The dashing Anwar Robinson, hailed repeatedly by American Idol judges as being "technically the best singer on the show," was sent packing Wednesday night.
The show kicked off with All About Ryan asking Bo: "What's it like being famous?" Bo squirmed — note to body language experts — and said he didn't have his star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That question segued into the great and moving moments of Ryan, Ryan, and Ryan. I'm sure this was one of the most stirring moments in Ryan's black little life, but it was overlong, and just shows what I've always suspected and Ryan's always known: It really IS all about Ryan.
Ryan pretended surprise and humility and stumbled around ingratiatingly for words. He introduced the upcoming (usually dreaded) group song and invited the audience to "Celebrate them as a group." The group sang You Can Shine which was written especially for them by composer John Farrar (think Grease and Olivia Newton-John boogies down). The group's performance was a little lame, but not as bad as usual. I enjoyed seeing Bo and Carrie strumming away on guitars. Anwar, though a music teacher, seemed to have a hard time faking an authentic keyboard performance.
The Ford commercial was great. Rock This Town — and a 1950's diner populated with Idol contestants. Constantine and Carrie looked particularly snazzy as cartoon characters from the 1950's.
As usual, the elimination portion was cruel. Ryan, giggling madly to himself, I'm sure, first moved pretty Vonzell to the "far side," and doll-like Anthony (was he wearing blush tonight? He looked a little like Raggedy Andy) to the "near side." Ryan proceeded to divide the contestants — Constantine and Carrie to the side with Vonzell, Scott and Anwar to the side with Anthony.
Then, in a perfectly horrible move, he told Bo Bice that he was safe and asked him to join the side he believed was the "top." Bo, wisely, chose the middle, between the two groups.
When Ryan announced that Anthony, Scott, and Anwar were the lowest three, Anthony stuck out his lip in an absurd pouty face.
Ryan asked Paula who she thought should depart the show. Paula blamed the audience again, saying she didn't know why the audience votes the way it does.
Two minutes before show's end, Ryan broke the news to Anwar.
Though Anwar has been off his game in the past several weeks, he displayed style and talent. Good luck to him.
Article comments
1 - Chris Fischer
Just had to say-
yeah he looked like he was 'faking" the piano- that was lame, but take it from me..
I have a degree in piano-
I think all singer/pianists are lame-o pianists.
I have worked with Anwar years ago when he was barely 23.
he absolutely blew me away.
he is a freak of nature.
Someday you'll see.
2 - Natalie Davis
You're probably right about that, and I can't wait to see him blow everyone else away. But I don't see Anwar as a "pop star." I think he is MUCH better than that.
3 - Eric Olsen
I agree, he seems the musician/teacher type
4 - Jo Ann
I also think that Anwar is a class act. I still don't understand why Idol can't have a set up where you can only vote one time. I know many more people would watch the show. I will be looking for Anwar's music to buy.
5 - Leslie
I'm sure I wasn't the only one shocked that Scott didn't get the boot this week but Anwar, truthfully, was not the greatest voice there. He does have some good vocals but they don't range very well. He was always singing the same octives in every song so that they all sort of sounded the same. He's a guy that needs songs customized to his voice style which is very similar to Stevie Wonder's. For anyone upset that Idol has cut a real star from the final 12 - they'll all get recording contracts aside from maybe Makayla.
6 - Maxine
Does Chris actually think that Elton John, Billy Joel, Nat King Cole are lame-o singer pianists ? And sorry Leslie but Anwar is definately the greatest voice that was left in this competition. His range is amazing and by the way just the way you describe him always "singing in the same octaves" tells me that you dont know anything about music or vocalizing. I am a singer (and according to Chris probably a lame-o pianist) who has been singing since I was 5 ( just for reference that was several decades ago) and yes I make a good living at it still, and I cant believe that Anwar and Nadia are out of this competition. If this thing is going to be about good singing then there ought to be competant judging out of fairness to the contestants. By the way Natalie since when did Fantasia or Rueben qualify as "Pop Stars ?"
7 - Biggy Biggy
hey everybody!!!!
I loved Anwar he was a genuine singer who did have a fantastic range (and I am sure he still does) Scott some how hangs in there even with his pudgy face(no offense to anyone, there is no problem with a few hundred or so extra pounds. I am not saying I could not loose a couple lbs.)and not so great singing talent. I also think that some of the problem lies with the judges. The only one who ever eve tries to tell the truth is Simon. Paula needs to stop singikng in the middle of performances and actually listen to the singers and I dont even want to start with Randy. I just wonder what he is on. Can any one answer this? I dont know, but next week randy and Paula and Scott are getting Kicked off. This is my fantasy atleast.
8 - rk
Does anyone know what the title of the music that was used for the Ford commercial where all the people were singing. It was really neat.
9 - rk
So You THink You Can Dance, THey did a Ford commercial that the people in the factory where they put the cars together, were dancing and just having a barrel of fun. It was really super, very clever!! Do anyone know what the song was????