Top 4 Performance

Barry Gibb is this week’s guest mentor.  He and his brothers, The Bee Gees, came out of the British Invasion of the mid-sixties and have been through a few metamorphoses over the years.  During the 70’s , they became a dance band, helping to mainstream disco. And, as a staunch member of the “Disco Sux” contingency back in the day, I’m not a big fan of the music from that period.  My favs all come from their early work, in the 60s, of which I was hoping to get a good dose of tonight.  Alas, it was only Jordin who brought the Beatlesque Bee Gees, singing the beautiful “To Love Somebody.”

But, if I’m being perfectly honest, I’m not huge fan overall of the Brothers Gibb sound–I find their nasal, high-pitched warbly falsettos unpleasant listening. Having said that, I gotta give those guys props for their longevity.  They stayed current for a good 30 years.

Barry is a very encouraging and circumspect mentor. Even when Blake picks a lemon, “Well, we didn’t have a hit with it, but maybe Blake could make it current…..” he keeps looking on the bright side.  Also, as a side note.  Barry is one more aged celebrity who desperately needs to just say no to the Botox.  At this point, he can barely move his jaw.

After watching the show tonight, twice in fact, I have to say–Worst. Episode. Ever.  Melinda was the best overall, but she was bland.  Jordin had the best performance, “To Love Somebody”, but her second tune, “A Woman In Love” was an earsplitting mess.  Blake wasn’t terrible, but he misstepped in a big way.  And LaKisha, who I think should go home, was pitchy, winded and boring on both numbers.

Barry says he loves to hear other people sing his songs, and he’s just come here to enjoy them.  I’m guessing no people-are-expecting-my-songs-to-sound-a-certain-way hissyfits from Barry.

Ryan’s main job tonight is keeping the proceedings on schedule.  He spends a lot of time checking his watch.  There are 8, 2 minute performances to fit into an hour.  It’s chop-chop everyone.

Melinda Doolittle - “Love You Inside” -  Barry was a little confused that Melinda chose this song because, “it was a falsetto song in the first place.”  Well, so?  Melinda delivers a great performance, but unfortunately for her, not great enough.  Her performances have been so expert, that her personal bar is set extremely high at this stage. As always, Melinda’s phrasing, pitch and delivery are stellar.  But, the judges are not bowled over by her performance.  Now, anything less than knock-yer-socks-off incredible is not going to impress.  It’s called peaking early, and at this critical point in the competition, it may hurt Melinda.  Shocking boot anyone?  Simon says, “that was more of a backing vocalist performance.”  Burn.

Back from the break, and the judges participate in a little AT&T product placement fun.

Blake Lewis - “You Should Be Dancing” -  Blake is very excited because he gets to meet one of the “pioneers” of dance music.   While his vocals are OK, I find the beatboxing effects a little grating–particularly the staccato beats he drops in at the end of each verse.  The beatboxing in the middle is pretty good, but unfortunately, the entire effect comes off as a party trick. This week, it doesn’t really add much to the song. That, and the over-processed echo effects on the vocals add up to a strange and unsatisfying performance. The judges pretty much hate it. About the beatboxing Randy says, “That song didn’t need none of that.” He also thinks the effect is ”corny.”  Simon says it was “absolutely terrible.”  Ryan mocks the beatboxing when he gives out Blake’s numbers.  That doesn’t help.

Lakisha Jones - “Stayin’ Alive” -  Barry says this is another song meant for a male falsetto.  Lakisha appears to have some problems with the melody.  When she performs it, she starts off well enough, but it slowly comes apart until it’s a big ole mess at the end.  Barry tells her to get out of her lower register, but as usual, Kiki does it her way.  She drops out of the trouble low notes and lets the backup singers take over.  She’s shrieky and out of breath through much of the song.  Simon says, “Lakisha, no kiss tonight, baby…the performance was verging on scary in parts.”  This slowed up, halting performance just didn’t work.

Jordin gets a viewer question.  What have you learned about yourself through this whole Idol process?  Jordin has learned that she can handle more than she thought she could.  Hey, as a sidenote, did you guys know that Jordin is only 17??? I cannot believe it. Har.

Jordin Sparks -“To Love Somebody” -  According to USA Today, Nigel went to Barry to get permission for Jordin to sing this song–Barry is planning on performing it tomorrow night.  The song is one of the Bee Gees best.  Even though Barry can’t imagine a girl singing it, it is the perfect song for Jordin, allowing her to hit the big notes with emotion–basically her trademark at this point.  In the end, Barry comes around–he says he’s heard a couple of hundred people sing this song, but he hasn’t heard a greater version than Jordin’s.  She delivers the most engaging performance of the night so far, and the judges are loving it.  The judges agree that it’s the best vocal so far tonight.  Simon says, “We’re back in the competition.”  I have to say, Jordin always looks hilarious towering over Ryan on stage.  I have no doubt she could squash him like a bug.

Time for round two….

Melinda sits down with Ryan to take a viewer question.  What is the first tape or CD that you ever bought?  Michael Jackson’s “Bad.”  She goes on to tell this nonsensical story about her mom crossing out the word “bad” on the tape and writing “good” over it.  Stick to singing Melinda, storytelling ain’t your thang.

Melinda Doolittle - “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” -  Melinda changes the lyrics a bit, she doesn’t want to sing the line, “How can a loser never win?”  Bad mojo, I guess.  And again, as always, the song is delivered beautifully by Melinda.  It’s perfectly phrased, and the arrangement gives her a chance to hit some big notes at the end.  A really good performance.  Paula says she’s waiting for Melinda to throw away her technique and really “throw down.”  Actually, Paula makes a good point here.  Melinda has proven that she’s got the mechanics down of delivering a song.  But again, she has raised the bar so high for herself, she’s really got very little room to grow. Simon says, “I think the second half of that song has put you into the semi-finals.”  Well, maybe Simon, but I think this is the week where anything could happen.

Blake Lewis - “This is Where I Came In” -  What an odd choice of song.  According to the USA Today spoiler article, Blake heard the song and really liked it.  Not only is it obscure, but out of the huge catalog of songs Blake has to choose from, he picks an inferior tune from 2001.  Even Barry admits it’s kind of a lemon, “We thought it could be a hit, and we were wrong.”  Blake goes for the beatboxing again.  I wish he’d reach back into the Gibb’s catalog to pick a really melodic song–maybe from the British Invasion era–something that would have highlighted his pretty falsetto.  As it is, a very meh performance from Blake.   Randy tells him that “You don’t have to beatbox on every joint, dude.”  I’d bet my house that Randy, at some point, told Blake he should beatbox more.  Simon says, “I don’t know what that song was, I found it completely tuneless.”  And then, “I don’t think you’ve had a good night tonight.”

Ryan introduces “Simon’s evil twin, Judge Judy.”  Yes, Judge Judy is in the audience, and as short on time as they are tonight, they take time to introduce her.  Ryan tries to introduce Simon’s mother, who is also in the audience, but Judy isn’t done chewing the scenery.  She approaches the judges table to get a kiss from Simon.  Ryan says, “Let’s tell the truth, they’ve been dating for three months!”  Then he tells her to sit the hell down, ’cause they are short on time now.

Next, some blah blah cakes about the American Idol songwriter contest.  You can vote for your favorite song at americanidol.com.  I haven’t been able to check out the songs for myself, but I will, I swear…

Lakisha Jones - “Run to Me” -  Barry tells LaKisha to hit the chorus hard on the first verse–advice that she pretty much ignores, as usual.  Barry says the two key changes in the song present a challenge.  When Lakisha hits the change, she’s off-key and screachy.  It’s not a pleasant sound.  The arrangement is really choppy.  The song gets really loud and then suddenly LaKisha pulls back and it’s really soft.  The flow is really odd.  When she comes to the last note she can barely squeak it out.  Randy and Paula tell her not to worry about the last note–the song was still good.  Simon says while it was better than the first song, it still wasn’t great and that she and Blake are in trouble tonight.  Eep.

Jordin Sparks - “Woman in Love” -  Barry wrote this song for Barbara Streisand.  The album he did with her back in the 80’s was a huge hit.  My mother used to play it over and over again on our console stereo.  I had fantasies of breaking the album into a million tiny little pieces…but I digress…  This song presents all kinds of opportunities to bomb.  In my opinion, it’s a really badly constructed melody. Even Babs sounded strident singing it.  Barry says Jordin is going to be “one of our greatest recording artists.” Whoa, Barry got the memo…  Anyway, Jordin really falters here.  She’s strident, off key and screamy through the second half of the song.  Everytime she hits that high note, I instinctively want to put my fingers in my ears.  Randy and Paula gloss over critiquing her much.  Randy slides into giving Barry Gibb props for writing such great songs.  Paula babbles out a non-critique.  Simon says, “I thought it was old fashioned,  and actually very pageanty.”  I thought it was just bad.  Then Simon says the magic words, “But you’re 17 Jordin!” And somehow, that makes it all alright.

Ohh Ryan brings back an oldie but a goodie, “Seacrest OUT” and that’s it.

I think the only safe contestant tonight is Jordin–she had the best performance, the pimp spot and the judges good wishes.  LaKisha has been on borrowed time for awhile now, and after two poor performances, her time may have run out.  But, the judges were tough, and she may get some pity votes.  Blake also had a poor night, and the judges seem to want him out.  But he’s got an extremely strong fan base who’ve got his back.  Melinda could be a surprise boot tonight–she was competent, but only received faint praise from the judges.  Folks could be voting to save others, taking for granted that Melinda is safe.

It could all add up to a very surprising results show tonight–or not.


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90 Responses to “Top 4 Performance”


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  1. 51 panz May 9th, 2007 at 1:07 pm

    Ladybug, I, too, think sadly about a “what might’ve been” with Tami Gosnell. I hope she makes the attempt again next year.

    I also wish Gina had stayed longer. She would’ve made things more interesting.

    Part of the lack of interest is due to the fact that they almost never talk about their lives or their personalities. Answering viewers’ questions just doesn’t have the impact of watching video of them in their hometowns.

    None of them, through no fault of their own, make me want to care about them as people.

  2. 52 FOTIAI May 9th, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Sorry MJ - it had to be said!

    I would be shocked if Jordin went home tonight - and Phil going was also a shock to a lot of people (at least those who are hoping for a “singer” to win!) - can I ask - do you vote (ladybug)? If not, then what’s your point?

  3. 53 rher May 9th, 2007 at 1:09 pm

    Nostradamus, you are so right. Remember the good old days when the idols could pick songs from the year they were born (loved that night!) or just dance songs or just “country” songs, not Martina McBride country night. McBride, Stefani, Bon Jovi, et al. should be paying big bucks to idol to allow them to “mentor” because the rewards are coming back into their pockets. Or is idol/fox/the record company just feeding itself?

    Instead, the idols are cornered to sing only Gwen Stefani songs, for example, or a limited number of songs from her chosen list. Or only Jon Bon Jovi! Talk about narrow. So many things that are wrong about this season.

  4. 54 SODF May 9th, 2007 at 1:37 pm

    Country night this season was not a one-artist night. There was no requirement that the contestants sing Martina McBride, and in fact only one McBride song was performed. All the others were from different artists.

    Last night was pretty dire. There wasn’t a single performance that interested me. Not one. And there were several that were Just Plain Bad. A sorry showing for a Top 4 night.

    Blake is very lucky that he has the advantage of being the only guy left in the competition this week, because he probably deserves elimination tonight. I say that as someone who generally likes Blake.

  5. 55 Lisa B May 9th, 2007 at 1:44 pm

    It was Country Night, McBride was just the mentor.

    Gwen Stefani and Bon Jovi have been the only really restricted ones.

    The Bee Gee’s have a massive catalogue, the downfall of last night was extremely poor song choices.

    Sorry but the Theme nights are what AI is all about, ranging from brilliance to car wrecks performance wise.

    Btw, we are not all ‘Team Plaid’ by any means.

  6. 56 Ladybug May 9th, 2007 at 1:54 pm

    - can I ask - do you vote (ladybug)? If not, then what’s your point?

    Many many posts I have had talking about not voting. My point, I think, was that I probably WOULD have voted for the likes of Tami or Leslie this year.

    This group this year has kept me out of the Idol game, other than watching. And I always watch.

    I personally felt far more investment in last year, where I voted like crazy, and in most previous years (save for S3), where I also voted, but not to the extent the extraordinary S5 brought me to the phone after each show.

  7. 57 Diana May 9th, 2007 at 2:01 pm

    Themes are fine, but this year’s themes have been way too narrow. I mean, Diana Ross songs and Gwen Stefani’s tiny list of her favorites? Last year there was only one single-artist theme: Elvis night with the Top 4. With hundreds of excellent songs to choose from, that was a great theme.

    BTW, if you want to remember just how great Season 5 was, check out this video from Hollywood week. Scroll to the last few minutes when they announce the Top 12 guys. Even Patrick Hall, who was eliminated FIRST, was an amazing talent.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDGH8apNMr0

  8. 58 pfeeder May 9th, 2007 at 2:02 pm

    I usually just post Kat stuff, but…

    I must commend you for your recaps, MJ. They are the best. And yes, like you I wish Blake had picked a more melodic BG song…

  9. 59 Allen May 9th, 2007 at 2:07 pm

    One thing about Simon saying Jordin was 17 last night. He wasn’t using it as an excuse or to pump her up (as Randy often does), he was actually being critical of her. He waS going into his whole, that performance made you seem old, critique and pointing out that she is 17, she should appear younger to the audience. If I remember correctly he said pretty much the same thing to Lisa and Paris last year at one point or another. Maybe the end result is the same since it still points out that she is 17 but his argument wasn’t the “you are 17 so everything you do is incredible” that people keep griping about.

  10. 60 rher May 9th, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    From what I remember, Mr. Bennett also had a restricted list of songs. And yes, I understand that theme nights are part of AI; I’ve been watching for many years but sometimes I don’t research all the details before posting (eg, country night being all Martina McBride). I do like the first few weeks of idol before the top 12 when the idols are on the smaller stage singing songs that they like.

  11. 61 Kirsten May 9th, 2007 at 2:16 pm

    I’d bet my house that Randy, at some point, told Blake he should beatbox more.

    You would win that bet. Randy told Blake that he should beatbox more when he sang his first semi-final performance (Keane) without beatboxing. In fact, I think he told him to do it every time.

  12. 62 mj May 9th, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    Sorry MJ - it had to be said!

    FOTAI, I suggest you read the guidelines before you post again…

  13. 63 milajoy May 9th, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    MJ - I had to click on the guidelines to refresh my memory…This one:

    4. HAVING SAID THAT, I would ask all posters to DIAL IT BACK generally. Heated, angry, nasty posts of ANY KIND will be deleted or edited at my discretion. Posts that attempt to “stir the pot” or bait other posters will also be deleted.

    Was constantly being abused last year…every one was so damn (I also learned that I can say damn, shit, hell, etc when reading the guidelines) passionate about their chosen favorites…(and it wan’t just Taylor. People constantly fought about Chris, Taylor and Kat).

    This year, the finalists coulden’t even muster a poster to even get close to that line. That being said, Fotai, whats that saying about not letting the door hit you… :nono_tb:

  14. 64 saramcvt May 9th, 2007 at 2:39 pm

    Hey MJ,

    First, I just want to commend you on your fair, accurate reviews of the performances each week. I also appreciate that you are a fan of great singing!

    Every year I watch AI because some contestant grabs my attention and gets me hooked. However, there has only been one year that the contestant I like actually wins. I get that AI is more about personality and appealing to certain demographics. I still cannot help but be disheartened when I see young people with a lot of talent get eliminated over someone with a great “backstory” has a nice body, or who has been pimped by TPTB from the beginning. This year I am tuning in to see Melinda. From her first audition her voice charm captivatd me, and I just can’t wait to see what she will sing each week. I am saddened to see so many diss her for reasons other than her performances. I respect those who have different tastes in music, but to ridicule her appearance or hold her to a higher standard than everyone else isn’t fair. I truly believe she is the best singer AI has ever had. I am sure she won’t win, not because she isn’t the best, but because she isn’t suited for the pop crap we hear on the radio now. I can only hope that she has proven to herself and the industry that she is a soloist from this day forward, and that they get her into the recording studio or on Broadway. When she leaves AI, I will tune out again and wait till next year’s new batch of contestants. Thanks for your blog! I will get off my soapbox now!

  15. 65 jimmyboyd May 9th, 2007 at 2:41 pm

    Given that, I am going to agree with Venom and say: if this is about music, Melinda deserves it. And if we’ve gotten to a place where musical skill, power and versatility is “boring,” then let’s drop the “best singer” thing, and just say Idol is a mixed-up and confused personality contest for the next teenybopper idol and lower the top eligibility age to 18……….and next time, may the best Sanjaya clone win.

    It always was a popularity contest. Surprised you didn’t get that memo. The real music business is largely the same thing, so I don’t know why you expect this to be different.

  16. 66 LoveU May 9th, 2007 at 2:55 pm

    Melinda’s “problem”, in my opinion, is that she lacks star quality. She does not have the indefinable “IT” factor. When you think about the other Idol winners, and even all those who have placed second (especially Clay), you can see a definite evolution to their style, presence, charm, etc.

    Say what you will about Taylor (I love him), but he really progressed through the competition, learning to work the camera, becoming more confident, poised etc. His vocals didn’t change that much (he was always great), but he truly started exuding star power by the end. Same with Clay, Kat, Carrie, Bo….even Elliott…

    Incidentally, I think that lack of evolving is what may have done Chris Daughtry in. He compares very well to Melinda in terms of what kind of competition they have had.

    This is definitely the worst season of Idol, and I wish they would give the singers a few more minutes instead of all the Judge Judy nonsense. I loved Barry’s comment about one song, when he commented something to the effect that “Well, I have the problem that I always have and that is that it is too short.”

  17. 67 LoveU May 9th, 2007 at 2:56 pm

    Not to beat a dead horse, but I think that is what Paula was trying to say in her comments about Melinda. Paula is waiting to see the star emerge.

  18. 68 FOTIAI May 9th, 2007 at 2:56 pm

    That being said, Fotai, whats that saying about not letting the door hit you…

    It’s FOTIAI!! Now to me, milajoy is “stirring the pot” - which according to your guidelines is against the rules MJ - which is it -OK or not OK? If MJ reprimands someone their fair game? GROW UP - so I made an error in judgment, I’m sure I’m not the first, in fact I know I’m not - some of the “longtime” posters here have had their share of criticisms from MJ - but to point it out is just childish IMO. It’s obvious where this site is going this year, and I guess I can find another place to voice MY OPINION since it’s not welcome here anymore.

  19. 69 milajoy May 9th, 2007 at 3:05 pm

    LOVEU…What a great post.

    This season the final 4 ARE great singers…but what we are missing is a great entertainer or two. Taylor left every bit of his soul on that stage week in and week out. Elliot turned into a different performenr completely - and don’t forget he had the Claudette factor. That factor is missing so greatly this year.

    If this was truly only a singing competition, it would be on the radio.

    Fotiai - I think maybe I broke rule number 5…

    MJ I’m done now…I promise.

  20. 70 LoveU May 9th, 2007 at 3:25 pm

    but what we are missing is a great entertainer or two

    Exactly! I think that is why Sanjaya stuck around so long. Love him or hate him, at least he was interesting.

    And that is what happened to Blake last night. When he did “You Give Love a Bad Name” last week it was completely entertaining, especially with the drummer thing. Last night it just wasn’t so much.

    So many singers aren’t really great vocalists (Sting, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, come to mind immediately) but ARE great performers.

  21. 71 panz May 9th, 2007 at 3:47 pm

    Personally, I like the theme nights. Not because of the themes themselves, but because they force the Idols to sing songs they don’t know. I think this can show, in some ways, how they’d react to “life after Idol.” (I still would prefer to see broader themes, not one artist themes.)

    Just think back to when they’re given free rein to pick almost any song. Most of them just don’t do well in picking songs.

    That’s why I always look forward to the “3 Idols left” week. The judges and Clive almost always make better song choices for the Idols than the Idols do themselves.

  22. 72 Grammie Kari May 9th, 2007 at 3:50 pm

    Why would Season 6 be the worse ever?

    Carmen Rasmusen (on Scarborough Country} said part of the blame is American Idol’s fault for not letting us know more about the contestants. She explained things that were done in previous years so that people would KNOW more about each contestant. … The point is the show has become “about American Idol - the show” and not focusing on the contestants.

    Maybe TPTB should focus more on the contestants and less on other details? Why have these random guest spots when the singer has not mentored the contestants? They have had the fundraiser which will probably land AI an Emmy. Then there’s the songwriting contest.

    At this point in previous years, I have felt I knew the contestants. Not so, this year.

  23. 73 3girls May 9th, 2007 at 3:52 pm

    milajoy, ITA. I’m delurking to add an amen to your point that none of these contestants is a great entertainer. Blake has his moments: YGLABN was probably the most entertained I’ve been all season, though Melinda’s vocals are much stronger in an absolute sense. I think Phil was evolving into a genuine performer, though his freaky looks were always going to limit how far he could go. I think last year’s top 4 were all, in their own ways, more ‘fun’ as performers than this year’s top 4. I believe that Melinda is a vastly better vocalist than was, for example, Taylor — but he was a showman. (And I was never an SP-er). Jordin might be roughly comparable to Katherine, but Jordin’s vocals have been so spotty lately!

    One thing I love, watching Idol, is those times where occasionally you can feel the pure pleasure of a contestant, getting up into the spotlight and doing the thing they love to do, and doing it very, very well — without a thought or a fear about judges, or voters, or bloggers, or anyone. I haven’t seen enough of that pure, hammy pleasure of performing this season.

  24. 74 Stefunny May 9th, 2007 at 4:15 pm

    Carmen Rasmusen (on Scarborough Country} said part of the blame is American Idol’s fault for not letting us know more about the contestants.

    Last week, I happened to go to the scary boards and watched the Coke Behind the Scenes video of the top 6. It was a revelation, sort of, to see the goofiness of Blake, Phil and Melinda. I loved their dorkiness. Too bad the show can’t or won’t capture that b/c the audience *likes* to know the people behind the song. Maybe TPTB felt burned by the Antonella crap and wanted to avoid the backstories no matter what? Maybe they felt contestants like Kellie Pickler stayed on longer than necessary simply b/c of their backstory? I dunno…but this 180 degree shift ain’t working.

  25. 75 crewzer1 May 9th, 2007 at 4:23 pm

    Did anyone else see the “blurb” about the contestants (which included Sanjaya - even after he’d been voted off) in the TV Guide that featured the “My Name is Earl” scratch n’ sniff card? The magazine was dated “week of 4/30 - 5/6″ so I thought it VERY ODD that Sanjaya was still mentioned (he was touted as “the most “dissed” idol ever” - ha ha ha). The stats were kind of interesting - they came from friends and family members - talking about the contestants “when they were young.” It is true though that we seem to know so much less about these contestants than in past years, and it has made it hard to jump on anyone’s band wagon for a specific reason (Taylor’s fan base, Elliot’s mom, Chris’ wife and kids, [sorry, don’t know what Kat was about - fame?]).

    GO JORDIN (I know I’m in the minority, but she’s definitely my favorite - I’d like to see the others take on the “extra” work that she has to do - I know it’s a neccessity because of her age, she probably had no choice - but I think she’s at a disadvantage for not having 3 hours every day to work on her performance like the others do - it would be fair if they were not allowed to work on AI stuff for 3 hours a day as well - anyone know if that’s true - because it should be)

  26. 76 panz May 9th, 2007 at 4:42 pm

    Isn’t it about time for the weekly producer’s interview, touting how this is the most shocking Idol results show. Ever.

  27. 77 weelassie May 9th, 2007 at 4:57 pm

    crewzer1
    I firmly believe that they shouldn’t be allowed to try out for the show when they are that young. Lisa and Paris last year both had to have “school” time also. If they would have been on this year, I think they would have gotten even further. At 17, they just haven’t had the life experience or seasoning to really resonate with all the theme nights and the immaturity will show. Last week, I felt Jordin was definitely lacking that. It showed. If you put Melinda and Jordin back to back in performing, the difference will be much more pronounced. I think Jordin should have waited to try out but that is just my opinion. I think they should up the age requirement and that would even the playing field in regards to the school work and would give the younger ones a little more time to mature and experience “life.”

  28. 78 weelassie May 9th, 2007 at 5:00 pm

    I read somewhere that Barry Gibb experiences terrible back pain and readers were surprised to see him on the show because of the debilitating pain he experiences. Made me wonder if he is taking steroids for pain. My son had to take them for years and they had a pronounced affect on his face and Barry’s reminded me of that and not just botox. but then again, i’m just speculating. He really seemed like a nice guy.

  29. 79 crewzer1 May 9th, 2007 at 5:17 pm

    weelassie - I can agree to a point - most famous singers have always said that it was “when they were little” that the whole singing career started. And Jordin, having such a mature voice at 17, is no exception. I think the “older” crowd that AI is now letting in (starting with last year) is worse than the younger ones - they are so set in their ways and have a much harder time with being flexible with their styles. I think that’s a major reason why someone like Kelly or Carrie (in their early 20s) have done so much better than the “30″ year old winner from last year. The younger crowds really do buy more music, and they are going to gravitate towards a younger-sounding singer - IMO.

  30. 80 milajoy May 9th, 2007 at 5:56 pm

    3Girls…it’s like you jumped in my head and wrote that for me…except for the fact that I was an SPer…lol. But you are so right…we cared so much more about the contestants last year because we knew them. this year not so much. We know how they sing, but thats about it.

    If this truly is a singing competition, then Melinda should win. I guess she’s my fave his year. But there’s talk of her being in the B2 and possibly going an I am “meh”. Oh well.

    TPTB have to fix this for next season. They have lost mega ratings this year. Now they must realize to let the best people in.

  31. 81 St.Lucia May 9th, 2007 at 6:10 pm

    Carmen Rasmusen (on Scarborough Country} said part of the blame is American Idol’s fault for not letting us know more about the contestants.

    This is so entirely true. As I was thinking about things I realized I only know about them now what I have known the entire time. Lakisha is a single mom. Jordin is 17 and her dad is a football pro. Blake has won Beatboxing championships. Melinda used to be a background singer. And all the rest that have since been kicked off I know about an equal amount about. I feel like I’ve developed no real connection with any of the contestants. For a lot of people, me included, being personally invested in the contestants is such a huge part of the show. I don’t feel I know hardly anything to be invested in any of them. Grant it, I could probably go hunt out the information, but I don’t care enough to. AI hasn’t sparked enough interest in any of them for me to want to.

    This coupled with the lack of a good “entertainer” has really left this season pretty dry. Blake right now is the one that entertains me the most. I will actually stop what I’m doing and watch a Blake performance…but I don’t think he’s the BEST entertainer I’ve seen to date on the show. He’s the best we’ve got for the entertainer factor. Melinda is obviously the best singer, but she doesn’t grab me.

    I miss the days of the results show being filled with fluff about the contestants not fluff about them going to the Farmer’s Market or equally dumb things.

  32. 82 baxter May 9th, 2007 at 7:01 pm

    My Dear MJ-
    Kudos to you. I barely made it thru last nights live broadcast and you watched it a second time……I am nominating you for Sainthood ( Is that possible if your not Catholic??)

    Standing Ovation……Saint MJ!!!!!!!! :)

  33. 83 LoveU May 9th, 2007 at 7:03 pm

    Melinda is obviously the best singer, but she doesn’t grab me.

    The ones who do usually grab us (think Fantasia doing “Summertime”, Taylor doing “Taking it to the Streets”, etc., etc.), really lay their souls bare. They put everything about themselves on the line, and say, “this is who I am…take it or leave it….”

    Can’t think of anyone who has done that this year, especially Melinda, except perhaps Sanjaya.

    Good Heavens, have I become a Sanjaya fan?

  34. 84 Grammie Kari May 9th, 2007 at 7:19 pm

    It was a revelation, sort of, to see the goofiness of Blake, Phil and Melinda. I loved their dorkiness. Too bad the show can’t or won’t capture that b/c the audience *likes* to know the people behind the song.

    Stefunny, it would have been great to have seen this. I cannot download anything on my computer.

    Weelassie, I believe Barry has rheumatoid arthritis.

    Milajoy, were you talking to me, too? :biggrin_wp: Carmen has been appearing regularly on Scarborough Country (MSNBC) She has also talked about the manipulation and the scripted shows.

    St.Lucia, I did get interested in Phil from his backstory. IMO, he was the most improved contestant and would have done just fine this week. You are right about a lack of ENTERTAINER on the show. Although some will say that Sanjaya was entertaining!

    Well, we had Robin Thicke sing. Let’s see who they have booked for this week, while we have not learned anything new about the TOP 4.

  35. 85 St.Lucia May 9th, 2007 at 7:35 pm

    The ones who do usually grab us (think Fantasia doing “Summertime”, Taylor doing “Taking it to the Streets”, etc., etc.), really lay their souls bare. They put everything about themselves on the line, and say, “this is who I am…take it or leave it….”

    Can’t think of anyone who has done that this year, especially Melinda, except perhaps Sanjaya.

    Good Heavens, have I become a Sanjaya fan?

    Every season we have always had a soul baring performance. Sometimes more than one from more than one artist. There is always a performance that has everyone talking after the show, the next day…following seasons.

    I haven’t seen an awe-inspiring performance yet…. unless, of course, we include Sanjaya’s “You’ve really got me” That had people talking! :lol_wp:

  36. 86 Jovi May 9th, 2007 at 7:58 pm

    Hey folks, just a little FYI. Last year on Season 5 there was more than one artist’s songs theme night. There was Queen Night as well as Elvis night.

    And correct me if I am wrong but haven’t we usually by now seen the idols going home or is that the top 3? And I do know that by now we have seen footage from the idols families, friends, etc. via video and stuff.

  37. 87 dvls May 9th, 2007 at 8:13 pm

    Ohh Ryan brings back an oldie but a goodie, “Seacrest OUT” and that’s it.

    Ha, we got so excited about that at my house that we backed up the TiVo to hear it again!! :jittery_tb: But yeah, disco STILL sucks!! Can they please never do a BeeGees theme again?

  38. 88 Cageme May 9th, 2007 at 9:23 pm

    ANyone want to put themselves out there with their predictions for tonight? Who will be the ONE to be eliminated? I say it will be Lakisha. :bye_tb:

  39. 89 WVIdolFan May 10th, 2007 at 12:33 am

    I agree we dont have anyone this year that really sings from somewhere deep inside or can get out there and just let it go. I also believe TPTB intentionally prevented us knowing the contestants so the fan bases wouldnt take over the voting like they did the last 2 yrs. AI prefers to control, in their own way, the voting as much as they can. This year there are no huge fanclubs, or so it seems. Even had we known them however, I still dont think we would have that IT factor thats missing this year. I voted last week for the first time. I didnt vote this week cuz I didnt feel anyone was anygood. I wont be voting anymore cuz I dont care which of the 3 win. I also agree AI has lost the focus on the contestants and gone “hollywood” and thats hurt the show. I did enjoy Barry Gibbs singing tonight. It was as good to me as the cd version I own. Other than Martina, I think he was the best mentor performance this year.

  40. 90 afincionado May 13th, 2007 at 3:19 am

    Sorry to be off topic, I just thought maybe you guys would be
    interested, You can win 2 TICKETs the the AMERICAN IDOL FINALS with air
    and hotel.
    http://www.king.com/americanidol/

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