Wednesday, May 23, 2007

American Idol 6 - 5/23/07 The Final Two

After all these weeks were are down to the final performances and the fight for the title. Last night's show was actually really good. There is just a different vibe when they are performing in the Kodiak Theater (the home of the Oscars)!

I have to say I was not amused by the little opening regarding Paula's unfortunate trip over her dog and Ryan's throwing in "so the bitch is okay". It just wasn't necessary.

Overall it moved along pretty well and the video clips were not overly done and actually helped the show flow.

I want you to know I had a personal best in voting last night and into this morning. I was able to vote until 1:45 a.m. before they cut me off. I managed to get in 3,502 votes. Every vote cast was for Jordin. I love one touch dialing. The first hour or so was tough but with 5 phones I was getting in quite a bit. The last hour and a half I wasn't having much trouble getting in but I was using all 3 numbers available in rotation.

I am looking forward to the finale. I am off to Hawaii in the morning but I will try and send a few thoughts about the finale tomorrow night.

On with my thoughts....

Blake Lewis - "You Give Love A Bad Name"

It was the right choice for Blake to sing this number again. I love his outfits, they suit his style. I don't believe the vocal on this was as good this time as when he first performed it but Blake knows how to work the stage. His energetic performance and the way he worked off the musician on the stage with him was outstanding. This was a kick ass performance and the audience was with him on the ride. All the movement on the stage was creating a problem with his vocals and breath but at least he was enunciating and I could hear every word and unfortunately some sour notes. A good beginning absolutely.

Randy - I give you a ten out of ten on the beat boxing, dawg. The beat boxing was hot, you had the triplets going on with the drum thing. The singing for me was just alright.

Paula - I wish I could give you more than a ten. You out did yourself, hot. (He is still too young for you Paula)

Simon - You are not the best singer in the competition but you are the best performer I think we've had. It was energetic, amazing. The singing was a bit flat and I thought you were shouting through part of it.

Jordin Sparks - "Fighter"

Jordin was looking hot, loved the heels. This was a great choice of song being young, hip and did Jordin knock this one out vocally. It was a spectacular vocal and her enunciation was flawless especially given all the words. Jordin is truly the best singer left standing in the finale but she does need help with her performing skills. She is a singer so she stands and sings and quite frankly she could sing the phone book and I would listen but I would like to see her loosen up a bit. This was a song begging for a hot performance. Vocals I give her a 20, performance is an 8.

Randy - check it out, this is an interesting evening, it wasn't your greatest entertainment thing but your voice was stellar, amazing.

Paula - you were stellar, awesome.

Simon - I have to give you credit for choosing a song that was young, hip. I thought the vocals were a bit shrieky in the middle. Round 1 to Blake.

Blake Lewis - "She Will Be Loved"

I am not sure this was the best song choice although it clearly fits his style but it is not a song which would help display his singing talents. There were some pretty sharp notes in this one. The falsetto's worked but almost the entire song was in his upper registry which was not a good thing. Once again though Blake proved what a great performer he is because he sold the song. He had great confidence and just went for it. Again, loved the outfit, nerdy but yet sends out that sexy vibe. The young women in the audience was eating him up, this could help his chances. Great performance, vocals not so much.

Randy - great song, nice vocal

Paula - you sounded great

Simon - it was good, safe, not as good as the first performance and I wouldn't have chosen the song for the finale because I don't think it makes that much of an impact.

Jordin Sparks - "Broken Wing"

Jordin made this song new and fresh. Her vocals were outstanding and the control she has. I actually stood up and clapped when she was finished. My only issue is that the orchestra was too loud. I had to strain to actually here her vocals but I would bet in the Kodiak this was a truly flawless performance. Loved the outfit as well. Jordin's smile could melt the coldest heart. The girl can tell a story with her voice like no one else.

Randy - I have said it before you are the most talented 17 year old ever, that was flawless, unbelievable, I think better than the original.

Paula - You are in great, great voice tonight

Simon - Now that was good!

Blake Lewis - "This is My Now"

This will be next American Idol's first single. Blake was clearly not in his element and I am surprised he didn't jazz it up a bit but it is probably against the rules. I absolutely loved the choice of starting the song sitting in the American Idol Screen, it was kind of cool. Poor Blake he knew this wasn't a song for him and it was almost like he knew it was the nail in his coffin because it wasn't a very energetic performance and had none of the confidence the first two performances had. I think Blake did as well as he could and technically it was his best vocal but the performance was just totally strange and lackluster and those ridiculous dance movements compared to his first two performances, scary! I felt sorry for Blake and it might help his vote count though. The band and back up singers were a little overpowering as well.

Randy - you did a pretty good job with it, it was alright, you don't have to feel that bad about it

Paula - it isn't your genre of music but I think you were in great voice

Simon - I thought it was all a little odd to be honest with you

Jordin Sparks - "This is My Now"

Jordin looked beautiful and it was a great outfit. Loved the earrings as well. What can you say. This was a perfect song for Jordin. This song is better then last years two stinkers but that isn't saying much. My Jordin can sing and this song proved how easy it is for her to sell the emotion of this truly sappy sweet song. From the very first note to that last power note and the utterly emotional ending with the tears, the girl had me in her spell. She totally nailed this number. Oh my god I was crying along with her. If she doesn't win after this song no one could. It was a great way to end the competition.

Randy - You were the best singer tonight, you deserve it all

Paula - you have a lot to be proud of, you're an angel.

Simon - You just wiped the floor with Blake on that song.


I just have to say there was a distinct disadvantage of the contestants singing the same song back to back. I don't think it is fair and really hasn't been done before. Last year of course each contestant had there horrid sappy song to sing (can we guess how much I hated last year's numbers) but other competitions they sang them at different points in the show. Doing it back to back put Blake in a disadvantage but I suppose the sympathy vote could help him.

I believe Jordin should win and I think she will be standing under the confetti tonight at the Kodiak singing us out about "This is My Now." There could be a Blake upset but I really doubt it.

I probably should complain about the winning song because I never went on line to listen to the songs or vote but what the hell, it is just fun to make jest of the totally sappy songs. It doesn't mean I won't buy it when Jordin releases it but under normal circumstances I don't think so.

Here is to another season of American Idol over and I guess I can count the days until July 28th when I can see them live! Then it will be a dismal few months until January 2008.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

American Idol 6 - 5/16/07 The Results - Shocking Reveal for the West Coast

I truly can't believe it but Melinda was eliminated with Blake and Jordin going into the finale next week.

I am extremely happy about Jordin because it puts her closer to the title but it was shocking about Melinda.

It was a nerve wracking hour waiting for the results, almost 60 million votes and Jordin was saved first! My votes did count, yeah!

The rest of show was fine, the visits home, the Ford commercial, and I enjoyed Elliott's performance as well. I guess Maroon 5 is trying for a big sale record showing up to peddle their album and Fox advertising the season Finale of The Simpsons.

Next week will be very, very interesting indeed!

JORDIN FOR AMERICAN IDOL NOW!

American Idol 6 - 5/15/07 The Semi-Finals

Well after 17 weeks we are getting close to the end. I am not sure I can handle the pressure. What will I be able to obsess about for the next 6 months? I guess I have the concert tour (oh no Sanjaya) on 7/28 but then it will be a stark desert. Scary!

I very much enjoyed last night's program. There were definitely a wide range of songs selected.

Since I am on central time the show was on at 7:00 p.m. I didn't have a chance to eat before the show so I went out after the show. I am sure the waitress thought I was a nut case since I sat with my cell phone constantly pushing buttons but never talking.

I did manage to get in 1,107 votes last night. All but 200 votes went to Jordin as I am figuring Melinda is a shoo in for the finals but who knows. I believe this is probably the closest race for the top 2 in a long time.

I did find it interesting that the producers replaced Clive Davis, I wonder if that means anything about who will be producing the winner's album. I am sure there is a story behind it.

On with my comments....

Jordin Sparks: “Wishing on a Star”

This was an interesting song choice from Simon but Jordin rose to the occasion. I thought her dress was ridiculous but who cares the girl can sing. This was one of the most professional controlled performances she has ever given. The tone of her voice matched perfectly with the music. My Jordin was there to win and I believe this performance helped her move closer to that goal. I was definitely wowed!

Randy: Tonight I am wondering who’s in it to win and you are, that was a very good vocal, a little Beyonce feel, the run at the end was great.

Paula: Simon picked the right song for you, beautiful job, it was a great way to start the show.

Simon: you sang it brilliantly but I didn't like the jazzy arrangement (please as if that was within her control) not one of your better performances.

Blake Lewis: “Roxanne”

Paula chose this song for Blake. This is one of my favorite Police songs. I am not sure it was the right song choice but I thought Blake did a very nice job. I noticed he made a few minor changes to the arrangement but he stuck to the melody and just sang and quite well at that. The few opening bars were kind of of rough but after that he settled in to the correct key. I really enjoyed his performance though, he was working it big time.

Randy: Great performance, loved the moves and the vocal was pretty good

Paula: “You did me proud, Blake.” You made it fresh.

Simon: It wasn’t earth-shattering, probably because you are forced to imitate Sting, good but not great

Melinda Doolittle: “I Believe in You and Me”

Good fashion sense was not in fine form for the performances first outing on the stage. The dress Melinda was wearing was hideous but I did love the jewelry. I totally hate that Randy chose a Whitney song for Melinda and didn't anyone catch that Melinda thanked Randy Johnson in the video intro (too funny!). I was not really excited about the arrangement and there were some very rough notes but Melinda is a good performer and she covered well. I think she has done better than other contestants with Whitney. Overall it was a solid performance but not the best so far!

Randy: I picked the song because I knew it’d be a challenge and you blew it out of the box (only in your mind Mr. Johnson)

Paula: You were fantastic. It was one of your best performances of the season. (I don't think so)

Simon: It was a difficult song to sing, and your best performance in the last four weeks. Round 1 goes to Melinda. (I do not agree with that)

Jordin Sparks: “She Works Hard for the Money”

What is going on with the stylists tonight, another tacky outfit and what is up with those shoes, good heavens, way too high. Our the producers trying to sabotage my Jordin. I am not sure this is the right song. I will give Jordin chops because vocally she was spot on but her performance was sorely lacking any intensity or emotion, the meaning of the song wasn't there. The poor girl could hardly move because it looked like she was going to fall right out of those shoes, she should have kicked them off, sang barefoot and really rocked the stage. This was not her best.

Randy: No matter what song you do you nail it, nicely done, it was hot

Paula: “You worked hard for the money tonight.” (Paula that was pretty lame although Simon seemed to get a kick out of it)

Simon: It was a very good performance, the arrangement was a little old fashion, the power note at the end was great

Blake Lewis: “This Love”

Okay now I am convinced the producers are trying to get Blake in the finals, this was a great choice of songs and thank god Blake brought back a little fashion sense as well. I think this performance even beats his awe inspiring Bon Jovi night. I have to just say it now, this was Blake's wow me American Idol moment. He had such control, I loved his energy, he was having fun and he was working hard for the money (sorry I just couldn't resist throwing it in) on that stage, his movements were great. This was a kick ass stand out performance.

Randy: When you make a record, this is the kind of music you should have, great vibe, very nicely done.

Paula: you are totally in your element, good night for you

Simon: I preferred this one to the first, you looked very comfortable, it wasn't a copycat, you were having fun, that was good

Melinda Doolittle: “Nutbush City Limits”

Oh my god, that outfit was terrible, it made her look very fat. On the other hand the producers were once again loading the dice in Melinda's favorite. This was a great song choice for her and she tore this number up. She was definitely channeling her inner Tina Turner. I normally hate the use of the mike stand but Melinda made that work as well. This was a great performance and a pitch perfect spot on vocal.

Randy: another star performance, you should record this, I really liked it

Paula: “We love you!”

Simon: I love this side of you, another brilliant performance.

Jordin Sparks: “I Who Have Nothing”

Finally an outfit which worked, Jordin was stunning. I normally don't like it when contestants pick a song they have done before but in this case I believe it was the right move for Jordin. I thought the first time she did this it was brilliant and the second time was better than the first. There was so much incredible emotion in this performance, she owns this song now. It was a flawless rendition, the vocals soared and I got goose bumps. What a way to end the evening. My fingers are crossed for you Jordin.

Randy: It was your best performance of the night. “Very, very hot.”

Paula: The song worked well for her voice.

Simon: There’s no disputing that you sang it very well, but I hated that a 17-year-old was singing a 60 year old song, I wasn't loving it (bite me Simon)

Blake Lewis: “When I Get You Alone”

Blake was styling again. I am not sure I liked the arrangement of the number or was it just me that it sounded similar to his last song. Even given that I thought he once again showed originality and he rocked the house. His energy was amazing. It was a very good performance.

Randy: I see why you chose it, It was cool, liked the second number better, it was alright

Paula: All three songs showed who you are as an artist

Simon: “I actually really liked that.” I like that you don't play it safe, you take risks and looks like your having fun.

Melinda Doolittle: “I’m a Woman”

Melinda finely found some fashion sense as well. This is a number Melinda also did before. I didn't like the vocal on this number as much as the first time she did it but what was exceptional and probably nailed her spot in the finals was the performance. She stood out, the taking the jacket off, the bit with the back up singers, it was fantastic. Melinda showed us how to do it and she will never have to be in the background again.

Randy: We saw the range of Melinda, and she could sing the phone book.

Paula: She’s stepping into the spotlight and it’s great.

Simon: Loved “the little striptease at the top.” , the person who has consistently delivered has been Melinda. She deserves to be in the finals.

As indicated before I thought this was a pretty good semi-finals. I so much want Jordin to win but technically in all previous seasons the contestant who has gone first has never gone on to win a place in the finals. I am very torn because I really want Jordin to win. I believe Melinda will get in with no trouble and it is so close between Blake and Jordin. A Jordin/Blake combo would be interesting as well.

Since I want it so much I will predict Blake will go home and there will be a Melinda/Jordin show down for the title.

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, May 10, 2007

AI 6 - 5/9/07 And Now There are 3

Sorry for the delay but I have been traveling home to Portland all morning.

It was an interesting results show. I don't know how much these companies pay to plug their artists or movies but we could have done this in a half hour.

Don't get me wrong, I adore Pink and have all her albums but what the hell does she have to do with Barry Gibb.

I enjoyed the Ford commercial as well last night.

I am overjoyed about the final 3, although I would like a Blake/Jordin fight to the title unless something really horrible happens next week I think we are moving to a Jordin/Melinda show down. Jordin must have had the highest vote count, they made it safe first.

After listening to Barry sing last night, he is right, Jordin has done the best version of his song.

Well if the producers stay true to tradition next week we will see Clive Davis, the man who produces all the winner's albums. It is the night where the contestants pick a song, the judges pick a song, and Clive picks a song.

I will be in Memphis for next Tuesday's show so I will see it on central time.

Until next week....

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

American Idol 6 - 5/8/07 An Evening of Gibb

I have to say I totally enjoyed watching the show live or at least not tape delayed. On the other hand it was not a good show for most of the contestants. It should be an interesting results show.

I thought Barry Gibb gave the most interesting comments so far and at least actually dealt with the music more than any other mentor; it is just sad most of the contestants did not listen.

I was in my hotel room in Baltimore voting using my cell phone and the hotel phone. I did vote for the entire two hours and the lines were really busy. I only managed a very small 935 votes last night. The majority went to Jordin, then for Melinda and about 200 for Blake. I adore LaKisha but I did not vote for her to be explained below.

On with my comments and predictions:

Melinda Doolittle - "I Love You Inside and Out"

This was probably the worst Melinda performance ever hands down. I thought it was not a good song choice and she really didn't follow Barry's advice. I did not like her relaxed outfit with jeans, it didn't suit the song. There was a hesitation in her performance, like she knew she was off. I thought the band was overpowering and Melinda was not wowing me to quote the judges. I don't think she hit a bad note but the passion of the song wasn't there at least not for me.

Randy: I'm looking tonight to see who’s in it to win it. It was a solid performance, but not exciting.

Paula: It’s hard to critique you because your vocals are always spot-on. I'm looking for something that will make me say wow – maybe styling? Maybe song choice?

Simon: I think Paula was trying to say she wasn’t impressed. I expect incredible, and this was more of a backing vocalist’s performance. You are better than that, and I look forward to your second song.

Blake Lewis - "You Should Be Dancing"

I loved Blake's jacket and I think I could pull that off matched with a very cool tie I have. I enjoyed the dancing in the performance but that is about all. I did enjoy the fact Blake attempted the famous Gibb falsetto but the results were not making my feet dance. In trying to maintain that falsetto his tone and pitch were totally off. Luckily dance music is not about the vocals but the beat which he did maintain and I did like his beat boxing. Blake is an accomplished musician but this was not a good choice for him.

Randy: Sometimes the beat boxing works, but tonight it didn’t. I thought it was corny, it was like a “weird discothèque in some foreign country.”

Paula: I think it started shaky and that your pitch was off. Your beat boxing showed true musicianship. You proved that you are unique.

Simon: I agree with unique, but I hated it.

LaKisha Jones - "Stayin' Alive"

I loved LaKisha's outfit but she did not follow Barry's advice. Poor LaKisha could not get to the higher register she managed in the rehearsal room. I think the arrangement hurt her, the back up singers were hitting all the power notes and LaKisha was shouting which totally caused her problems in the second number. If you shout that much your voice is going to go. I have to say her enunciation was actually very good given the tough nature of the song. LaKisha though was having fun on the stage which is what got the audience engaged.

Randy: This is a weird night. These songs have great melodies, he isn't necessary to change them up so much. You tried too much.

Paula: You have to gauge the audience, they wanted to dance but the slower tempo brought the mood down.

Simon: “No kiss tonight, baby.” I think she was shouting and the performance was “verging on scary in parts.” Not great tonight so far.

I have to interject I did love Ryan's line about Simon not calling back after the first date. I laughed out loud on that one.

Jordin Sparks - "To Love Somebody

Jordin looked great and she rocked the house. The best performance so far. It was a great version and she stayed true to the song. I thought it was a spot on vocal. Jordin singing is wonderful. I would totally buy this song and will. It is also rare praise when the original artist tells us he thinks that although lots of people have done the song, he hasn’t heard a greater version than Jordin’s. Finally a good performance.

Randy: weird night, it was the sort of the best vocal of the night, I liked your soulful Mariah/Aretha vibe you were giving off, it was very controlled, you are in it to win

Paula: you look beautiful, and no there is no doubt, it was the best vocal.

Simon: best song choice, best vocal, "we're back in the competition"

Melinda Doolittle - "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"

Melinda was pretty shaky when she started out and did you notice how she held on to the railing as she was walking down the ramp, I guess she thought she would fall off her high heels. Her outfit was much better for this number. I liked this better than the first performance but it still didn't wow me except for the final note, that was definitely perfection. I have to agree with Randy it has been a strange night and mostly because the contestants did not follow their mentor's advice.

Randy: Much better, beautiful ending, you are still our resident pro

Paula: Beautiful vocal, a throwback to Stephanie Mills. But vocals isn’t all it takes to be a great performer, you still need to wow us

Simon: The second half of the song put you into the semifinals.

Blake Lewis - "This is Where I Came In"

This must be an obscure song when I don't recognize it and I have all the Gibb records. I will have to look through my vinyl (I am aging myself again) when I get home. I definitely liked this performance better than the first one. Again the dancing was spot on but given the obscure nature of the song I don't think Blake scored any more points with the audience when he should have been wowing us. He should have gone with "Jive Talkin'" like I said last week.

Randy: It was better than the last one, but it was making me jump up and down, you don’t have to beat box every time

Paula: “But if he can, he can.” you are the “contemporary rebel.” I don't know the song, but I enjoyed it, you also sang spot on key

Simon: The song was “completely tuneless” , not a good night for you, not a good performance, weird choice of song.

LaKisha Jones - "Run To Me"

I will give LaKisha chops for her dress, it was awesome but once again she did not follow Barry's advice and she definitely failed. LaKisha was shouting for most of this number and did not get to the higher register with the first chorus as she did in the rehearsal room. All of the shouting caused her to strain her vocal cords and that horrid, hoarse note at the end was my fingers on the chalk board moment. LaKisha has much power but she doesn't let the music push her to the power note she forces her voice to get there. It was this number which determined for me not to vote for her. She had the potential of blowing us out of the water but she could not sustain.

Randy: your voice broke, but otherwise good

Paula: you shouldn’t beat herself up about that note, you are still a champ.

Simon: Better than the first, but still not great. You and Blake are vulnerable.

Jordin Sparks - "Woman In Love"

When Barry Gibb indicated in the tape that he feels Jordin could be the greatest female recording artist of all time it is high praise indeed. I absolutely loved this performance and truly feel it contrasted from her first and verified what a great vocalist she is. I totally disagree with the judges. Jordin looked great in that dress (which was designed just for her) and it did not make her look old. Jordin, a mike, and her singing is all she needs. I believe the night definitely belonged to Jordin.

Randy: It wasn’t your best performance, it was pitchy throughout, a tough song to sing.

Paula: it was not your best

Simon: It was old-fashioned and pageant-y, you are 17, you need to sing younger

There is no doubt in my mind that Blake and LaKisha will be in the bottom 2. I suppose there could be a total upset with a Melinda and LaKisha bottom 2 but I can't really imagine it happening and I just don't believe Jordin will be in the bottom 2. While it wasn't Blake's night given how spectacular he was last week I think he has an advantage being the only male left. I am predicting LaKisha will be going home tonight.

Until later....

Thursday, May 03, 2007

American Idol 6 5/2/07 And now there are 4

I had a late rehearsal so I didn't get finished watching the results show until midnight.

It is interesting that in two weeks they had over 135,000,000 votes!

As we all know Phil and Chris are gone and finally America has gotten it right. I predicted early on I thought the top 4 would be Blake, Melinda, LaKisha and Jordin (go Jordin!) but given the strange season I wavered on this happening but I am thrilled beyond belief that it has happened.

We good have gotten by with a half hour results show if we didn't have to continuously plug Idol Gives Back. I actually like Robin Thicke and I have his album but he sang why?

I think they had the absolute best Ford commercial ever last night. I liked the song and the concept. Excellent.

I really liked Bon Jovi's new song as well.

If Bon Jovi sang, one plug for Idol Gives Back, and the results we could have been finished in one half hour, oh well!

Next week we have Barry Gibb as the mentor. I can't wait. I can see some Jive Talkin' in my future or perhaps Nights on Broadway. The women could do some fantastic work with the numbers Barry wrote for Barbra Streisand's Guilty album. It will be interesting to see what Blake does, I think he could do some interesting stuff with Shadow Dancing or I Want to be Your Everything.

Until next week.....

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

American Idol 6 5/1/07 Jon Bon Jovi Theme Night

Although I am on vacation I had to log on to send out my comments about the show.

Did you hear my screaming last night at the end of last night's show. I came back from rehearsal and watched my tape speeding through the commercials and overall I enjoyed the show but they had to throw that absolutely disgusting video of the Bushes in at the end. It was a ridiculous way to end a show and it was just lame, lame, lame. It was all I could do not throw up and when the airhead asked if we should sing I was going to have a heart attack. This ending pretty much ruined the whole experience for me.

It was interesting watching Jon Bon Jovi. I thought he did a fairly effective job of coaching but these guest judges try not to say too many critical things but I think Jon ahs so far done the best job.

My Gina was in the audience but so was Antonella. Tickets for the American Idol Tour go on sale May 19th.

Since we had longer to vote I was up late voting away. I managed to to get in 1,003 votes in two and a half hours. On with my comments and predictions.

Phil Stacey, “Blaze of Glory”

Phil looked pretty good last night, the outfit was good with it being clean and pressed. I liked his starting from the audience as well. Overall I think this was one of Phil's best performances. His voice did crack just before he hit the first chorus but the real reason I liked this performance was because he was emotionally connected and he was having fun, it was truly animated. The vocal was great, he had tone, was in pitch and there was power behind his vocals and he was in the moment. It was a great way to start the show.

Randy: Randy is too funny always having to point out about his having worked on so many songs. We had to hear he recorded this song with Bon Jovi. I am happy for you, outside of country week this was your best performance ever. It was da bomb. I loved it!

Paula: You were living your inner child. This was the best opening we have had all season.

Simon: It was just okay. There was no authenticity and in the middle you were like a bad actor playing a rock singer.

Jordin Sparks, “Livin’ On a Prayer”

Well Jordin was trying to channel her inner Chaka Khan with the hairdo and that horrid outfit. I truly adore Jordin and she is still my pick for winning this competition but rock music is not her forte. This was the worst performance Jordin has ever given. She was at a disadvantage to begin with but she wasn't helped by a key which was not right for her and she was having serious breath issues which has not been a problem before. I give Jordin credit for taking the risk and going for it. Her sincerity in honestly answering the judges will win her points and her performance last week should save her. I have my fingers crossed.

Randy: This was interesting, the choruses were good but the verses were rough, and he knows Jordin knew it from the first note. Not her best.

Paula: No one knows what the workshop process is like for the singers but I give you credit for going out of your range.

Simon: First of all I don't like the look - it’s too Addams Family. The singing was out of control and almost shrieking. However, you are at a disadvantage because you've been given guys’ rock songs to sing. It was terrible.

LaKisha Jones, “This Ain’t a Love Song”

I just have to say I don't know who her stylist is but with $400.00 per week to create a look her stylist should be banned from the profession for life. That was one of the most hideous tops I have ever seen and it was totally not right for her and clinged in all the wrong places. LaKisha's joke about wanting the camera to see her slim side was good but if she had chosen a different outfit it wouldn't have been such a problem. LaKisha was back this week. There were some truly rough spots in the beginning but overall it was one of her better performances over the last few weeks and even though it was a rock song she wasn't shouting. She gave a great performance but will it be enough to save her?

Randy: LaKisha is back. It started out a little rough and pitchy but by the middle you blew it out of the park

Paula: I like your lower register and you give everyone “a little somethin’ somethin’.”

Simon: He could kiss you after that performance on the lips (which of course happened), you rose to the challenge, you worked it

Blake Lewis, “You Give Love a Bad Name

Wow, Blake with dark hair and straight. I actually liked the look and just adored the outfit. I wish I could pull off that look. I have to give Blake credit, the kid knew he was in trouble and he took the biggest risk of any contestant. In paraphrasing Simon I am in the half of the audience who truly loved this performance and what Blake did. I have to admit I think this has to me my all time favorite American Idol performance ever. Blake blew me away. I liked the arrangement, he used his unique style and beat boxing in just the right places and knew when it was important to just sing and sing he did. This was a perfect vocal. It was my favorite performance of the evening.

Randy: I have to give you the award for the most unique version of a song ever on this show. You took a chance and it worked, that was hot!

Paula: You took a great leap of faith. I saw the glint in Jon's eye, he really liked this version. This was an amazing night for you.

Simon: I think half the audience will love it and the other half will hate it. I think you did the right thing. It was very brave. You took a risk and this is what will keep you in the competition.

Chris Richardson, “Wanted Dead or Alive”

Chris looked good and I liked his outfit. Unfortunately I did not like his vocal at all and for those who are regular readers of my American Idol comments you know how much I absolutely hate the cheesy use of the mike stand and there it was in Chris's hand. I thought his vocals were all over the place. He was totally uncomfortable with the genre and the song. Thankfully he did not forget the lyrics at least those I could actually hear. This was Chris's night to be screaming and shouting versus singing although this is the norm for rock. I wasn't wowed by the performance.

Randy: I was worried before tonight because none of you are rockers but I like the R&B twist
you put on the song (R&B Twist, what is he hearing!)

Paula: great night, good job

Simon: you did as much as you could with the song but it was not your style and I am not sure it is enough to carry you through next week

Melinda Doolittle, “Have a Nice Day”

Melinda was looking hot last night. Melinda gave another wonderful performance. It is interesting she says she struggles with rock but yet blew the number out of the park. She had great rock attitude and the vocals to back it up. She truly does remind me of Tina Turner and once again I wrote it before the judge's said it. I still think Blake stole the show but this is probably my favorite Melinda performance to date. A great ending to the show before I lost my dinner because of the Bushes video.

Randy: it wasn't your best performance, but still great. You threw in a little Tina Turner attitude.

Paula: It was a great workout from the first note and you are now a rock star.

Simon: I agree with Randy, you are a young Tina Turner. You were in a different league vocally from all of the other contestants.

Once again predicting who is going will be difficult because this weeks votes which clearly won't be as high as this week will be added in to last weeks total. I might have a better chance if I actually knew who was in the bottom 3 last week. I don't believe there will be enough votes to save the bad performances from last week.

My gut is telling me that Chris and LaKisha will be heading home to rocker Chris Daughtry's tune tonight. Here is hoping Jordins bad performance isn't enough to send her home.

Until tomorrow....