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April 17, 2007: "I Learned the Truth at 17..."
“... that love was meant for beauty queens and high-school girls with clear-skinned smiles....” Who could this be about?
Martina McBride, country superstar and mentor to the Idols, showed up. And after she won award after award, year after year, with the same haircut, Martina got a weave for the Idolites. Her advice to the Idols was to “tell the story” of the song — sounds like the same advice Tony gave them, J.Lo gave them; I think even Diana Ross may have said something similar. Only Gwen neglected to share with them that bit of wisdom. So with Martina, her weave and Phil Stacey’s shiny noggin, we began the top-seven countdown.
Philly boy, nice save. With the help of Keith Urban’s “Where the Blacktop Ends,” Phil was able to come back from the depths of never-never and skid into middle earth. He actually sung the song from beginning to end. He brought it with the first note, and he took it all the way through to the last note. The song was perfect for him — where’s he been hiding his country edge all these many weeks? Randy told him he will have a career in country music, which is what Phil claimed to have been aiming for. As far as I am concerned, he can stay another week.
Jordin was divine. She sang “A Broken Wing” — a Martina song in front of Martina. Takes a lot of cojones, and she seemed to have them in spades. Jordin gave a completely emotional performance, picked a fantastic song for herself, looked gorgeous and may just win this little talent show. The judges agreed with me. It’s about time. This girl has definitely learned some kind of truth at 17.
I “expertly” said to my hiking pal that Sanjaya was done with the hair thing for a while and, after last week’s very nice performance, was going to focus on his singing. Boy, was I wrong. What was with the bandana? He chose a Bonnie Raitt song (that frankly, Chris should have sung). He said he hoped he would do Bonnie proud, but I tell you, she was sad she ever recorded that song after Sanjaya’s performance. I’ll bet she never sings it again. It was a tremendously bad choice for him. He was pitchy, he brought no sexiness to it, and that song is about nothing if it isn’t about the naughtiness of PDAs. The judges let him have it. Simon finally gave in to the whole nonsense that surrounds Sanjaya, saying it was “utterly horrendous” and as “bad as anything we saw in the beginning of the competition.” Simon wants Sanjaya gone.
Ryan tried to defend Sanjaya, and then he and Simon got into it like an old married couple. Simon queried, “Who rattled your cage?” and then, “Oh, shut up, Ryan!” Love is in the air. Isn’t this a family show?
Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” was the unfortunate choice made by LaKisha. Martina was verklempt at Kiki’s rehearsal, but I found no reason to cry about it when she performed. LaKisha was smart enough to wear a less revealing top, covering her assets, and I loved her golden boots. Now they were made for walkin'! However, it was a terribly boring song, and I kept hoping she was going to make it kind of church-y. Randy wanted to hear the Gospel, as well, and felt disappointed it never came to that. In the best line of the night, Simon likened it to “eating a hamburger for breakfast,” it just didn’t work. Kiki, take your place in the bottom three.
Chris, who was overwhelmed with emotion about the events at Virginia Tech, had days ago chosen Rascal Flatts' “Mayberry” tune. It was pitchy, though I thought it was better than the judges did. Randy felt completely unconnected, and Paula said the “joy and love didn’t come through.” Simon skewered my boy, saying it left “no impact on me at all” and was “completely insignificant,” which was just really cruel. Chris gave a shout-out to his friends in Virginia. My fear is that Chris will be in the bottom three.
I’ve never heard of Julie Reeves, though we all know it’s true that “Trouble Is a Woman” with a man on her mind! After Melinda’s star performance of the song, everyone will know who she is. Randy told it like it is: “Another solid performance from our resident professional.” As usual, Simon threw in a backhanded compliment, telling Melinda she was not allowed to look surprised when he told her, “It was fantastic!” He even likened her to Tina Turner with the attitude. She really is a completely different person when she sings. Melinda, you’re safe!
OK, I just do not always feel the love for Blake. Take his performance of “When the Stars Go Blue,” a Tim McGraw cover. Please, take it. He seemed uncomfortable to me and he was pitchy. Does anyone else think he looks like Marc Almond/Soft Cell who famously sang “Tainted Love”? I didn’t care for it in the least and when the judges were gushing all over him I asked, “Are we watching the same show?” Simon said it was “OK” and then immediately said, “It’s been a tricky week for you guys,” and "we the judges want to send our best to the families," and then went right back to criticizing Blake. It was all very weird.
Before Ryan even announced the show, he made mention of the “difficult time” many people are experiencing due to the recent events at Virginia Tech. It was just bizarre. We could get into a whole debate about the proper etiquette of a live show responding to a horrific current event, but none of the several disjointed efforts by Ryan, a few of the contestants and the judges made any sense. As heartwarming as it was that they wanted to share their condolences, I couldn’t understand their handling of it.
Top of the Heap:
Jordin
Melinda
Middle of the Road:
Blake
Phil
Take your pick to go home:
LaKisha
Sanjaya
Chris (sadly)
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Apr 18, 2007 2:50 AM
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As someone who thinks contemporary country music is about the most manufactured and boring entertainment around, I had no idea who Martina McBride is. But she was pretty OK as a mentor. I was dreading country week but it wasn't too horrible.
Simon was right about Chris. That was his worst performance so far. I was hoping Fire Narshall Phil would be on the outs this week. Now I am not so sure.
I thought Lakisha did great. People wondered how she was going to tackle a country tune and I think she did it just right. A good blend of country and her own style. So what the hell were the judges complaining about? I didn't see it.
Jordin and Melinda were the best this week though. Blake held steady. At least he didn't go for some bizarre nasally sound like his boy Chris did (what was he thinking??).
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Apr 18, 2007 3:11 AM
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I dont know why the audience was yelling at Simon over his comments towards Sanjaya. They knew he was telling the truth. That drives me up the wall whenever they do that. Anyway the scarf on his head has got to go. And so does he.
Anway Jordin gave me goose bumps. That performance was the best. Kiki was ok for me. Im disappointed I did see those gold boots of hers. I love boots. Melinda as always does a fantastic job. I also never heard of Julie Reeves before.
Anway I wasnt paying all that much of attention to the guys...but from what I did hear was that Blake did a good job.
And for the love of God please America put Sanjaya out of our Misery. Simon is right when he says...its not funny anymore. Enough is Enough.
But I have a feeling we are going to have one more week of this madness.
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Apr 18, 2007 3:30 AM
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The performances were all over the map this week. Some good and some bad.
Phil-Nice job by Phil. He did truly save himself this week. Well done.
Jordin-Great job by her again. Can't believe she is only 17 and being so poised. Even if she doesn't win, I think she has a great future in the biz. I did laugh when I saw a fan had her name misspelled on her poster. It is Jordin with an i and not an a. I guess she wasn't that big of a fan.
Sanjaya-Just awful. Everything about the performance was horrendous. The singing and the look. He had a couple decent performances and now this.
Lakisha-Have to agree with the judges 100% on this. She was shouting some of the vocals. She just hasn't regained the form of the first few weeks. She is the clear #4 right now behind Melinda, Jordin and Blake.
Chris-Not good. Not feeling it dawg. One of his worst performances.
Melinda-Another great performance by her. She just owns the stage. I didn't like Simon's comments. I think she has dropped the aw shucks routine the last few weeks. So it didn't make any sense for him to bring that up now.
Blake-I actually enjoyed his performance. I thought it was restrained and nice. He didn't try to Blakeize the song. Good choice in that matter.
I agree with you Paula on the bottom 3-Lakisha, Chris and Sanjaya. If Phil is in the bottom 3 instead of Lakisha, I will be mad. He sang circles around her this week. I think this is the week Sanjaya goes home. There is no point in him being around anymore.
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Apr 18, 2007 4:43 AM
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I thought this week was better than last.
Phil - I thought he did really well.
Jordin - She is just awesome. I think she could possibly win this.
Sanjaya - Uh, yeah.
LaKisha - She has lost what she had at the beginning of the competition. I wasn't feeling it tonight.
Chris - That was just horrible. I think he will be next to go.
Melinda - She was good. I liked it.
Blake - I thought he was great. I love listening to him sing.
My Bottom picks:
Sanjaya
Lakisha
Chris
I think Sanjaya should go home but I'm thinking its gonna be Chris
Blake, Jordin, and Melinda are my top picks.
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Apr 18, 2007 4:55 AM
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I agree with you on the way they handled this tragedy in VT, it was bad and I think they should have just not talked about it at all or done something better out of it. I mean, we know that they're thinking about it but the way Ryan and the judges talked, it was just, i don't know, embarrasing in some way. But when Chris talked about it at least it felt like it was "real", he really meant it. Ryan felt like he just said it cause he had to.
I think Sanjaya is good, he is fun. And I don't understand why the judges, expecially Simon, blames Sanjaya for still being in the competition. Blame the people who vote, but not infront of him. He can't do anything about it! Sanjaya is just trying to do his best. Remember that he is just 17 years old! Im glad Ryan tried to defend him a little because it is really not his fault that people vote for him even though many of them don't like him.
It was a great show anyway.
i hope Phil goes home.
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Apr 18, 2007 5:04 AM
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Don't understand why the people who have set out to ruin American Idol, are encouraging everyone to Vote for the Worst. Why? Leave them alone! If you don't like the show, don't watch it, seems pretty simple.
I love American Idol, let me watch it and let America send home flat singers.
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Apr 18, 2007 6:29 AM
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Whenever something tragic happens like the VA Tech tragedy, nobody quite knows what to do. AI was in a no win situation. If they ignored it, then they could be criticized for that, but then by mentioning it they could be called crass. I think having Ryan mention it at the start was a good idea. They should have had ChRis do the sit down and eliminated the "ask an Idol" segment and he could have made his comments then. ChRis has ties to Viriginia, and when he made his comments after his performance it came across (to some) as trying to redeem himself after the judges trashed him. The camera caught Simon rolling his eyes, as he obviously felt that ChRis was pandering for votes. However, the internet was abuzz with people mad at Simon, thinking he dissed the tragedy, and that's what led to that uncomfortable attempt to wedge in his comments while in the midst of talking to Blake. As for the singing, I'd rank them this way: Jordin, Melinda, Phil (I know, I'm shocked too,) Blake, Lakisha, ChRis, Sanjaya. Jordin has what it takes to win this thing, and I thought Melinda looked the second best ever...I didn't think she looked like Melinda. I totally got the Tina Turner thing from her last night too. Simon was pretty much dead on with his comments all night. As predicted, Lakisha was terrible, but I don't think she'll go ala Mandisa. Lakisha wowed everyone with her Top 24 Week 1 performance, and by being Diva-ish and not listening to the "mentors" she hasn't excelled since. Still, she should last longer than Sanjaya and ChRis. Bottom 3 was clearly Sanjaya, ChRis and Lakisha. You know its bad when all 3 judges come down on you (although Paula wasn't quite as bad to Sanjaya.) Sanjaya should go, but I think it might be ChRis. His "nasaly is a style" is probably the lamest thing I've ever heard an Idol contestant try to sell.
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Apr 18, 2007 7:28 AM
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I think Jordin rocked... she truly combines all the elements of what constitutes an "American Idol".. Melinda and Lakisha should do well in the music business whether win or not..
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Apr 18, 2007 7:29 AM
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Here is my assessment from best performance to worst.
Melinda: WOW! Chillbump time.
Jordan: Ya know, she might sneak up and steal the crown from Melinda...
Phil: Whaddya know! The guy finally found his genre! He was great for once! Way to go man! Now, if he would have just worn a cowboy hat...or ANYTHING to cover his head.
Blake: He sounded okay...I don't think country is his element though. He looked uncomfortable to me.
Lakisha: She sounded okay, but like Blake, uncomfortable. She didn't seem sure what to do with the song.
Chris: YUK! So now we know...he does nasally on purpose!? Really, it sounded horrible.
Sanjaya: He did good last week. He should go and be a Latin singer, cause last night we was back to very very bad.
I can understand how uncomfortable it sounded talking about the horrendous event in Virginia. It didn't bother me at all that it sounded disjointed. It only happened the day before. It was nice that they mentioned it. I think it would have been weirder to totally avoid it.
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Apr 18, 2007 7:33 AM
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Jordin and Melinda are definitely a shoe-in for the finals. Lakisha is fading fast. Phil might last one more week. Chris two more weeks. Blake top three. Sanjaya was PATHETIC last night. Not even votefortheworst or Howard Stern can save his butt this time. Curious to see how john_c11 and jules spin this one. They are this boards residence Village Idiots.
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Apr 18, 2007 7:39 AM
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I am not a country music fan, other than my love for Shania Twain, but the only one who stood out for me was Jordin. This girl is the total package. She was own pitched, told the story well and looked good doing it.
The others were either bad or just okay. Also, I have come to the conclusion that Sanjaya is just a cute kid and nothing more. But I do see him singing in some new wave band, were you are not focusing on the singing because the music takes over. Were as Melinda can sing, she is more of the Dionne Warwick, Dina Ross type generation. I only see her doing re-mix of those type songs.
Phil does need to stick to country music. Chris R, just needs to call it a day. Blake will have the young followers.
The elimination is going to be tough tonight because so many did bad.
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Apr 18, 2007 8:00 AM
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I am surprised that no one has really stated how OBNOXIOUS Chris was when reacting to Simon's "nasal" comments. He was nasal and sounded terrible, but he was really rude to what was a correct interpretation by Simon. I thought his comments about VT sounded like pandering as well, especially after being so rude. If he had simply stated his condolences without his nastiness, it would have sounded way more effective and heartfelt.
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Apr 18, 2007 8:22 AM
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Sanjaya was horrible! He needs to go. I guess I missed Simon rolling his eyes when Chris started talking about the shooting but it was on the radio this morning. I am sure the producers told him it was caught on camera and thats why he threw in his out of place well wishes. I did love that Simon finally said something about all the attention Sanjaya is getting and how the focus needs to come back to the singing.
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Apr 18, 2007 8:23 AM
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Wow, we are all over the board on this one.
I agree the handling of the VT massacre was weird. Why wouldn't it be? Nobody really knows how to act. Here's Blake smiling after Simon mentions it's been a "tricky" week for all the contestants. Even though VT just happened on Tuesday? All we can do is keep on keeping on, I guess.
I guess I am the only one who thinks LaKisha kinda redeemed herself this week. I had chills, which I don't get often.
And Phil - who was that guy? I have totally written him off for weeks. I never dreamed he had country chops. Now I think he deserves to stay, for a while at least.
Jordin was the best, IMO.
Sanjaya on the other hand, is clearly coasting on the bizarre phenomenon that is his fame. I agree - looked silly, picked the wrong song, didn't GET the song (thought it was about him). Total train wreck. I hope he goes tonight.
Chris, not so good. I must've left the room and didn't pick up on the Virginia connection. Next week I think we need to cut Chris loose.
Melinda - super as always.
Blake - I really liked him. I thought the high notes were awesome, and the switch to the upper register was pretty darn cool.
Getting down to crunch time, I think it will be Jordin or Melinda. Is America ready for a 17 year old Idol? Jordin would be a great one. Melinda is already a pro. I love to watch her sing. Both have a bright future.
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Apr 18, 2007 8:24 AM
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