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...