Ah, the Top 6. It's getting down to the wire people. In a few weeks, one lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) girl or guy will be crowned your next! American! Idol!
(cue Idol theme music)
Tuesday night kicked off the much advertised "Idol Gives Back" charity show. As Ryan has been telling us for the past 2 months or so, this week is one big fund raiser for various needy groups - starving kids in Africa, illiterate children in America, etc. There was so much footage of these unfortunate children on the show that for a second I thought I was watching a March of Dimes telethon or something like that.
Before I continue, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have sworn that Bono was supposed to appear last night because he was the contestants' mentor. I know he's showing up tonight, but was I mistaken in hearing Ryan say that he would appear on Tuesday?
Anyhoo, keeping with the concept of charity, this week's theme is "Inspirational." The contestants picked a song that inspired them. And without further ado, here's my grading of the final 6.
A
Melinda chose Faith Hill's "There Will Come a Day," and in typical Melinda fashion, it was excellent and flawless. Paula said that she was magical. Simon laughed at Paula's choice of words, but agreed with her, saying that it wasn't a copycat performance and that it was a vocal master class.
Jordin ended the evening with an oldie but a goodie, singing "You'll Never Walk Alone." I love the musical Carousel, and every time I watch the ending where Shirley Jones is singing it to her daughter during graduation, I'm reduced to tears. Jordin did the song justice, performing it in a melancholy but powerful manner. Randy said that it was one of the best vocal performances this season, while Simon said that she could have a hit record with the song. I won't be surprised if she wins the competition.
B+
For the third time, LaKisha chose a song that was sung by a former AI contestant. I'm willing to bet that what "inspired" her to pick this song was the hope that in singing AI winners' songs, some of that magic or what have you may rub off on her. This time it's Fantasia's "I Believe", and personally I thought it was better than the original. Then again, I can't stand Fantasia. The judges, who adore Fantasia, didn't appreciate LaKisha singing her song. I forsee LaKisha taking her second trip to the Bottom 3 tonight.
Article comments
1 - alessandro Nicolo
With his lessons on life and uplifting performances gone, I can't go on without the spirit god Sanjaya. I just can't. Where can I get some posters?
2 - Judge Judi
Allesandro - are you kidding? You're kidding, right?? Hey, did anyone see the interview with Sanjaya where he said he was kinda "creeped out" by that girl in the audience who kept crying. Poor girl ... she must feel awful.
Anyway, with much THANKS TO GOD that Sanjaya is gone, I think Jordin is going to walk away with this competition, even though Melinda will give her a good fight. They are both very talented, but Jordin has my vote!
3 - sean Paul Mahoney
Lakisha needs to stay. I'm dying to hear do "Invisible" by Clay Aiken or "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson or that song by Ruben that nobody remembers.
4 - Kaonashi
Alessandro- Don't worry, we're in this together. We should form a support group or something.
Judge Judi- "Creeped out" huh? Interesting.
Sean Paul- Ruben? Oh yeah, the guy who "won" five years ago.
5 - Ty
"Lakisha needs to stay. I'm dying to hear do "Invisible" by Clay Aiken or "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson or that song by Ruben that nobody remembers."
Hahahahaha.
Good one, but seriously, LaKisha needs to go now. I want to see cry on stage and throw a fit, and then win an oscar for playing a singer (like that's tough) in a few years.
6 - alessandro nicolo
Judge Judi: I know you're without humour because I've seen you in action. ;<)
It was tongue firmly in cheek for the record.
7 - Grandpa Idol
Now that the dust has settled let's just all relax a bit as I'm doing in sunny Key West this week (I'm here with Grandma Idol just to set the record straight).
I was really quite amazed at Simon's complimentary mood last night. All those trips to Africa and Appalachia must have had a softening effect on his personality or maybe it was that he did not have to endure another week of you know who.
Oh well Kaonashi, I think your analysis of this week's performances was on track except that I think Phil will last a bit longer. I was also surprised that LaKisha would choose yet another former Idol hit. She should have taken the hint from Simon and Randy that she really knocked the cover off a Billie Holiday hit a while back and had free reign to pick something in that space this week.
LaKisha or Chris is gone tonight and I'm sticking with Jordin to take it all.
8 - Carole McDonnell
Ah, you're a guy after my own heart. I totally agree with you about Lakisha's song choices. What's up with that? I used to like her but the more she sings songs by American Idol winners, the more calculating and unimaginative she seems. -Carole McDonnell
9 - Kaonashi
Ty - I don't think that LaKisha will throw a fit when she's eliminated, but I do forsee her throwing looks of death at Melinda when she thinks no one is looking.
Grandpa - It would be a shame if Phil went home tonight, considering that he did so well last week and this week. But like I said, I feel that Chris has more fans than him. Hell, my mom said that she's a Chris fan. I feel so betrayed :P
Carole- If you're referring to me, I'm a girl :) But yes, I am definitely questioning LaKisha's song choices.
10 - Judge Judi
Judge Judi here again ... and yes, I DO have a sense of humor, Alessandro. It's hard to tell when someone is kidding on a blog. By the way, Grandpa, can I get an invitation to watch the final A.I. in sunny Florida with you and Grandma.
I re-watched the tape tonight of last night's show. I really, really loved Jordin's song, and I also liked Phil. He's just kinda weird to look at, but I like his voice. Jordin has the complete package. I think LaKisha or Blake is going tonight. No one mentioned Blake's performance. Kinda flat, I think. I liked Chris better than Blake.
Peace ... out!
11 - Grandpa Idol
Grandma and Grandpa Idol would always welcome such an inspirational blogger as Judge Judi to sunny Florida in late May.
Now on to serious matters. What the f#*k was up with tonight's results show? I did not actually watch it because I was at a resturant that refused to change one of their many TVs to FOX, Because of that I was forced to get real-time updates during the final 15 minutes from one of our children via cell phone and it was clear that Ryan has a sadistic streak in him.
12 - Judge Judi
Grandpa -
Well, it couldn't have only been Ryan ... all the Producers of A.I. have a mean streak. Can you believe putting poor Jordin through that? The girl was visibly shaken since she KNOWS she's not the worst singer in that bunch. I think LaKisha looked pretty scared ... but they could have pulled that stunt with any of the really good singers. It was obviously a horrible "ratings stunt" to say at the beginning of the show "stay tuned for the most surprising voting of ANY American Idol show in history!" Just awful!! But I'm glad Jordin is still there, and I predict the 2 to leave next week will be LaKisha and Blake.
13 - alessandro Nicolo
You mean you're not the real Judge Judy? Yeah, dead-pan doesn't go well on the Internet unless you know the person. I got into a lotta trouble over the years with it. Bah.
Yes, K. Let's satrt that support group. The latest stupid thing I heard about Sanjaya: "He represents the power of 'I am.' "
What the hell does that mean? Though if I was an entertainment agent I would spot him a white suit, tie his hair in a pony-tail and take him on tour to teach people another 'the secret.'
Ka-bloody-ching.
What a sweet scam that would be.
Speaking of ka-chying, how long before Simon creates an African version of 'Il Divo?' I'm sure he got some ideas there. I know I did.
14 - Judge Judi
That's the first time I ever saw Il Divo ... they were extremely creepy. That one guy with the dark hair and the eye brow that kept going up and down looked like the cartoon character from Beauty and the Beast ... the supposedly handsome prince?? It was too weird. I can't believe they are selling alot of DVD's? Someone once compared them to Josh Groban (my absolute FAVORITE!) No comparison in my book. Josh is wonderful. Anyway, hope A.I. gets blasted for their little stunt last night!!!
15 - Grandpa Idol
You know Simon created Il Divo. I agree that they are a bit bizarre.
16 - Judge Judi
Yeah, I knew they were HIS brain child. I don't know ... I think they are bizarre ... but apparently they sell alot of concert tickets??? I think they are supposed to be a "hip" version of the 3 tenors???!! EEEEWWWWW ... didn't like 'em.
17 - Kaonashi
Last night was the first time I've seen Il Divo. Creepy was definitely the word.