Eep. It’s tough for me to wrap my mind around recaping the Final 3, because while the show was broadcast here on the East coast, I was actually in a club watching Elvis Costello and the Imposters put on a kick ass show. I’m on a giddy Elvis high right now, but I’ll do my best to concentrate. Here we go.
It’s the big Final 3, and as Ryan says, tonight there are 3 contestants, 3 songs, 3 phone lines and 3 judges. Yay, Ryan can count.
What a difference a week makes. Top 4 was simply dire, with the contestants appearing completely lost singing songs from the Bee Gee’s catalog. This week, in a complete turnabout–the Final 3 put on a great show. The kids are given the opportunity to sing songs that suit their individual performing style. We really get to see them at their best. This is a worthy Final 3. However some are more worthy than others, and I will get to that in a minute.
Traditionally, the Final 3 contestants sing 3 brand new songs. This year, both Jordin and Melinda chose to reprise past performances for their personal choice. I know they had a hectic weekend, but kids, are we in this to win? I think Blake is. Mad props to him for rehearsing and performing a new song.
Here’s a delightful turn of events. No Clive Davis tonight. I guess he decided to stay in the crypt tonight. Or maybe he’s so busy reviving crack-ho Whitney’s career, he can’t squeeze a night of Idol in. No loss. What we get in place of “Clive’s choice” is the catch-all “producer’s choice.” And with no Clive, no mentors and no big celebrities, the focus is finally on the kids, where it belongs.
Things that cracked me up: In the video clips of hometown officials announcing the judges choice songs, they’ve always just “received a fax” straight from the judge–but then read the choice off a yellow piece of production letter head. Tonight’s show features two, count ‘em two songs about prostitution. Blake shakes his bon bon with Sir Mix Alot on “Big Butts.” Ryan recites the lyrics to “mmmbop” (shhh, that song is a guilty pleasure of mine).
Jordin Sparks - Simon Cowell chose “Wishing on a Star” by Rose Royce - The song doesn’t give Jordin much of an opportunity to show off her voice. I’m not sure what Simon was thinking when he handed her this song–it’s not very challenging. She performs an updated version–Beyonce style. She’s competent, if a little generic. Randy says, “That was hot.” Simon says, “You sang it brilliantly, Jordin, but I just wish we hadn’t done the weird jazz arrangement with it…I like the purer version of the song…it wasn’t one of your better performances.” Jordin holds up her fingers and makes faces at the camera as Ryan calls out her numbers. The cuteness factor alone could propel her to the finals.
Blake Lewis - Paula Abdul chose “Roxanne” by The Police - This is a tricky one. After last week’s Bee Gees beatbox disaster, Blake decides to sing this one without any beats or fancy stuff. His take is unadorned and straightforward. While his vocal is excellent, I tend to agree with Simon–it’s hard to do this song without sounding like an imitation of Sting. Blake does not successfully come out of Sting’s shadow here. But, his confident performance, complete with a few cool dance moves, saves the song from becoming a bore. A solid, if a bit generic, effort.
Melinda Doolittle - Randy Jackson chose “I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston - I love that Randy never misses an opportunity to name drop. He makes sure that everyone at Belmont University knows that he worked with Whitney. It’s bad enough that Randy’s pick is a Whitney Houston song–but it’s one of the worst songs from her catalog. I gotta say, dawg, the vocal isn’t perfect–she hits a few clunkers–but Melinda gets the emotion of the song and keeps it from sounding too sappy. All in all a very good performance. I love what the stylists did with her hair tonight. She looks really pretty. Randy says, “You blew it out the box…that was hot.” Paula says it was one of her best performances all season. I wouldn’t say that. Simon says, “I think it was your best performance in the last 4 weeks…round one goes to Melinda…”
Jordin Sparks - The producers chose “She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summer - Jordin answers a viewer question: Her favorite song of all time is Hanson’s “mmmbop.” When the audience laughs, Jordin says “What? I’m only 17.” Really? She’s only 17? I did not know that! Har. Ok, now I’m thinking the producers really don’t want Jordin to win this. They could not have picked a worse song for her. Fast-paced up-tempo songs tend to trip Jordin up. She’s OK here though, but nothing spectacular. Randy thinks Jordin can sing anything. ”Fantastic” says Paula. Simon thinks it was a very good vocal and that “the money note at the end was very good.” I dunno, at this stage of the game, the kids really need to come out swinging, and so far, Jordin is just “a’ight.”
Blake Lewis - The producers chose “This Love” by Maroon 5 - Blake’s answer to a viewer question: Jim Carrey would play him in a movie, and it would be called “Organized Chaos.” Nice, nice vocal, and the beatboxing Blake throws in really enhances the song. Ok, maybe the producers WANT Blake to advance to the final, because this was a really good song pick for him. Tonight, we really get a sense of the kind of record Blake might make, and it’s pretty obvious that his vocals–though not of the rangy glory-note variety–has commercial appeal. I think that whether Blake moves any farther or not, he’s going to get signed. Randy tells Blake that’s the kind of music he should be recording and “That’s a good vibe for you.” Paula says, “this is a good night for you.” Simon likes this one, “You sounded very comfortable, didn’t sound like a copycat performance…that was good.” Blake is coming out fighting…
Melinda Doolittle - The producers chose “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike and Tina Turner - Melinda’s grandparents are in the audience. Her question: Who was your idol growing up, and why” Melinda says “I would have to say my mommy…we’ve been hanging out since I was a little girl.” The producers pick, surprisingly, an obscure Ike and Tina Turner song. Well, I’m sure the kids have never heard it, anyway. Melinda tears the place up. Really, she definitely has an inner rocker chick going on that does not seem put on or phony. At one point she even picks up the microphone as she wails. An excellent song choice for Melinda–tonight’s song selections prove again that Melinda can, indeed, sing anything. Simon says, “I love that side of you…another brilliant performance.” Randy thinks Melinda took the round. Simon thinks it’s a tie. I think Melinda and Blake took this round.
Ewww. Paula and Simon kissing. Ryan says, “Stop that, it’s not LaKisha.”
Jordin Sparks - Personal choice is “I Who Have Nothing” by Shirley Bassey - The mall where Jordin used to work placed a plaque for her at the bottom of an escalator. Jordin quips, “People can walk all over me now.” Her reprise of “I Who Have Nothing” is very good, just like it was the first time. But, hardly a revelation at this point. For Jordin to make an impression this week, She really needed to choose something new–another ballad that shows off her ability to emote a torchy song. It would have set her apart from Melinda and Blake, and would have also offset the meh quality of the the first two songs. Randy thinks it’s her best performance of the night. Paula says something that made absolutely no sense. Oh, how I love incoherent Pauler. Simon says she sang it very well, but “there was a part of me that hated the fact that a 17 year old was singing a 60 year old song.” Actually, I think that song is only 40 years old, Simon. And hold on a minute…Jordin is only 17??? Yer kidding! Anyway. Jordin timidly points out that his song choice for her is from the 70’s and Simon looks none too pleased.
Blake Lewis - Personal choice is “When I Get You Alone” by Robin Thicke - Blake’s hometown clip has him duetting with Sir Mix Alot on “Bit Butts.” OMG. Sir says, “You now have a new king of Sea-town baby.” Blake is working the plaid pants. I like it. Whoa, this is pretty hot. Very contemporary, and I mean really contemporary. It’s a tricky song, and Blake pulls it off. He throws in some beatboxing mixed in with the singing at the end, and it’s perfect. This is how you win a competition, people. You take a risk, go out on a limb, take that extra time to rehearse an original song rather than re-hashing an audience favorite. Very very smart move for Blake to end with a new song. Blake has sung and performed his way into the finals tonight. Or at least he should have. Randy liked the Maroon 5 song better. Simon gets it, “I actually really liked that. This is what I have liked about you throughout the competition…you don’t play it safe, you take a risk, you actually look like you are having fun.”
Melinda Doolittle - Personal choice is “I’m a Woman” - We see that Melinda’s college has named a street after her. Although Melinda brings back a song she sang previously, she does mix it up a bit. I think this latest version is better than the first. The backup singers are dressed for the part, and come out to join Melinda on stage. I have to say, I love this growly, rock side of Melinda. Like Blake, I think Melinda has sung her way to the finals. Simon says, “We’ve known each other now for 11 weeks..if I’m going to award a place in the final for the person who has consistently delivered week after week it’s you.” Wow, I think Melinda is being pimped big time tonight. So much for the gamblers who predicted she’d be leaving this week…
Who do the judges think will make it into the finale? Randy says he thinks it will be two girls if it’s based on singing. Paula won’t answer. Simon says, “I want to see my girl Melinda in the final.”
Group hug and we’re out…
The Jordin train seems to have stalled on the tracks tonight. Ask me on Monday? I woulda said Jordin in the finale, without a doubt, with a probable win. Ask me on Tuesday? I’m not so sure. Jordin’s performances were good, but lackluster. Simon appears to be pushing for a Melinda win, and she definitely got the highest praise from the judges. She performed last–impeccably and then some. Why, I think the wind has just changed direction. Blake pulled out 1 good and two great performances tonight. He is definitely back in the game.
I would love to see a Blake/Melinda finale, and after tonight’s performance, I believe it’s possible. Dial Idol has all three running neck and neck. The results, peeps, are gonna be a nail-biter.
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Can we just have 59 1/2 minutes of Elliott tonight and 30 seconds of elimination????? After all the junk we have had to listen to this year, isn’t that the very least we deserve?!?!?!?!
I loved how Jordin called out Simon on making her sing a song from the 70s yet but says that he hates the fact that she is singing a song from the 60s. Ugh. He needs to carefully layout his plan on how to throw her under the bus.
I don’t know a lot, but I think Songs About Jane is 4x platinum, and their current single Makes Me Wonder is atop the Billboard Hot 100. Not too shabby, IMO.
Grammi Karl:
Interesting that link, thanks for posting.
It talks about (among other things) Jordin’s anti-abortion activism, evangelical Christianity, and there are pics suggesting she’s been part of demonstrations, etc. At 17, wow.
I agree it’s unfair to judge her for a talent contest on the basis of her politics — which many AI viewers may not share. The religious thing especially — not all of us are Christians, and in this country that should make no difference.
But it is interesting that she’s a far more sophisticated and forceful person than her girlish demeanor may suggest. And her ambition is off the charts. She’s been chasing a career since middle school. That worries me, just for her sake…..
Josy my sentiments eaxactly
HEAR HEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am really, really looking forward to Elliott tonight. I was not a big fan of his last season but this season really makes me appreciate him.
That and his outstanding CD.
Actually, the only song that Melinda did choose was one that made me think I wouldn’t like her CD. That, and some of her other choices this season. I thought the Whitney Houston song she did last night was the only one that would have broad appeal.
I can appreciate her talent without personally liking it. I’m sure escargot are a delicious gourmet delicacy, but that doesn’t mean I want to eat it.
I was disappointed overall with last night’s show. I was hoping for a breakout “moment” from someone but didn’t see anything that really wowed me. I thought the first song Melinda did last night was one of her worst of the season. It didn’t fit her range or something. But she still deserves to move on the finale. I think it’s a toss-up who should be there with her. Jordin has a better voice than Blake but he’s the better entertainer. He also gets extra points for doing a new song instead of a repeat like the girls. It should be a close one tonight.
I also don’t think Jordin did herself any favors by talking back to Simon. It wasn’t on the Katharine McPhee “you’re so mean to me!!” level but still not a good thing to do. If she somehow manages to squeak by Blake tonight, I wonder if she’ll pull another McPhee and celebrate inappropriately.
Okay, I am with Jasy. I want 59 1/2 minutes of Elliott, a 15 second Ford commercial and 15 seconds of the finalists.
Hey MJ, (I know this is an AI site but..) wasn’t Elvis C. great last night? I was at Avalon too, just like I was there for Taylor last month. I saw EC at BofA pavillion a couple of years ago but last night was sooo much better.
Elvis Costello is probably my most favorite artist of all times. Glad to hear you are a fan, mj. I’ve seen him many times, at Jones Beach, the Tilles Center, but not recently.
Looking forward to Elliott tonight.
Elvis is great, also been touring with the legendary New Orleans pianist Allen Toussaint. I’m sneaking a little snippet of wonderful video in here, and I hope MJ won’t disapprove:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iTssU7Bbl8&mode=related&search=
wouldn’t it be cool to hear someone — blake, melinda, whomever — sing on AI Elvis’s hit, “What’s So Funny About Peace Love & Understanding?” — (written by Nick Lowe)
Yeah, Elvis was fantastic!!! Since he just released a greatest hits thing, the show was full of great older tunes. One awesome song right after the other with very little banter. Elvis has had an AMAZING career. Nearly 30 years and still going strong..
GREAT recap MJ. I agree with almost all of it. I love Jordin, and I thought she was a shoo in for the finale, but after last night if it’s not a Blake/Melinda finale I’ll be upset.
I love Elvis too. At my workplace we call him the “real” Elvis.
He’s written more truly great songs than Barry Gibb for god’s sake. Just imagine an Elvis theme night. Blake doing “Veronica” or Jordin doing “Alison”.
I won’t be surprised if they put out the 33.xx% voting totals again tonight. It could very well be true - anyone could leave.
Elvis Costello is married to Diana Krall, who’s from Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Diana grew up playing jazz in honky-tonks around Namaimo. One of those establishments has since become quite famous, and it is now know world over the the Namaino Bar.
Terrific write-up M.J. and it is scary, but I agree with everything you said.
And if Blake doesn’t make to the final with Melinda, I’ll be a little less than pleased. Can’t wait to see what he’d do with a coronation song. Heck, give him ‘My Destiny’ and I’m sure he’ll make it his own.
Nigel said some strange things in his weekly interview. I think he’s just trying to throw people off.
In an interview today with TV Week, American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe said that the girls may have split the votes last night, paving the way for Blake to make it to the finale next week.
Nigel
I just posted that in the daily chat, Cathy. Interesting, isn’t it? It certainly makes it seem that Blake may make it. He usually is pretty straight forward in his comments so it’s a little surprising to me.
I can’t imagine Nigel letting the cat out of the bag early. After all, his job is to get as many people as possible to watch.
If anything, he’s trying to add extra tension here.
Blake may have had two “current” songs chosen for him (HOW old is “Roxanne” again??), but he is also the only contestant who, when given a choice of any song to sing, chose to not only NOT reprise a prior performance, but picked a song by an artist who is CURRENTLY on the charts.
My thing with Jordin - if she KNEW that the two songs she was being given were “old” songs, why did she not pick a song that could have made her seem younger and current, instead of reprising a song she’d previously done? She had the chance to rectify a situation she did not like, but took the lazy way out. So, IMO, she has no room to complain. Sorry.
Another thing about Maroon 5 - along with multi-platinum album sales, they also won a Grammy - best new artist, I believe. But nah, that kind of artist doesn’t sell records.
Because Jordin’s point was that if Simon wants her to pick younger sounding songs (and this is not the first time he has made that critique) then why didn’t he pick a more current song as his own personal pick for her. From a standpoint of trying to get more votes, it probably would have been best not to bring it up, but her point was perfectly valid.
Wow, Allen, you completely missed my point.
So, to “get back” at Simon for picking a song from the 70’s for her, she not only reprises a song she’s already done, but reprises one from the 60’s? Yeah, that makes TOTAL sense.
And, considering that even Beyonce (how much more current can you get?) has apparently covered that song Simon picked, it just made her seem like a whiny little brat.
After Simon’s pick for Jordin I don’t think there was any discussion of Jordin appearing too old. Simon didn’t like the arrangement they chose. Jordin seemed to express she wasn’t sure about the song (not saying anything about its age though) when she first heard it but also then said that she did love the song.
After Jordin’s pick, Simon again trots out his argument from the previous week that he thought the vocal was good but that it was too old fashioned for him and he wants Jordin to appear younger (since she is). Jordin points out that when Simon was able to pick for her, he picked something older as well. Basically saying why didn’t you practice what you preach. Jordin didn’t seem to have any problem singing an older song (or she would have picked a different one for herself), she was just addressing Simon’s criticism.
Maybe Simon had some valid comeback that he never told us (or we never saw anyway). Maybe he wanted her to do it in the style of someone who covered it recently. Maybe he wanted to see if Jordin could make it current on her own. But Jordin’s question at least is perfectly valid. Again, as far as trying to win yourself votes, I don’t think it was necessarily the best move. But she still kind of had a relevant point.
Sarah, you are right about Maroon 5 winning a Grammy for Best New Artist (2004), and they also won in 2005 for Best Pop Performance for This Love.
http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=Maroon%205&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1
The El you say! I am basking in all the Elliott and Elvis love. Today might be my favoritest ever in MJ Land.
In addition to being an amazingly prolific tunesmith, Elvis Costello is probably the all-time master of the song fadeout, an art form that has been lost in the post-New Wave era. I haven’t seen him perform in 20 years. I envy you guys.
Colette and others, per discussions with other AI fans, I will stick with the opinion that NO sponsor of the show should be involved with arrangements whereby a contestant meets Simon, Paula, or Randy before their actual audition. Fine if radio stations, television stations, or Toys R Us send a contestant to compete. NO CORPORATE SPONSOR SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN PROMOTING THEIR WINNER!
Apparently, others feel it is just fine.