this second song and managed to pull out a little bit of Gladys Knight…and a bit of Dionne Warwick too. She sounded great…the performance was much better than the first. Still, I think the song was a bit too slow…not boring…just slow. I think that songs that are a bit more upbeat really help at this stage in the game. Witness the audience going nuts near the end of the song when she got more upbeat and really showed off her vocal prowess. Right now, the whole song needs to be at that level.
Randy loved Melinda’s second song, Paula loved her vocal but thought that she needed a bit more performance and Simon thinks that the second half of her performance had but her in the semi-finals.
Blake Lewis – Okay, I would just like to state for the record that I am really wowed by Blake and his vocal acrobats. I don’t understand how he does it. I think he may be possessed by the devil. I don’t know. Anyway, no matter how much I am impressed by what he can do with his voice…I really would just prefer that he sing. He managed to do a bit more of that on his second song tonight…and I enjoyed it much more…even though I had never heard the song before.
Randy reminded Blake that he doesn’t need to always beatbox because it gets old after awhile, Paula disagreed, saying that it never gets old and Simon says he doesn’t know why Blake chose the song, that it was bizarre and that it was a bad night for him. I agree.
LaKisha Jones – I liked LaKisha’s second performance tonight. She kinda fizzled out at the end and did get a little shouty (yes, I said shouty) but I think it was pretty decent. And that’s really all I have to say about it.
Randy thought it was better than the first, Paula told her not to beat herself up over the ending note and Simon said it was better than the first, but that she was vulnerable tonight.
Jordin Sparks – Well, when Barry Gibb says that you are destined to become one of the great female vocalists…gee, what a compliment! I have to agree with Barry. Jordin has been great this season. She has had bad moments…but those were largely due to poor song choices. Tonight, she chose wisely…even though she didn’t sing the one song that I wanted her to sing (If I Can’t Have You from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack). I thought that her rendition of “Woman in Love” was splendid.
Randy didn’t think it was her best and then babbled on about Barry Gibb, Paula apparently didn’t like it and Simon thought it was old fashioned and pagenty. Well, I liked it.
Someone, some year on this show has GOT to sing “If I Can’t Have You”. I mean, every year, there is some sort of disco themed night and no one has yet to sing this song. Someone…PLEASE…sing it for me.
Okay, with that said, I think Jordin is safe tonight. And probably Melinda too. But, Blake and LaKisha…I think they have reason to be worried this week.
American Idol just gets more bizarre to me the longer it’s on the air. So, last week, we had the weird foray into charity work…which, although definitely a good thing, is still…well, it’s just not American Idol-like. I really hope that every year after this doesn’t turn into a telethon midway through the season. For some odd reason, the producers decided to give us lots of clips from last week again tonight. I don’t know why…I fast forwarded through it all.
Then, for some strange reason, we had Robin Thicke on the show tonight. Robin is currently topping the R&B charts…so why he’s on the same night as Bon Jovi, I have no idea. Once upon a time, I was a big fan of Robin Thicke…back then, he just went by the name Thicke and had really long hair. Check out on of his early videos:
Anyway, the most important thing that you should know about Robin Thicke is that he is the son of Alan Thicke. Alan Thicke, of course, played Jason Seaver on Growing Pains. And he also co-wrote The Facts of Life theme song.
Anyway, as I mentioned, Bon Jovi also made an appearance tonight. I watched the whole thing out of respect for several of my readers. And he wasn’t half bad.
Then, we have the results. Not surprisingly, Phil and Chris went home. Now, even though that picture with Blake and Chris that I posted here a few weeks ago was clearly fake, I was definitely feeling the love between the two tonight. I think maybe there is something there.
Anyway, I’m quite pleased with the results tonight. I think the right people went. At this point, even though I really want Jordin to win, I would be okay with any of the remaining four winning the title. Even though I would really prefer it to be either Jordin or Melinda and NOT LaKisha.
So, next week’s theme is Boogie Sounds with Barry Gibb?? Well, THAT ought to be interesting. My eardrums are already starting to bleed in anticipation.
So, unlike certain members of the readership of this blog, I wasn’t overly excited about Bon Jovi night. Not because I have anything against Mr. Jon Bon Jovi or anything. Not at all. I think Bon Jovi is…well, they rock. I love ‘em. But the idea of a Bon Jovi theme night…well, in addition to seeming a bit odd, just seemed like a bad idea to me. And, for the most part, I think that tonight’s performances proved me right.
Phil Stacey – I’m not sure that singing a song with the lyrics “I’m going down in blaze of glory” is the best song to sing in a competition where those lyrics may come true. I didn’t think Phil’s performance was horrible…but it did pale in comparison to the original. It’s weird, because I thought that Phil’s vocals actually sounded good…I just think they would have sounded better singing another song. I must say that I never really appreciated how strong Jon Bon Jovi’s voice was until tonight. Phil made me realize that. Still, all in all, I think his performance was…well, okay. Except for his goofy stage gestures. Those have got to go.
Randy manages to annoy me within seconds of him opening his mouth tonight (I actually recorded that song for Jon Bon Jovi…dawg! Who cares, Randy?), Paula declares it to be the best opening song all season long and Simon thought it was okay but lacking in authenticity. Yup. I agree Simon.
Jordin Sparks – So, Jordin decides to sing “Livin’ on a Prayer”. Hmmm. I was really hoping that she would go for “I’ll Be There for You”. She could have torn that one up. Apparently, Jon agreed with me – he really seemed not sure about Jordin with this song. The end result? Well, it wasn’t terrible. I mean, Jordin IS singing it….I can’t be all bad. Still, it was a bit flat in a few places. Overall though, I think it sounded decent. I wouldn’t want to buy it as a single or anything…but it wasn’t a disaster. My favorite thing though? Jordin still seemed to enjoy herself..both during the performance and after. And I personally LOVED her crazy hair.
Randy…oh, who the hell cares what Randy said?…Paula gives Jordin credit for singing something out of her range and Simon didn’t like her look at all and thought the singing was on the verge of out of control and…in the end…terrible.
LaKisha Jones – So, LaKisha has either been taking happy pills or actually listening to the advice floating out there about throwing out a bit more personality. She was…well, she was a bit nutty tonight. And I liked it. I’ve never heard this song before…I prefer my Bon Jovi to be of the classic variety. However, I thought LaKisha sounded pretty gosh darn good tonight. She has reminded me why I liked her in the first place. And, well, she brought out the goofy personality. Okay, yeah, she seemed a little bit out of control on some parts of the song, but it worked.
Randy…blah, blah, blah, Paula proclaims that LaKisha gave everyone a little “somethin’ somethin’” and Simon decides that LaKisha was so good that he needed to make out with her. Okay, well, it was just a kiss. But still… can you imagine what would happen if Paula kissed one of the boys?
Blake Lewis – Okay…so, this song would really have worked for me if Blake had just freakin’ sang! The beat box…not working for me at all. I certainly appreciate the risky nature of it and what not…but it was just silly. Especially the beginning with the fake record. If this was the 80’s…I’m sure that it would be cool. But it’s not working for me at all, Blake. I do like the new dark hair though.
Randy declares it to be hot, Paula thought it was amazing and Simon thinks it was a risk and very brave of Blake to do.
Chris Richardson – I have officially reached the point of being utterly fed up with Chris’ presence on this show. It’s my Ace moment from last year. Pretty Face…please go home. After Chris Daughtry made this song his own last year…well to have someone as weak vocally as Chris to attempt “Wanted Dead or Alive”…just not working for me. I would like to get off the Nasal Express now if that’s okay with everyone.
Randy said some stuff, Paula didn’t really say much about Chris at all and Simon, clearly was not amused, saying that this was clearly not Chris’ style of music.
Melinda Doolittle – Well, Melinda continues to please. And apparently, she continues to surprise herself. Despite numerous comparisons to Tina Turner, Melinda doesn’t seem to understand that she really has a bluesy, rock thing going on. Maybe it’s really not her comfort area…although I don’t find that to be obvious in her performance. I think that Melinda’s performance was the best all night….by a long shot.
Randy declared it be hot, even though he didn’t think it was her best, Paula calls her a rock star and Simon thinks she sounded like a young Tina Turner and that she was vocally in a different league than anyone else tonight.
Oh, and let’s not forget the special appearance by the Prez and the First Lady…offering thanks for the money raised last week and horrible attempts at comedy. Blegh.
So, this week, we’re losing two. My guess? The three boys are all candidates for those two slots.
