Martina McBride performs ”Anyway,” from her newly-released album, “Waking Up Laughing“
Tonight’s super-speshul elimination gimmick as explained by Nigel Lythgoe to TV Week, “I’m going to split the group into the highest voting group and the lowest voting group, and then I’m going to take one of them and say, ‘congratulations, you’re safe, go and join the group that is safe’ and have them make the decision.”
Oh, and according Nigel, also from the TV Week interview, he’s going to settle the Simon Eye Roll Controversy once and for all. Nigel will be taking out “raw footage” of the exchange between Simon and Chris, and “we’re actually going to show it.” Kill me now. Please.
And, a pre-taped performance by Fergie will be featured tonight.
UPDATE:
Top Three:
Phil Stacey
Chris Richardson
Jordin Sparks
Bottom Three:
Blake Lewis (Sent back first)
Lakisha Jones
Sanjaya Malakar
Who had to choose:
Melinda Doolittle (except, she sat in the middle of the two groups and refused to pick)
Who went home:
Sanjaya Malakar
*******************
Bye Bye Sanjaya
Admit it. You all are gonna miss him. Certainly, the journalists and bloggers who made hay out of his continued survival on Idol will be lost without that easy hook to build their stories around. The producers will miss him, because he provided a harmless controversy that kept Idol in the headlines and the buzz of the watercooler talk. In fact, at work, every meeting I walked into, the first thing that came out of somebody’s mouth–no matter how critical the purpose of the meeting, was, “When are they gonna vote that guy off Idol!” No lie. What will we talk about now? Middleware and websites? That sux!
Anyway, although I made plenty of my own snarky comments about Sanjaya and his often terrible singing, his continued presence on Idol was fine with me. It was the overheated response of the media to his survival week after week that really got on my last nerve. Seriously. After 6 seasons, I learned to accept the fact that Idol democracy=anything can happen. A fantastic singer may leave before a terrible singer. That’s just the way the Idol cookie crumbles. Sanjaya stayed because he had fans. And there’s no right way or wrong way to vote. The worsters and Howard Sterners have just as much right to vote for the worst, as anyone else has to vote for the best. This is America, baby, and that’s how democracy works, dammit. Besides, I have no doubt there were folks who voted for Sanjie ’cause they truly enjoyed his Idol performances. It’s all subjective anyway, isn’t it?
So, I congratulate Sanjaya for playing an excellent game. He’s a very savvy young man. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all good. I just hope the post-boot media frenzy doesn’t get too crazy. Chris Sligh mentions in his blog that Sanjaya was shielded from a lot of the negative press during the competition. Now that he’s out of the AI bubble, all bets are off. I hope the press goes easy on him.
The Recap
When the show opens, like last week, with Ryan staring down Sanjaya (”Will your favorite leave!”) I thought for sure he was safe. They wouldn’t screw around with somebody they’re about to eliminate, would they? Sigh. Even after 5 years of watching this show, I can still have my Pollyanna moments. Silly me.
First order of business: Clearing up the Simon Cowell Eyeroll Controversy. Who in their right mind could believe that Simon would diss the victims of a horrible tragedy on live national television? That’s not rational thinking, people. I was a little appalled they were even going to dignify the controversy by addressing it. But, they kept it short. The film clip they aired proved without out a doubt that Simon was doing his typical thing of ignoring the contestant–Chris Richardson, who was talking about the VA shooting–to have a conversation with Paula. Paula was trying to explain what Chris was saying to Simon, and he responded with an eye roll. Case closed. Thank Jeebus.
Sidenote: Anyone else catch that Chris looked pretty pissed every time the camera cut to him during the segment?
Second Sidenote: Bucky Covington in the house! Whoo hoo!
Of course, if it’s an hour long show, it means tons of timewasters! This week, Ryan takes a trip to the Kodak theater to talk to fans (Don’t Care). The kids watch a preview of Shrek III (Totally Don’t Care). And the kids tell us what’s on their Ipods (Chris makes a Herman’s Hermits joke–that saves the bit.)
Tonight’s group number is disappointingly free of unfortunate choreography, off key harmonizing and corpse-like contestant faces. Damn. In fact, the performance is actually…. really good. Really. The kids sound great. Good job. But please, next time, bring back the cheese, mmkay?
Some chick named Kristen is sitting in the audience tonight ’cause she answered last week’s American Idol Challenge Question correctly. This week’s question is newbie-friendly. Who is considered this year’s rocker? Not just a rocker, or a singer who happens to sing rock. But, “this year’s 
rocker” as in ”who did we find that we could cram into this particular pre-fab stereotype?” Heh.
Ryan introduces Fergie to the Idol stage. Well, OK, not really, because the performance is pre-taped. According to someone from Popwatch sitting in the audience, when Ryan announced Fergie at the Top of the show, some in the audience nearly peed their pants in anticipation of Ms. Pee Pee Pants herself, only to find out she wasn’t actually singing live. Bummer. Besides looking like someone had just smashed her in the face with a frying pan, the Ferg actually had me humming along.
Tonight’s Idol Ford commercial reaches back to the fabulous 80’s and A Flock of Seagulls, a band that featured a lead singer with rather interesting hair. Kind of like Sanjaya. The story line features the kids on some some super-sekrit spy mission involving a Ford vehicle. Or something.
More on next week’s huuuge Idol Gives Back special. Ryan announces the stars who will appear: Pink, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind and Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Annie Lenox…
Plus a duet between “two of the biggest stars in musical history.” Hmmm. Bono and Borat maybe? Ha. Ryan asks us to join him in making Pop Music History. O Rly? No, no no. I really am going to try to set my cynicism aside for this event. Mostly. Ok, even if I’m unable to be 100% good, I will be voting and donating next week.
It’s time for the annual Top 7 split-the-kids-up-into-two-groups-of-three-and-humiliate-the-7th-by-making-them-choose-the-top-group. Such fun. Ryan calls the kids’ names one by one and asks each to take their place on either side of the stage.
Ryan explains, “I’m going to split these 7 people into two groups. One group will have the highest number of votes, one group will have the lowest number of votes.”
Sanjaya Malakar is sent to the right side of the stage. Phil Stacey is sent to the left. Jordin Sparks is sent to the left side of the stage to stand with Phil. Lakisha Jones is sent to the right to stand with Sanjaya. Blake Lewis is sent to the right to stand with Lakisha and Sanajaya. Chris Richardson is sent to the right to stand with Phil and Jordin.
That leaves Melinda Doolittle as the lucky duck who gets to choose sides. Blake looks like he totally knows he’s in the bottom. Phil and Chris stand smiling, prolly cause they are standing next to golden girl, Jordin, who was practically anointed the next American Idol by Simon the night before. Phil and Chris just might figure they’re safe.
After Ryan tells Melinda she’s safe (and we knew she was, ’cause Nigel told us so) he asks her to do “one more thing.” He says, “I want you to look at these two groups and I want you to pick the one that you think is also safe this week and will be back again next week to sing.” Naturally, the self-effacing Melinda looks helpless for a bit, and then sits down right in the middle of the floor, refusing to choose. Everybody smiles and claps. Of course Melinda is too nice to choose!
“That is fair and fitting for you.” says Ryan, “Just one more request…Just slide to your left.” And Melinda joins Chris, Jordin and Phil. “This group is safe, and is back next week,” declares Ryan. Hugs all around before they head back to the couches to lots of clapping and cheering.
“And,” continues Ryan “here is your bottom three at the center of the stage, America.” Randy thinks it’s “crazy” that Blake is up there. Ryan asks Blake if he’s surprised. “It is what it is,” says Blake. Yeah, he’s surprised. So am I. (I could say more but I’ll spare you all my tin-foil-hat theories this week…) Paula understands why “two of you are up there,” but she doesn’t say who. Simon grins as he probably thinks, “Buh Bye Sanjaya!”
Third sidenote: More interesting stuff from Popwatch: After Ryan cut to commercial, Sanjaya broke down and needed to be comforted by LaKisha and Chris. Afterward, LaKisha started crying too. Melinda made a beeline for Nigel, plenty pissed that she was put in an awkward position.
After the break, the kids sit through the Shrek 3 video and a short interview with Antonio Banderas from the audience, (wife Melanie Griffith and kids are in tow) pimping his movie. And then, Martina McBride takes the stage to sing some bland contemporary country tune. Afterward, her daughter joins her on stage and basically steals her mom’s thunder with a few cute kiddie lines.
After the break, Sanjaya, LaKisha and Blake are back on stage. Ryan, with a “Blake, you’re safe,” sends a very relieved Blake Lewis back to the couches. The camera cuts to a smiling Simon.
“Down to Sanjaya and LaKisha,” says Ryan. The lights dim and he starts the blah blah you sang blah blah spiel, then Ryan says, “America voted, after the biggest Top 7 vote in Idol history, over 38 million votes, Sanjaya….you are going home tonight.” The biggest, rudest cheer erupts from the audience. Bleah. ”Lakisha,” says Ryan, “You are safe.”
LaKisha and Sanjaya hug for a long, long time. Sanjaya’s good-bye video rolls, and he wipes away tears as he watches. Afterward, Sanjaya sings out, changing the words to his song, “Let’s give them something to talk about, other than hair…hair…hair…” Even Simon smiles.
Sanjaya IS love…
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I’ll be honest I was cheering also.But then I went back to rewatch it.I didn’t notice him crying before or that they crowd seemed thrilled.Wow I wanted the guy gone since the beging but now I feel bad.He is just a kid and to be honest I thought he wasn’t serious about being on.But he showed last night that this did mean a lot to him.That warmed my heart to see Lakisha hug him and it looked 100% genuine.So I guess she hugged him till about halfway through his video.
I only bad thing I ever said about Sanjaya was that he shouldn’t sing I never felt it was right to bash a kid.He’s a nice looking kid I bet some music producer will grab him up.On a diff note man I to was shocked to see Blake in the bottom 3 .Chris did worse then him .
Now we can finally get down to some serious competition! I can admit that I am glad that Sanjaya is now gone, and I agree with all the posts…he’ll be just fine.
As for the bottom 3, IMO the votes for Chris vs. Blake taking that last spot were reeeeeeeaaaaaalllllyyyyy close; Blake did not do his best on Tuesday night, his voice sounded weak to me, and after Phil’s outstanding performance, it just didn’t cut it for me. I think that Chris picked up a few “sympathetic to the news” votes (due to Simon’s eye-rolling or not) and that may have been enough to push him out of the bottom 3.
Way to go Melinda for not putting up with the bullshit that AI tries to sneak on its contestants - it’s cruel and pointless - she looked very uncomfortable (but what else is new?!).
Is there a specific theme for next week, or is it just going to be about “giving back” - my guess would be emotionally charged ballads and insprirational numbers.
Have a great day everyone!
I’m happy that sanjaya is gone. He had ceased being interesting. Next one who must go is Nasal Boy.
For the first time ever I thought Fergie sang well and I enjoyed her performance.
FOTIAI
You are correct! Insprirational songs is the theme. If it wasn’t for all the guest stars, I’m not sure I’d even watch next week.
Thanks KristiVA - and if VA is your state reference, let me just offer my sincerest sympathies to your great state and praise the fortitude that the University is showing during this difficult, tragic occurrence….time will heal, or at least help.
Thank you FOTIA. I have family attending VA Tech and we were all worried. Everyone I know was unharmed, thank goodness. It is a horrible thing but we will make it and come out stronger.
I’m glad your family is safe, Kristi. It’s such a horrible tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.
Songs of Hope next week for the weirdest season of Idol to date? Even Simon, I think, said somethign about how weird this year is turning out to be.
Let’s see, Melinda singing Somewhere from West Side Story? Oh yeah!
Bette Midler sang a song years ago about being lifted up on Eagle’s wings, that would be good for Lakisha.
How about How to Save a Life for Blake?
Reach by Gloria Estafan for Jordin?
How does the Idol Gives Back work? Are they gonna match our votes like 1 vote = $1 donation from Idol sponsors, anybody know?
RollTide - Thanks for thinking of us!
Beckhome,
Great suggestions! Bette Midler’s was Wind Beneath My Wings. That just leaves Phil and Chris!
ParkAvenue, I haven’t heard how they plan to donate for each vote but I’m thinking it’d probably be more like a penny a vote. That would amount to roughly $380,000. Maybe ten cents per vote ($3.8 mil)?
It could make for interesting voting results if a lot of people who never vote decide to vote next week, just because of the charity angle.
I am thinking may some kind of military tribute song from Phil Stacy. Maybe Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus or even Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA. Chris is hard to figure out for inspirational week. I doubt they’d give clearance for this but how about Imagine???
I read somewhere that Coke or ATT will donate 10 cents per vote. So, if they get the same number of votes next week as this week, that’s $3.8 million.
Or, given their ad rate of about 600,000 per 30 second clip, revenue from about 6.3 commercials.
Or what about “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for Phil?
Sanjaya made the decision to put himself and his awful singing on teh national spotlight and therefore he deserves all the baggage that comes with it, including the cheers when he was ousted, which I felt were perfectly acceptable. This guy has been holding America hostage of hearing good singing talent. If Blake or LaKisha would have gotten voted off, I think America should have rallied a boycott and made AI put their money where their mouth is- by not voting at all next week for the American Idol gives back!!! It would have been perfect. It would really show the producers how much this show has jumped the shark and how much America lacks faith in them now.
Ooooh, that would be awesome. I love The Fray, and Blake would be perfect for that.
Although, I’d also really like to see him sing something a little more upbeat. :)
Go Team Plaid! :)
Jennifer Hudson sang it in season 3.
Good luck you you, Sanjaya. You are one classy guy and I’m proud of you.
I think Sanjaya should get a phone call from Disney as he’d be great on their TV channel or movies. He is not the best singer but far from the worst. He’s sung in public and in choirs since he was little and has lots of on screen personality. I think the media has been very brutal to him. He’s there because the judges and American put him there. He didn’t keep an other contestants from advancing, America did. I think he’s got more balls than most of those who treated him rudely, and he’s just a kid. I hope to see him make some of the naysayer eat crow. I did’t want him too win but I’m not sure who I do want as this hasn’t been AI most exciting season.
I was just talking to my son. He thinks the “two biggest stars in musical history” will be Bono and Madonna, that would be pretty cool,eh?
I didn’t mind Sanjaya in the Top 10; he’ll bring along some fans to the tour. He did have 2-3 weeks when he was entertaining and fun. However, going into the fundraiser, “American Idol Gives Back”, they needed to have the quality singers there for Inspiration Week!
I am upset that Taylor hasn’t been scheduled to appear. That’s nuts. They say it’s the biggest AI ever, how can they not have their current Idol. I think Ruben should also appear and Fantasia can appear remote on location from “The Color Purple.”
I wasn’t in the Soul Patrol group but I hate the way AI has treated Taylor!
Great idea for Phil!
God Bless the USA is PERFECT for Phil, and I think it would save him.
I agree, Taylor should be scheduled….oh well.
Biggest Pop Stars in history? Easily Madonna and Michael Jackson….I don’t see it happening…I think it’s Bono and Celine Dion
I feel the same way about Sanjaya leaving that I felt about both Kevin Covais and Kellie Pickler–I “hated” them with a passion, but when they were gone, I missed them. :-)
I thought it was mentioned already on Idol that Taylor would be appearing? Or was I hallucinating? Speaking of Mr. Hicks, I will be seeing him in concert tonight. Woo hoo!
I always liked Sanjaya’s voice, and I thought his performances were much better than the judges ever gave him credit for. Outside of Melinda, I considered Sanjaya to have the best natural tone of the bunch. Just so much raw talent there.
But the shyte that was thrown on this kid! Wow, it makes me so glad the show wasn’t around for Elliott to audition when he was 17. They would have crucified him.
You are right MJ - Sanje will be missed. Every drama needs its *villain*: who will people love to hate now? It will be interesting to see whether he really was propping up AI’s already dwindling ratings too. I suspect they may lose quite a few more viewers next week.
It intrigues me that they had such a massive vote this week in spite of the falling viewership. Why so many votes when less people can apparently be bothered to watch? Everything I read online seems to suggest that no one could care less about this season, yet in the *real world* people care enough to register a record vote total for Top 7 week. Doesn’t seem to add up really. Were they all trying to vote Sanjaya out by voting for the other 6 or something??
Weird.
Can’t edit so I’ll just amend what I said above. Of course, they have the big charity thing next week so they won’t be losing viewers from Sanjaya’s departure. Well, not until the next week…;)