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May 2, 2007: Double the Pleasure? Not.
Well I'll have a lot more for you later, but suffice it to say, I picked the two to go home this week in my last blog. And though I was right, I don't feel very good about it. Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson were voted off after a combined two-week total of 135 million votes — that's an insane number!
You know how I feel about Chris, so it was really hard to see him go, and Phil had actually been performing a lot better over the last few weeks. There's no joy in being right tonight.
As we get down to the wire it gets harder and harder to be happy about who’s going home. Oh sure, back in the days when we were ready to jump off a bridge if America kept Sundance around for another week it was all fun and games, but that’s all changed with this week.
I trust you all watched in horror as Ryan and Simon had their weekly tiff — this time about puppets. If I had kids, I’m really not sure I would let them watch this show. It’s very randy. (Not randy as in Jackson, randy as in racy.)
Ryan took to the streets, or rather to the farmer’s market next door to the Idol studio. He met up with the Blaker girls, a couple of twins who were hoping their namesake would make it all the way to the top spot.
In the “get to know the Idols” fireside chat, we learned the following:
— Blake mashes up his songs with new beats to find those crazy arrangements. He also just wants to have fun.
— Jordin gave it all she had.
— Phil was discouraged from listening to pop as a kid, but snuck some in anyhow.
— LaKisha kissed and told us that Simon is a good kisser, and she’d do it again (so would he). (Ryan, back on the puppet joke from earlier, said, “He’s got a girlfriend and it is very serious.” Somehow this made Simon hysterical.)
— Melinda said participating in IGB was "a huge blessing.”
Velvet teddy bear Ruben Studdard asked us to donate, as did Fantasia. And is that Taylor Hicks? Why, it is! I haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since he won last season. What has he been up to these days?
We did some reliving of "Idol Gives Back" — talk about filler! Then Robin Thicke — he’s gotta be related to Alan [Editor's Note: Robin is Alan's son] — performed. He had a prep-school look with just the slightest suggestion of a mustache… and a falsetto that reminded me of the Vienna Boys Choir in the old days when they used to, oh, you know what I mean. Then Robin began to sing the following words: “You touch yourself when you see me.” So much for this being a family show.
The Ford commercial brought us back from the other commercials with the kids dressed as circus freaks singing “Paint it Black,” a very cool song indeed. I really liked how they made Blake be the barker.
Results on the half hour with 135 million votes over two weeks:
Melinda — you’re safe
Phil — leaves us tonight (see below)
LaKisha — you are safe
Phil had gotten better over the last few weeks, so I have no doubt he’s got a career ahead of him. What an appropriate song to leave the show singing — “Going down in a blaze of glory” — and it sounded even better tonight than last night. I gotta say I was stricken with sadness when he sang. Almost as sad as when Gina sang “Smile” for the last time. Phil looked happy, though, and even his wife looked pretty darn thrilled because Phil’s leaving Idol means he’s coming home to help her take care of the kids! There was a big group hug with lots of tears, myself included (with the tears, not so much with the hugging).
Ryan then asked Jordin to stand and then immediately asked her to sit down: “Jordin, I put you through enough. Sit down, you’re safe.” Hallelujah. Two guys left standing — Blake and Chris — and we all knew at this point what that outcome was going to be.
Mr. Jon Bon Jovi and his band, Bon Jovi, sang one of their new tunes. It was pretty nice and he didn’t mention anyone touching themselves while looking at him, so I was happy with the performance, though I thought he was going to rock out.
Back to Blake and Chris, who tell America they are BFFs. Blake asked, “Why ya gotta do this? But it doesn’t matter, we’re going on tour together.” Ryan asked to dim the lights and I thought it had to suck to be Chris at that moment — he knew it was over but managed to say it had been “worth it. Thanks to everyone for keeping me in this long!” Then he sang and sounded even better than Tuesday night. The girls were hysterical and a shot of Gina showed her all cleaned up after her shabby appearance the previous night. Did anyone catch what Chris said to the group when they were in the throes of the goodbye hug?
Now there are only three (powerhouse) girls and one (beat-boxing) boy left. I won my YahooTV! office pool, but I’m not feeling very proud about that right now because I think both Phil and Chris were pretty good on Tuesday and have been consistently good for a few weeks prior. We’re getting down to the wire. I’m sad and excited. Let’s have a little poll: Who are your picks to win the whole shebang?
While you’re mulling that over, put on some Bee Gees and get ready to boogie with Barry Gibb next week.
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May 3, 2007 1:12 AM
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Yes! Those were the two I picked to go home this week so all is right in the world for me. OK, in the world of AI that is. The rest of the world is pretty screwed up!! 
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May 3, 2007 2:07 AM
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Ruben looked mighty happy tonight.
If I never hear whatever that was called Robin Thick again it will be too soon.
I am very sad to see Phil leaving, but I'm sadder that so many people were too shallow to see past what they interpreted as unattractiveness and truly see what was obviously a kind, gentle man with a sweet spirit not to mention a great voice. I wonder how many people on this earth could actually pass such scrutiny. I certainly doubt many of the ones that were so critical of Phil's looks could.
Chris and Blake were so sweet with their obvious friendship, but it was time for Chris to head home.
I hope Jordin can recover next week. I'd really like to see her and Melinda in the finale'.
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May 3, 2007 2:40 AM
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It seems like it was the right pick, but I was sad to see ANY of them go. I felt really good about the top 6 this year, and I'm glad we at least got to have them around for 2 weeks instead of kicking one off for a top 5. Phil definitely earned his keep over the last three weeks, and hopefully those three weeks gave him some guidance on what sort of album he should release.
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May 3, 2007 3:02 AM
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I also picked Phill and Chris to go home. Next week is Bee Gee week. And I hope somebody picks "How deep is your love"...that is my favorite song.
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May 3, 2007 3:04 AM
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I wanted Lakisha and Chris to go home. I've never enjoyed either one of them. Lakisha reminds me of Fantasia and I just absolutely could not stand her. Her "singing" was screaming to me. For me, it's Blake all the way!!
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May 3, 2007 3:16 AM
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I haven't watched Tuesday nights show yet. I am out of town and can't wait to get back to my TIVO to see it.
I love Blake. He is my absolute fav! I really like Jordin too. I would like to see one of them win. I really think Jordin can finish strong and end up winning the whole thing if she recovers from this week.
I am looking forward to hearing some disco and such next week. I can't wait to see what the kids all choose to sing!! Barry Gibb should be such a great mentor because he is such a fantastic singer song writer!
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May 3, 2007 4:28 AM
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I heart Phil to no end and support him, but I knew his number was up this week. I do hope he takes Simon's words to heart and does a country album. I think he would be more successful than Josh Gracin (a fellow military man and AI Finalist - I heart him too).
As for Lakisha, IMO she's better than Fantasia!!!! Period. I don't think she'll win AI, but it wouldn't surprise me as any of the final four could be the winner.
Blake.... Blake Blake Blake... I really thought he would butcher one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs, but he did his thing and I LOVED IT!
So anyway, I have to agree that both Phil and Chris sang their hearts out both Tuesday night and then gave it 110% last night. Phil's performances both nights made me cry because they were so good.
And the new Bon Jovi song... priceless! Ha!
Robin "Just because Alan's my dad, don't hold that against me" Thicke... reminds me too much of Timberlake... that's scary... so it's a good thing Chris Richardson's off the show now too. Can't have three Timberlake's running around when two's enough already.
Ooohhhh that was mean, sorry... I just thing Chris has to find his own niche and steer away from being compared to Timberlake, whom I really don't like as a solo artist, but hey, again, that's jmo!
On to next week...
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May 3, 2007 6:58 AM
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Who the hell is Robin Thicke??? That had to have been the most GOD AWFUL performance that I've seen on AI from day one. He sings like someone is squeezing his testicles. I couldn't understand a word he said. He offered nothing to last nights show!
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May 3, 2007 7:23 AM
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I must say I was one who hated Phil, I thought some of his earlier songs were absolutely horrid. His songs that were supposed to show emotion, showed none. But starting on Country night he really turned around and this Tuesday he was excellent and last night's performance was even better. I thought it was one of the best performances of the season. If he would have been able to duplicate that emotion earlier on he would have been one of the top 2 or 3. But alas it was too little too late.
I was sort of worried Jordan might be going home with how bad her last week's performance was, but as soon as they told her to sit down it was obvious Chris was going home. Even he knew it at that point. I wasn't overwhelmed by his singing either Tuesday or again last night, it wasn't bad, but it just didn't do anything for me.
Unless Lakisha turns out another spectacular performance and Jordin chokes again, I think Laksisha will be going home next week.
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May 3, 2007 7:27 AM
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Well, the final four is as predicted and it will be really interesting to see who goes next, but I think it will be Lakisha. I didn't see this whole ep, so I missed Reuben, but I saw Taylor. He looked very tired, I guess his tour is taking its toll on him already. I wonder if next week will be all Bee Gees music, or Bee Gees and Disco? Anyway, Phil & ChRis lasted as long as possible, but I thought Phil might actually survive over Lakisha as he's been better these past 3 weeks while she hasn't been that great. Now it gets much more interesting, and I am interested in seeing who wins, although I'm not invested in anyone like I have been the past couple of years.
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May 3, 2007 7:36 AM
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I agree with everyone who was creeped out by Robin Thicke. I don't think he would make it to the final 24 of AI. I know he is the Next Big Thing but Ewwww.
Last night was sad for me. I kept hoping they would renege on their promise to send 2 home. Nevertheless, I can't disagree with the choice. Wasn't Phil's wife just beaming? What a cutie. She is probably so glad that he is coming home. Chris has never recovered from his ill-advised "Nasally is a singing style" comment. Nevertheless, I was touched by his sincere friendship with Blake, and the comment that he would go home so Blake could stay? Priceless.
Somewhat appalled that Barry Gibb is the mentor next week, although it definitely levels the playing field. Disco would certainly not be the first choice of any of the remaining finalists. A little sorry Sanjaya's not still around - can you imagine him doing "Stayin' Alive"?
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May 3, 2007 7:45 AM
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I knew it was the end for Chris, but I really was hoping LaKisha would accompany him. She's slid by on a number of lousy performances, while Phil was upping his game every week. Plus, a 2-guy/2-gal final four would be much more interesting than the current mix.
Oh well, she's out next.
Nice job, Phil!
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May 3, 2007 8:49 AM
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I would not be on Lakisha going home next week, she can sing and proved it Tuesday night, next week is disco and if she can bring down the house, people will vote for her. Jordin who I like has to step it up. Melinda is just boring to me and Blake I like because he is different.
Anyhow the final four always has surprise eliminations, Chris Daughtry went home in that week and Tamyra Grey from season one went home that week. She was great.
I have no clear favorite, it comes down to whoever sings the best from this point on.
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May 3, 2007 9:03 AM
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I just have never liked Lakisha. She always looks mean at the end of her songs. She might be able to sing, but her facial expressions turn me off. I love me some Jordin, though, and want her to be the top winner. I miss Phil. I thought he was the best performer of the night, and he deserved to continue on. It's a shame America voted him off.
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May 3, 2007 9:09 AM
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