idol saves the world, part I...
THIS is Idol Gives Back.
Or so says Ryan, as the two-day pat-itself-on-the-collective-back extravaganza begins. Oodles of money will be given for each vote. Children will be saved.
And it's all because of the show.
Wow.
And somewhere in between the self-congratulations, commercials and the superstar guests, six contestants will try to stay in contention by adhering to the theme of "inspirational songs."
Chris Richardson (If I Could Change the World). Chris gets the unlucky lead-off spot this week and continues on his "nasal is a form of singing" crusade. And apparently he's starting the "off-key-is-also-a-form-of-singing campaign. The judges inexplicitly slather praise upon the boy in an obvious attempt to either lull his voters into lazy self-confidence or in an attempt to spur them to outvote the Phil folks. Either way, I miss Sanjaya.
LaKisha Jones (I Believe). LaKisha continues her "I-will-sing-every-past-Idol-song-on-Idol" crusade, because she's either demented or she's getting just really crappy advice. Randy and Paula remind her that she's not Fantasia. Simon again uses the word "shouting" before being shouted into silence by the audience. Luckily for Fantasia, uhh, I mean Carrie, uhh, no I mean KiKi, Chris was much worse.
Blake Lewis (Imagine). Blake takes on the enormous task of trying to duplicate the John Lennon classic. The judges are mixed, as am I. I'm grateful he didn't try to complicate the simplicity of the song, and what it had in sincerity, it lacked in conviction. Not bad, but not memorable. But he sure is looking cute.
Phil Stacey (The Change). Making it into the top three on country night gives Phil the guts to go country again with Garth Brooks. And, again, it's not a bad performance for the new VFTW pick, even though on a night of mediocre that's not saying a whole lot. The judges are unanimous in their thumbs up reviews, with Simon suggesting Phil more fully embrace his inner Josh Gracin.
Melinda Doolittle (There Will Come a Day). Melinda takes us to church with this Faith Hill tune. And she's fabulous in the Melinda Doolittle fashion, getting unanimous praise from the panel. As usual. The girl really is amazing. Too bad she's falling into predictability-ville.
Jordin Sparks (You'll Never Walk Alone). My new favorite, Jordin, gets the anchor "pimp" spot and belts out this classic most usually associated with Jerry Lewis and his telethon. Randy says it's one of the best performances ever in the history of Idol performances. Well, I don't know about that; I think it's more like in a night of bad performance it really and truly rocked. But it was good, a bit wobbly in parts, but far and away the best of the night.
So, now the tough part that really isn't all that tough.
Who I want: Chris, LaKisha, Phil.
Who should: Chris, LaKisha, Blake.
Who will: Chris, LaKisha, Blake.
Chris should have left weeks ago and didn't, so considering her visit to the seal last week, I think KiKi's time has arrived.
I won't be SIMULBLOGGING the two-hour lovefest tomorrow. Two hours is far too long. And besides, the last 10 minutes is really all that's gonna matter.
So...who's on your hit list?
Or so says Ryan, as the two-day pat-itself-on-the-collective-back extravaganza begins. Oodles of money will be given for each vote. Children will be saved.
And it's all because of the show.
Wow.
And somewhere in between the self-congratulations, commercials and the superstar guests, six contestants will try to stay in contention by adhering to the theme of "inspirational songs."
Chris Richardson (If I Could Change the World). Chris gets the unlucky lead-off spot this week and continues on his "nasal is a form of singing" crusade. And apparently he's starting the "off-key-is-also-a-form-of-singing campaign. The judges inexplicitly slather praise upon the boy in an obvious attempt to either lull his voters into lazy self-confidence or in an attempt to spur them to outvote the Phil folks. Either way, I miss Sanjaya.
LaKisha Jones (I Believe). LaKisha continues her "I-will-sing-every-past-Idol-song-on-Idol" crusade, because she's either demented or she's getting just really crappy advice. Randy and Paula remind her that she's not Fantasia. Simon again uses the word "shouting" before being shouted into silence by the audience. Luckily for Fantasia, uhh, I mean Carrie, uhh, no I mean KiKi, Chris was much worse.
Blake Lewis (Imagine). Blake takes on the enormous task of trying to duplicate the John Lennon classic. The judges are mixed, as am I. I'm grateful he didn't try to complicate the simplicity of the song, and what it had in sincerity, it lacked in conviction. Not bad, but not memorable. But he sure is looking cute.
Phil Stacey (The Change). Making it into the top three on country night gives Phil the guts to go country again with Garth Brooks. And, again, it's not a bad performance for the new VFTW pick, even though on a night of mediocre that's not saying a whole lot. The judges are unanimous in their thumbs up reviews, with Simon suggesting Phil more fully embrace his inner Josh Gracin.
Melinda Doolittle (There Will Come a Day). Melinda takes us to church with this Faith Hill tune. And she's fabulous in the Melinda Doolittle fashion, getting unanimous praise from the panel. As usual. The girl really is amazing. Too bad she's falling into predictability-ville.
Jordin Sparks (You'll Never Walk Alone). My new favorite, Jordin, gets the anchor "pimp" spot and belts out this classic most usually associated with Jerry Lewis and his telethon. Randy says it's one of the best performances ever in the history of Idol performances. Well, I don't know about that; I think it's more like in a night of bad performance it really and truly rocked. But it was good, a bit wobbly in parts, but far and away the best of the night.
So, now the tough part that really isn't all that tough.
Who I want: Chris, LaKisha, Phil.
Who should: Chris, LaKisha, Blake.
Who will: Chris, LaKisha, Blake.
Chris should have left weeks ago and didn't, so considering her visit to the seal last week, I think KiKi's time has arrived.
I won't be SIMULBLOGGING the two-hour lovefest tomorrow. Two hours is far too long. And besides, the last 10 minutes is really all that's gonna matter.
So...who's on your hit list?
Labels: american idol
posted by jennifer at 7:56:00 PM
25 Comments:
NewsCorp is on my hitlist. $5 million? They own half the free world! Come on - they've gone all out so far, they could kick it up a little (or a lot).
And Ryan mentioned a big surprise tomorrow night. Any ideas? Are they going to mess with the competition or bring out an even bigger guest than Bono (is that possible)?
i bet it's going to be the duet. i also bet the duet will be between simon and paula
They're gonna bring Elvis back from the dead to sing with Celine Dion.
I'd stay dead if I was Elvis.
Jennifer, again, I have to agree with you almost to the letter.
Unlike Randy, I did not think Jordin's performance ranked among the best in the history of Idol. In fact, I thought Jordin was better last week. Tonight she let the emotion of the song get to her and it caused pitch and control problems. Like you, she is my new favorite (since about three weeks ago). I just think she is the closet thing to what American Idol is supposed to be. She is the closet thing to a Kelly Clarkson in this group...young, fresh, exciting and ready to become a pop music star. AI has been cranking out more country idols than Nashville Star, but only has one truly pop idol to their credit.
I've read on one other blog that Lakisha is going home tomorrow night. I know we haven't finished voting, but remember this is reality tv and entertainment dressed up to look like an interactive singing competition. Since AI does not release the vote totals, they can send anyone home they wish at anytime. The word is the staff was preparing Kiki's funeral video yesterday. But after "Nasal Boy" tonight, they could be working late to get Chris' farewell video into production.
I can't stand to look at Phil. Please send him home! I think I'd rather have Sanjaya.
I think Miss Kiki may be on the endangered list. Just as long as it isn't Blake!
I was hoping the duet would be Kelly and Clay or Taylor and Kathrine, anybody but Simon and Paula. lol
I think that the big surprise for tomorrow is that no one is getting voted off. All the votes will contribute to Idol Gives Back and thats it, I think with just a strong topic that they are promoting, they won't let anyone go. They haven't announced a date for the finale yet, right? If they did, then my idea is completely shot.
Anyways, about tonight's performances...
I agree that Jordin wasn't super incredible because she got caught up in the song, but she's still so real and true. She SHOULD win this thing.
I thought Blake was incredible, on the other hand. You just DONT change a song like Imagine. It's simple, its pure, and it really means something. I think Blake took it on perfetly. Any differently and it would have ruined the song, and the judges would have said just the opposite. He was in a catch 22 with the judges, but for me, he was in a win/win. He should also win...can we just have a Jordin/Blake tie?
I could care less about anyone else in the competition at this point. Kiki is just WRONG for bringing on Fantasia. Not because she was an idol winner but because she stinks. Diana DeGarmo did a better job with it. Didn't Tamyra write that song? Cos it is pretty, just not when Bobo sings it.
Melinda is a great singer, yes we all know that, but she's not marketable. She'll probably win though and whoop-de-doo.
Phil has a spot with country music, for sure. If Mark Miller (Sawyer Brown's lead singer) can pick up Bucky Covington, who I think is much worse than Phil, then anyone will take Phil once he's voted out.
As for Chris, well I didn't think he was bad, I like what he did with the song, he just looks like my cousin, so i can't judge... haha!
I agree with you Sunshine about Jordin, Blake and Melinda.
I really like Jordin and she should win. I think if Melinda wins it will be like season 2 and season 3.
Lol, I think Fantasia stinks too and she's butt ugly!
Dori
I REALLY missed Sanjaya tonight. It was rather boring and not worth the time for me. Jordin is my new favorite and she did great!
You're right, 2 hours is 2 long!
Either you are becoming jaded or I am becoming complacent :)
I thought everyone was pretty good tonight, with Lakisha being the worst.
And sorry, but I don't miss Sanjaya one stinkin' bit.
OK Jennifer, let's tell everybody the REAL reason you won't be simulblogging tomorrow night. I happen to know that tomorrow is your birthday and I know you'll have better things to do than spend two hours watching AI and entertaining us. Happy Birthday a day early...and I'll be back tomorrow to say happy birthday to you all over again.
Now about tonight's show. I just love Jordin. Although they sang that song at least once a year at some assembly throughout my grade school years, I still love it. I cried with Jordin as she sang it. She did a great job. I don't think it was the best AI performance ever either, but she really personifies what an American Idol should be for me :)
John Lennon is revolving in his grave, that could have been the weakest most mealy-mouthed version of Imagine ever sung... it was like listening to vocal elevator music. He has about as much emotion as Robot Underwood had, oops Carrie.
Penis head, I'm sorry but his head looks like a an appendage with ears, didn't deserve the praise he got for that outing, I was wondering whether the judges were listening to the same mess I was hearing.
Nasal boy, when he retires from trying to sing can do Nazonex commercials, he'd probably make an interesting bee, and Antonio Banderas is getting a little long in the tooth for that voice over anyway.
Lakisha sings every song the same way, "and I'm tellin you I'm not goin....." well this week she may.
The boys are more deserving of das boot.
Sure Jordan is cute and perky AND 17 OH MY!!!!! but, and this is a very BIG but, Melinda has delivered every single week with arrangements like no one else in any season could imagine. She may not be pretty, or perky. she may have no neck, but that girl can SING.
If I missed anyone, they're not important, anyway.
Well, we're down to the final 6 and this is where it gets really tough for me. I like all of them for different reasons. I wish they all could win, but as there's only ONE American Idol to be crowned, I'll just have to keep judging based on individual performance. At this stage, they should all be out to win and bringing it every single week. Having said that, here's my list for this week, from worst to first:
Blake - I love the beatboxboy, but his rendition of Imagine was just dreary. I *am* glad he didn't mess with the song and throw in a bunch of vocal gymnastics to spice it up. The song itself fits the theme for the night, but it's just not an exciting song. Kind of like singing Kumbaya by the campfire, know what I mean? On the upside, he's starting to remind me an awful lot of Chris Martin from Coldplay. He's probably safe this week.
Lakisha - She sang much better this week than last, infusing the song with the requisite dose of conviction. But she has got to stop singing past-Idol songs! The comparisons will continue to roll, and she'll continue to suffer as a result.
Chris - I luuuuuurve this song. Eric Clapton is one of my favorites of all time, and I was actually pleasantly surprised by Chris' performance. He wasn't nearly as nasal as last week, but he still just doesn't cut it beyond boyband material for me. He sure is cute, though! Great smile. :)
Jordin - She had some pitch problems throughout (especially her sharp ending note), and that's the only reason why she isn't at the number one spot for me. It wasn't THE best performance by anyone on any season (Fantasia doing Summertime and Bo doing Whipping Post take that top honor), but it was pretty darn good! She's a total natural - - great voice and very good at interpreting the song.
I like her more each week.
Melinda - I've never heard this song before. But given the religious lyrics, I thought for sure Simon would pan her song choice. Personally, I thought it was a fantastic performance. Surprise, surprise! But it wasn't my favorite of the night...
Phil - I like this guy more each week. I don't care if he looks like a young Uncle Fester. If I'm listening to a cd, I care only about the voice. And THIS is a voice I could listen to and not get tired of! I thought he was absolutely at the top of his game tonight. I had goosebumps during the whole song...and I voted for him til my fingers got numb.
Who I want: None of them
Who should: Lakisha, Chris, Blake
Who will: Lakisha, Chris, Melinda
I think Melinda in the bottom 3 will be the big surprise. But she won't be going home. I think Lakisha may have sung her swan song. (But I hope not!)
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!!! I hope you have a wonderful celebration day. :)
Happy Birthday Jennifer!
I voted for Blake around a hundred times-- ONLY because I want to end World Hunger. Wasn't crazy about his performance tonight, but I don't think "Inspirational" is his thing.
I was thinking they might not kick anyone off this week. It seems kind of cruel after all this Idol Gives Back and inspirational stuff. I had heard the Celine/Elvis thing before. So I'm agreeing with the 'everyone stays' theory.
Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jennifer happy birthday to you. Hope you have a great day!
Dori
Man, what a night!! I don't think I had a single goosebump with the possible exception of Jordin and oddly enough, Chris.
I think Chris really tried to open his throat and not let the nasal tone dominate and in my opinion he succeeded. I love that song and he did a nice job.
Lakisha's performance was a mess... I just groaned when I heard she had chosen yet another past idol song..
Melinda, as always was perfect but I didn't feel any excitement from her this time.
Phil.... I preferred his performance last week but I kind of liked how he played with his voice on some of the long notes.
Blake.. what can you do with Imagine??? nothing... it's a perfect song.. simple, lovely melody, simple, lovely message.. he did the right thing.
Jordin.. when I heard her choice of song I was shocked... I didn't see how she could bring it, but I was equally shocked when she blew me away... I agree, she was a little wobbly at the beginning and she came really close to screaming but didn't.. wonderful control.. She's still my fave.
Awaiting tonight's big surprise.. I loved Sunshine's suggestion nobody will go home tonight.. what a shocker that would be.. a nice one though.
Oops, I forgot.. Happy Birthday Jennifer. I hope it's a wonderful and that all your AI "wishes" come true. :-)
Happy Birthday Jennifer!!!
Happy B day..
I hope that Chris goes home but I won't have an issue of it's LaKisha or Phil.
Blake won't go home since my husband voted for him 5 million times. I didn't care about starving children and chose to watch The Unit.
A big shocker, huh? I'm with a lot of you: maybe the "shocker" is that nobody's going home. (Although if someone does, my money is on LaKisha or Phil.)
But I'd love to see a Simon-Paula duet. That would be too funny.
By the way: Happy birthday, Jennifer! May you get all you wish for.
wow. you people need to stop listening on TV speakers :)
I'm dumbfounded about how anyone can say anything Chris has sung sounds "pleasing" to the ear. I could care less how "well" he sings a song from a technical standpoint, such as being on beat, on pitch for the pitch he has, etc., he's unlistenable. I'd rather listen to William Hung, at least I know he's having a good time making a joke of his singing. Chris actually thinks he can sing, and thinks nasal is a form of singing? Hmm, when exactly did Hell freeze over? anyone know?
Jordin was very good, Melinda was normal, which is a problem in that it's easy to decide to vote for someone else who is improving. But is it me, or is it real, but I think she's lost weight, and is looking more and more "presentable" as a front person on stage. No neck or not, she's starting to "look" the part, and there's no denying she is the BEST "singer" to ever be on the show.
Blake I still like a lot, I would rather he had picked a song he could have "blakeified", but since he chose such a special song for some, I think he did the right thing. Now, his voice is an easy to listen to voice. Not saying it's special necessarily, but I always think of Phil Collins when I see/hear Blake. I just think his voice has a softness that keeps it from being "harsh" to the ear, and that's an important quality if you want to "sing" for a living. Don't make the customer's ears bleed haha
Phil was nice, I'm not a country fan, but that's his genre for sure. He should stick with it, and move to Nashville once the tour is over.
Kiki, well, not a "bad" performance, but there's just no way to forget the passion and personalization that Fantasia put into that song, especially after she'd won. It's not that she didn't sing well, but it wasn't anywhere near as "definable or memorable" as the Fantasia version,
since there's only 6, I would expect Kiki and Chris in the bottom, with either Phil or Blake. it's hard to gauge right now I think, plus we don't always know it it's the bottom 3 vote totals, or just 3 people with 1 being to short straw. I want Chris gone, he's terrible. I'd rather put up with Sanjaya that Chris, ugh!
JJ
Ha! *High five* JJ! I think Blake looks like a young Phil Colins, too! I said as much to my husband, who (of course) disagreed with me. Glad to know I'm not going crazy. lol
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