Melinda Doolittle eliminated tonight.
THAT is some f*cked up sh*t, peeps.
*******************
Farewell Melinda
&*%$#^&**asdfjkl;
Damn.
It’s not that I didn’t realize it could happen. While Melinda Doolittle is certainly an amazing singer and consistent week in and week out, I knew she could be the victim of an OMG!!11!!! shocking boot. It happens every year, doesn’t it? Ask Tamyra Gray, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry, right? I suppose the bettors knew best–they predicted Melinda would go this week.
I, on the other hand, truly felt the contest could be anybody’s game. Particularly after Tuesday night’s episode. Melinda and Blake Lewis both outsang and outperformed Jordin Sparks. For the first time in a few weeks, she appeared vulnerable. Of course, if Jordin were vulnerable, they all were. But still, I found myself thinking that a Melinda/Blake final was in the realm of possibility.
Ah well, that’s how the cookie crumbles in Idol land. I’ve had lots of practice watching favorites get booted off. I’m steely, at this point. Stiff upper lip, y’all. I imagine I’ll get more practice next week when Blake Lewis is finally eliminated. Heh.
Before I start the re-cap, let me fast-forward to the end of last night’s show. Both Entertainment Weekly and People Magazine have reporters on the scene here and here. After the show wrapped, Blake and Jordin tossed a specially made coin with their faces imprinted on either side, to choose next week’s performance order. Blake won the toss, and the chance to choose first or last. Every contestant who has won this toss chose the pimp spot for obvious reasons. Not Blake. First, he deferred to the producers, and then to Jordin. Who of course…picked the pimp spot. She’s no fool.
An animated bit featuring Homer Simpson opens tonight’s show. Who needs Ryan when you have Homer? Good stuff.
Elliott Yamin in the house. YAYYY. Mucho screams for Elliott. Maroon 5 is here. Ohhh Brandon Rogers in the audience!
Re-cap of last night. Hmmm, the clip they include of Melinda has her blowing a note.
Ryan promotes the AI tour–coming to a city near you and me. Are you going? I am. Tickets go on sale this Saturday.
Ryan sits down with the kids. Jordin’s homecoming video is first. She talks about her hectic day. The video rolls. It’s Jordin Sparks day in Glendale, AZ. It looks really really hot there. She’s greeted by some perky cheerleaders and some local sports teams. She drops by her high school (which she doesn’t attend anymore because she’s been home schooled). Jordin is reunited with her BFF and there is much hugging and crying and squealing. She performs “I Who Have Nothing” on an open air stage at a mall. She tells people she loves them. A lot. The Mayor of Glendale announces her judge’s pick. Jordin acts excited and then cries in the car. “Who am I to have this amazing experience?” she asks.
Cut to Jordin standing on the seal. Ryan begins reciting the blah blah judges said blah blah you sang deal. Only 15 minutes in and the eliminations are starting already? Hell to the no! This is American Idol. First, Ryan has to toy with the contestants for a bit. Ryan hams it up–he glares and shakes his head at Simon as he reads his negative reviews of Jordin’s performances.
Jordin…America voted…and…we’ll find out how you did a little later in the show.
Haley Scarnato and Lakisha Jones, (sitting next to Brandon) also in the house.
This week’s Idol Challenge has Elliott Yamin as the answer. Cuz he’s singing tonight! Duh.
Ryan sits down next to Blake and starts singing, “This life has taken it’s toll…” while Blake beatboxes. Who thought that was a good idea? We find out that Blake met Sir Mix a Lot before this weekend and his answer to the question “Do you like big butts?” is “I can’t lie.” Jimi Hendrix sings “All Along the Watchtower” in the background as Blake makes his way to the city. Blake grabs the camera on both sides while he pulls it close to his face. He has much to tell us. Like, “It’s a good day, WOO!” and “WOOO SPACE NEEDLE!” The little girls are sooooo excited. Some of the big girls are too. Blake takes his first trip to the top of the space needle. Who visits the tourist traps in their home town? I don’t.
Downtown, there’s a massive crowd, and Blake holds up a sign that says, “Simon was wrong, Seattle rocks!” Afterward, Blake gets to ride a sea-plane home to Bothell. Sweet! The music switches to Keane’s ”Somewhere only We Know.” Aww. There’s a sweet reunion with his parents. Papa Lewis cries, Blake hugs him and says, “I love you daddy.” The whole family takes part in a town parade. Blake films the crowd. Keane and Blake become one as he sings “Somewhere only We Know.” The day ends with Blake singing the national anthem at Safeco Field before the Mariners game. “Best day ever!” says Blake.
Back to the studio. Blake stands on the seal with his Dad. Ryan tells Blake’s dad to take a seat. But he’s so psyched to be there, he doesn’t hear. Finally, Ryan says, “Seriously sir, you have to take a seat, I can’t torture your son with you standing here.” Ok, I made that up. But, with all the time wasting they do on this show, Ryan sure seemed to be in a hurry to get dad off the stage.
Ryan says… Ahhh you know the drill. I’m not going to repeat it. Ryan asks Blake if he knows what’s coming next, and Blake says, all smarmy, ”And we’ll cut to a commercial break!” Wrong. Have a seat, Blake. “We’re not that predictable here are we?” Uhh, does Simon need a bra?
Hooray hooray hooray. Elliott Yamin is next. Ain’t this sweet? Elliott returns to the exact place and time he was eliminated a year ago, with a brand new album to promote. ”Open Arms” would not defeat Elliott Yamin. Nope. Elliott’s hair is long and curly. And his teeth are…well they are huge. And very white. It’s a little startling. But he looks good. Elliott squeezes his eyes shut as he sings. Cut to the kids who are jammin’ to the tune.
After the song, Ryan says, “You know how it works Elliott, step up here…let’s go to the judges on that…” “No judges! This isn’t that kind of party!” Elliott laughs. Randy says, “Welcome home dawg!” Paula is all misty eyed, “I, I …ghai…I’m speechless! I’m so proud of you, I’m so proud of you, I can’t even stand it! I love you!” No Paula meltdown tonight. I’m disappointed. “Not great,” jokes Simon, “Kidding, kidding it was great.” he says unconvincingly. “Nice to have you back, Elliott,” he adds a little more convincingly.
Does Elliott have any advice for the kids? “Hope and pray you get the boot tonight,” he says, “Otherwise you’ll be forced to make a crap album with Clive.” Kidding, of course. Elliott congratulates them and says, “I promise you, this is only the beginning of great things to come.” Elliott takes the opportunity to thank his fans and plug his tour. It’s a list of things to mention, and afterward Ryan says, “You wanna thank Coca-Cola? Ford?” Elliott says, “Sure, Coke, Ford, PORSCHE, I love Porches….” Har. Ryan looks like he’s about to have a stroke at the mention of a sponsor competitor. Good job, Elliott!
After the break, it’s Maroon 5, and Melinda goes home! Wait, she WHAT? Oh, you know. It’s her video package silly! She’s not going home. Yet.
This week’s Ford commercial. We see the Idols as little kids, and then grown up. That’s it.
It’s Melinda’s turn. The kids are all holding hands. Melinda says she was glad to have the opportunity to look people in the eye and thank them. Ryan asks Simon a question and catches him not paying attention. Cut to the video. Melinda can’t wait to be interviewed on the Fox morning show. Melinda meets her peeps. Melinda is greeted by the governor of Tennessee, cause she rates. No mayors for her! The governor declares it “Melinda Doolittle Day” in the state of Tennessee.
Melinda heads to Belmont University, her Alma Mater. Melinda’s parents are there when the school officially renames a street “Melinda Doolittle Way.” She sings “Since You Been Gone” to 
the crowd. Later, she visits her church. “Home” is the backdrop for an emotional reunion with the congregation. There’s lots of hugging and tears. Melinda reflects on the plane back to LA, “There was true and honest support in the air, and it just kind of lifted me off the ground and I got overwhelmed and it just gave me a little extra to keep going with this…and to really come through for Nashville–make it work out.”
Melinda is center stage with Ryan. She wears a t-shirt that says, “Death Cheater.” Eep. Blah blah blah time for a break,” says Ryan.
Ryan promotes the new show from the producers of American Idol. I’m not going to talk about that now. Later, peeps.
Maroon 5 takes the stage. No, they really do. They’re in the studio. It’s not some lame video that Ryan pretends is live. They sing their latest single, “Makes me Wonder.” Adam Levine needs to eat a sandwich. He also probably believes that ”nasally” is a style of singing. Har, he turns his mouth away from the microphone to sing the word f*ck. As if we can’t hear it. (as if you can’t figure out the * when I type it.)
“It is the moment of truth,” intones Ryan. It took long enough. We finally get to the elimination with six minutes to spare.
“Let me start with…Jordin. Would you step forward please.” Blake kisses her hand before he lets it go. “Jordin Sparks, ladies and gentlemen.” The crowd cheers. Jordin smiles and scrunches up her nose. “Almost 60 million votes came in,” Jordin looks like she smells something bad. Maybe it’s Ryan. He continues, “And I think you’ll be happy with those votes.” Melinda squeaks and puts her hands on her face. Ryan continues, “You have made it through to the American Idol finale!” Blake claps and whoops. Jordin covers her face. “Congratulations Jordin!” says Ryan. Jordin cries while she hugs Melinda. The crowd gives her a standing O. Ryan hugs her. She takes a seat on the couch.
“Now back at the center of the stage,” Blake and Melinda hold hands. Ryan says, “Who joins Jordin? Will it be girl-girl? Guy-girl? Blake pipes up nervously, “Machine-girl–machine…” Calm down there, skippy.
“Melinda, would you step forward, ” says Ryan. “Almost 60 million votes. An incredible number. Those votes came in. America has decided…that this is the end of the road for you tonight on American Idol.”
A collective “oh no!” rises from the crowd amid screams from the Blaker girls. Cut to Simon who looks REAL pissed. Jordin is hyperventilating. “That means Blake makes it into the Idol finale.” Blake does not celebrate. He’s sad for Melinda. Hell, maybe he’s sad for himself. Take a look at Elliott. He’s doing just fine. Blake tells Melinda that he loves her and gives her a hug. Blake goes back to the couch and gives Jordin a kiss.
“And, here she is, one of our best singers ever, Melinda Doolittle.” Melinda is all smiles. She’s very zen. She waves to the crowd. Her goodbye video plays. Ryan tells her that great things are in her future. He turns to Blake and Jordin and says, “Your finale next week is right over here…” Melinda applauds them. The judges react with the usual plaudits. Not one of them said “This is BULLCRAP,” not even Simon.
Melinda sings out with “Woman.” Blake (down on one knee) and Jordin present a bouquet of flowers to Melinda. Blake backs away with “I’m not worthy” hands. Melinda walks over to the backup singers and hands them the flowers. She finishes. Beautifully. Just like the pro that she is.
Well. No worries about Melinda. For reals. I hope she and Elliott had a nice chat afterward. These days, coming in third isn’t so bad. Melinda is like that office worker who is so efficient and so good, people take her for granted. I’m thinking there were many who dug her performances, but voted for another contestant who stood out a little more for one reason or another. Certainly, her style puts her squarely in the adult contemporary pocket. Melinda is niche, just like Taylor Hicks. If Melinda had won, and Jordin had come in third, 19 would have signed Jordin anyway, and maybe would have neglected Melinda to concentrate on the kid they wanted to win–the kid they could market to the KISS FM’s of the world.
With the pressure off, Melinda can surround herself with people who appreciate her talent, and thrive. It’s all good.
Still, that Blake/Melinda final sure would have been awesome. The best singer vs. the best performer. Sigh.
Side note: So much for Seattle as the Worst Audition City Evah, as Blake and Jordin both auditioned there. And, for the first time, the winner and runner-up will not hail from the South. There’s that.
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Go show ‘em how it’s done Melinda. Godspeed.
As a Blake fan, I’m majorly bummed. Melinda is the one person who I think maybe I’d be cool with beating him. I’ve come to terms with the fact that Jordin is TCO and should win next week, but I won’t be as psyched about the finale as I would have been a Blake/Melinda finale. If Blake doesn’t win, my I officially believe the producers just pick the AI. Whatever happens, I’m on Team Plaid all the way!
part of an exit interview for melinda.
Ousted ‘Idol’ finalist Melinda Doolittle “had an idea” she’d be eliminated
“The biggest thing that I will take away is that I know that I was really scared to do this at the beginning, and the fact that I was able to step out and do it even in the midst of fear kind of just gave me an outlook on how strong God has helped me become and how much I’ve grown from it,” she said. “I found my own voice as opposed to my own voice singing background and I couldn’t have asked for more from this experience.”
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/ousted-idol-finalist-melinda-doolittle-had-an-idea-shed-be-eliminated-5191.php
Thanks for the link, bruno.
The thing is, I suspect that last night was not the first time Melinda “had an idea” that she might be eliminated. After all, remember the shocked look on her fact when, during her audition, the judges heaped praise upon her? I think, even then, she had an idea that she might not move forward!
And this isn’t just about Melinda’s lack of confidence, either. My guess is that, on elimination night, each one of the contestants has a feeling that it might be their last night (especially when they are in the bottom 2 or 3). Then when they are eliminated, they say they had a feeling - but they never say that they had that same feeling any of the other elimination nights.
I guess I’m just saying that it is shocking that she was eliminated last night, but doesn’t seem so uncanny that she had a feeling it would happen.
She has a lot of class, though. Her parting words are very gracious.
Did anyone else hear what Ryan said. I read acomment and new I had to register on this site.
I had to admit I wasn’t the biggest Melinda fan. But she definitely deserved 2nd to Jordin of course.
AI definetely messed up. Ryan DID say before the last commercial (i rewound it on my Tivo six times) “Maroon 5, and your results Melinda’s going home when we get back.”
Go Jordin!!!Go Jordin!!!Go Jordin!!!Go Jordin!!!Go Jordin!!!
I am confused, whose fault is is that Melinda went home?
The voting audience or TPTB?
Mini,
Ryan didn’t say “Melinda’s going home” before the last commercial……he said “Melinda goes home” before the commercial in which right after that was the video of Melinda’s trip home the previous weekend. That is what he meant. He is too smooth and good at what he does to make that gaffe.
Enews just had Ryan talking with Blake. Blake stated that he has never seen an AI Finale. What planet has this boy been calling home
jordin is icky. i am not fond of her as a person. period. plus, her singing is the same old same old.
melinda, while having a great voice, would never have sold albums. she is, well, just not a marketable package.
You know, it’s probably true that Melinda doesn’t have the sort of package to be on pop radio. But it doesn’t mean she couldn’t have an enormously successful career. There are plenty of music acts who have great talent but are not necessarily all that gorgeous or hip. No, she was never going to be the next Jessica Simpson or Britney Spears. Is that what American Idol is all about? Because it really seems like it. Yet, they have the contestants sing all sorts of old fashioned songs and different genres. I love the format of the show, I tend to hate what happens to the winner afterwards as they are forced into some sort of idea of pop music that is outdated and narrow.
All of them had 3 lines, so maybe the dedicated voters were able to get through a lot more than in the past. And I also agree with the poster who said people step up the voting for their favs the closer to the end that it gets. I do know a lot of people that haven’t even voted in the past weeks voted Tuesday.
BTW, interesting tidbit from the Idolforums. Blake’s t-shirt read ‘False Idols’ last night.
I love the format of the show! The fact that they have the contestants sing all sorts of songs from different generations and different genres is what makes it so appealing to all generations. I watch and editted version of the show with my young grandchildren.
To appreciate music’s history, we must never lose touch with it. Big Band night brings the focus on my parents’ music. Today’s music has also received attention from the contestants. Bravo!
Grammie Kari,
I hope you didn’t misunderstand. I love the format of the show, too, I just think it sends a confusing message when everyone starts talking about marketability.
You said it Grammie, I also love the format of the show. I loved the 60’s stuff, my mom loved hearing a Gershwin tune. My 88 year old mother watches every week, and we were introduced to new young artists, and a new style of music, as beatboxing was completely new to both of us.
I love watching the journey that the idols take. It’s fun to talk about the politics, and it has certainly made this season fun. But, it doesn’t matter. It’s all entertainment. I wish them all a bright future.
How many music executives are there on this page? What exactly would you call “marketable” and on what criteria do you base that ass-umption?
Rewatched results night & I think Porsche owe Elliott a car!! That was the best TV moment on Season 6.
Call me crazy, but after Tuesday night’s performances I wasn’t thinking there was a whole lot of daylight between Melinda and Jordin. I thought they were both good. I know Melinda is techinically very proficient, but as Simon likes to say “it’s not just about the voice”.
The main reason Melinda’s elimination was surprising was that she received such high praise from the judges and she was at the top of Dial Idol.
so blake tanked his coin toss? and he wants to lose how badly….?
there are a lot of people with knowledge about the music industry on this site. and no, melinda is only marketable to a very niche, and small market, she in no way spells big dollars.
however, you would disagree. so go ahead….explain to the rest of us how and why melinda will make a huge selling album in todays market. first, tell us what genre, then tell us the market and their buying power….not just your generic crap about she has a great voice….you want to assert she is marketable…go ahead…and back it up.
Folk, welcome back … I’ve missed you!
I couldn’t help but notice that some of you ascribed Melinda’s loss to VFTW. You have played right into their hands and made them deliriously happy because that is exactly what they want you to think. I have never thought that VFTW is all-powerful because they have never sponsored anyone who won except for Taylor Hicks and he would have won without their help. So put the blame where it belongs; on the Idol voter apathy. I voted religiously last year until my pick got voted off. This season there has been no reason for me to vote since the whole group was a big disappointment.
I saw the head of VFTW on Letterman. He would love for everyone to think that people thought they had some influence. I don’t normally talk bad about people but he is an arrogant dork.
Interesting that Blake did not choose to go second in the coin toss. After reading his interview in the Seattle Times last week (the one where he said Jordin should win), I think he does not want to win.
Love your recap, MJ.
In a way I think it would be better if the producers get their way this season. Blake will be fine either way but maybe better if he’s not the AI. This way they get the one they want although I can easily see Blake doing better commercially.
Concerning VFTW, Angelia had a good point. But if the voting method is faulty where someone could use a computer program to vote and if this someone is from that unmentionable foul attitude group, it could be a problem. And if it is a real problem, I think AI producers should try to fix it to keep the show going with quality results. Maybe they have already tried. I am frustrated because I tried to vote and could not get through for two hours! There must be a better system, similar to real-life public office voting. Or maybe NOT. Or maybe the theory of producers fixing the results is correct. Or maybe AI really wants to cater more to the younger teeny audience who drinks more Coke and wears more Old Navy…It made you wonder when your favorite had to go home before the finale!
About someone asking which genre Melinda should belong, I think that a creative talented artist like Melinda will find her genre with no problem, or simply create her own alternative genre. She did that Whitney Houston’s song so well, I think she should push for more difficult yet contemporary, edgy and at the same time soulful and spirited songs.
I don’t have time to read all the comments before making mine so if someone already covered this…sorry!
They had time to make a COIN after the voting on Tuesday and the results on Wednesday? I don’t think so! Do they make three coins or is this whole thing rigged?
It may actually be better for Blake if he doesn’t win. That way if his CD doesn’t sell millions he isn’t seen as the AI winner who failed. And he could have more say as to what to put on his CD as Daughtry had. In hindsight, Daughtry actually played it perfectly. He stayed on long enough to get a lot of fans & get name recognition yet he didn’t have to sing a lame coronation song.
My point exactly was that there are TOO FEW genres now in the American music biz, in terms of mainstream/radio/play stuff. But I think that’s gonna change. It has to, because hip-hop and rap sales are slipping bigtime.
When Tower Records went out of business, I cruised by a local one looking for goodies. For a long time everything in the store was only about 20 percent off — except the rap music, which was 50, then 60, then 70 percent off, with lots of “product” left on the shelf.
For a while it’s been rap, hip-hop, country, Goth or metal and little else. Now more interesting hard rock is returning. And neo-soul is defining itself. And alt-rock is breaking through a little, along with the indefinable stuff — the jazz, folk, rock singer-songwriter hybrids.
You can’t have a healthy music scene — artistically and/or financially — when all the music that gets bigtime promotion is aimed at one youth audience segment — a segment that is bound to outgrow their youthful (and often macho) tastes as soon as they hit their mid-20s.
Tho Lakisha and Melinda didn’t win, they made it high and far enough to get enough millions of votes to suggest that there are plenty of people out there who want something different. Let’s see “who will never sell albums.” And let’s remember that selling hundreds of thousands of album is something perhaps 1 percent of all recording artists, even the best, ever do….
I never really understand why people say it is better to “not win”. Look at Bo Bice, Diana, Justin, and even Kat — no big successes there.
I’m thrilled that Blake is in the final — he has the best chance for commercial success. Why he wouldn’t want to win is beyond me. He’s got the fanbase. He seems to take the competition very seriously.
I really hope he wins. Go Team Plaid!
But Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson & Clay Aiken are non winners. Daughtry has the biggest CD of the year & Jennifer won an Oscar. In my opinion, those things are both better than winning AI.
It’s the same kinds of assumptions that music executives make when they pick their artists. I think what people mean here is the wow factor. Like it or not, that is probably the reason Melinda is gone. Who really thinks her elimination was based on her singing?
I think a lot of people say this to ease their impending perceived disappointment. They expect on some level that their favorite is going out, so they rationalize that it is not a bad thing. Makes them feel better. If you ever study psychology, this is what they call “cognitive dissonance.” It is a very commom psychological tendency.
Objectively, it is best to be the winner. You are essentially guaranteed a platinum record since they auto ship a million units for the winner. Conversely, some runners up have done only about 200K, such as Diana.
The biggest sellers are still the winners. Kelly with over six million on her second album will always spank Clay. Carrie with over 5 million already will always spank Clay, as well. Since Clay is the most successful runner up, it is not logical to say it is best not to win.
Additionally, Bo did not win and was still saddled with a poor record. Chris did not win and got a great record. Bottom line is that if you don’t win, you get the throwaway treatment if the producers/ record label don’t like you. But if you don’t win and they love you, then you are treated like a winner from a marketing perspective.
Where is your proof that Daughtry would not have a great record and Jennifer would not have won an Oscar if they had won? There is no proof of this.
Daughtry and Hudson were NOT second place. History shows that second place is not a springboard to a successful career. Clay Aiken is the only exception, and his case is unique because there will always be skepticism about the voting system that year.
and on cnn today…we can find an article on how melinda was just not sexy enough to win.
we can all argue about how it should not be this way….but the reality it that it is this way.
I do think it’s better for some people not to win. Chris Daughtry did far better imo by being the shocking exit at 4. There was a ton of press about it. Of course it goes down to your record and who will like it but in rock he certainly lost less “cred” by not winning. Bo didn’t benefit as much because he didn’t do a record that suited his style like Chris did. I was a fan of his and didn’t even buy it because of that. I did think that Kat’s album would sell much better than it has but didn’t buy it either. I did buy Kelly C’s and Clay’s first album but none since other than 4 songs of KC’s that I’ve downloaded.
Jordin will benefit by winning because she’s the one they really want and will go all out for her. Blake needed to get far enough to get noticed, get a contract, and build a fanbase but am not sure that winning would do any more for him. I was a little torn when he didn’t go out at 3rd because of it but of course will still vote. I’m not saying it because I don’t think he can win because I do think so.
All of us wants to be able to predict future, for others and ourselves. True artists defy prediction and predictability. CNN article on beauty and winning as well as other discussions on marketablity on this page contribute to the passive culture of consuming instead of creating. If we want great arts and great artists, we have better educated ourselves and go for what our heart and soul wants, not what the media or market research dictates. Be brave and support what moves you. Support the great artists even if she/he does not win or does not “look” good according to certain standards. Melinda is truly beautiful to her fans. The more she developed her skill to express on stage and being her true artist self, the more amazing she became. Watching her progress on the show was like watching a beautiful flower open slowly and surely. But she still needs the LUCK factor. And perhaps more. Since no one can predict for sure what the future will bring.
Angelia: For the record, VFTW also supported Carrie Underwood- who also would have won without their help.
I think the reason Jordin and Blake are the final 2: Blake has a great persona and brings something different to the table. He doesn’t have the greatest voice or range (IMO) but he sings songs so differently that people love to watch to see what he will come up with.
Jordin has a big, belty voice that American Idol viewers usually love. She is bubbly and has charisma- those things coupled with her voice is what has made her so popular. She’s inconsistent but she has such a happy personality that I think that the voting audience tends to forgive her inconsistencies.
Melinda had a great voice- one of the best ever on the show IMO- and a humble personality. But she didn’t have charisma, and she didn’t bring anything different that we haven’t seen before. Without one of those two things she just wasn’t able to overcome the other two.