American Idol 6 3/28 The Results - and there were 9

Well another results show has bitten the dust and unfortunately Sanjaya is still standing. Wake up little girls you are making a tragedic mistake.

I love the 30 minute results show fast and furious.

I did enjoy Ryan's fauxhawk wig. I believe it is going to be all the rage this Halloween thanks Sanjaya.

Once again I was not impressed by the Ford commercial, it was pretty weak.

Gwen Stefani was great, love her!

I once again got two thirds of the bottom 3 but was off on who would get the boot, I guess the horny teenage boys were texting too.

Phil, Haley and Chris Sligh were in the center with Phil sent back to safely and ultimately Chris was sent home.

Tony Bennett is the guest artist next week, how fascinating. I can't wait to see how Sanjaya botches that theme, I might have to reverse myself and actually listen.

Well until next week....

American Idol 6 3/27/07 No Doubt the Battle of the Hair and Boots

Let me just say that I had one of the best laughs I have had in quite sometime. Sanjaya's faux Mohawk and the way it flipped back and forth while he sang just about did me in. I am still laughing about it.

I love Gwen Stefani and I enjoyed her comments and constructive criticism, some of the contestants should have listened to her more.

I managed to get in 197 votes and yes once again I voted for everyone but Sanjaya with Lakisha, Melinda, Chris Richardson and Blake getting the majority of my votes. I could have gotten more votes in but the hotel phone did have a re-dial button.

On with my comments and predictions:

LaKisha Jones, “Last Dance”

I absolutely love this song, one of the best Disco songs ever and actually an Oscar winner at that but I digress. LaKisha was just perfection. This was a truly energetic performance and even more important she was having fun. Her phrasing, her pitch, and the richness of her voice shone through and baby can she strut her stuff if she wants to. My only negative comment is I did not like what she was wearing, it wasn't as bad as last week but come on. This was a great way to start the evening. If only the rest can live up to this.

Randy: it was fun seeing you do something different, up-tempo, love the boots, you are a true fly diva, hot

Paula: Donna Summer is a tough artist and you did her proud.

Simon: great, you are thirty years younger this week, love the big note at the end, agree with Randy about the boots, great vocal, fun performance

Chris Sligh, “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”

Chris was one of the contestants that didn't listen to Gwen. I liked his outfit but his performance was probably the worst he has ever given. As Gwen indicated he was totally off the beat, he was not in any way shape or form connected to the band or the melody. I also did not like the arrangement. I am sure Sting and Andy are throwing up about now. This is a truly great song and Chris just did not pull it off. This was just rough, rough, rough, it was actually painful to watch. I think Chris realized he had taken a wrong step because he totally looked awkward and he was not having fun at all.

Randy: Good song choice, this was a train wreck, your biggest problem is you and the band weren't connecting, totally different rhythms

Paula: you don't stay in the pocket, when you get off tempo, it is distracting to the audience (amen to that comment)

Simon: “It was a mess.” If this were the first time I had heard Chris, I wouldn’t have been impressed. The song didn’t suit him or represent him well. (To say the least)

Gina Glocksen, “I’ll Stand by You”

I just adore Gina and she was back after her terrible performance from last week. I can't say enough bad things about the dress but I loved the boots. Gina was in perfect pitch and in complete control, the modulation between registers was unbelievable. It was the perfect song choice and she enunciated every word. This was Gina's best performance to date, way to go Gina! My only hint is you need a new stylist, hire me!

Randy: those are flying boots, it is one of your best performances ever

Paula: you are improving every week, looks fantastic, you chose a song that showed some vulnerability, best performance so far this evening

Simon: Not one of her best performances, but rather her best performance, you know who you are and picked the right song, the difference between you this week and a few weeks ago was “literally chalk and cheese.”, best of the night.

Sanjaya Malakar, “Bathwater”

Gwen said it all, 'I thinks he’s nervous, because he’s been forgetting the words. She says it’s a hard song and “good luck to him.” Words can't describe the performance or the hair. This was just bad, bad, bad. I think I have to agree with Simon, it doesn't matter what we say. I will repeat myself from last week. PLEASE AMERICA STOP VOTING FOR SANJAYA, PARENTS TAKE AWAY ALL CELL PHONES FROM YOUR KIDS, BLOCK THE IDOL NUMBERS FROM YOUR PHONE. Sanjaya's routine is just ridiculous and what a stupid song choice he made and perhaps if American actually listened to the words, what few he enunciated we all might get our wish, there is a lyric from the song "I'm diving into my own destruction". If he remains alive for next week which I am sure he will I am muting the sound because it just doesn't matter.

Randy: “I’m speechless every time.”, the hair is “interesting.”, you can sing but you aren't showing it

Paula: If you had the gumption to “just totally go for it,” you could match with the song, but you didn't do it. (that is an understatement)

Simon: “I presume there was no mirror in your dressing room tonight.” Sanjaya jokes that Simon is just jealous because he couldn’t pull of the look which Simon agrees with. (Sanjaya don't break one of the rules of the game don't fight with the judges) Simon says it doesn’t matter what we say anymore. “If people like you… good luck.”

Haley Scarnato, “True Colors”

I enjoyed the outfit and I thought it was a good choice to start the song sitting but I wasn't overjoyed with the performance. It started off really rough and there were some horrible cracking moments there in the middle and she was totally off pitch by the end. Haley should have listened to Gwen, sometimes the melody is enough.

Randy: started rough, got better, just all right, didn't grab me, pitchy moments, song choice was fine, it was just okay.

Paula: I agree with Gwen, it’s a beautiful song and all you need to do is sing the melody and be vulnerable. I think you should have sounded younger and more contemporary.

Simon: asks Haley how she did. She’s happy with it, but Simon thinks it was “sweet, but forgettable.” , it was like a 1,000 other girls, nothing to remember, too safe, you need to do better

Phil Stacey, “Every Breath You Take”

While I love this song, I did not love Phil. Once again a contestant ignored the guest artist, just stick to the melody. This performance was better then last week and I think for the most part he was in pitch but there was no magic. It was just okay and the contestants need to be wowing me at this stage if they want my vote. I totally disagree with the judges.

Randy: I kinda liked it, you didn't push it, runs at the end were good

Paula: Your voice had a lot of personality in the chorus, but the verses were a little too safe

Simon: I thought it was very good, good choice of song, tonight was the first time I felt you were taking this competition seriously

Melinda Doolittle, “Heaven Knows”

My two divas battling it out with competing Donna Summer songs but no one was touching, Love to Love Ya Baby. Melinda looked better this week but I didn't like her outfit either. Melinda can sing, has great control and knows how to perform. I still think LaKisha did better this week but Melinda and LaKisha can do no wrong.

Randy: Melinda was a pro, singing with feeling and living the words, not just singing them.

Paula: It was fun and joyful, and Melinda told a story with her song.

Simon: It’s not the best performance but vocally outstanding, I hate the outfit

Blake Lewis, “Lovesong”

Blake was looking pretty good and he sounded even better. This was a great song choice and even better he just sang the song. I thought he had a great tone and really good control. This was one of his best vocal performances. It was a great choice to stay away from beat boxing (see when you listen to the guest artist things work out).

Randy: not the perfect song choice but you made the most of it, showed a different side of you

Paula: “I loved what you did with this song.” , you take risks, your original, hip, cool, I see you in the finale

Simon: you are the strongest guy in the competition, but be beware of the “Chris Daughtry zone” so you don't become indulgent and boring

Jordin Sparks, “Hey Baby”

Jordin picked a good song for the theme but it is not a song to showcase your vocals. I loved the outfit, it was perfect for the performance. Jordin is just a natural performer. It is always risky choosing quirky songs but Jordin made it work. Jordin had confidence and brought out the right attitude. She owned the stage. The background singers had more to do then the lead but Jordin made it her own. Vocally it wasn't as strong a performance as last week (by the way I actually went and purchased both just the vocals and the video from the American Idol site so I can listen to it over and over again) but she is still in the top 3.

Randy: very risk thing you did, you would be a great recording artist, brilliant

Paula: adorable, hip, and young.

Simon: most improved contestant, we are seeing a different side of you, a bit of a copy cat performance

Chris Richardson, “Don’t Speak”

I thought this was a good song choice for Chris. I also believe that Chris listened to Gwen who said Chris likes to do a “vocal Olympics,” which doesn’t work for this song. She hopes he focuses on the song. I believe he did just that. I have always liked Chris but I think this was my favorite performance because for the most part he made it simple although there were a few runs. I didn't under why he was in the bottom two last week when compared to others. I enjoyed this performance.

Randy: very interesting, like your "R&B" flavor, like the twist, the runs worked

Paula: “You’re good, Chris.” (Paula reign it in, he is too young for you)

Simon: song choice got you in trouble last week, this was a much better choice, you need to pay more attention to your vocals, it was just okay in bits

It was an interesting show and several people brought their game up and then we have Sanjaya and the hair. As far as I am concerned he should be voted off just because of that choice but I still think those young pre-teen girls will let their fingers bleed from texting so much. My personal choice for the bottom 3 would be Chris Sligh, Haley, and Sanjaya.

I am predicting the bottom 3 will be Chris Sligh, Chris Richardson, and Haley. I believe Haley will be the one standing in the center at the close of the show, however, I will do my happy dance should America wake up and Sanjaya is sent home!

Tonight Gwen is singing and we will be down to 9.

Until tomorrow....

American Idol 6 Results 3/21/07 Now There are 10

Well there is no joy in my hotel room after tonight's crappy results. The fact that Sanjaya is still here is totally ridiculous yet Stephanie was shown the door with Chris Richardson in the bottom 2. Crazy!

It is interesting I was only one third correct about the bottom 3 but managed to accurately predict the contestant on the way out.

I actually liked Stephanie and felt she had potential but I think she was overshadowed by LaKisha, Melinda and Jordin. It is too bad that someone with potential is gone before sucky Sanjaya, America you are tone deaf.

Interesting results show with no group number. I do enjoy Peter Noone and Lulu, they are great performers but they both had some seriously bad vocals tonight. Peter had some pitch problems and Lulu's voice cracked what makes them professional as opposed to the contestants is it didn't stop them from performing, they didn't freeze, they still sold the number - contestants take note!

Tonight's Ford commercial was better then last weeks.

We had more Fox promotion with Brad Garrett showing up to advertise is show which is on right after the results show, please!

Well until next week and to constantly praying that Sanjaya gets the boot but good!

American Idol 6 British Invasion 3/20/07

Last night's theme was "British Invasion" with guest artist Peter Noone and Lulu. I actually very much enjoyed their comments on the contestants and overall I thought they did a great job in coaching.

The top 11 rose to the occasion for the most part and really put on a great show. I have to agree with one of Randy's comments, it was almost like attending a concert. This doesn't mean there weren't a few misfires along the way.

I managed to get in 187 votes last night once again voting for everyone but one contestant, yes the same one as last week but I know it won't do any good and I am going to be crying at the results show tonight.

On with my comments:

Haley Scarnato, “Tell Him”

I will give Haley credit in that she was absolutely 100 times better then she has been. Haley was definitely showing a bit more confidence and energy. She dressed to impress or at least show off her best features and going out into the audience was working for her. The problem still is her singing and she had incredible breath issues as well, perhaps it was the prancing around on those very high heel shoes which by the way were also hot. I thought the band was way too loud and actually drowned her out quite a bit. I thought she started off a bit rough, rallied in the middle, and ran out of steam towards the end. Breathe baby breathe.

Randy - Perfect song choice for you, Haley is back, your best performance so far, you had the "yo factor"

Paula - perfect song, you were adorable and flirtatious

Simon - "you naughty little thing, we saw a different side of you ", it was fun and young, it was a bit shrieky in the middle, people will be talking about more than your singing


Chris Richardson, “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”

Chris definitely took Peter's advice to heart and I think it both helped and hurt him. This was one of the best vocal performance he has given because he did just let the melody carry him through. I thought it was an excellent choice to just use the acoustic guitar accompaniment and he started singing sitting down. He had great control over the vocal but the problem for me is that there wasn't any joy in the performance. It was vocally outstanding and I don't hear what Simon hears about the nasal quality of the tone yet because he held back on his tendency to let it fly with the multiple runs, he was almost lifeless, there was no energy or joy. The incredible falsetto at the end was excellent. My other favorite thing was he was enunciating, I heard ever word clearly. I just wanted more energy out of the performance. I like Chris and he has demonstrated he can sing.

Randy - great performance, we saw a different side of Chris, when you just sing and don't push it, beautiful vocal

Paula - smart choice of song and you are playing to win, loved the arrangement, it was sexy and charming (Paula reign it in, he is too young for you)

Simon - I think you gave your best performance ever, you had excellent control and didn't make it sound old-fashioned, a bit nasally and you need to watch that


Stephanie Edwards, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”

Stephanie definitely looked hot in that sexy blue dress and her accessories were to die for and those boots could walk right over me anytime. I did not like the long intro of the song before Stephanie started it just wasn't necessary. This was definitely not Stephanie's night. I am not sure if it was the song choice, the arrangement, the way too loud band but she was totally off her game. It started a bit rough, she clearly had horrible pitch problems through out, the song seemed too big for her and she had breath problems as well. I just wasn't impressed with tonight's performance. Nothing worked.

Randy - great song choice, it was a little pitchy, not my favorite, you need to do more up-tempo songs

Paula - love what your wearing, some notes fell flat, you are a great singer but you need to have more fun

Simon - you are losing your edge, your soul, it was a little bit Night clubby, a bit cabaret, I miss your passion and rawness, I wasn't crazy about it.

Blake Lewis, “Time of the Season”
I think tonight definitely belonged to Blake, his performance has been the best so far. I wasn't too excited about his outfit (where did he find those horrid pants) but he brought joy and passion to one of my absolute favorite songs. He followed Peter's advice perfectly. He stuck with the melody of the song but brought out it's edge with his beat boxing. Everything worked for me tonight. His performance had energy, he was having fun, was clearly putting on the flirty moves, he definitely brought sexy back. What was really great was we could tell he can actually sing, spot on vocals. He had extreme control. The audience was clearly enjoying this performance. I think we finally have a competition.
Randy - I am a huge Blake fan, it was very edgy, you had the "yo factor", you made the song very current
Paula - you really raised the bar, it was like a concert, you could release that as a record
Simon - a million times better than last week, you picked the right song, the melody was in tact and you found a way to make it contemporary, strongest performance so far

LaKisha Jones, “Diamonds Are Forever”

I love LaKisha but I just have to say for the first time, her outfit was just hideous. I don't know why she chose it, it wasn't flattering at all. The million dollars worth of diamonds were great though. I thought her vocals were spot on, she had great control and that final note was perfection. Given the great vocals, the performance left me cold. LaKisha was trying to control the vocals so much she wasn't having fun, she didn't seem to have the confidence we have seen. I was blown away by the vocals but the rest was a throw away. I think LaKisha should have followed Lulu's advice and went with the other song. Every week it is a battle between LaKisha and Melinda, last week LaKisha won, it will be interesting to see how Melinda does.

Randy - good choice of song, not my favorite performance, I didn't feel enough LaKisha, just all right

Paula - right choice of song and a very smart girl for picking a song with diamonds in it

Simon - you are a fantastic singer but it was like seeing LaKisha in fifty years, it was too old, too old-fashioned, wasn't my favorite performance

Phil Stacey, “Tobacco Road”

I can't even get started on Phil's performance without commenting on his shirt, what was up with that, it looked like he didn't have time to change after eating, those spots were distracting, it looked stupid. I am sure I was totally turned off my the stained shirt that everything else after that was wrong. I will give Phil credit in that he sounded a lot better then last week and he had an almost perfect opening but then blew it. Everyone already knows how much I hate the rocker singing with the mike stand move so Phil didn't win me with that but luckily it was short lived. My big problem was that he was screaming versus singing. It was better than last week but didn't blow me away.

Randy - that was good, pitchy in spots, the end was good, I like your upper register, pretty good performance

Paula - good choice of song, some parts were pitchy, put you showed the emotion, good performance

Simon - I wasn't crazy about it, it was like a third division bar band performance, no grit in your voice, wasn't believable, you were out sung by a lot of the others, you might have a problem tomorrow night

Jordin Sparks, “I Who Have Nothing”

I just have to say wow, wow, wow! Jordin looked spectacular, the dress, the shoes were to die for and I loved her hair style as well. Jordin's performance was breathtakingly beautiful. For someone so young she exhibited such control. This was one powerful song and Jordin was not intimidated by it at all. She was confident and the emotion that was flowing from her just did me in. Standing on the stage, singing her heart out with absolute perfect pitch. This was absolutely incredible. It was a star making Idol moment. This was a Kelly Clarkson 1st season Idol moment. This was my favorite performance of the evening so far and quite frankly I don't think anything can beat this one tonight. Way too go Jordin. We definitely now have a competition finally.

Randy - very tall order the song, I am very impressed, it was a very controlled vocal, best performance tonight

Paula - great range, you are a great singer, wonderful performer

Simon - you sang the song beautifully but it was so bloody gloomy and depressing, "I just want the sun to shine or something" but again you sang great

Sanjaya Malakar, “You Really Got Me”

The only high point of Sanjaya's appearance was the beginning of the tape interview when he admitted he was not the best singer in the competition at least he understands what is keeping him in the competition. Let me just say that this has got to be the most hokey, ridiculous, performance that has ever been shown on television. It was like watching a kid playing at being a rock star, every moment was forced and stupid. Do not even get me started on that little girl Ashley crying, yes crying, it was like a recreation of the Beatles invasion (being the cynic I am the producers probably paid her to do it since the director seemed to be able to cut to her constantly- I just wanted to throw up). The only good thing about the performance was the band was too loud drowning him out most of the time. Sanjaya sucked, he was totally out of tune and he was screaming not singing and his enunciation also sucked. I was in total pain throughout the performance. The only other plus was at least he was energetic in his child like glee at trying to be a rock star. While the kid is cute his attempt at being sexy was just painful to watch and good heavens his crouching in front of Paula just plain creepy. This performance caused me to have a nightmare when Sanjaya actually won the title of American Idol. I woke up in horror and it was only 2:00 a.m. I couldn't get back to sleep. This was bad, bad, bad and he must go, go, go!

Randy - you came out of your shell, you are usually mild and meek, your best performance to date

Paula - you went for it, it was fun

Simon - I think the little girl's face says it all, he cringes

Gina Glocksen, “Paint It Black”

I really do like Gina but tonight was not her night. Gina looked great, it was the perfect look for this song (a song I truly adore). What was great about the performance is she did follow Lulu's advice in that she told her to get as much drama out of the song as she could and just devour it. Gina was truly energetic and the emotion was clearly there but unfortunately her vocals fell short. Gina's enunciation sucked as well. I am not sure she was in sync with the band and she was shouting quite a bit versus singing. On the plus side it was fun and she sold the emotion of the song. Gina really needs to focus on her singing and if she does she could go far.

Randy - our resident rocker, I like your edge but not my favorite, just all right

Paula - you were miles better than last week, just let loose and have fun

Simon - there were moments of complete torture in that vocal, it was so off melody, it was style over content, vocally not good enough

Chris Sligh, “She’s Not There”

Before we get to the performance did you see the signs in the audience, "Bringing Chubby Back" and "Fro Patro", if I have to hear "Fro Patrol" for the next 9 weeks I may scream. I am not sure this was a good song choice for Chris. I did not like the coming out of the audience, I have to agree with Randy it threw him off, the first part of the song was pretty rough. Chris managed to hit the chorus but his enunciation sucked as well tonight. This was just an okay performance for me. I think Chris can do better and has. He did improve from last week which is a definite plus.

Randy - a little bit rough at the beginning and you were a head of the beat but you ended strong

Paula - you are dressing nicer, you should interact with the audience more

Simon - you did your thing, it was fun, you showed personality, not the best vocal though, much better than last week.

Melinda Doolittle, “As Long as He Needs Me”

Melinda is an incredible singer but I am not sure the performance worked. I also did not like her look tonight (her friend the stylist must not have been available) the outfit wasn't the right choice, boring without much color and what was up with the haircut and makeup, it was just wrong. Vocally Melinda nailed the song but her performance lacked emotion and this is a song all about emotion if you have ever seen "Oliver". Melinda saved the day with that last big power note but I wasn't moved. I noticed we had the damn crying little girl again although what she was crying about might be interesting because there is no way she could understand what this song is truly about it. I found it all lackluster at best. My LaKasha and Melinda battle ended in a draw for me.

Randy - best vocal for last, stunning, great relative pitch, you are a pro up there

Paula - you are in a league of your own, you tell a story with the song, beginning, middle and end (sounds like a toastmaster mantra for table topics)

Simon - "Are you really as nice as you seem?", the beginning was boring but the 2nd part was sensational, an impeccable vocal.

Overall this was a much better week than last with just about everyone doing better. Jordin wins the prize for me with the absolute most perfect vocal of the evening, if this was the finals she would win the contest on that vocal. Blake was second.

Predicting who will go home tonight is going to be hard. AS MUCH AS SANJAYA should be going home based on performance, the reaction of the crying Ashley just about guarantees he will make it to the top 10, those young bubble gum girls are going to be texting still their fingers are bleeding. My hope, my prayer is that America will JUST SAY NO to Sanjaya but I am not getting my hopes up. If he makes it to the Top 10 he will be in the concert, the good thing is the contestants normally sing in the order of their appearance so #10 starts first, I guess I will just arrive late for the show and miss poor Sanjaya.

My prediction for the bottom 3 are Stephanie, Haley and Phil. Outside of Sanjaya I think Haley should go home but I think her little short short outfit will keep her around so I am predicting that Stephanie will be going home tonight.

Until tomorrow.....

American Idol 6 - Results 3/14 Now there are 11

Well I am watching Return of the Jedi to get me out of my bad mood on American Idol. Oh was I teased and my heart beat faster when Sanjaya made it to the bottom 3 which I didn't think was possible only to have my hopes beaten to the ground and stomped on. There was to be no happy dance for me!

America who screwed up again.

Brandon was sent home instead of Sanjaya.

The good news is that he was but one step away so perhaps next week will be the week! I will be in Memphis watching it from another hotel room.

I like the 30 minute result shows they move quickly.

The group number was actually pretty good, the contestants seem to do so much better then they do separately. They all actually looked really good to.

I didn't enjoy the first Ford commercial though, it sucked and what was up with Chris Sligh's afro wig, please.

Diana Ross still looks hot and that woman knows how to play to the audience and make us love her. She stumbled a bit with her pitch but she never faltered and if you weren't paying attention you won't have known.

Interesting the bottom 3 were all men, Brandon, Phil and Sanjaya.

One of the men was first to go, it is a woman's contest to win unless there are some incredible missteps in weeks to come.

Until next week....

American Idol 6 - The Battle Begins 3/13/07

The top 12 started their journey and for most it was a truly ghastly beginning. Fascinating beginning on the road to the next American Idol given the technical problems they started out with, good grief.

Tonight's mentor was Diana Ross and overall I thought her advice was insightful but as always the stars just can't tell someone they suck but I thought her points on what to do to improve their performance was spot on. I also jumped up and down for joy when Diana told Gina she needed to "pronunciate" the words, I know she meant "enunciate" but I was just happy with the advice, the song is a story, the words are important. I did my happy dance. What is really sad is most of the singers ignored her advice or maybe they just didn't understand it. Chris Sligh ticked me off but more on that below.

There was the usual banter between Simon and Ryan, the best coming in at the beginning of Melinda's intro when she indicated she hated the high heels and dresses because she likes sweatpants and tennis shoes. Ryan asks for Simon's advice on high heels - Simon responds with "you should know", Ryan replies with "stay out of my closet" with Simon back with "Come out", and Ryan's ultimate topping line of "this is about the top 12, not your wishes". I actually laughed out loud when normally I find their banter stupid and pointless.

As previously indicated it is Lakisha and Melinda's battle to lose so I just hope the rest of the contestants can pick up their game.

I managed to get in 123 votes last night. I voted for all but one contestant and I am sure you can guess which one so I won't even say but the majority of my votes were shared with Lakisha, Melinda and Jordin.

On with my comments:


Brandon Rogers - "You Can't Hurry Love"

Oh my poor Brandon this was just an utter mess. Brandon did not pay attention to Diana advising him to find his center because he was clearly overwhelmed by the new set up and the big audience. His nerves were showing and his voice was cracking big time. He was stiff and looked uncomfortable and what was with those hip gyrations, oh god they were stupid. Brandon committed the biggest error of all he forgot the lyrics and couldn't even cover for it, that was totally painful to watch. Brandon didn't start in the right key and perhaps the strange arrangement threw him off. It was not a good start to the evening.

Randy - you came out as a backup singer, you forgot the words, you rallied for the last two notes but you need to be much better

Paula - it's not easy, nerves play a big part in this, you don't need to hear what you did wrong, you do many things right, you will grow in to it

Simon - it was a complete letdown, predictable, dancing was terrible, you seemed like a background singer for a background singer, it was unoriginal and nowhere good enough, no star quality (thank you Simon for telling the truth - he sucked)


Melinda Doolittle - "Home"

Melinda was looking hot, great outfit. I absolutely adore this song and I think it was a perfect choice for her. Melinda didn't make me forgot Stephanie Mills (the original Dorothy in The Wiz") or Diana's movie version but she held her own. Melinda has an incredible voice. She brought home the meaning of the song and given the journey she is on it packed an even more important punch. I did get goose bumps listening to her. She has incredible control and what an elegant performer she is, the ability she has to take utter control of the stage. This woman is a star. I also disagree with Simon I don't find this a boring song at all so bite me Simon.

Randy - it wasn't my favorite performance, very strong though, hot - boys 0 girls 1

Paula - as she is crying buckets of tears, just watching you, I feel it, goose bumps, this is it for you

Simon - you made a very boring song exciting, you remind me of a young Gladys Knight


Chris Sligh

Chris when the original artist gives you advice, please follow it. She told you to listen to the melody and find the hook to sell it. Chris ignored her and was the worst for it. First off, the no glasses look was just wrong, it didn't work. I don't mind if an artist makes a song their own and changes up the arrangement but the arrangement Chris came up with just did not work for me at all. It lost the emotional meaning of the song all together. It also appeared what Chris wanted to do and what the band was doing didn't jive, they were totally off. I will give him credit because he was on pitch but that is about all. It was just a bloody mess going all over the place. This was also a duet and taking a duet song and trying it as a solo rarely works for me. There were so many other songs he could have performed and made is own. I think Chris was done in by his arrogance. He basically told Ryan he respects Diana but went with his guts, basically telling the artist you were wrong. His arrogance with the judge's reaction will also be is undoing. I expect more from Chris but he didn't deliver for me tonight.

Randy - it sounded like Cold Play's "Speed of Sound", that was a mess

Paula - the song is so recognizable and is a beautiful love song, I worry sometimes you try too hard to be hip/cool, just let the melody play

Simon - you murdered the arrangement, it was unemotional and uninspiring, you should keep the glasses because thy are you - "even the boos are light"


Gina Clocksen - "Love Child"

Gina looked hot tonight, great outfit, style. I really don't know why I like Gina, she is just so much fun. It wasn't her best vocal and she was sharp and pitchy quite a bit but she knows how to sell the emotion of the song. I don't believe she exactly "enunciated" every word but she came pretty close. It was the right song choice for sure. Overall her performing skills are top notch, she just needs to focus harder on the vocals. Gina still rocks my world.

Randy - it wasn't my favorite performance, it was pitchy and didn't feel exciting, boring

Paula - song is exciting and makes you want to dance, you are better than how you did tonight, your enunciation and pitch was off and it was a little shouty

Simon - it wasn't fantastic or terrible, you chose the right song, it was forgettable and a middle of the road performance


Sanjaya Malakar - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

This kid needs to leave, it was just horrible, horrible, horrible, utterly disgusting, bad with a capital B, there are not enough awful disgusting words I can come up with. This was a totally wrong song choice and excuse me what was up with his hair, did his finger get stuck in a light socket. I could barely hear him at the beginning, he doesn't have the vocal power to sell this song and he had no breath control he ran out of steam and basically spoke versus singing. I don't want to kick someone when there down but since we are talking about Sanjaya I will, he looked like and performed like a bad female impersonator trying to do Diana Ross. The truth hurts and will probably earn me a ticket to hell but this kid is just bad, please America put me out of my misery. Maybe I am in purgatory and this is my punishment having to listen to Sanjaya for eternity, now I want to throw up. Sanjaya back talking to the judges is not a good move and of course he feels he should be back next week.

Randy - I don't even know what to say - it wasn't very good, thank god for the background singers, it was unlistenable

Paula - you are pure love, your smile, you need to grab the audience right from the beginning

Simon - when you hear wailing from Beverly Hills it will be Diana Ross, to be positive you are very brave


Haley Scarnato - "Missing You"

It is interesting that Diana stated Haley has a recording voice not a projecting voice. I have to say her stage presence was pretty good compared to previously and she does have a nice rich tone to her voice when it is on but it was mostly off. She started off sitting and started way too low, you could hardly hear her. She managed the first chorus and then she stood up and everything went, her pitch and another sinful forgetting of the words. I am not sure this was the best song choice for her. Haley took the spot Sabrina should have had and this performance just proved it. She does get extra points for the dress, it spoke to the audience she was trying to reach. I just don't like Haley and she isn't doing anything to make me say "wow" or should I say "the yo factor".

Randy - you gave a valiant effort, you were pitchy, usually your pitch is better

Paula - you look lovely

Simon - I didn't think it was that bad, you had real presence, you look like a star, there were moments of the vocal I liked, nerves got you half way through, if you can hold it together you could do better than I expected


Phil Stacey - "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"

I have to admit Phil did much better then last week. I thought he was much more comfortable on stage and he actually sounded pretty good. His upper register is pretty good but his lower register is troubling as it seems to be with a lot of the contestants. Phil had a lot of energy and I think he sold the message of the song. So far it has been the best male performance but that isn't really saying much. For me this was his best performance and was heads above the disaster of last week.

Randy - the performance was boring but the vocals were hot

Paula - strong vocal, the song wasn't up-tempo enough

Simon - I think the tempo was fine and the performance was okay, you have a tendency to shout when you go for the big notes and you need to control that, good choice of song, better than last week


Lakisha Jones - "God Bless the Child"

Can we just say that Lakisha was the da bomb. She was one hot mama and that outfit was so right for this song. This performance was the "wow" moment of the evening. It was truly the perfect song choice. I love this song,and my all time favorite version was done by Lisa Minnelli but no more, Lakisha made this song her own. Lakisha commanded the stage, she had complete control of every bit of her performance including the vocals. She not only sang the song, she performed and acted it to, you just felt the emotion flowing from her. This was so far the most phenomenal performance of the evening and I doubt it will be topped. It was Lakisha's night. I am just glad I have this on tape and I am keeping it so I can listen to it over and over.

Randy - wow, perfect song choice, unbelievable vocal, sensational

Paula - beautiful performer, your heart comes through when you sing

Simon - You've either got it or you don't and you've got it. The difference between you and Melinda and the other contestants, you are just in a different league, it was a very controlled performance, like a star, outstanding


Blake Lewis - "You Keep Me Hangin' On"

I can't tell you exactly why but I really liked this arrangement of the song, it just strangely worked for me. Blake is a great performer and I liked the vocals and the way he made the song more hip. He looked awesome and had great confidence. There is just something about him that intrigues me, he is definitely a breath of fresh air. I have to disagree with the majority of the judges, I truly enjoyed this performance and Blake is being true to himself as an artist. I hope he makes it through to when Martina McBride is the mentor, I can just imagine the beat boxing he could do to one of her songs!

Randy - I am a huge Blake fan, there were some good things but you don't have to "Blake-ize" every song, sometimes you just need to let your vocals do their thing and let the classics be the classics

Paula - I agree to a certain extent but what is different from what Chris did, Blake is letting the audience see how he works things out

Simon - I didn't get it all all, if you heard the song out of context I don't think you would like it, it wasn't his best performance.


Stephanie Edwards - "Love Hangover"

Stephanie was not on her game tonight. I didn't like the dress it was way too busy but the shoes were perfect. I didn't like the performance overall and she didn't deliver the power of the song. The arrangement didn't help her and she was just trying to do too much and it caused her to lose her place and then pause while she was trying to remember where she was suppose to be. We also had yet another person forget the words. Stephanie has a hard time with breath control as well. This was just a boring, unforgettable performance. There was no "wow".

Randy - good vocal, not your best, you forgot the words, song choice was good, waiting for the up-tempo parts

Paula - why didn't you pick up the tempo, Stephanie says it was too long, your vocals are good but you need to keep striving to do better

Simon - you teased with good part and then didn't close, it wasn't your best performance, you were out sung by Melinda and Lakisha, it was the wrong choice of songs


Chris Richardson - "The Boss"

Well Chris truly took Diana's advice to heart when she told him to work the audience to sell them on the song. He did and he sold me. Chris is one of my favorite of the male performers along with Blake and the other Chris. He was well put together tonight and was having fun. He has an infectious smile as well. The vocals weren't as strong as they could be though, there were quite a few very rough notes and his voice cracked as well. The difference between Chris and Brandon though was that Chris was selling it. Both Diana and Paula have stated it tonight you have to grab the audience, Chris definitely did and because of his energetic performance he was able to overcome some vocal hookups, the audience was with in through the whole number.

Randy - not his favorite performance, you overdid it a little, interesting, it was half good and half bad

Paula - out of all the guys you nailed the blend between old and new, it gave her an "Instant Replay" vibe, great job

Simon - without your personality and charm, this was dreadful


Jordin Sparks - "If We Hold On Together"

Wow, Jordin gets the last spot and she deserved it. Jordin chose the perfect song. I just love her and the camera loves her as well, she definitely has star quality. The good thing is she has the vocal power to back it up. She has such a wonderful tone to her voice and pretty good power. Jordin followed Ms. Ross's advice as well and truly connected with the audience which allowed her to sell it. She looked beautiful and gave a truly spectacular performance. At 17 she is rockin the house. Way to go Jordin!

Randy - I have been a fan since day one, very impressed with her, you just made this a three girl race

Paula - you have a natural gift, breath of fresh air, you sing your heart out

Simon - a little bit gooey, very, very good vocals and you have given yourself a shot at being in the finals



Well now it is guessing who will be in the bottom 3, actually after tonight it is more like the bottom 8 but I am sure we will stick with tradition and there will be a bottom 3. At least we are back to a half hour results show.


Based on just performances the bottom 3 should be Brandon, Sanjaya and Haley. Will the voting go that way I doubt it.

My prediction for the bottom 3 are Brandon, Stephanie and Haley. I believe Haley will be going home.

Now if there is any justice in the world, Sanjaya will go home (please, pretty please America I hope you voted based on performance not based on cuteness - maybe the horrible hairdo will prove to be his undoing).

Until tomorrow....

American Idol 6 Results Top 12 Revealed 3/8/07

Luckily I caught an earlier flight so I missed the first 10 minutes but I was in front of the television set to see Jared being eliminated. Last night's show was most interesting.

I will say the only bright spot of the whole evening was Antonella getting the boot, I was jumping out of my chair and screaming in joy, yes I also did my happy dance.

The rest of eliminations did not make me happy, the fact that Sanjaya is still here while Sundance and Sabrina were sent home is a travesty. While Sundance was uneven he is still better then Sanjaya. I can't even say how wrong it is that Sabrina was not voted through but Haley was, good heavens.

I think Simon had it right, America has the volume turned off. Clearly the love struck teenage girls have more text power then the horny teenage boys.

The big announcement was really a big plug about how humanitarian American Idol is going to be. On 4/24 when we are down to the top 6, there is going to be a big show and for every vote counted all their sponsors will be donating money to address hunger, education, etc. On 4/25 America can call and donate as well. Quincy Jones (he of "We Are The World") is writing a special song to be song by our American Idol hopefuls. The roster of stars was pretty impressive except for Borat but oh well.

The one thing that totally ticked me off last night is that while Kellie Pickler who didn't win got much air time banter with Ryan but for Carrie Underwood who won plus has multiple awards just got to sing. What is wrong with this picture?

Well next week all bets are off and no longer separate of the men and women. Sanjaya has to go, he can't make it to the top 10.

We are back to our regular schedule next week for Tuesday for the performances and Wednesday for the results.

Until then......

American Idol 6 Elimination Round 3 The Women 3/7/07

How different a day shall make. The women with some rare exceptions rocked the house last night. Unless there is some interesting missteps in the future, this competition is a woman's to lose. Next week should be interesting when the men and women aren't separate from the voting.
I managed to get in 75 votes last night and I voted for all but 3 women with the majority of my votes going to Jordin, Melinda and Lakisha.

On with my comments:

Jordin Sparks, “Heartbreaker”

I just love Jordin. I loved her outfit. I thought she picked an interesting song and for the most part brought it home. Jordin has such energy. There were a few rough spots and she ran out of breath on one note mostly because she was singing so fast but after last night's boring snooze fest Jordin rocked the house.

Randy: Weird, the difference between last night and tonight, it wasn't your best performance, there were a couple of pitchy moments but what a way to start the night, hot

Paula: you have a lot of energy and you get better and better every week, you are explosive in your artistry, you will be here for a long time.

Simon: not quite as enthusiastic; it was manic and a little shrieky in the middle but you did well and showed personality and you will 100% be here next week. Still, it wasn’t her best performance.

Sabrina Sloan, “Don’t Let Go (Love)”

Sabrina looked hot. I am not sure it was the best song choice. She was really rough at the beginning and there was some pitch problems throughout but she does have a very nice voice overall. She knows how to perform and took command of the stage.

Randy: Not his favorite performance of hers, but it was still good. She picks good songs, but he would have liked something with more melody.

Paula: you can obviously sing and you have a gorgeous voice, it soars, it is an amazing instrument

Simon: you are a great singer, but the performance didn’t have the same emotion, it was robotic and reminded me of a hotel resort singer, you need to inject personality because your voice will only take you so far, your choice of song hurt, it was too mechanical.

Antonella Barba, “Put Your Records On”

Why do I even have to write something about this performance. Antonella shouldn't be in this competition and once again she proved the point big time. I wasn't too keen on her outfit but she was pandering to her fan base. The vocals were just bad, bad, bad there are not enough adjectives to describe how bad she truly was. The vocals were all over the place, she was off pitch, off the music at one point, her lower register sucks and let us not talk about how she butchered the power note. The only good thing was thankfully the back up singers drowned her out quite a bit.

Randy: It was a pretty cool song choice, had a nice ending, it was pitchy in the middle. He’s not sure Antonella believes in herself. Just an okay performance.

Paula: It was the right song choice and in her range, but the bottom notes were trouble but the higher range was magic (oh please there was nothing magical about that performance)

Simon: You have gone as far as she can go. The reality is you are surrounded by a lot of talented girls, and he doesn’t know how much more she can do because her voice probably won’t get any better. I believe you have handled yourself admirably given the media scrutiny and pressure you have been under. This wasn’t your worst performance, but I wish you could sing better.

Haley Scarnato, “If My Heart Had Wings”

Poor Haley, she just could not pull it off tonight. She was basically okay although there were some severe pitch problems and what was that strange note at the end, I wasn't sure if she lost breath or what but it was horrible. There just wasn't any energy in her performance. This is a song you have to sell and she couldn't sell it.

Randy - it was an interesting song choice, it was okay, pretty much in tune, there was no Wow

Paula - you sang it well

Simon - it was horrible, horrible, it was like a ghastly high school musical performance, strange choice of song

Stephanie Edwards, “Sweet Thing”

Stephanie looked hot, great dress. Overall this was a good performance. She had some rough moments and she so got ahead of the music several times but this woman can sell it and she was working the crowd. She has confidence. I do really like her voice and when she lets it soar it is truly beautiful.

Randy - I will give you an A for valiant effort, it was just okay for me

Paula - it was damn near flawless, you need to watch falling behind the music, great showmanship

Simon - you are one of the best singers we've got but you have a tendency to be a bit of a copycat, we need to see more individuality and personality but you will 100% be in the top 12

LaKisha Jones, “I Have Nothing”

I was a bit worried when I realized she was doing a Whitney song but unbelievable Lakisha pulled it off. She looked hot, it was a great outfit for her. Lakisha rocked the house, her big powerful voice, the passion she brings, and she was just commanding the stage with cool attitude. Her voice is a powerful tool and she knows how to control it. Way to go!

Randy: not your best performance, but it was still great.

Paula: you have already made everyone love her and you aren't going anywhere for a long time

Simon: you brought passion, talent, and believability, the "yo" factor and your dress is nice and kind of flattering.

Gina Glocksen, “Call Me When You’re Sober”

I love Gina and she was one hot mama last night. The thing about Gina is she is a great performer. She started off incredibly rough and I think she was in a totally different key then the back up singers but when she hit her stride she rocked out. She had command of the stage, she had energy, she was selling the number even though there were some off notes it wasn't bothering me as much as with other singers because she was there, it was a passionate performance.

Randy: Finally Gina has shown her real self, you had some pitch problems, but I like that you are finally doing what you should be doing, keeping the edge alive. “Keep the yo going!” he says.

Paula: completely agrees, watch not over singing because it can fall flat

Simon: you enjoyed that, it was the first time he saw her looking comfortable. This was the girl they wanted in this stage of the competition. She screamed a little, but I hope you make it through to next week because she’s a breath of fresh air. If she chooses better, more melodic songs, she can do really well. He hopes the song wasn’t too much for the audience.

Melinda Doolittle, “I’m a Woman”

I love my Lakisha but Melinda is in the competition to win and if she keeps up with these powerhouse performances she just might make it. Melinda looked great, I loved the outfit and the shoes. She had a rockin vocal, it was one of the best song choices of the evening. Melinda has so much confidence on the stage, she was showing attitude and it so worked with this number. This was just an awesome performance. I am glad I have the show on tape so I can watch it again when I get home.

Randy: the hottest of the night and a consummate pro, you are ready to go straight to a studio and make a record.

Paula: I can’t wait to see what you will do every week.

Simon: “You little tiger,” he purrs. “I thought we had a pussy cat.” I love that you are clearly enjoying every second you are on the stage, great performance.

There is no question that Antonella should be walking out the door but I still think her fan base of horny teenage boys will let her survive, not to repeat myself but if she makes it to the top 10 I might have to consider not going to the American Idol tour this year.

I am going to predict that Haley and Stephanie will get the boot tonight but once again if there is justice Antonella will be heading home.

Tonight we have Carrie Underwood singing live and the announcement of super top-secret “groundbreaking Idol project!

I will have to watch it on tape because I my plane doesn't land until almost 8:45 p.m. tonight.

We will have the Top 12 revealed tonight!

Until tomorrow.....

American Idol 6 Elimination Round 3 The Men 3/6/07

Last night's show was definitely a let down with the men trying to out perform themselves with blandness and truly stupid things about themselves which I didn't care one way or the other.

I only voted for 3 contestants last night, Blake, Chris and Chris. They each got 20 votes from me. As far as I am concerned they should be the only 3 men sent through to the top 12 but unfortunately it doesn't work that way.

We also got another shameless plug with Travis Tritt in the audience who advises us that Randy Jackson is producing his new album. How marvelous!

On with my comments and predictions:

Blake Lewis, “All Mixed Up”

Blake has definitely been listening to the judges about trying to stand out and he was a breath of fresh air last night. His song choice was excellent, he looked cool and he was very entertaining. Everything was working for him last night. I think he started a little rough with the a cappella intro but once the music started Blake was in his element, we got beat boxing and even a little reggae. Blake is a great entertainer and the audience was with him last night.

Randy: You are the first really current artist we’ve had on the show, hot, I didn't know the song but loved the performance

Paula: Paula didn’t know the song either, yet I was interested anyway which is hard to do, loved it, cool

Simon: I didn’t understand a word of it but you stand out in the crowd, you are an individual and current, you will be here next week.

Sanjaya Malakar, “Waiting on the World to Change”

I was at a lost of words with this choice of song and what was with the flat-iron hair. Sanjaya butchered one of my favorite songs and since I am in a hotel room I could get my CD and actually hear John Mayer which sucks because I can still here Sanjaya in my head (get out of there). Sanjaya was just plain bad but it was an improvement in last week's performance which is scary. He was on pitch but his voice would fade in and out, it was strange. His outfit was stupid as well. He was totally stiff and awkward on the stage. The band and back up singers were too loud, thank god. It was a total mess. You know it is bad when Paula is trying to find something nice to say. Sanjaya has got to go but clearly those young girls aren't voting him because of his singing ability.

Randy: There was no energy, better then last week, you haven't returned back to what we loved in your audition. It wasn't really that great.

Paula: I don't agree completely, the older, more experienced mean are helping you improve, try to get out of your comfortable zone, try to raise your game

Simon: “It wasn’t as ghastly as last week.”, you are popular, but wasn't a good vocal, not the best, I wonder if it’s the hair that’s keeping him in.

Sundance Head, “Jeremy”

What is going on with the men. Sundance made me laugh out loud about he was really thin and just wearing a fat suit in on the show. I guess I will have to use that one for myself. Sundance's performance just sucked. He was shouting not singing. Also his enunciation was horrible, whole phrases were lost to me. To give him credit he does know how to entertain and he was giving his all but the vocals just weren't there. So far except for Blake tonight has been a bust.

Randy - it was a little pitchy, you lost the melody but I was digging the southern rock meets Pearl Jam vibe, I appreciate you tried,

Paula - mid-way through you were there, it was really really good (oh please)

Simon - I don't think it was as good as last week, you lost your charm, you were like any other generic bar singer, you were shouting the whole time, it was a very indulgent choice of song.

Chris Richardson, “Tonight I Wanna Cry”

I really like Chris and he shined compared to the two pervious contestants but it wasn't his best vocal. It was an interesting choice of song for him and he was taking a risk with the genre and I liked the arrangement of the song. Chris was a bit rough at the beginning, he voice actually cracked. Chris has the opposite problem of some of the others, his lower register is great but weakens when in the upper register but overall I liked the performance and the audience was with him.

Randy - I love how every week you come out and put your own twist on every song you sing, I like it, you are in it to win

Paula - great song, our voice is perfect for the pop/country genre, you adapt well

Simon - it was good but not the best vocal we have heard, it was "cutesy", you sounded nasally, you were a little timid, safe, but you sold it

Jared Cotter, “If You Really Love Me”

Jared, Jared, Jared don't you pay attention, you never take on Stevie Wonder, it never works and the song was just too big for you. I will give him credit he was much improved from last week and for the most part was on pitch but he just couldn't master all the twists in this song. It was just a totally cheesy karaoke bland number.

Randy: solid performance, good

Paula: you needs to work on “coloring up the way you sing.”, try using your falsetto and avoid shouting

Simon: “I sort of know, amazingly, what Paula is trying to say.” It wasn’t very original and could get lost in the mix. He’s “slightly disappointed” overall because he’s not hearing “the wow factor.”

Brandon Rogers, “I Just Want to Celebrate”

Brandon didn't bring it home for me. I don't think it was a good choice of song and most of his few moments on the stage all we really heard was "I just want to celebrate", we didn't get more of the melody. Brandon was much improved from last week and he did have energy but his vocals were very monotone and what happened at the end, it was a mess. He is not 'wowing" me like he should be.

Randy - good choice of song, you messed up at the end, perhaps timing, it was a solid performance

Paula - It was phenomenal, and he’s proving why he belongs there.

Simon - He didn’t represent himself well, and I had high hopes for you because you are one of the better singers, should have chosen a more memorable song, like the girls do, the song may give him problems because it didn’t give him enough of a melody/hook

Phil Stacey, “I Need You”

Good heavens what has happened to Phil and who talked him in to this ridiculous choice of songs. Phil was totally off his game. This number sucked from beginning to end. He started off rough, was shouting through the middle, and the ending was my fingers on the chalk board moment, it was just scary and wrong. He looked ridiculous to.

Randy- It was an “interesting” song choice, you have a big voice and reminds me of Steve Perry (I don't think so), the low register was “a little weird” and pitchy, not your best

Paula - the lower register is “chancy,” sounded better when you hit you comfort zone

Simon - “I didn’t get it at all.” The hat and big eyes at the beginning was “just insane.”, it was a strange choice of song. Except for a few performances, the guys have been disappointing.

Chris Sligh, “I Wanna Be Loved”

Chris is awesome! I don't think it was a great song choice but his performance was the highlight of the evening which isn't saying much. Chris has a great bluesy voice. Everything worked and Chris truly was singing the emotion of the song. My only issue is enunciation.

Randy - It wasn’t his favorite song choice, but the best vocal of the night

Paula - it wasn’t my favorite performance, middle of the road, you need to stretch more

Simon - The beginning was very good, you shouted in the middle (I totally disagree) not one of your best, not a good song choice, you have done enough in the past to get through but you have potential

The question tonight who should go to who should actually remain. The men were a great disappointment. As I indicated I only voted for Blake, Chris and Chris.

There is no doubt that Sanjaya and Phil were probably the worst with Jared and Brandon bringing up the rear.

I just think those young girls are going to save Sanjaya into the top 12, hopefully he will not make it to the top 10 because then he will be in the tour during the summer.

I am going to predict that Phil and Jared will get the boot with a possible upset with Brandon being shown the door.
My ultimate wish is America will realize this is a singing contest and send Sanjaya back home to Seattle. Please, Please, I am begging you.

Until tomorrow!

American Idol Season 6 Elimination Round 2 The Results 3/1/07

There was no happy dance from me last night, it was screams of outrage instead.

I can't believe it is so early in the competition that I have to start complaining that apparently America is not listening. American Idol is a singing competition folks, clean out the wax in your ears and get it together. I am sure this won't be the last night I make this statement over the next couple of months but it is the nature of the game.

There were over 32 million votes cast for this elimination round but yet America saved the two weakest singers. It is just plain scary.

The producers know who are weak, it was very interesting who they chose to give solo parts in last night's group number. I actually liked the arrangement and what they did with "Joy To The World" and luckily those you can't sing were drowned out in the chorus by those who could.

Can I statement once again how much I dislike Kellie Pickler and excuse me who was that on the stage, it certainly wasn't the Kellie from last season. Kellie was way too made up and her outfit sucked, except for the shoes and the bracelet. Do you think she had some enhancements made to her breasts? The women on that stage looked like your common everyday hooker. What was up with that kooky make up. In addition did we need filler taking up time with the stupid sushi jokes again, it wasn't funny last season and it totally fell flat last night. Kellie's singing wasn't anything to write home about and I just did not like the song, the arrangement, the lyrics nothing worked for me. Thankfully the band was so overpowering I really couldn't hear her much. Kellie still needs to work on enunciation.

Well on to the results. I was 75% correct in my predictions.

Alaina and Leslie were sent home as I predicted and those horny teenage males kept Antonella. I swear if she makes it to the top 12 I will probably lose my voice from screaming at the television set.

Nick and AJ were sent home. America so got it wrong with AJ especially when he kicked up his performance of "Feeling Good" last night. It also proved how poor a choice it was for Leslie to sing the same song. She wasn't even in the same league.

Leslie did have some fun when she was singing herself off by changing the ending and instead of scatting she sang "Why did I decide to scat, American doesn't care for Jazz". I did actually laugh at that.

The fact that Sanjaya and Antonella are still there is absolutely stupid, they should never have been in the Top 24.

Get it together America!

Next week we have the same schedule, men on Tuesday, women on Wednesday and results on Thursday. I will be watching from a hotel room in Oakland.

American Idol Season 6 Elimination Round 2 The Women 2/28/07

Well last night's show had several women falling off the pedestal and a few taking a few steps up. There were apparently a lot of people voting last night because I only managed to get in 88 votes in the two hour window. The lines were really busy. It should make for an interesting results show tonight except for Kellie Pickler making an appearance.

On with my comments:

Gina Glocksen - "Alone"

I just have to say the dress Gina was wearing was totally hot and boy can she accessorize, loved the necklace and the shoes. I just find Gina very appealing. I thought she picked a good song for her and for the most part she pulled it off. There was a rough moment at the beginning, a couple of pitchy notes, a truly ghastly note in the chorus but her final note was terrific. Another thing Gina has for her is her ability to control her lower register, it is just so naturally husky. To her credit though the background singer went off key but Gina ignored her and carried on. Overall Gina's performance was a great start for the evening.

Randy - good song choice, started out pitchy but by the middle you got it together and hit the high notes

Paula - excellent job, really good

Simon - I agree that song choice was good but vocals sounded forced at the end, I am confused about you, you weren't edgy enough for the song

Alaina Alexander - "Not Ready to Make Nice"

Alaina, Alaina have you never watched previous Idol shows never take a song which is so prominently popular at the moment, good grief, the original artists just won 5 Grammies for the song. On the totally plus side so far the women have it going on, she looked incredible, it was a gorgeous dress and great shoes, she could have walked the red carpet in that outfit. On the other hand, her vocals sucked. She was totally off key and just did not have the vocal power to carry off this number. If she manages to stay around she needs to learn breath control. To use one of the judges favorite comments, the song was too big for her.

Randy - started off good (I don't think so), the chorus was out of tune/pitchy at the end maybe you got it back on, you were all over the place, it was a mess

Paula - it is a hard song to sing, there were pitch problems, but it was not nearly as bad as Randy indicated

Simon - it was like Randy taking part in a 100-meter spring, you ran out of steam three-quarters of the way through

Lakisha Jones - "Midnight Train to Georgia"

Lakisha pulled off the outfit although the purple eye shadow was a bit much. Lakisha can sing and there is no doubt about that. She has such a beautiful voice, she was on her game tonight. The problem is partially song choice, it didn't really challenge her as much as last week. She is clearly an amazing performer but I have to agree with Simon she is letting her nerves influence her. Humility is great but you have to come out every time wanting to win. Lakisha will be safe though.

Randy - love that you switched things up, wasn't sure she would be able to pull if off, started rough but it was probably nerves, hot

Paula - love it, love you

Simon - interesting dance at end, you are a phenomenal singer, it wasn't as good as last week because you didn't have the "I have something to prove" attitude, you need to start acting like a big star, your outfit was a distraction

Melinda Doolittle - "My Funny Valentine"

Melinda was looking cool and soulful in that great suit. I was happy to hear one of her best friends is a stylist, no wonder she looks great. When Melinda makes it to the top 12 I hope she listens to her friend and not those crappy stylists hired by AI. Melinda can also sing, this was a great song choice and she made it her own. She was totally awesome. A great performer and wow when she hit those power notes, I felt goose bumps. Melinda has the voice, the emotion, and came out a star. This was by far the best performance so far this evening.

Randy - now we have a competition, unbelievable

Paula - astounding, phrasing was beautiful, I applaud you

Simon - that was incredible, the best vocal in the competition, you aren't precocious and there is no ego, you have a fantastic talent yet you don't know how good you are, you are a breath of fresh air

Antonella Barba - "Because You Loved Me"

When they went to commercial and Ryan said Antonella was up with Celine, I just groaned, what is wrong with these women, can't they ever learn from prior contestants missteps. This is going to be bad and I haven't even heard her yet. Her outfit sucked, that dress was a stupid choice especially for the song choice. Here is a women who has been in the news because of all those racy internet pictures. She needed to come in and step up her game but unfortunately this performance was worst than last week's. She started off rough, was never in the right key, the arrangement sucked, she was stiff, it was bad, bad, bad. Let me say it again, just flat out bad. I will give her one positive, she hit the power note at the end. I am not sure why she is here and she needs to go home and earn some more money with those racy pictures.

Randy - you are drop dead gorgeous (no she is not) song was too big for you, you were off key

Paula - leaps and bounds improvement from last week (are you out of your mind or just high)

Simon - vocals were good, worse than last week

Jordin Sparks - "Reflection"

Jordin looked great, dress was nice, great earrings and did you notice the stone in the ring on her finger matched her dress, very nice touch. Jordin picked a great song for her. It was appropriate for her youth and showed her range. While it was a Christina Aguilar song, it was quite a few years ago. I thought Jordin nailed this number and she was much better then last week, she clearly has some power in her voice and you could feel the emotion when she was singing. There was a bit of a rough patch at the beginning but she sure hit the power notes. She needs some instruction because like most singers she has problems with her lower register. She has a great smile and she was enjoying herself on the stage and definitely was connecting with the audience.

Randy - you chose a really good song, you can sing but it was a little pitchy in moments, not your best but really good, you so impressed me

Paula - you are infectious, you are a good human being, brilliant talented girl, you have the ability to come into your own, you will be a round for a long time

Simon - I agree with Randy, it wasn't your best but compared to others it was excellent, you have massive potential, in follow-up to an earlier question about what to do, I would tell you to do what Jordin did - sing well.

Stephanie Edwards - "Dangerously In Love"

Stephanie was another women who looked very hot in that cool dress. I just wished her performance was as hot. I didn't like the song and the arrangement sucked. She was rushing way too much and she cracked big time on the power note but rallied for a great ending although she ran out of steam just at the end of the note. I thought she was shouting a bit instead of singing. Stephanie though took command of the stage and gave her all.

Randy - you look hot and sang great but don't copy, you need to prove you are so much better

Paula - I disagree with Randy, you are fantastic, it is hard to be different from Beyonce but people will love Stephanie

Simon - I agree with Paula, it was a terrific performance (I certainly don't agree and I bet after he watches it on tape he will change his mind)

Leslie Hunt - "Feeling Good"

Leslie why did you pick this song after hearing A.J. was doing it, bad choice. First off Leslie's outfit was tacky and didn't fit her at all. I did not like the arrangement of this number especially compared to the one used by AJ the previous night. The beginning of the number was good, just her voice and her lower register is remarkably good but then the swell of the band and she was off in the ozone layer, The rest of the number was just perfectly awful in every way and what was up with that scatting (girl go take lessons from Blake). Leslie is not not wowing me and it was stupid to do this number because AJ so out sang her.

Randy - nice to see the jazziness back, it was pitchy, I liked the beginning, it was just okay

Paula - I loved it, you are back in your element

Simon - Paula liked it because at the end, Leslie's crazy scatting sounded like Paula talking, you are getting lost in the competition, after following some big voices you were not memorable, better than last week, using Paula's analogy we have heard some raspberry ripples you are vanilla

Holly Scarnato - "Queen of the Night

Holly you poor deluded contestant, don't try to sing Whitney. What is wrong with these contestants? Holly looked good, great outfit but her vocals didn't match and she had horrible enunciation. Luckily we were partially saved by the power of the band and the loud background singers. This song was too big for her and she was utterly pitchy through out. On the positive side she was having fun and giving her all so her performance skills improved from last week.

Randy - the background vocals are bigger then the lead parts (Simon pipes in that is why she chose the song), it was great and you weren't on point.

Paula - leaps and bounds better than last week, we got to see more of your personality, there was a lot of background singing

Simon - A for effort, it was a little manic and almost insane, it was a bad choice of song

Sabrina Sloan - "All the Man That I Need"

Sabrina definitely looked hot but girl, don't take on Whitney although she was way better then Holly. Holly has the skills and the voice but I still think the song was too big for her. She had some serious pitch problems and she was so sharp at that end note. She was shouting versus singing in parts which isn't good for your voice. Overall she has a great voice and she has power but she was hurt by the wrong choice of song. I do like how she performs though, she came in, took control, and was having fun. The audience was with her.

Randy - you had some iffy moments, lost part of it but it was nice, you have a big voice and I love it

Paula - love you, fantastic, you are a contender

Simon - it was good, I wasn't jumping out of my chair, don't confuse power with shouting, not a good song choice but I like you and you will be back next week


Once again there is no question that based on performances, the two ladies with names starting with A should be shown the door, Alaina and Antonella but I am afraid Antonella is going to get the pity vote or those hormone raging male teenagers will vote for her based on something other than singing talent. Leslie and Haley are the other two weak performers.

My prediction is Alaina and Leslie will be sent home with a possible upset with Haley instead of Leslie. If there is any justice America will vote correctly and send Antonella home and I will do my happy dance.

Results show tonight!