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« American Idol
May 1, 2007: "Holy Moly — Jon Bon Jovi!"
Ryan helped raise so much money last week that he didn't feel the need to wear a tie… nor to shave. Say what you want about the commercialization of music that American Idol perpetuates, but those crazy folks got us all to donate $70 million ("That's seven zeros," Ryan pointed out) to make the world a better place — and for that I give them kudos.
Who’s in the house? Antonella “Girls Gone Wild” Barba’s in the house! Anyone else in the house? Gina “I don’t care what you say she’s still a rock star to me” Glocksen’s in the house!
Phil chose "Blaze of Glory" and wanted to sing it into his comb. He was the only Idol who seemed to have the vaguest idea who Bon Jovi were. Randy was jazzed because he recorded this song for the Bon J and said it was Phil’s “best performance ever on the show.” Paula also swooned, saying it was the “best opening all season long.” Mr. Ornery “thought it was OK.” And likened Phil to a “bad actor playing a role” and would like to send Phil home. But it was good. But, was it good enough? Simon, Paula and Randy fought over the truth, while Phil said he knows who butters his bread, and it’s not the judges.
Jordin told Jon, “My mom got me into y’all,” and I think that was maybe not the best way to start out with the Bon J. She chose, for reasons which escaped me, "Livin’ on a Prayer," whining, “His songs are hard to sing.” Is that because J Bon J writes songs with fewer than five notes? I enjoyed her Gina-influenced red streaks but not the fact that the song was way too low for her…. Urgh — not my favorite Bon Jordin performance…. Though she still has a killer voice, Randy said it was “very interesting for me… thought the verses were a little rough.” (She agreed!) Paula said: “You went for it even knowing it was out of your range.” (Bon Jordin agreed again!) Simon had this to add, “First of all, the look — it was like something out of The Addams family.” He continued that it was “verging on shrieking at times.” (She knew it was not her week but we still love her.)
LaKisha wouldn’t sit down with RyRy because she wanted the camera to get her good side. Which is fine because the sooner we get the Q&A over with, the sooner we can get to LaKiki singing. She chose "This Ain’t a Love Song," which J Bon J told her, "Oh, but it is a love song." [Sigh] Does he really think he needs to explain these things? He was psyched because it’s a soul song, too… and so we asked LaKisha to simply, “Bring it, sister.” And in the end, LaKeeks actually brought it. Key changes always impress people — a show-stopper. The girl is back in the game!!!! Randy said, “You sold me” and “you blew that out the box — LaKisha’s back!” He threw in some hand gestures for good measure. Paula rejoiced that the “low part of your voice is money in your pocket,” and therefore Paula’s pockets, and Simon’s and Randy’s, etc. Simon declared: “I actually could kiss you after that — on the lips,” and he did. “You were so good!”
RyRy, feeling left out, managed: “The image of your [LaKisha’s]lipstick on his [Simon's] lips is priceless.” Simon wasn’t finished. He told the Kikster, “You rose to the challenge and absolutely nailed it and I am so glad you’re back — and nice lips.” Boy, did she need that performance! Good job, Keeks!
First, Blake, you give love a bad name. (Kidding, that’s just the song he sang.) J Bon J showed a smidge of concern over The Blak-i-nator’s choice, calling it an “adventurous rendition.” He conceded that if he could sell his interpretation of the song that has been long-loved by Bon J fans through the ages, then mazel tov to him. Second, Blake dyed the heck out of his hair — possibly a nod to Clay Aiken’s tribute to Bryan Ferry? He started by beat-boxing a record getting put on the turntable. Beat–boxing to Bon J, hmm...? Very interesting. However, in the end I thought he did a nice job contemporizing a '90s rock song…. It felt like he decided to just throw it out there. Randy gave him an “award for most original song on Idol ever.” Paula said, “You put yourself out there — amazing — this was your night.” And then she said that Simon’s mom was loving it. But when they panned to this alleged mother of The Ornery One, it was two young girls, so not sure what that meant. Simon gave him 50/50 odds for the audience loving/hating it, but said it was the “right thing to do.” He called Blake a “brave young man” who took a “massive risk.”
Ryan, with the Q&A, said, “I’m here with Justin Timberlake!” Then he let us know it was a joke, it was only Chris. He asked what Chris thinks of when he’s on stage. Chris took a cue from Cyndi Lauper and answered, "JT look-alikes just wanna have fun!" But he’s really "Wanted, Dead or Alive." J Bon J warned us there’s a blue note that must be found — No. One. Move! It’s found in the “lyrical content” and is “more sad than glorious.” If he (meaning Chris) “can sell that to America, he’ll be here next week….” I found it to be a very good choice, he really got to sing this song. It made me actually like the Bon J. (Linda, how could you not love this kid — Chris, that is, not the Bon J? You just don’t want him dating one of your daughters!) Randy was “worried about these songs,” admitting he didn’t think any of the kids could handle them, and if Gina were there she would’ve knocked it out the house. Paula said, “this is turning out to be a great night,” meaning, “Are we done yet?” Simon, in that way that he has, said, “You did as much as you could do with this song,” but doubted it was enough to keep him around for the next go. I thought Chris looked superimposed on the screen next to Ryan. He’s a sizable boy.
Melinda! She told J Bon J she’s “so bad at rock" and he said, “I can teach you how to rock,” and I think he meant it in a different way because he had a gleam in his eye, or maybe it was hair gel. She chose a new song that no one would know so we couldn’t judge her on interpretation. It was called "Have a Nice Day," and she sang it like she didn’t want any of us to. J Bon J was happy because she brought some soul to the song that it miserably lacked due to his Bon Joviness. He told her to “take it to church,” which was a good suggestion because Melinda said, “OK, I like church.” Then he said, “You just joined the band!” He hugged Melinda. And I said, “This girl can sing anything!!!!” And I mean anything! I want to go to the Church of Melinda! Can I get a witness? Randy said she brought a little Tina Turner attitude. Paula was like, “Game on!” Simon “totally endorsed what Randy said” and added that “vocally it was in a different league to everyone else.”
So we were all warm and cozy, and then Bush and the Mrs. showed up. (Rupert must have friends in some pretty lofty places). Bush thanked us for raising so much money and wondered why more people voted for Idol last week than actually participated in voting for the presidential election. But he had his answer: It was because Bono was there.
Last week I was ready to send LaKeeks home… but she’s gonna get great votes for this performance. I hate predictions. I am so bad at them. However, if I must, and I feel my arm being twisted, Phil and, I hate to say it, Chris must go.
Must sleep. Until manana, mes amis.
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May 2, 2007 2:59 AM
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I liked half of the performances tonight. I was looking forward to this ep. Not a huge fan of Bon Jovi, but I like enough of their songs. Loved their debut album. Slippery When Wet was huge when I was in high school. Ah the salad days.
Phil-I thought he did very well. Technically this was not from a Bon Jovi album, but a Jon Bon Jovi soundtrack album for Young Guns 2. I do think Phil has been gaining steam the last few weeks. It may be too little and too late for him though. That's too bad. He does have a nice voice.
Jordin-Interesting look. She was all over the place with the song. She tried, but she just couldn't pull it off. This is 2 straight weeks for me that I haven't cared for her performance. She'll be safe though.
Lakisha-Loved it. One of her best performances. Just great for me. Will it be enough? The kiss was amusing.
Blake-When did Simon Le Bon enter this competition? Hmmm. Simon Cowell was speaking to me when he said the thing about 50/50. I hated it. I just didn't like it. I didn't like it when Rush put rap in one of their songs. I certainly don't like it when you make a rock song into whatever Blake did here. And this song is from the 80s, not the 90s. One of 3 songs from the Slippery When Wet album that were done tonight. I give him credit for taking chances, but I still hated it.
Chris-I don't get the judges on this one. I hated his performance as well. I cringed a few times.
Melinda-She truly can bring it in any genre. She is the frontrunner IMO. She makes everything look easy. AI probably wants Jordin to win this thing, but Melinda is the better singer right now. "Have a Nice Day" isn't that new of a song and I think quite a few people know it. It was a decent hit for Bon Jovi. It was funny when Melinda was trying to do the horns. Good stuff there Melinda. I don't think RJD has anything to worry about though
My hope for who is going home-Chris and Blake. I just don't like Chris's voice. And Blake just annoyed me with what he did to that song.
But the people really going home will probably be Phil and Chris.
Not your best blog Paula.
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May 2, 2007 3:57 AM
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Overall, I thought tonight was very entertaining. Phil opened with a great song. Jordin was really the only one that I didnt enjoy..and Lakisha I thought was ok. Blake, by far, was the best of the night, simply because he totally made it his own and put both his talents out there. Chris did pretty good too and Melinda always does a great job (though I dont think you can say that was a new song that no one would know, because it has been out since 2005 and I had definately heard it several times before tonight).
I think the results tomorrow night are going to be interesting, because of the way they are combining the votes...my guess is Lakisha will be one of the two to go, but other than that I am not sure.
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May 2, 2007 3:59 AM
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What a great show. And I love JBJ.
The stand out was clearly Melinda... she really reminds me of my favorite rocker lady... Tina Turner. Blake and Lakisha were also great. Then Phil followed by Chris and Jordin. But since it's the last two weeks combined and two leaving... probably time for Chris and either Phil or Lakisha to bid adieu.
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May 2, 2007 4:22 AM
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I also hated Blake's rendition. It just didnt sounded right to me.
I wanted to jump through the Tv and smack RyRy for calling Chris JT. Yeah it was supposed to be funny. But I didnt find it all that funny. For the last time Chris doesnt look like JT, he looks like a better looking and more talented version of Kevin Federline.
Anyway I thought Jordin did fine. Melinda OMG she is so amazing. Loved Kiki's performance(but did like the outfit she was wearing). Also loved the kiss between her and Simon. It was cute.
I think the ones going home are Phill, and Chris.
And by the way, Im getting sick and tired of the Q&A. They could do that on the result show night.
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May 2, 2007 5:22 AM
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So you don't like Bon Jovi... we get that... stop harping on the group already.
As for the AI finalists... while I don't particularly care for Blake, he made the song his own tonight and someone else mentioned he channeled Simon LeBon... that is so right.
I'm a Phil fan... but even I think he'll be one of the two to go home.
And calling Chris a Kevin Federline look-a-like... the difference between the two is Kevin is trash. Pure and simple.
I think If it's not Chris and Phil going home tonight, it'll be Chris and Lakisha.
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May 2, 2007 7:08 AM
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This is the first time I really did not like Paula's review. A lot of people complain and I never really understood the hate, but this time I got annoyed.
I don't expect every person to like every mentor, but I found your review disrespectful. Bon Jovi is actually a great artist. Fine, you don't like his singing, or maybe even the style of music, but he has written many songs for artists other than himself. The fact that you couldn't even write his full name more than once at the top is a little ridiculous. "Have A Nice Day" as a new, unknown song? Really? That song is a few years old and was played (over and over) on the radio for a long time.
As for the contestants- I felt bad for Jordin, but know her loyal fans will vote for her anyway. This was a rough week for her. Wrong song choice for her.
Personally I thought that once Blake came on everyone else paled way in comparison. I get that the whole beatbox thing may not be everyone's style, but I loved it. I loved the whole thing. It felt like an actual performance. I thought no one could beat Blake, but then Melinda came on. Melinda was awesome. Oh, and by the way, the point of the song was to sound kinda pissed at the world. The lyrics say it all.
Tonight will be interesting!!
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May 2, 2007 7:24 AM
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I too think the results'll be interesting tonight. I just don't think there is a lot of consensus on how certain people did. Melinda is about the only one I would call safe. She was AWESOME and back on her game, thank the gods. She needed last night - to be out of her comfort zone, show her range and nail a performance. I was standing up and cheering.
As for the rest...Phil was kind of a one-note, IMO. Not as bad as he has been, but not as great as Randy thought either. And he should wear a hat. The jacket rocked, though.
Jordin, poor Jordin. I am a little worried for her. I would rather she didn't agree with the judges that she had a tough time with the song, but just said nothing.
Lakisha...ehhh. Here again I wasn't quite sure what the judges were seeing. At least she seemed a little livelier than she has the past few weeks, but I'm ready for her to go.
Blake...loved it. It was gutsy, it was clever, it was gooood. Still, I can understand why it wouldn't be for everyone.
Chris...didn't love it. Don't love Chris. However, it was one of his better performances, and if the tweenies get the vote out he could be safe.
We are definitely at the point where anyone could go, particularly as they are planning to cut two. My choice for the 2 to go would be Kiki and Chris. How will the vote go? Not a clue.
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May 2, 2007 7:35 AM
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I love Bon Jovi so I was really looking forward to this week. I didn't realize, however, that the contestants would have to sing Bon Jovi songs. I don't think that was fair to the ladies but they did pull it off.
It scared me when I heard that Melinda was singing Have a Nice Day. That's a song I listen to after a bad day at work when I'd love to be able to tell my co-workers off and I couldn't see sweet Melinda pulling it off. Boy, was I wrong! She pulled it off beautifully.
I'm one of the 50% that loved Blake's rendition of You Give Love a Bad Name but I agree it was a love it/hate it kind of thing.
I hope that Jordin isn't in trouble after last night. I didn't think she was terrible, but the judges were pretty hard on her.
I had tivoed the show because I was out when it was on but caught a glimpse of Lakisha on TV during the live performance and thought she was screaming again. I was surprised when I watched this morning and she did a good job. (I think she did a good job but I've never heard that Bon Jovi song before.)
I think it will be Chris and Phil or Lakisha going home tonight. Can't wait to see the performance by Bon Jovi. My hunch for the group performance by the contestants is probably Who Says you can't go Home which will be ironic on a night that two contestants are eliminated.
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May 2, 2007 7:48 AM
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I'm not a huge Bon Jovi fan, but I gotta give him props for still being around 20 years later. I thought he did a good job mentoring the singers, he really seemed to try to help them out. I thought Phil gave his third good performance in a row, and he clearly should be singing country-rock songs. Jordin...Oy. I like Jordin but that performance wasn't good. I didn't realize that she was on the Idol spin off American Juniors a few years ago. It was strange seeing photos of her at 14 with Randy and Simon. I also read that photos of her at a Right to Life event a couple of years ago and holding a stop abortion now sign that have hit the web have cost her some fans, so along with this performance, she could be in trouble. She's been my pick to win for some time, so I hope that she gets through this speed bump. I thought Lakisha was good, actually better than Melinda. The Judges really pimped Melinda but I don't know why, it wasn't that great. Both almost seemed to be cheating, pulling out bluesy songs that most people wouldn't know. ChRis was so so, and I hope he'll be one of the 2 to go. He's just not that good. I really was impressed by Blake's performance. He actually looks better with darker Corey Hart/Simon LeBon hair, and he did a great job making that song his own. That was also the best he's SANG in some time, it actually showed he COULD sing. If it's based on everything up to now, I think the bottom three SHOULD be Lakisha, ChRis and Phil and any 2 of those three could go. I hope Jordin doesn't get shocked. ~ÐL
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May 2, 2007 7:53 AM
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I'm not 100% sure why people would feel bad for Jordin...she chose the song and any other contestant who gave a performance like that would have been absolutely railed on. I thought they were pretty kind considering...
Anyway, Phil - What a voice. It is just a shame that some people do not like the way he looks and his performance can look awkward at times. Simon was way too hard on him though. He may (unfortunately) go home.
Jordin - See 1st paragraph. However, she has too much judge and fan support to go home because of a couple of off weeks.
LaKisha - Sounded great. However, if last week's votes are mixed in, I am not sure how this one will pan out. I thought she may go home last week.
Blake - I like the originality, but not necessarily the outcome. When he sang the chorus (straight) I thought he sounded pretty good. The rest... eh.
Chris - Terrible. This is the 4th or maybe 5th week I have been less than impressed, yet the judges do not come down on him very hard or, at times, at all.
Melinda - You rock girl. I also have no idea what Paula (blogger, not Abdul) is talking about. I have heard that song plenty of times.
As for who's going home, it may be hard to say because they are mixing in last week's votes (aren't they??). I would definitely say Chris and possibly Phil (which obviously I do not feel is deserved.) With last week weighed in, possibly even LaKisha, though she was very good tonight.
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May 2, 2007 8:12 AM
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This was the worst TV Guide review I have ever read. You mocked every Idol contestant and Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi is not scrub band. 50 million fans argue otherwise.
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May 2, 2007 8:16 AM
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Personally, I love Bon Jovi. I even liked them growing up in the 80's when it wasn't cool for a guy to like the pretty boy bands. So, this was a fun week for me. I was very happy that they had to sing Bon Jovi songs and not just random rock songs. (Maybe I was also just happy to be told there was a mentor and actually see him this week - that's right Bono. I'm talkin' bout you!)
I was blown away at how good Phil was. Screw country week. This was his best week yet.
I also loved Blake's choice to mix it up a bit. He sounded great doing the beat box thing and loved how he incorporated the drummer. He really did take a chance for two reasons: 1. For Bon Jovi fans that's one of about 4 or 5 really sacred songs in their catalog and you usually try not to mess with them. 2: I wouldn't have thought this would be a prime choice to be "remixed". I would have thought something like "It's My Life" would have been great for it since it's a got a slight bit of electronics in it and a little less dated. Either way, I loved Blake's version.
I never did like "Have a Nice Day". Melinda was great on it, but not liking a song to begin with really makes me disinterested in the amateur singing it as well.
Lakisha was really good again. Between this and country week, she's been given a lot out of her comfort zone and she's come through.
Jordin was okay. Not her best but not that bad either.
I thought Chris was terrible though. He certainly doesn't have a voice suited for a rock song. The judges did note that, but didn't knock him down, which I'm very surprised at.
My prediction: It's Chris' time to leave.
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May 2, 2007 8:17 AM
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Paula:
I could barely get through this latest blog of yours. Was it really necessary to clutter it with a half dozen cutesy nicknames for every person who appeared on the show last night? What are you drinking and/or smoking? Or were you just being cleverly ironic?
It didn't help either that you had to throw a catty remark about Bon Jovi and his music into just about every other sentence. What did he do, run over your cat twenty years ago?
Most of the singers did okay, but they clearly couldn't get a handle on hard rock vocals. Jordin was disappointing. Melinda and Lakisha did well (although I don't like Lakisha).
Blake sent me out of the room with his infuriating beatboxing gimmick--I don't know why everyone seems to love it so much. It's beyond annoying, and it showed that he can't sing his way through a rock song without resorting to it (and, youngsters, beatboxing is nothing new. It's a form of scat singing, made popular by jazz singers like Louis Armstrong before your grandparents were born).
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May 2, 2007 8:25 AM
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GarryB- I just want to prove that your assumption that all Blake fans are "youngsters" wrong. I LOVE Blake and I am old enough to remember Bon Jovi very well. I was in high school when Slippery When Wet came out, so I am far from a youngster. What I am is open minded. I like all kinds of music and really love to see when this cookie-cutter of a show has some originality. I like when ANY contestant mixes it up. I do not normally like beat boxing per say, but I like Blake a lot.
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May 2, 2007 8:42 AM
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