American Idol 6 - 4/25/07 Idol Gives Back in More Ways Than One

I find it very interesting while at dinner last night before my rehearsal I was telling my friend Melanie I thought the big tease Ryan gave was that there was going to be no elimination tonight and they would have to get rid of two people next week.

I got home at 9:45 while Anne Lennox was singing and then there was the tease about the most shocking elimination ever. As Ryan had Chris and Jordin stand and told Chris he was safe I won't say what choice words I had to say for America and with poor Jordin looking like a deer in the headlights and then telling her she was safe and then announcing there would be no elimination but the votes would be added to next week's votes and the bottom 2 will be sent home.

It was extremely cruel not to have told the contestants, there was my Jordin crying her eyes out.

Then after it was over I rewound my tape and watched the show. Over 70,000,000 votes which I helped with of course.

Next week we get 4 hours to vote as well, yeah! I will be having dress rehearsal so I should at least be able to get in my normal two hours of voting anyway.

I actually liked the show and watched the entire thing. It goes much faster when you can fast forward through the commercials with the exception of the Ford one with the contestants. There were some great performances.

The Ford commercial this week was really good as well.

I noticed he who should not be named was in the audience and there were several good items about it. I did laugh out loud when Eric McCormick made his plea by saying that if every one who voted for he who should not be named gave just a dollar, think of how many would be helped.

Then after Jack Black sang and Simon told him he was better then he who should not be named, that was good. Then Paula with her the School of Rock wants their diploma back.

We got Quincy Jones writing a special number for the contestants, "Time To Care". I really liked the performance and their closing number was brilliant.

Next week two will go home and we will be in the home stretch to watch Jordin take home the American Idol crown!

American Idol 6 - Idol Gives Back 4/24 Songs To Inspire

Well another episode of American Idol is over and it was a pretty good episode. Most of the contestants rose to the theme and without he who should not be named it was a totally different show then it has been for the last few weeks.

I had rehearsal and so I was late getting home. Since I knew the order of the singers I started voting around 9:30 while I was driving home since I have one touch dialing on my cell phone. I was excited to find out I had 4 hours to vote but the system actually allowed me to vote until 1:45 a.m. I hit an all time record of votes last night and this morning. I put in a record 2,971 votes with the majority going to my 4 favorites of Jordin, Melinda, Blake and LaKisha. I did actually put in a few votes for Chris and Phil. I had 4 phones and just kept dialing especially with two numbers each. I was in voting heaven.

On with my comments and my I hate myself prediction on the elimination for tonight:

Chris Richardson - "Change The World"

I have to nick pick (oh how surprising) but this is not an inspirational song it is a love song, there is a difference but oh well. I liked the arrangement and I thought the choice of starting while sitting was good and the use of the guitar player to remind you of the original artist. Vocally this was one of Chris's better performances. His tone was nice and clear and thankfully his enunciation was good, I heard the words. My real problem is his performance did not inspire me, I did not feel the emotion of the song especially a damn love song. I can give Chris credit for the incredible vocal but there was no feeling in what he was singing. He did not have a clue on how to sell the emotions of the song.

Randy - for the first time in a long time, you were in it to win, great

Paula - fantastic, good song choice, well done, I am proud of the progress you have made throughout the show

Simon - the competition has started in earnest tonight, for the first time since your audition I saw the potential you have, good vocal, it was a soulful, sexy performance, you did well

Melinda Doolittle - "There Will Come a Day"

Melinda was looking hot, everything was working, the dress, the make up, the hair and the accessories, loved the shoes. Melinda delivered an brilliant A+ performance. Her vocals moved me, the woman can sing a song and this is a song all about inspiration. Melinda had me on my feet clapping. Melinda was working it and she proved she deserves to be a star. Melinda should have opened the show!

Randy - every week I say you are the resident pro, every performance, I don't know what else to say, you have arrived

Paula - it must feel great to come out to such praise, love, good comments, there is no one like you, magical

Simon - what I loved about this is it wasn't a copy cat, you made me believe you recorded this song, the second half was a master class of singing

Blake Lewis - "Imagine"

I absolutely adore this song and its beautiful message. Blake chose the right song and also made the perfect choice to just sing it without any vocal Olympics, there were no extras, he didn't change the arrangement. I was truly moved by this performance. I totally disagree with the judges on this one. I was crying by the end of the number and for the right reason. To me the simplicity of the vocal, there was great tone, it was on pitch, I just found this to be a joyous, transcendental vocal. I actually clapped when he was finished as I was trying to wipe the tears off my face. I will remember this number for a long time and I will be purchasing it off the Idol website.

Randy - it was a good choice of song, the performance was just okay for me

Paula - I was agreeing with Randy at first but then I realized the sensitive performance you were giving, I enjoyed it

Simon - this was tricky, it is such an iconic song so anyone would pale in comparison to the original and it is not a number you can belt out but it felt sincere and that is important, good

LaKisha Jones - "I Believe"

LaKisha was looking hot as well tonight. Very nice dress. I personally was not a fan of Fantasia and I did not ever vote for her and I thought her performance of this song on the finale was horrible, I liked Diana DeGarmo's version better. I actually thought LaKisha picked a good song and she sang it with out all the tacky and horrible histrionics that Fantasia used but the vocals were not that good. She started off very sharp and there were pitch problems. Her enunciation was 1000 times better than Fantasia though. The power of her voice is unquestionable but she wasn't using the power of that voice, she was shouting. I am not sure if it was a breath issue or what. I believe LaKisha was sincere and she was selling the emotion and meaning of the lyrics but her vocals didn't get me 100% where I should have been by the end.

Randy - there were pitch problems, it was good but it is hard to follow Fantasia (no it isn't)

Paula - was rambling about we say don't do Whitney or Celine but finally got around to saying that you are a powerhouse vocalist

Simon - what Paula was saying is she preferred the Fantasia version better, it was very emotional but you had a tendency to shout

Phil Stacey - "The Change"

Phil cleans up well and thankfully chose the right attire. I have to admit I did not like this performance at all, Phil was very stiff and I wasn't believing one word of what he was trying to sell. There were problems with his vocals, he sounded strange to me and at one point he was just talking not singing. I don't think it was song choice. I am not sure why this performance was turning me off. I was bored and was glad when it was over. I totally disagree with the judges. It was just okay for me, nothing special and I was not inspired.

Randy - strong performance, you have shown us who you are, good vocal

Paula - you have found your comfort zone

Simon - I really like you, you are showing more confidence, you need to stick with the country tone, your tone was different this evening, you connected

Jordin Sparks - "You'll Never Walk Alone"

The only bright spot of Rogers & Hammerstein's Carousel is this number. It was a great song choice and so matches the theme of the evening. Jordin was killer in that outfit. There are not enough superlatives to talk about this performance. It gave me chills. It was another Idol moment. It was hands down the absolute best vocal of the evening. This girl has so much control over her voice. There was so much emotion in her performance I was crying once again. It is amazing to me how much Jordin has improved and grown through the competition. It is performances like these which make the whole experience worthwhile including suffering through he who should not be named. What a way to end a show! Another performance I will purchase on-line.


Now that we have a competition it becomes harder and harder to make predictions. I am not sure they will have a bottom 3 or two during the results. I can't wait to see how they are going to give the results in the middle of two hours of performances, more clips of how we can help the poverty stricken, etc.

For me based on performance Phil and LaKisha should be in the bottom 2. If there is a bottom 3 throw in Chris.

While it pains me to put it in writing, I believe LaKisha will be going home tonight which will be a shame.

This is going to be the first time I will look forward to a two hour results show. I was cheated when it turned out Bono only assisted the contestants in the group number they will be performing tonight in a pre-taped interview. Bono won't be singing tonight which is a shame.

Until tomorrow.....

American Idol 6 4/18/07 The Results Oh What A Wonderful World

The sun is shining (oh wait I am in Portland), the stars and planets are back to their proper positions and Ronald has been doing his happy dance since last night. I am so friggin joyful if they could bottle how I am feeling there would be no war or violence left in the world.

For those in the Portland area I am sure you heard the 8.0 earthquake last night when my fat body started its happy dance. The windows in the neighborhood shattered I am sure with my shrieks of joy and excitement. I am sure my neighbors thought I was nuts when I was taking out my trash and recycling dancing the entire way!

All is right with the world now because HE WHO SHOULD NOT BE NAMED was shown the door. I couldn't be happier if I won Power ball!

Now that the torture is over I do have to rant about last night's results show.

I guess I was so overwhelmed by the train wreck of he who should not be named I wasn't even aware of the controversy about Simon's facial expressions. I don't think we needed over 5 minutes of explanation though.

I don't know how much Fergie's record company or Katzenberg paid but what the *&(^ does Fergie have to do with country and while I like Shrek I didn't need a 10 minute commercial for the film. I did enjoy that Antonio Banderas doesn't even know when the film opens up, it isn't June, it is May 18th. If we cut out all of that we could have had a half hour results show and my euphoria could have started sooner.

Martina McBride gave a great performance and demonstrated the ease at which you can sell a song and I think she is the first mentor who did not have one bad note. She is adorable and she is coming to Portland, yeah!

I finally really enjoyed the Ford commercial last night, it has been the best so far.

I also thought the contestants did a great job in the group number.

Once again I was 2/3 correct about the bottom 3 but finally right about who will go. The fact that Blake ended up in the bottom 3 is ridiculous when you compare his performance to Chris's, What is America thinking?

Now all the contestants but Jordin and Melinda have been in the bottom 3.

My feet are still tapping away even as my fingers are typing. I am just friggin happy!

At least I don't have to worry about HE WHO SHOULD NOT BE NAMED next week on American gives back with the life positive anthems they will be singing, can you imagine what he might have chosen.

We are now finally having a competition and hopefully singing talent will win out this year as opposed to last year.

Until next week....

Yours truly,
Mr. Happy Feet!

American Idol 6 - 4/17/07 - "Hee Haw Country"

American Idol went country last night with Martina McBride. Overall it was one of the better shows with a country theme and 1000 times better than Latin Music Theme (may they never try that one again).

I had rehearsal again last night but I still managed to get in 127 votes. 25 each for Jordin, Melinda, LaKisha and Blake with 10 for Phil and 7 for Chris. There were none for he who should not be named.

I agreed with much of what Martina was saying regarding the importance of connecting and telling a story with country music. I am not sure she was as harsh as she should have been but I suppose as an artist you don't want to stomp on someone's dreams even though many times you should.

On with my comments and predictions:

Phil Stacey - "Where the Blacktop Ends"

I think Phil made a good song choice and for once he actually looked comfortable on stage and his outfit was appropriate and well put together. I hate to admit it but Phil totally surprised me and gave one of, if not his best performance of the season. His vocals were spot on, his tone was rich, he was having fun, it showed and he connected with the audience like he never has before. The only real criticism I had was his enunciation, he dropped more consonants at the end of words then I thought possible. I am giving Phil his chops for finding his niche but I am not sure it is enough to save him from the bottom three though.

Randy - interesting, I never would have thought country was your thing but you could have a career in country music, it was awesome, hot

Paula - this seems like a comfortable genre for you, you sounded good from beginning to end

Simon - it has only taken 10 weeks but you chose the right song, right arrangement, and for the first time we saw some personality.

Jordin Sparks - "Broken Wing"

Before I get to the performance, whoever convinced Jordin that was the right outfit should be taken out and whipped to a bloody mess. I think that dress was hands down the worst outfit of the season, what was the girl thinking about, oh my god! Jordin is one ballsy performer, once again she chose a song by the mentor artist. Moving on to her performance, last night was another American Idol moment. I actually got goose bumps when Jordin was singing. The control she has for one so young. She made the song fresh and new. She is so able to sell a song and she took Martina's advice to heart when she told her to just plant her feet and sing. Jordin was amazing. Jordin had amazing enunciation, every word crisp and clear. I never took my eyes off her face, she connected to the audience. There was one horrible pitch problem when she moved to the chorus and her higher register but oh that ending note made up for it. I am telling you Jordin is the one to beat now.

Randy - check it out, I know I keep saying you are only 17 but you blew me away, you started it slow and took your time, da bomb!

Paula - gorgeous, fantastic, you told the story, great job in building the song, great facial expressions, great job

Simon - for the first time I can say based on that performance you could win American Idol (I have been saying it before Simon)

Sanjaya Malaker - "Something To Talk About"

I am not sure I should even bother but telling the world his goal is to do justice to Bonnie Raitt, please, as one of my friends said Bonnie should sue for defamation of character. I think we are truly stretching the definition of country music to include this song. He who should not be named looked ridiculous again. What was up with the bandana, it wasn't even over the hair just perched on top. The clothes didn't fit him, they were way too loose. Luckily the fake facial hair was gone. I will keep saying it, the difference between the other contestants and he who should not be named is bigger than the Grand Canyon, he continues to be in a bad high school talent show. Last night's performance was a total and utter train wreck. I can't even come up with enough words to describe the mess of what that performance was. It brought bad to new levels of being bad. He was on top of the world bad! His vocals were flat and there was no excitement. His enunciation sucked big time. He was primping to the camera. His pathetic moves were lacking in rhythm and even the backup singers were trying to avoid him. This was just BAD!, BAD! BAD! Let's all say it again - BAD!

Randy - keeping it real, it was just way karaoke, (you are giving him too much credit, it didn't even rise to being karaoke) vocally bland and boring

Paula - you thrive on adversity, you were having fun, you are loveable

Simon - utterly horrendous, as bad as what we've ever seen, it was funny for awhile, but this is after all a singing competition.

At this point I have to interject the producers are now using the Sanjaya controversy to get ratings. Never before has Ryan ever gone as far as he did last night so I know it was all Nigel, telling Simon he never liked Sanjaya and even if he nailed it you wouldn't like it, and Ryan kept after him and then dragged Randy into it as well. It was totally shameless and uncalled for.

LaKisha Jones - "Jesus, Takes the Wheel"

Lakisha has guts as well taking on a song from a recent Idol winner and a Grammy winning song at that. I hated LaKisha's dress but loved the gold boots! I loved the arrangement of the song. While I adore LaKisha last night was not her night. I think it was a mistake to chose the song she did when there are so many other country songs she could have chosen to showcase her powerhouse vocals. The ultimate problem is the key LaKisha was singing in was not the same key the band was playing in. LaKisha had breathing problems which created issues where she was forced to end lines (creating enunciation issues as well) and then couldn't recover quickly enough for the power notes. The other problem is she wasn't selling the song, she did not take Martina's advice, this is the third time in a row she has totally ignored the advice of the mentor and this creates the three strikes and you are out vibe. I totally agree she was shouting at the end versus singing.

Randy - there were some pitch problems, not my favorite performance, you should have gone for a more gospel sound

Paula - I agree with Randy, you may not have been able to hear but you weren't swelling with the band, you were shouting, even given that you are a brilliant solid performer

Simon - "It is like eating a hamburger for breakfast, it doesn't go together." You blew us away with the Jennifer Holiday song and you need to find those moments again, it was not the right song, about half way through you were shouting

Chris Richardson - "Mayberry"

Chris looked good, outfit was right for the song. I am not sure it was the right song choice, there are much better Rascal Flatt songs he could have chosen. I liked the arrangement with the banjo and fiddle. I believe this was the worst performance Chris as put on. I know everyone has been talking about his nasally voice which I don't hear but if you listen to the original song, the lead singer does have a nasally quality to his voice. Even outside of that issue, Chris started off key at the beginning and I am not sure he ever got back. Chris also had horrible enunciation problems. Chris also shamelessly mentioned the shooting at Virginia Tech and a shout out to his friends there, please!

Randy - you can sing, you were nasally, there were some pitch problems, there was no connection, no emotion

Paula - the joy and love you have didn't come through

Simon - very non-descript, nasally, no impact, utterly insignificant but the audience must hear something different

Melinda Doolittle - "Trouble is a Woman"

Melinda looked great and once again provided a sterling performance. I just have to say I wrote in in my notes before Simon said it, that Melinda looks like a young Tina Turner, so there! What I really like about Melinda is her control over the material. Her enunciation was perfect even with some down right difficult lyrical transitions. Melinda showed some sexy attitude last night as well. Melinda sold the song. This was a totally awesome performance.

Randy - another solid performance from our resident pro

Paula - you picked the right song and you performed it well, you sang from the heart

Simon - you were fantastic, great choice of song and I saw a little Tina Turner in you but you have to stop looking surprised about the compliments

Blake Lewis - "When the Stars Go Blue"

Blake stated up front that he is uncomfortable with country and it showed in his performance. I am not sure the song choice was right for him, there are other Tim McGraw songs I think he could have done better with. I give Blake chops for choosing a difficult song. I thought he sang it well but he was nervous which he has never shown before in a performance. Blake was still good, his vocals were on pitch but it wasn't a wow me performance like he has been doing.

Randy - I love your sense of style, it was a good song choice, liked the arrangement, you know yourself well

Paula - you have the whole package, great song for you

Simon - it wasn't a make me jump out of my seat performance, it was okay. I think you were wise not to do something that doesn't suit you.


I am torn about predicting the bottom 3 as it does get harder as we move to a smaller number of contestants. Just strictly on performance alone I would pick Sanjaya, Chris and LaKisha but I am not sure. Phil is on the cusp but he actually pulled it out of the hat but it may not save him.

I think I am going with Sanjaya, Phil and LaKisha and just because I want it so bad and perhaps if I believe it will be so HE WHO SHOULD NOT BE NAMED will be packing his bags and if there is a true surprise then my next prediction will be LaKisha although I am hopeful I am wrong.

Until tomorrow.....

American Idol 6 - The Results 4/11/07 now there are 7

It was a surprise we had an hour results show but given all the air time J Lo got her album sales are sure to go up.

I will give J Lo credit because she practices what she preaches, the woman knows passion and she can sell a performance. The ending note of her song was so atrocious, it was like fingernails on a chalkboard but she ignored it and ended her routine as if it never happened.

Last night was the first Ford commercial this year that I actually liked.

Can I say that he who should not be named made me want to throw up again after the little extra clip they showed about J Lo's coaching and the old wink of I should get her phone number and no one has to tell Mark Anthony, PLEASE, as if he is really dreaming about J Lo. It was just a cheap trick by the producers and it worked, there were more stories about American Idol and he who should not be named on every network and cable news station last night. Although he who should not be named has been accused of bring the American Idol show down he has probably made it even more popular. CRAZY!

Once again I was two thirds correct about the bottom 3, technically I got all 3 because I did see a potential surprise with Chris.

The bottom 3 was Phil, Haley, and Chris. Chris was sent back safe and finally Haley was shown the door. All the horny teenage males were crying last night but at least we are done watching the train wreck of the short shorts!

We are going to have another interesting genre challenge for our contestants since we have country theme next week with Martina McBride. Song selection will be oh so critical to the contestants success. It should be a funny ride - Yippee I Yay (you should remember the rest if you have seen Die Hard).

Here is to seeing he who should not be named get the boot!

Until next week......

American Idol 6 - 4/10/07 or rather Passionless Latin

Well it was a truly uninspiring episode of Latin music last night. There were several great vocals but except for Blake their was no passion in the Latin genre. It was Blake's show last night, his was the best performance.

I had rehearsal last night so I watched the episode on tape. I still managed in an hour to get in 140 votes using two phones. I voted 30 times each for Melinda, LaKisha, Jordin and Blake. Haley and Phil got 10 each and he who should not be named got the big zip.

I have to admit I actually liked Jennifer Lopez last night and with one exception I thought her suggestions were worthwhile to the contestants. Now if they had only listened?

Fox started the show with their constant plugging with the cast of their new show "Drive" in the audience. I also laughed out loud at the sign "Shake n' Blake"!

On with my comments and predictions:

Melinda Doolittle - "Sway"

I adore this song and Melinda looked absolutely gorgeous last night, love the hairstyle, the dress was perfect although it should have been shorter. The necklace, earrings and shoes added to the whole ensemble. Melinda's vocals were absolutely spot on, perfect pitch, total control and clearly a great performer. The problem was she didn't feel the passion, there was no energy. Her words were talking about moving to the passion of the music yet she was stiff and her arms were ridge against her body. There were practically no dancing at all. There was no connection between the body and the music. Overall great vocal performance, boring performance.

Randy - another solid performance but not your best, I liked your Cecilia Cruz vibe

Paula - very smooth and sultry, subtle, sexy and beautiful

Simon - I didn't like it, this song is about personality and it was lounge-cabaret, no wow, it was lazy, wooden, the ending was good

LaKisha Jones - "Conga"

I have to say first of all I hated that dress, it was totally unflattering like they had to squeeze her into it and LaKisha doesn't have to sell her assets. The shoes were killer though and LaKisha could both move and sing at the same time. Clearly LaKisha was out of her element but she like Melinda she gave a pitch perfect vocal and her enunciation was wonderful. I heard every word. The problem again rests with there was no connection between the music and her body. While I give LaKisha chops for doing all the moving around especially in those shoes it wasn't in step with the rhythm of the song. I think this would have worked better if she had just stood and sang and perhaps "swayed". Overall great vocal, lackluster performance.

Randy - you came out had a good time, fun, you made it your own, hot

Paula - you look lovely but I didn't like it as much as Randy, I didn't feel it, it was safe, now is the time to bring out the very best

Simon - I agree with Paula, you were having fun, I am not sure the audience at home was though, the dancing wasn't good, not great

Chris Richardson - "Smooth"

Chris did not choose the right song. I understand why he did but this song is owned by Rob Thomas and no one will be able to do justice to the song. Tonight was the first night where I did not like Chris's vocals. I hate to be cheesy but there was truly nothing "smooth" about them. I am not sure what the problem was, partially I think it was the key, part of the problem is the lower register, and the band was frickin' too loud so he had to strain to be heard. The very first few lines and the ending were fine, every thing else was not. His cheesy movements were stupid as well. Loved the outfit though, he was looking good, he just wasn't sounding good. It was not a top 8 performance.

Randy - you did a very, very good job, the runs were cool (my god what was he listening too)

Paula - it was a hot, hot performance, sexy (Paula he is too young for you, reign it in)

Simon - it wasn't the best vocal but if felt more contemporary, good performance

Haley Scarnato - "Turn the Beat Around"

Why oh why do they year after year let people choose this song. It was a great disco song, Gloria Estefan made it Latin and American Idol contestants butcher it. Haley looked like a slut and every week her shorts get shorter. The girl knows how to sell her assets and perhaps she will have a bigger career as a hooker because singing his not in her future. The girl also couldn't walk and sing at the same time. The only great thing about this performance was the background singers were louder then Haley so she was drowned out. Her enunciation sucked along with her pitch, she ran out of breath more times then I could count, I was surprised she didn't faint. Those hair extensions were stupid. I had to listen to Vickie Robinson to get this mess out of my head.

Randy - for me, keeping it real, it was really karaoke, I could have gone in to any bar and heard it, I didn't feel it at all

Paula - this was not a singer song, it was a fun song, you had fun (Paula just say it, she can't sing)

Simon - very good tactic of wearing as little clothing as possible is working for you, you can't win based on your voice so all you have is being fun, the vocals were rushed, couldn't understand any thing you had to say (yeah Simon!)

Phil Stacey - "Maria, Maria"

Phil poor Phil. I was not digging the outfit. I HATED the jacket and it so clashed with the shirt. I guess everything doesn't go with jeans. Heaven help us. Phil's vocals were so flat it was scary. He looked like he was in pain for the whole song. Phil was not connecting with the music, there was no heart or soul in this performance. We won't even go into how bad the ending was. Total disappointment.

Randy - not your best, I agree with Jennifer, you didn't connect with the passion in the song, boring, you have a good upper range

Paula - good vocal except for the end

Simon - you are a nice guy, good choice of song, there was no originality, it was flat and lifeless, your voice cracked at the end, not excited about it at all

Jordin Sparks - "Rhythm is Gonna Get You"

Loved the outfit, she was hot, hot, hot. Jordin had the same issues as Melinda and LaKisha. A totally controlled vocal, pitch perfect, enunciation perfect but there was no passion in the rhythm. Now I think Jordin succeed better the my other ladies with respect to movement but it was staged, not naturally flowing from the music. Great vocal though! The best so far this evening.

Randy - absolutely wonderful, great, you got it no matter your age, the "yo factor"

Paula - authentic, out there having a good time

Simon - it was just okay, you are a good singer but there was no progression tonight

Blake Lewis - "I Need to Know"

Blake chose the perfect song and he so listened to Jennifer's advice. His outfit was perfect for the song, he was looking good. Once again Blake wisely chose to stick with the music and not put any real improvisational runs. Blake actually connected with the song, there was passion, his movements were in the rhythm and his vocals were spot on perfect. It was a flawless performance and truly the best of the evening so far. I think this was his Idol moment. To quote Jennifer's advice he was so trying to pick up a girl. This is the only performance which got me out of my chair dancing to the music.

Randy - best song choice of the evening, hot performance

Paula - very smart performance, excellent choice of song

Simon - best choice of song tonight, best performance so far

oh my god, they left he who should not be named to the very end - heaven help us all - "Besame Mucho"

S.M. looked ridiculous, it was lackluster and I did not enjoy the choice of his sitting. I don't want to be crass but will be because there were times given how he was sitting and some of the harsh expressions I thought he was sitting on a toilet taking a crap. His vocals weren't there and I don't know if he was truly singing or not because the band was too loud and he was totally mumbling the entire thing, I didn't understand a word and it isn't just because I don't know Spanish. There was also no passion in the number, he was not connecting with the song. The fake (yes I say fake) mustache and goatee were ridiculous and did not help in trying to butch him up. I will say it again, it was like a bad high school talent performance and the overly tacky pandering to the camera totally ruined the performance for me. I so wanted to go vomit after watching it.

Randy - you are the smartest contestant, it was actually really good (oh heavens put me out of my misery)

Paula - very, very nice

Simon - I couldn't understand a word of it, you sang like a 14 year old, it wasn't horrible


Given the total lackluster performances by everyone I am not sure it is a question of who will be in the bottom 3 but who shouldn't be there. It was such a crazy night.

The bottom 3 will be interesting but I am going to predict Phil, Haley and he who should not be named although I am also on the edge of a another surprise appearance by Chris and even one of my favs like LaKisha.

Unfortunately given that he who should not be named was given the money spot I don't think he will be eliminated. In fact only once has it happened where the performer with the money spot was eliminated and it was to Anthony in Season 4. S.M. will be sent back safe.

My prediction is that Phil will be heading home tonight.

Until tomorrow.....

American Idol 6 - Results 4/4/07 and there are now 8

There is no joy in Mudville this morning. Yesterday evening started out well, my rehearsal went swimmingly but after dropping off someone I was headed home and my car died on me so I had to have it towed. I then got home rewound my tape and got the crushing news that he whose name should not be uttered was safe one again and my beloved Gina was singing her last song at least until the concert tour.

It was especially sad because as Gina was singing "Smile", the emotion of the song was coming through because she was living it, if only those emotions had come through on Tuesday night we might have had a different ending.

There were over 33 million votes cast, the most so far this season.

The Top 3 were Jordin, Melinda, LaKisha, the middle 3 were Blake, Chris and he who should not be mentioned.

The Bottom 3 were Haley, Gina and Phil with Phil sent back as safe.

My only comfort would be that he who should not be named is closer to the bottom and the contestants I want to win are at the top.

Poor Tony Bennett caught the flu so we got to hear Michael Buble sing. I like this artist, I have his albums and I have been to his concerts, great performer.

There was no happy feet dancing last night but I will look on the bright side and know there is next week to hope for.

Until then.....

American Idol 6 4/3/07 "The Standards"

Time is flying by and there are only 7 more weeks of Idol left of Season 6. Last night we had Tony Bennett spending time with the contestants. I am not sure he had much constructive criticism for the contestants but oh well.

I had my first play rehearsal last night for the play I am directing so I had to watch the show on tape, which is faster because I could fast forward through commercials and useless banter. I only had 50 minutes to vote but I managed 95 votes on two phones and yes once again I voted for everyone but he whose name should not be uttered. LaKisha, Melinda, Jordin, Gina, Blake, and Chris got multiple votes from me.

On with my thoughts:

Blake Lewis "Mack the Knife"

Blake chose the right song for this theme, it fit his style perfectly. I really liked Blake's ensemble, it was good for the song as well. I really enjoyed Blake's performance, he started out slow but he kicked it out by the end. While there were some pitch problems at the beginning it was in the right key, he was connected with the music and band and he knows how to cover, he doesn't freeze if there is a problem. Blake's enunciation was great as well. I understood every word which is important for songs with lyrics. Blake was definitely getting the audience pumped. I liked the arrangement and how Blake was able to bring a modern feel to the number.

Randy - very good, I love your cool jazzy vibe, perfect song, some pitch problems but you worked it out, I liked it

Paula - you showed pizzazz, it was hip, cool

Simon - good choice, good performance, I would give it 7 out of 10, the band 8 out of 10.

Phil Stacey "Night and Day"

Poor Phil having to come out after such an energetic performance was not good. I was so happy Phil actually dressed up for the occasion and had time to get his clothes pressed. I liked the song choice and overall Phil did a good job with the song. His vocals were actually pretty good, it was a bit rough at the beginning but he found the center and hit all the big notes. The problem is there was no fun or joy in the performance. It lacked energy. It was just plain boring but I was impressed by Phil tonight based on the vocals.

Randy - interesting choice, sang it well, hit the big notes but there was no connection with the song, no passion

Paula - you remind me of a young Frank Sinatra but you still need to have more joy, warmth, just not only in the chorus

Simon - "Which Frank Sinatra are you referring to?" I think it had all the joy of someone singing in a funeral parlor, it was dark, gloomy

Melinda Doolittle "I Got Rhythm"

I just have to say that while I liked the dress itself and the color, the actual design with the shoulder material leading into a belt type design around the middle was terrible, it made Melinda look pregnant. I did like her hair tonight. This was a great choice of song for Melinda and she performed it well. I have to agree with Simon the beginning was not good and there was a couple of times that the band left Melinda behind but the second half was out of the world. Melinda is just a great performer.

Randy - what I love about you, is you come out and provide a lesson in singing, this is how you do it America

Paula - it was a master class, there was a beginning, middle and end, it was flawless

Simon - I didn't like the beginning, it was a bit cabaret, the second half was great, it was fun, you showed personality

Chris Richardson "Don't Get Around Much Anymore"

Another great song choice and his ensemble was great as well. I enjoyed Chris's performance. I thought his vocals were good, he does have trouble with the lower register but he stayed within the middle tenor key for the most part so there were only a few issues. Chris was working the audience and the up-tempo beat was good because it kept the audience engaged. Vocally the men are doing well tonight.

Randy - you came out with a vengeance, one of your best performances this season, hot, very cool, young and hip

Paula - no compromising, you were yourself, you made it cool, great eye-contact, best performance bar none

Simon - very good, very believable, you made the song sound hip, one of the strongest performances of the night

Jordin Sparks "On A Clear Day"

Right here, right now I am going to say I think Jordin could go all the way and actually win this competition. This was another stellar performance, she totally blew me away. It was the best vocal of the evening so far, bar none to quote Paula. Jordin is so controlled, every note, every facial expression is flawlessly and effortlessly produced. I got chills. I will be paying to download this song and video so I can enjoy it in the future.

Randy - we have some heat going on tonight, fire, it was da bomb, it was controlled, you are a pro and at 17

Paula - you are a magnet of joy, hip coo, I am so "frickin" round of you, I love you

Simon - you sang very well but it was very old fashion and traditional (I totally disagree with you on this one Simon which is pretty rare - I thought it was young and vibrant and a better version than Barbra Streisand which had been my favorite until now)


Gina Glocksen "Smile"

I adore Gina but tonight's performance was not as perfect as last week. I did not like her style tonight and it distracted from the message of the song. Mr. Bennett explained the song to America. Gina was in control of her vocals and overall did well although she struggled with the key change and there were a few flat notes. My real problem is there was no joy in the performance, Gina smiled on a occasion but this is a song about someone urging others to share in their happiness and I was not feeling it, I was feeling sad. I didn't feel she was connecting just going through the motions.

Randy - very nice controlled performance

Paula - flawless, understated, beautiful and sentimental

Simon - can't rave about the vocals because others came before and out sang you.

Sanjaya Malakar "Cheek to Cheek"

Did I miss that this was disco night, I think John Travolta wants his Saturday Night Fever outfit back, come on. I don't even know why I waste my time commenting. To use a song from earlier in the evening, watching Sanjaya and the rest of the group is like Night and Day. Everyone else is in such a different league then Sanjaya. This is just like watching a bad high school talent show. This performance was over the top and the flirting with Paula was just sickening by anyone standards. Sanjaya's vocals were all over the place, his voice is weak and shaky at best. There were a couple of moments when he connected with the song and music but it was so short lived. I will just "Cry" with Johnnie River to keep with the theme of the week. SANJAYA MUST GO!

Randy - I can't comment on the vocals anymore, you are a great entertainer (oh please that was not entertainment, at least I didn't pay money to watch)

Paula - I get why people love you, you are charming, the vocals were off

Simon - let's try a different tactic this week - "incredible"

Haley Scarnato "Ain't Misbehavin"

Can that dress have gotten any shorter and the slit across the chest any lower? It was tacky and just plain pandering to those horny teenage male voters. I enjoyed the choice of starting from the audience but Haley should have spent time listening to Tony about what the song is about but oh well she knows how to maximize her assets. I felt the performance was cheesy and the vocals weren't strong enough. This was just awful.

Randy - good week for you

Paula - green is a good color for you

Simon - you have great legs, the style of music was good for you but the performance was a bit pageantry

LaKisha Jones "Stormy Weather"

Another great song choice and LaKisha was looking good! LaKisha did start off a little flat and it took her a couple of beats before she connected with the music but after that rough start it was a powerhouse performance, she was showing attitude and she has a powerful tool in that voice. The battle of the divas between Melinda and LaKisha was 50/50 tonight.

Randy - loved it, perfect song for you, there were a few pitchy problems, da bomb

Paula - sounded beautiful

Simon - it was sassy and great


Over all it was a really good night for the majority of contestants but unfortunately someone has to go home and probably not the one who should.

I want to just say Sanjaya is going home but I just don't believe it.

I will predict the bottom 3 will be Gina, Phil, and Haley.

I am fearing for Gina this week but I will predict that Haley is the one who is going to be heading home.

Until tomorrow.....