Cold opening - Ryan is standing in the control room looking very serious. “Tonight,” he says, “We are presenting a very special show. We’ve got the same 3 judges, the same 6 finalists (Each face is displayed on a monitor, the camera pans them). But one huge difference–the calls that you make will not only save your favorite contestant, (Ryan pauses dramatically and turns around) they will also save lives. THIS is Idol Gives Back.
Holy cow. In comments, when things get tense, I say stuff like ya know we ain’t solving world hunger here, peeps, it’s only a tee vee show, so be cool! So much for that excuse. At least for tonight.
I suppose I could get all cynical at this point. Sure, there’s plenty to be cynical about. TPTB may only be doing this to burnish their reputations–particularly since the most successful elements of the show rest on humiliating and mocking people. Or, perhaps the sponsors are merely playing the typical PR game rather than truly helping the poor. Of course, this Idol Gives Back deal could be merely a way to boost ratings and maybe even finally win that coveted Emmy (would not be surprised if they finally do). Could TPTB be exploiting the poor children of the world in order to serve their own interests?
Eh. Maybe. Probably. Who cares. Me? I’m just happy they’ve decided to use their immense power for good, whatever their motives. Beyond the money collected over the next few days–if this is done right, and I will reserve judgement, because tomorrow’s show remains to be seen–the fact that this show has the potential to raise the awareness of millions of people on some very important issues is good enough for me. (oh, btw, Douglas R. Scott? Bite me. Just sayin’). I’m not going to sweat the small stuff.
Do ya think Bono is suddenly now some big American Idol fan? He probably still hates it with every fiber in his being. But do you think he’s analyzing motivation? If you know anything about Bono and what he’s accomplished you know the answer to that one.
So I here I go with my Top 6 recap. The Idol Gives Back edition.
Ryan reminds us at the top of the show that all WE the vast viewing audience had to do was vote as usual, but THIS week, our toll free calls are going to make a much bigger difference. News Corp will donate 10 cents a call, up to 50 million calls. (hey, what about text votes? hmff. I don’t want to admit I sent a bunch of text votes before I realized I’d done the wrong thing. Ok, I just did. Me dumb. I hope the rest of you voted. With a toll-free call.)
Then Ryan thanks the sponsors–fordcocacolaat&t for their generous donations (whatever they are–Ryan never sez–it would be nice to know since they are mentioned constantly tonight) to Idol Gives Back.
Ryan tells us what we can expect from the two-hour results show. We’ll be asked to donate via phone line and website, AND the lucky kids had a phenomenal mentor…BONO! Oh man, that’ll be great if he actually coached them on their songs…ha ha…but I don’t think it’s that kind of mentoring. I’m sure he’ll be teaching them all about poverty and stuff.
So the deal tonight is–interspersed with the kids singing songs described as “songs that inspire” will be video of Ryan and the judges visiting poverty afflicted areas in Africa and America.
The first clip is heartbreaking. Ryan and Simon visit a village that’s literally shacks sitting on a garbage dump. The result is many many starving people, many sick and dying from malaria. After surveying the wretched conditions people of this village live in, Simon says, “It’s just wrong.”
The clip sets the very serious tone of the show, though subsequent clips aren’t all doom and gloom. They follow a familiar arc–despair, hope and then resolution–but only if you help. That’s some pretty basic and effective fundraising, right there, kids.
Chris Richardson is up first.
Chris Richardson “If I Could Change The World” by Eric Clapton - Chris picks a song that I absolutely adore. He says he thinks the song defines “what this show’s all about…” Chris’s soft, lightweight vocals aren’t quite as nasally this week. And, he’s fine when he sits still on a chair and sings the song. But, then he stands up, and throws in a few sloppy vocal runs. You know, the word “change” does not need to be hung on a mess of notes strung together. I don’t particularly like my Clapton boybanded up, you know? Randy loved it. But then he loves Chris’s runs. Paula blah blah loved it. But, even Simon has praise. He mentions that it feels like the competition was “really starting tonight”–no doubt because Sanjaya is gone. He goes on to say that Chris is finally showing the promise that he saw at his first audition. This wasn’t a bad performance but it’s hardly Chris’s best performance, either. I think the judges like the idea of having a highly-marketable Justin Timberlake-type singer in this competition, even if the vocals in reality aren’t exactly up to par. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed in the studio, right? Or, was Simon making up for his eye roll last week?
Ryan mentions the Idol Gives Back My Space. So I will too.
The next clip sent film crews across the USA–to Louisiana, the Appalachia in Kentucky, an Indian reservation in Arizona and the streets of Atlanta, GA. Ryan and Randy visit their home towns (Atlanta and NOLA), Ryan and Paula visit a health clinic.
Melinda Doolittle “There Will Come A Day” by Faith Hill - Melinda picked her song because it talks about a “hope for a better tomorrow.” Another masterful, professional performance by Melinda. Seriously, she is just perfect in every way. Maybe that’s why I was so bored with her performance? Or maybe that I found the song itself really bland? I dunno, there is just something here that does not reach out and grab me in a visceral sense, although I know intellectually that what I’m hearing and seeing is incredible and deserves all the kudos delivered by the judges tonight. Hmmm. Randy says…you are so dope. Paula says, Melinda there is no one like you…you are magical. Simon says it wasn’t a copy cat performance….a vocal masterclass. In the meantime, Melinda works on looking NOT surprised. She’s improving. Too bad her singing has nowhere else to go. Maybe that’s the problem.
Vote, vote vote vote vote, says Ryan as he mentions the corporate sponsors one more time…
What’s the biggest sacrifice Blake Lewis has had to make since since becoming a contestant on American Idol? Missing family friends and home, but he has their support being here blah blah blah. These questions are not very interesting.
Blake Lewis “Imagine” by John Lennon - Blake is very honored to be singing John Lennon’s “Imagine”. Blake gets mad props from me for picking such a beautiful song. The trouble here of course, is that “Imagine” is an iconic song forever linked to the great man who wrote it–John Lennon. It’s a tough song to cover on Idol. Not that others haven’t tried–Ruben Studdard sang it finals night Season 2 and Jennifer Hudson performed the glory-note edition of the song Season 3. Blake chooses to sing it straight and simple, with no embellishments. Of course, the problem with the song is that it has nowhere to go…no soaring crescendos or opportunities for flash (unless, of course, crowbarred in there). Considering that, Randy was of course, unimpressed with Blake’s effort. Paula says she’s reminded of how “beautiful and simple that song is, and it’s the first real sensitive and emotional performance from you…that I’ve seen and that goes a long way.” And Simon, also feels that Blake’s sincerity came through. Those who like Blake’s voice (I do) will appreciate his effort. Those who don’t, probably not so much. I thought it was a simple, heartfelt performance of one of the great pop songs of our times. Me likey.
Ryan tells us to look for a performance from Carrie Underwood on the big show tomorrow. A little hope in the darkness…
Next, a video piece on a “feeding center” for orphans in Africa.
LaKisha Jones “I Believe” Season 3 coronation song - LaKisha is singing “I Believe” by Fantasia. Wait, this is a joke, right? After she got slammed for singing a Carrie Underwood song last week, she is NOT choosing another Idol classic is she? Oh she is. I’m beginning to think LaKisha is a little, uhmm, slow? Is that politically correct?. Erm. Probably not. She chose the song because, “It inspired me.” Oh serious, covering a song that the great Fantasia ripped apart and put back together again on the Season 3 finale is just so….not the thing to do if LaKisha wants to stay alive in this competition. The lyrics, “Have you ever reached a rainbow’s end, and did you find your pot of gold, Ever catch a shooting star, And tell me how high did your soar,” are quintessential Idol coronation song dreck. Why would anyone voluntarily sing a crappy Idol coronation song? I don’t get it. Having said that, LaKisha was certainly no Fantasia here, but she did not deserve the drubbing she got at the hands of the judges. Both Randy and Paula go on and on about Fantasia without really addressing LaKisha’s performance. Simon calls it “shouty.” Actually, she’s a little pitchy, but she’s not shouty. The song is in her range and sounds effortless. LaKisha has a few shaky spots here and there, but her performance is solid and heartfelt. The audience in the studio is clearly moved. It’s obvious the producers are done with LaKisha. There’s some major de-pimping going on here. But, it’s so transparent, it may backfire on them.
Phil Stacey answers some VIEWER MAIL! What do you miss most about home? Hey did you all know that Phil has kids? For the umpteenth time we are reminded that Phil has cute ‘lil chillrun. Phil loves the chillrun, so vote for Phil…
Phil Stacey “The Change” by Garth Brooks - All cynicism aside, Phil has come up from behind in the last stretch, which makes for some exciting TV right here. His performance last week of Keith Urban’s “Where the Blacktop Ends” was a personal best, and proved that Phil was adept at singing country. This week, he sings a song that is obviously close to his heart, because he sings it with a lot of feeling. I don’t particularly care for this mushy sort of power ballad, but can get over it if the performance is heartfelt, which it is here. Phil’s gained quite a bit of confidence on stage in the past few weeks–he not only looks present on stage, but his vocals have lost the pitch problems he’s had in the past. Check your rear-view mirrors, Idols–Phil Stacey is coming up from behind… The judges are enthusiastic, even Simon, who says he really likes Phil and if he remains confident, and sticks to country, he could do well in the competition.
In the last video clip of the night, Simon marvels at the fact that there are actually food pantries in LA. Oy. The piece is upbeat–people helping people, the power and good karma of volunteerism, a little humor (Simon asks some volunteers to give him a hug, because he needs to be nice). Yes, Simon, there are people starving in America, but Americans and their can-do attitude can help put a stop to hunger in the USA. Vote, people, vote!
Jordin Sparks “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical “Carousel” - Jordin picks “You’ll Never Walk Alone” because it offers a great message of hope. She hopes that her message is comforting to people. Jordin is adorable, charismatic and the emotion and feeling she brings to the song here is spot on. However, she loses control of the vocals about 2/3s of the way through the song. She’s pitchy, and literally screaming by the end. The judges give her a tongue bath. Randy says he thinks it’s the best vocal by any contestant ever on the show. No it’s not Randy. It’s not even the best vocal tonight. Simon thinks she’s fantastic. Simon thinks she’d have a hit record, even though the song is 60 years old. DING. Yes, Jordin is extremely marketable and that’s why she is the producer’s Chosen One, rather than Melinda or LaKisha. Just for fun, listen to Jordin and LaKisha’s performances back to back. Listen don’t watch. I’m just sayin’
Ryan urges the audience to vote, ’cause the votes translate into dollars. Ryan tells us to tune in tomorrow night for one of the biggest shocks American Idol has ever had! Hopefully, the surprise does not involve Elvis impersonators. But, I’m not holding my breath.
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Dial Idol has Blake-Melinda-Chris as bottom 3. Melinda??? Hope that isn’t true because they got it right last week and I’d hate to see Melinda in the bottom 3 after that performance.
Sanjaya’s votes going to Jordin? Figures. She’s 17.
Well, I totally didn’t feel very inspired last night.
I voted for the sake of Charity. I totally bought into the shtick. I don’t know if I’m going to watch tonight because watch a bunch of people perform charity songs has never been my thing. I’m assuming they are all performing inspirational songs as well, going with the theme. I just personally want to see who gets kicked off so I may tune in the last few minutes and see.
Overall, it wasn’t my favorite night by any means. It wasn’t entirely horrible, but well, it was just BLAH. No one “blew” me away.
I can’t stand Chris. If there was any justice in this world he would go home this evening. Probably not. I thought his performance of change the world was as nasally as always.
Melinda was good as always, but that’s nothing new, nor am I even excited about her.
Lakisha screamed it. I walked out of the room and didn’t come back until the judges had began to rip her a new one. I think she goes.
But if we are talking about screaming, Jordin needs to get the same comments. The ending of that song was so horribly pitchy and screechy that well, as good and as emotional as she tried to make it, it wasn’t ALL THAT GREAT. She did very well, but overall, it didn’t make me feel too terribly excited.
I didn’t watch Phil’s so I can’t rank his honestly. I’m sure I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it though because even at Phil’s best I don’t feel he connects emotionally, EVER.
Now on to Blake. I was pretty skeptical when I heard he was singing “Imagine” a song that I find shouldn’t be touched by anyway that isn’t John Lennon, and since John can’t, no one else should. However, it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. I think he stayed true to the sincerity of the song, but that didn’t mean it was necessarily good. It was pretty boring, and well, I mean, he tried I suppose. I did vote for Blake because I want him to be in the finale.
Overall, totally not inspired by the Idols, now children in Africa and the US, that did make me vote.
Bottom 3 could be anyone but I think it will be Lakisha, Phil, and Chris. My preference is for Phil to go but think it could be Chris even after the complements last night.
My ratings for tonight - they come in two tiers for me, with each person within that tier very close.
1. Melinda
2. Jordin
3. Phil
4. Chris (it pains me to put that there)
5. Blake
6. LaKisha
I know a lot of people don’t like Phil, but I just love the sound of his voice. If you’re put off by his appearance, try closing your eyes and listen. What a great voice!
Jordin was not the best last night or one of the best ever. That being said, she’s still my favorite, along with Melinda, who was great as usual. Loving this new hairstyle, btw.
Chris, I still just don’t see it. I’m ok if he goes.
I thought Blake was boring last night, and he shows a disturbing lack of emotion on his face in ballads, similar to last week. I’m not going to say he didn’t connect with the song, but he didn’t show it.
LaKisha, why?
I was bored & wanted Sanjaya back. At least he was something I could look forward to. I never got Chris. He wasn’t horrible, but nothing special. Phil I just don’t get either, but I admit his eyes were very blue last night. Melinda nailed it as usual. Blake did pretty much my favorite song by my favorite artist, so there’s no way it could live up to anything. Kiki chose the wrong song (waiting for her to do Sinatra’s “My Way”). I don’t know about screaming, but she does have that BIG voice. I agree she doesn’t connect. Jordin connects, and I’ve thought for weeks she would win it. She did have some pitch problems, but when she was on it was lovely. But still not Melinda.
I think it will be Chris that goes. They put him in the first spot and gave nice and bland comments so his fanbase wouldn’t be panic’ed and gave Kiki enough hell that it might keep her safe for another week.
I appreciate and am happy Idol is trying to do good work; however, the show last night was dull. The results show for DWTS was more fun and I never thought I’d say that!
Blake - Phil - Blake……..so I transposed a name…..sue me.
They both don’t deserve to be in the final so take your pick which one leaves……….
I say Blake………you know, the thin lipped, affected voice, pitch challenged, two step / transition challenged, looking down his nose, Amateur…..
Can I just say how much I HATED Jordin’s vibrato-laden, drawn out, oversung performance. Never Walk Alone is a beautiful song with a melody that got completely got lost last night. I am surprised that Simon didn’t pull out his “funeral dirge” comment.
Marco5ny says:
Truer words were never spoken. Phil’s mp3’s are fantastic and Phil’s was the only performance last night that made me tear up a little. You could tell it affected him and his “please vote” really struck me because you could tell it wasn’t “vote for me” it was “vote for charity”.
Last night was very blah to me, I don’t think anyone was particularly great or anyone was reallly bad. So I will break it down like this
enjoyed - Blake, Chris and it pains me to say it and Phil (would’ve liked it better had he thrown on a cowboy hat!)
good but boring - Melinda, Jordin & Lakisha
I think Lakisha will be going home.
I think I will tape tonight’s show and fastforward the crappy parts and the cmmercials.
ouch..Nos…so you like Blake eh?? I would love hear your description of my fav..Chris R?
Last night, for me, was like an alternate reality. I thought Jordin sucked big time. Screechy and sharp. And Melinda was good but boring. I thoughh they were both overpraised. The best of the night, for me, was Phil. PHIL! Blake sang the song well but was a little boring. Chris was good for Chris, but still… not good. And Lakisha was no where near as bad as they made her out to be. Fantasia did the song with more passion but Lakisha did sing it well.
I would not be suprised to see Melinda or Joprdin in the bottom 3, and those 2 are my favorites. I think Chris should go home though.
ealbino,
Chris R. huh,
“Boy band-er”…seen it all before…..nothing else really to say….. :shrug:
It is so good to see Phil’s confidence soar! I loved his performance! He is being ranked in the Top Three by many peeps and critics.
Chris really needs to go home before Lakisha, but I don’t see that happening. Why do the judges continue to praise him? Lakiska is in trouble for not listening to the judges. Personally, Diana gave the best performance of “I Belive.”
Melinda is a professional, as always! I liked Blake’s performance and would love to see him work with Jon Bon Jovi.
Randy needs to get his ears cleaned. I think he had notes prepared before she even hit the stage. Jordin did a nice job - and she’s still 17 years old. Egads!
Nos..I agree..but I still love him…Maybe it’s the twang I hear in some words, or his shy smile but he is endearing to me.
I know I’m in the minority here but it’s just a matter of taste I guess. Loved his the boss, geek in the pink and last nite the best.
Phil has the best male voice but I wouldn’t buy his CD or see him in concert. Melinda, the same. If this contest were all about singing it could be star search where the judges votes play the main part but yet not ONE winner has sold as much as the 5 or 6th place idol. You need something else for fans to pay 50/60 bucks to see you or buy the cd. I could see Blake, Jordin and Chris on mtv tomorrow. Melinda’s album would sell less than Justin Guarini I bet.
Phil will do well in country and Lakisha well in gospel.
I agree with you guys. I’m not sure what Kool-aid those judges were drinking but Jordan’s performance was one of her worst in a while. She missed several notes throughout the song and the last few notes were too high for her voice. It came out sounding screechy.
I wish Blake had more than one facial emotion when he sings. He voice lacks a power and emotion and he really needs to emote with his face and body a bit more.
Never have liked Chris’s voice much, I didn’t get into the song last night either.
Phil has a good voice but last night he was having some problems with transitioning between notes and seemed to run out of air at times.
Lakisha was okay but she doesn’t command the stage like she once did. It doesn’t help that she has zero personality off-stage.
Melinda was good as always. I almost felt something towards the end of that song. For American Idol this year, those moments have been few and far between for me.
Sanjaya sucked as usual. Oh wait. Nevermind. Those were the good ol’ days when I had something to distract me from the boredom.
any theories on what the shocker tonight will be? didn’t ryan allude to one?
perhaps no one is voted off, and the votes were simply charitable?
No doubt!! I was bored to death…almost. If our votes were just for charity and no one is going home, I’m not sure if I’ll like that but the only reason I voted was for the little hungry kids so, on second thought, I don’t think it will be that big of a deal anyway. The Idols that are left aren’t doing it for me. Maybe it was the theme. I’ll still watch but I’m not blogging about it anymore (not that anyone was reading my blogs anyway
).
Nostradamas tell us what you really think about Blake, lol.
I wonder what the exact theme is next week with Jon Bon Jovi mentoring? Finally it’s the divas who will be out of their comfort zones again. It may not be Blake’s type of music but he should be able to have more fun and be himself again. I think it’s hard for him to hold back.
I think it’s Barry Gibb next week and Bon Jovi the week after that.
I also saw it quite differently from the judges. I thought Phil had the best overall performance. Melinda is always good, but the song itself is not a classic.
I actually found myself liking LaKisha’s take on “I Believe”, and did not hear shouting. I did hear problems in Jordin’s song.
I really despise how the judges try to curry favor with the voters for certain contestants. I’m optimistic that the voters will vote as they heard it, not as the judges TOLD them they heard it.
Top 5 week is Classic Rock week, right? I mean Bon JOvi is the mentor but it doesn’t have to be his songs only I think.
Also isn’t Top 4 week the week when Robin Thicke is supposed to be on? What is the theme for that? R&B?
That owuld be a great theme for Blake. We will see.
DVLS:
Yeah, I’m not at all disputing how bad Kiki’s song choices are. Just sayin’ the girl can sing and for that reason alone deserves a recording contract and some guidance.
I’m curious about one thing though: does anyone else think that the boys aren’t required to have a lot of showmanship, while the girls are? I mean both Chris & Phil do very little in the way of stage movement, or intensity. And the one thing you can say about Sanjaya for sure is that the boy had stage presence!
Not tryin’ to burn a bra here, just wondering if there are more expectations on women to put it out in a certain way while singing….
Also wonderin’ — if so many folks on this board have the problems I did with Jordin, is she going to be in the bottom 3? Now that would be a real “shocker”……
Colette - This is an interesting question:
I don’t know - I think that Phil, prior to country week, got a LOT of negative feedback about being “dull” and “boring”. By the same token, I haven’t heard that criticism of Blake or Chris. Now, I don’t find Blake boring but I DO see what you mean when I think about Chris.
I think about the three girls that are left, and they are all kind of diva in their own way - BIG voices. BIG potential. BIG notes (questions of shoutiness aside). I wonder if those kinds of voices also demand a requisite level of stage presence and performance to compliment them - in other words, if Lakisha and Chris are both kind of “not feeling it”, does it show more on Lakisha because her voice is so good? Let’s face it - Phil has a BIG voice. He’s the only boy in the competition with that BIG voice imo - and he’s the one who has received the “dull” comments along with Lakisha.
Very interesting point, RenaRF.
You think of Aretha — in her glory years, she did very little onstage except blow your mind vocally. Most of the emotion went into the song, not into the presentation. (Her wardrobe has been so wild over the years that AI judges probably would have made mincemeat out of her! I just kinda love it that she wore low-cut dresses when she weighed 300 pounds….the Queen has her way!)
But nothing could mask Aretha’s genius. I’m not sayin’ LaKisha is in the same ballpark, but the raw talent is so compelling I just wish she had the savvy about her material. I vote for Aretha as her personal mentor!
Here’s typical Aretha in the 1970s — a few gestures, a few smiles, and everything else is poured into the song. Wonder what the judges would say about her today…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtC-Wa-CE1o
Popwatch’s take on the events from an audience member’s perspective:
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2007/04/on_the_scene_id_6.html#more
Grammie, I couldn’t agree with you more about Diana and “I Believe”. Evidently we are the only two…
about Diana and “I Believe” I agree.
Chris was the first to take the stage and, just before cameras started rolling, he had to make an adjustment in the crotch area, prompting Debbie the stage manager to gasp audibly. (There were plenty more ladies who caught it too, albeit delightedly.)
1) I would add to the list of best Idol performances ever: Clay Aiken, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
2) Someone mentioned a couple of weeks ago how LaKisha always chooses a diva’s signature song….obviously, this is a poor strategy. She is like the oppositie of Melinda; instead of being too modest she seems too full of herself (Tony Bennett week, anyone?)
3) Speaking of picking a signature song, how ballsy is it to pick John Lennon’s “Imagine”. I think I am the only person on the planet who doesn’t love that song. But geez, don’t mess with a song like that.
LoveU, I said those same things in a discussion with a friend earlier today. You hit the nail on the head w/ regards to Lakisha and Blake. I think they both set themselves up big time to fall last night. But Lakisha doesn’t like to take advice (whether she was given any this week is not known to us) and Blake, I think, seriously thinks he can sing really well. But, I don’t think he can and so that was a major letdown for me. He’s a performer, not a singer, and that song was not about performance.
Clay’s BRIDGE was one of the best things I’ve ever seen on Idol ever :) And I’m so far from being a Claymate. But it was special!
GAH!!! MJ, I did the same thing (duh - yeah, I have a graduate degree! LOL) I guess I have to multiply my text votes by 10 cents and add that to my donation! Oh well. At least Team Plaid will be happy I voted!
I am glad someone else besides me commented on Jordin’s performance and pointed out the pitchy and screechy parts. Normally I am OK with Jordin’s performance but think she did not earn the extensive tonegue-bath the judges gave her in-toto.
Okay, on the one hand, I think it’s awesome that money is being raised to help those in need. However, we see and hear what Newscorp/the sponsors for this event are doing and what they are giving, and viewers are being urged to donate via the official AI site and by phone tonight. But, aside from facilitating this mass of giving, what exactly is AI and 19E contributing? They can certainly afford it. I mean, why - when Ryan, Simon, Paula, Randy visited the impoverished areas - didn’t they bring anything (such as food, clothing, medicine, etc.) with them and start with that? It’s not like they didn’t know that those things/every little bit would help.
I sense that MJ is with me a little in the grassy knoll dept. here. Is this a gimmick for a major ratings blowout?
I just want to see them walking their talk. And I’m not saying that they aren’t, per se, I just think that if they were doing something to contribute, they’d certainly be tooting their horn about that. So what gives?
And on that (albeit skeptical) note, go team plaid!
Am I one of few people that has actually heard Faith’s version of the song on the 9/11 CD and found Melinda’s version to be lacking and not at all the original that Simon said it was?
Not to diss on Melinda, but the judges were crazy last night. If Lakisha was shouty than what do you classify Jordin as? I’d go with a skreetch fest because at least Lakisha was mostly on key and had some variation in her volume, at the end Jordin was just loud. And I like Jordin! Crazy judging last night……my tinfoil hat was on.
MJ, I hadn’t thought of that but bad kitty probably did! Terrific analysis, BTW!
t2 I tried to go back immediately and correct my spelling, but it didn’t work. Oh, Shannon agrees with us. What I found ironic is that Simon mentions Lakisha’s screaming. I don’t think he remembers Fantasia’s screaming, especially when she returned back to the show after winning.
MrsTrep, I totally agree the judges weren’t hearing the same things I heard! Jordin’s performance was fine but full of flaws. What’s with Ryan and the tie for Jordin? Was that a scripted moment?
MJ. I loved your review, you were spot on,imo. I had forgotten about Simon and his surprise that there are food banks in LA. Hello, there is also homelessness,poverty,people without health care and no safety nets.
It kind of reminded me of Ryan’s comments to Simon last year after one of Taylor’s performances,I can’t recall which. Anyway, Simon said “in the real world” blah,blah,blah.
Ryan retorted, what do you know about the real world with your private jets and with limo drivers? Lol, word Ryan!
For the first time this season, I too voted because of the charity. I split between Blake and Lakisha, my two favorites from the beginning.
Go team Plaid and go Big Mama!
My impression was that Ryan was being his usual sweet self and upon seeing that Jordin was a little weepy was offering it to her to use as a hankie. Jordin misunderstood. Perhaps they were crocodile tears to begin with….
I was completely baffled by Chris’ suit jacket…what was the extra flappy thing on it. I thought his tie had gone thru the buttons and was sticking out but my son said the jacket was supposed to be that way???????? Either way, it was strange. Can someone explain it to me? I’m a little slow with current dress trends. I, myself, wouldn’t mix a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie with cargo pants-but that’s just me. I like my socks to match my slacks and all that kind of stuff:)
I don’t care what TPTB’s motivation is for the fundraising, I think it’s terrific. A show this powerful is reaching several million people all at once. It’s going to raise a hella amount of money for great causes, and hopefully spur people to volunteer in their own communities as well.
bad kitty–we saw very tiny clips of their visits, so who knows what went on. From the little I know about international aid, however, The International Aid Powers That Be prefer that donations go through official channels like the Red Cross so goods are donated fairly and (hopefully) avoid theft through corruption. They also prefer money to goods, partially so the money can be used to improve infrastructure and farming. Plus, how would Simon etc. get heir hands on medicine? How would they know how much food to bring and how were they going to transport it? Getting the food closer to the source is much cheaper than lugging it from the U.S.
Anyway, unless they’re total jerks, their experiences in Africa and poor U.S. communities surely spurned them to donate money if not time. If not they’re heartless. You can’t be around that kind of poverty and fail to act in at least a small way.
I’m just sayin’. :-)
While I think the donations to charity, etc is a good thing, this is American Idol and they will do anything to get ratings, pimp their show, etc.
Oh and while I agree with folks choices of some of the best songs and performances on Idol I would like to add one of my own.
My take on a best idol moment was In a Dream done acapela (sp) by Bo Bice, Season 4.
I got caught up in the Jordin hoopla last night.
She chose an excellent, excellent song that perfectly fit the theme — that is why I ranked her number one.
I thought she sang it well but she DID oversing. It does not need embellishments — that song is perfect the way it is. Compared to the Carousel soundtracks I’ve heard, Jordin’s version was syrupy.