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Thursday, February 22, 2007
1:16 pm
45 Comments
There’s still hope! The women on last night’s episode of American Idol proved that there was actually some talent in the semifinals, and where the guys were mostly bland and insipid, at least half the women brought their A game. Make that their A+ game. Just when I thought I had heard the best vocal of the night, another lady would take the stage and obliterate the competition. To be fair, there were a good number of clunkers — Antonella, Haley, Amy, Antonella. Pretty much, with the exception of Gina Glocksen, all the white girls sucked, and it was never more apparent than when they had to perform directly after one of the many divas we saw last night. Thank goodness no one had to follow LaKisha Jones. It would have been slaughter.Wednesday’s show started on an optimistic note: Ryan had shed his dumb wannabe-Timberlake tweed vest in favor of a more classic and less douchebaggy blazer. After greeting all the women, he told us, “We had a pretty strong start to the competition last night.” Huh? Were we watching the same show? Last time I checked, Tuesday’s show was only slightly more entertaining than watching a thirty-hour marathon of Yes, Dear.
Nevertheless, we sat through a long and painful montage of the boys’ highlights and lowlights from Tuesday, or perhaps I should say lowlights and lowerlights. We then moved into a chitchat segment with the judges, and I’m happy to report that Randy wisely stayed away from the epileptic seizure-causing paisley shirts for this night. Paula, meanwhile, seemed wrapped up in a trenchcoat of sorts and was wearing so much jewelry that every tiny twitch made her jangle like Santa’s sleigh. Simon was just his usual self, this time in light gray, and when Ryan asked him if he liked it when the singers, like Chris Slight, come back at the judges, he said yes — it shows “spirit.” Ryan then tried ceaselessly to convince Simon that Chris had indeed gotten under his skin the night before, but unfortunately, I don’t think anyone really cared about this beyond Ryan, who was probably still seeking retribution for that “sweetheart” comment.
Finally, it was time to get onto the girls. We watched a montage of their journey, set to a remixed version of that Sia song (the same one played at the end of The Hills last week), and then after the commercial break, we were ready for our first singer. Her name was Stephanie Edwards, and she kind of looked like a weird mix of Fantasia Barrino and LaToya London. She sounded just slightly nervous in the beginning, but that was okay because she was pretty much awesome the rest of the time. The best part about Stephanie was that she seemed to actually connect with her song; not just singing the lyrics but performing them. Honestly, the song, “How Come You Don’t Call Me,” could have been really boring or generic, but Stephanie injected a ton of life into it. By the time she dropped to her knees, we knew we were watching a possible contender. Already ninety seconds of Stephanie was better than the whole dreary two hours we spent watching the guys.
Well, the judges praised Stephanie, who earned an enthusiastic round of seal clapping from Paula. Randy gushed, “That set it off!” and then later praised her conviction to the material — something the guys never had the night before. Paula, meanwhile, was almost without words. Well, I guess that’s always the case, but she was really speechless this time around. “You are a star, my God!” she said. Lastly, Simon echoed what most viewers were certainly thinking: “You were a million times better than any performance we saw last night.” Cut to the guys all making mental notes: “Remember to drop to my knees next week…”
Simon ended his comments by noting that Stephanie, unlike the men, looked like she actually wanted to win the competition. I agreed (of course), and even though we had no idea who she was coming into the episode, I had firmly hitched my ride to hers. At least for the next twenty minutes…
After the break, we then went into the Red Room where Melinda Doolittle talked about how the boys were amazing and all that bullshit. In response, the guys all cheered wildly, happy that at least one person in America was willing to say something nice about them. Ryan then asked Antonella some question; although, I’m surprised he could find her, what with her entire torso being camouflaged against the couch.
Behold the floating head of Antonella Barba!
Anyway, next up was Amy Krebs, one of the many girls that we haven’t seen before (and if we have, she’s so forgettable that it’s really not my fault that I missed her in the first place). She was an optometrist assistant, which was lovely and all, but it was a mild shame she wasn’t a dermatologist assistant, if you know what I’m saying.
Well, as expected, Amy Krebs delivered one of the most forgettable performances of the season. Her take on “I Can’t Make You Love Me” was bland, boring, and kind of out of tune. The only amusing part was dumb Alaina Alexander up on the balcony, clasping her hands together and swaying to the song as if it were being serenaded to her exclusively.
Seriously, I really don’t remember much from this performance, and looking at my notes, I’m kind of amused that I wrote down, “Oh God. She’s AWFUL.” She really was terrible, and her eyes could not have been more blank and disconnected. Plus, the way her hair hung down over her face, it was like watching corpse karaoke.
The judges weren’t particularly kind to her. Randy said it was very middle of the road and entirely too safe. Paula agreed with Randy, and Simon said he simply could not remember her. “You have the personality of a candle,” he said. It didn’t really make much sense, but I enjoyed it. Cut to Lumiere the candle balking, “HEY!”
Anyway, Simon said that Amy was incapable of doing anything to stand out from the crowd, and later, when Ryan asked him to elaborate, the surly judge merely reiterated that she was forgettable. For whatever reason, this prompted wee Sanjaya Malakar to yell out, “YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL!!!” Great. I’m sure everyone wants to hear the aesthetic opinions of a kid whose hairstyle is an ode to Carly Simon.
Next up was Leslie Hunt, a professional dog walker and official Goofy Dancer (this based on her goofy dance during the “Meet The Women” montage last week). Anyway, she sang “Natural Woman,” which seemed a bit soulful for such a skinny white girl. Her voice was not my favorite — in fact, it was kind of flat — but I thought she seemed like she had personality and was having fun up there. She certainly was moving her body around (to less goofy effect), and she hit a nice high note at the end of the song. However, Leslie was reamed by the judges — more so than Amy Crabs.
Randy predictably and accurately said that the song was too big for Leslie, ultimately rewarding her with the assessment of “it was just okay.” Paula said she did a great job, but Simon quickly contested Paula’s critique, saying that Leslie looked embarrassed and ungainly, and ultimately out of her comfort zone. We then cut to Leslie’s friends and family who could. not. believe it. Someone really ought to get them a pillow and a cold compress. They looked like they had just seen five airplanes crash into each other.
For whatever reason — I forget the context — Randy then called upon the Dawg Pound for the first time this season, and as expected, this tradition has not become more delightful with age. It was fun watching Sanjaya do the Dawg noise, only because you know it probably sounded like Michael Jackson making a police siren noise.
Next up was Sabrina Sloan, a singer who never saw a strand of hair she could cram into thirty-five curls. I had no idea who this girl was, but she was absolutely thrilled to have received a standing ovation from Paula during Hollywood week. I didn’t want to burst Sabrina’s bubble, but honestly, a tennis ball rolling across the stage can get a standing ovation from Paula Abdul.
Anyway, like Stephanie, we didn’t know who Sabrina was but we certainly wouldn’t be forgetting her anytime soon. She was awesome. I think better than Stephanie (or maybe that’s because Sabrina was fresh in my mind). This girl could sing, and she absolutely knocked the song, “Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You,” out of the park.
“We finally got ourselves season six a competition!” Randy proclaimed. “That’s the one to beat right there!”
Paula, meanwhile, rose for a standing seal clap, something that surely delighted Sabrina, and Simon said, “That performance… was the best one so far.” Sorry, Amy Krebs. You’re a goner.
Afterwards, Ryan asked Sabrina why she picked that song, and she said she did her research — ballads don’t have a great track record in the semis. THANK YOU. Validation to my little soapbox rant yesterday. I had to respect Sabrina because she not only was a great singer, but she was smart about her song choice… unlike our next singer, the notorious Antonella Barba.
Oh Antonella. During the auditions, I picked her to go pretty damn far. Oh, how things have changed. Since then, we’ve watched her confidence wilt in Hollywood, and now here she was, shaking like a leaf in front of America and attempting to tackle that most generic of ballads, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith. First off, her voice sounds uneven and warbly. Second, as she started on a little stool, she looked so stiff, I thought maybe she might be some spawn of the Chenbot. Antonella clutched that microphone like her life depended on it — almost as if it were a branch saving her from being swept away by river rapids.
However, once she hit the chorus, Antonella rose from her chair, loosened up a tad, and started hitting a few notes. I really didn’t know what to feel about the performance. On the one hand, there were some terrible elements to it. On the other, we could hear glimmers of her potential, and that potential sounded great. At least to me. Not to the judges.
Randy cradled his head in his hands — his new move for season six — and said, “It wasn’t good. It was really pitchy. It was really bland.” Paula was less upfront, saying, “It wasn’t baaad.” In PaulaSpeak, that means, “Oh my God. That was the worst fucking performance I’ve ever heard in my LIFE!”
Simon, however, was the soul crusher. “The good news is that you’re attractive. The bad news is that it didn’t work. It was way, way, way too big for you,” he said. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he then gave her the kiss of death (the same one that fell Brenna Gethers last year, as well as countless others). “This seriously, seriously, seriously damaged your chances of remaining here another week.”
Poor Antonella. She looked absolutely devastated. She noted that she chose the song because she felt it would be a risk, but Simon countered that it was a dumb risk: “That would be like Ryan doing the news. It just wouldn’t work.” Well, it would work on SNN — the Sweetheart News Network.
Next was Jordin Sparks, daughter of an NFL player and youngest girl in the competition. At only seventeen, I was a bit wary. Sure, she had a great audition, but with memories of Lisa Tucker and Princess (barf) Pea in my head (that’s Paris Bennett, for those of you who don’t remember), I was afraid we’d be in for some saccharine overload.
Imagine my surprise when Jordin proved to be totally poised and mature for her age. She not only looked older than seventeen, but she acted it too (at least, when she was singing). Her take on “Give Me One Reason” was actually pretty awesome, especially towards the end as she really got into it. I didn’t feel like she was all Mickey Mouse Club, and unlike Lisa and Paris, I didn’t feel like she was trying to play Grownup.
Well, the judges all had glowing reviews for her and said that as long as she had all that natural talent, she should pick bigger songs to showcase her pipes. Afterwards, Ryan stood with Jordin up on the stage and commented that he felt short next to her, causing her to smile politely. He then added that he also felt small. Awwwkward. Jordin scowled with a “Are you calling me fat, little man?” face, and before this scene could become too uncomfortable, we simply moved right along…
Next was Nicole Tranquillo singing a Chaka Khan song. I knew we’d have a problem because Nicole was skinny, white, and from Pennsylvania. She earned points for being spirited on stage and looking like Kristen Wiig, but her voice was so strange and bizarre that I couldn’t help but being alternately transfixed and dismayed. It was almost as if she was trying to sound like Chaka Khan with the way she kept making growling, guttural noises and whatnot. She certainly wasn’t the worst of the night, but she wasn’t helping to buck the trend of white girls singing miserably.
Randy told her it wasn’t her vibe, saying, “It wasn’t really working for me.” Paula paradoxically thought it was out of this world, and yet, not quite the right song. Kind of didn’t make any sense at all, but that’s what we expect from her. Simon, however, called the performance indulgent, aggressive, and fake. Ouch. Later, Nicole couldn’t quite understand why the performance seemed fake when it was one of her favorite songs, but thankfully, Randy clarified the entire situation by basically telling her to stay the hell away from anything that’s too urban. Translation: YOU’RE TOO WHITE FOR CHAKA!
Haley Scarnato was next, and not only did she sing Celine Dion, but she sang possibly one of the campiest Celine Dion songs ever — “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.” Honestly, I have no idea how this girl made it to the semis. I thought the two second clip of her they showed last week was pretty dreadful, and this performance did nothing to reverse my opinions. She was completely shaky, and she sounded like she belonged in a cabaret or a cruise ship. Incidentally, I wouldn’t be shocked if there’s already a cabaret out there called Scarnato’s.
Seriously, her voice rubbed me the wrong way. It was like a really bad version of Kathy Lee Gifford, and that’s not a good thing. And if you think it is a good thing, well, then I apologize. I hope my criticisms don’t haunt your memory as you purchase your next Hallmark Collectible Figurine.
Anyway, Randy said she was just okay, which was entirely too generous in my book. Paula also said she did a nice job but would have liked a different song choice. Simon, meanwhile, laid the much welcomed smackdown. He told her she sounded like she was forty years old, specifically saying that it was “like being at a reasonably good hotel and that was the last song of the evening.” So basically the show closer at the downtown Marriot. Personally, I enjoyed that her performance couldn’t be found at just any hotel. Only a reasonably good one. AND only at the end of the night.
Afterwards, Haley acted all defiant, but didn’t want to sound stubborn; so she announced that she would change but stick to herself. Yes, that makes sense. Good luck with that. Can’t wait to hear you next week. Will you regale us with Babs? Maybe some Steve and Edie?
Up next was Melinda Doolittle, our favorite confidence-challenge backup singer. She told us in the video segment that about a year ago, she started thinking about being a singer on Idol — a backup singer. Holy self-esteem issues. However, when she got on stage at Hollywood week and had the backups behind her, she felt all empowered. Awwww. Well, we all knew Melinda had a great voice, but would she tense up on stage and shrug her way towards elimination? HARDLY. Melinda was a-maazing. Her voice had so much depth, richness, and control that she raised the bar even higher than where Sabrina and Stephanie had set it. Plus, I was happy to finally be able to pinpoint what exactly Melinda looked like. Think about it: she’s the black Lily Tomlin! It’s perfect, is it not?
Anyway, as Melinda effortlessly obliterated the competition, I was happy to see her bounce and move around the stage. All of those inhibitions seemed to go out the door, and afterwards, she was rewarded greatly. Randy declared, “YOU WERE HOT!” Paula called her a firecracker, and Simon said, “You are an incredible singer, you have a fantastic story, you are a fantastic person. I really hope you do well.” We won’t be able to top her tonight. Or will we…
Certainly Alaina Alexander wasn’t able to win over any fans in the wake of Melinda’s performance. I’ve already expressed my hatred for Alaina many times on account of her subtle sense of entitlement. There’s something about her that also irks me. I can’t put a finger it just yet. Maybe it’s a general wannabe Jennifer Aniston thing. I don’t know. I still need to think about it.
Nevertheless, my hatred of her aside, she was AWFUL. First, she picked a song that I definitely like but would never use on Idol: “Brass in Pocket” by the Pretenders. It’s kind of a lazy song with not a lot of range. On the one hand, it could be construed as too safe. But on the other, how safe can it really be if you can’t even pull it off. That’s right, Alaina absolutely butchered the legacy of Chrissy Hynde, seemingly missing every other note. The performance was karaoke — at best. Surely this judging would end with tears…
“I’m awful. So awful. I gotta have some of your attention. Give it to me!”
“It really wasn’t great,” Randy said, adding that it was pitchy and not that different from the original. Paula noted that Alaina didn’t really go for it or make the song her own. And Simon said that while the tune was all about being special, the performance was anything but. We then cut to Antonella up on the balcony, a look of shock and awe on her face. Yes, Antonella. Even Alaina is fallible.
Ultimately, Simon stated, “You are going to be reliant on your looks at the moment. Not your voice.” Oh snap! Ryan then came on stage and tried to stir up some positive feedback for Alaina, noting that she had great passion. After all, she was going to quit before Idol and now she’s back at it. Last time I checked, that wasn’t passion. That was defeat and near-failure.
Simon didn’t know what to make of Ryan’s nonsense, and so he asked, “Are you trying to date this girl?” This resulted in a simultaneous “WHAT?” from Alaina and Randy, which was followed by general awkwardness — more so than the usual Seacrest transition. Moving on…
Next was Gina Glocksen, a favorite of mine from last year. I was happy to see her finally have her moment on the national stage, but upon hearing that she’d be tackling Celine, I was somewhat disheartened. C’mon, Gina. You have a streak of color in your hair. You can’t go all Scarnato on us do Celine! Turns out, she was singing “All By Myself,” which actually wasn’t a Celine Dion song originally; so she got a free pass on that.
Anyway, Gina was a little shaky at first, but as Randy would say, she worked it out. In fact, when she hit that famous, sad-sack chorus and belted out “All By Myself,” she really found her groove — so much so that her mom started to cry. It was actually impressive that she took on this song because at one point, she had to tackle a crazy high note, which she did about 80% successfully. It was a reach, no doubt, and she was ever so slightly off, but she eventually got it and finished out the song with aplomb.
Randy thought the performance was nice (I think he sold her a little short), and Paula praised her for picking the right song. Simon also liked Gina but said that she didn’t hit the big note. Gina later disagreed, but it was all a moot point now. Hopefully, she’d be moving on. I mean, she had to. She was literally the only white girl who could sing.
Last but certainly not least was LaKisha Jones (with a capital K, thank you very much). She boldly decided to sing “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going” from a little musical known as Dreamgirls. This was a definite risk. After all, with Jennifer Hudson’s ovation-beckoning version still fresh in most people’s heads, LaKisha had giant shoes to fill.
Well, this big momma stepped on stage ready to out-Mandisa Mandisa and out-JHud JHud. But could she do it? For all intents and purposes, yes. She was amazing. Was she as good as Jennifer Hudson? Probably not. But also, Jennifer Hudson didn’t have to sing an abbreviated version of the song that sapped away a good portion of the dramatic heft. It’s not even fair to make the comparison anyway. What was important was that LaKisha knocked that song out of the ballpark. I mean, wwhheeeewwww! She KILLED IT! When it was over, I half expected her to growl, “I WANT AN OSCAR TOO!!!”
Unsurprisingly, the judges had nothing but raves. “I do love you!” Randy said, in response to the song’s lyrics. “Jennifer Hudson watch out!”
Paula gushed, “This is where you belong, honey!”
And Simon made a callback to Gina by saying, “That’s the right note.” He then laughingly said, “I’m very tempted to tell twenty-three people to book your plane tickets home.” You’d think that comment would generate huge applause, but it was only met by confusion by the studio audience. People, he’s saying that she should win the whole thing. It’s a good thing!
Because there was time to kill at the end, Ryan then asked how many boys and girls the judges would send if there wasn’t a six/six limit. Randy said it would be like four guys and eight girls. Even four seems too liberal a number for the guys. Either way, whoever advanced would have their work cut out for them. Simon declared that Lakisha had “thrown down the gauntlet.” And then some.
What did you think about the ladies? Should we just move ahead to an all-female top six?
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45 Comments
I’m hoping that Antonella goes back to Jersey. I think she got this far only by being attractive. I loved Melinda but she really does need a boost of confidence. And I thought LaKisha has an amazing voice but when she’s not singing, she doesn’t seem to exude much personality.
The guys however are a pitiful bunch. And unlike Taylor (who didn’t have the greatest voice by far), none of them will connect with viewers the way he did.
I think the best singers should go through and it shouldn’t have to be an equal mix of men and women even at this early stage.
I got goosebumps when LaKisha sang…and I got them again just reading about her. She blew me away.
I’m crossing my fingers that Antonella the ho-bag goes home…I’m sick of her already.
B-Side, thanks for the Kristen Wiig reference!!! I told my fiance that she looked like the SNL Target lady…and then she ended up SOUNDING like the Target lady. Ugh, those white girls sucked.
I love love love LaKisha. I think her apparant lack of personality comes from her just being so serious. My thoughts are that she is trying to better her life and her little girl’s life. So this is some serious business for her. I think as she moves up in ranks through the contest she may be able to loosen up a little bit as well. Also there is the fact that she works in a bank…maybe not too conducive to showcasing personality. I dunno.
Did anyone else catch when Randy was commenting on Gina he said something like “big voice, big song, big girl” What? Did he just call her a humongo giant? I thought that was funny.
I’m on board for all of your picks B-Side. Can’t wait to see the results tonight.
I have to admit to a touch of shadenfruede watching Antonella crash and burn. Here’s a girl who has probably skated by on looks her entire life, and here she was in front of the judges getting a bitter taste of reality. She and her parents (equally beautiful people) all looked mystified at the judges comments. I loved it! I’m so mean.
Gillian,
I also caught the Randy comment about Gina being a “big girl”. I thought I just didn’t hear him correctly at first. And besides the slightly round face, she’s a pretty normal size girl. He shouldn’t be commenting on people’s weight anyway…he’s still big even after the gastric bypass.
Also, I think I liked Melinda a little more than LaKisha. She sounded a bit more clear and controlled. However, I think it should be these two in the final two for sure.
Ok ok, so I was a little hard on LaKisha(?) in my last comment. She is very good. But I still think she’s a little haughty, and I definately think Dolittle is better than her, better yet, I think she’s the best singer in the compedtition, and I would be very shocked if she doesn’t win this season.
I also like Gina, but what’s with these girls tackling Celine Dion songs? Are they nuts? Her songs are impossible to sing cause the voice needed to sing those songs is only given to Celine. Whenever I hear a contestant trying to sing a Celine song, I cringe, especially when they try to hit the higher notes, cause it’s always gonna be compared to the original explosive voice. (I hope I don’t get scolded for what I said about my comment. Whatever negative opinion you have regarding Celine Dion, please just keep it to yourself.)
LaKisha is one of the best singers I have ever heard. Unless she slips up, or the voters make a terrible mistake, she should be there until the end.
Melinda Doolittle was really, really good also. She does look like Lily Tomlin, but she sings kind of like Tina Turner.
Stephanie and Sabrina were also very, very good. They could also have a chance. But LaKisha or maybe Melinda should win.
Singing aside, Antonella looked amazing last night — like Annabelle Sciorra (sp?) in the Sopranos. Maybe it is the Jersey thing.
HOLY JESUS GOD. This episode gave me reason to be excited about Idol again, people. I really wish we didn’t have to see that train wreck of a guys episode, but the girls just showed some serious punch. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood be damned! I like to help organize my thoughts about the singers with some superficial number ratings, and I count five perfect 10s tonight. I almost never put down 10s! Maybe it was a good thing they never showed us half of these girls because they surprised the hell out of me. Individual notes:
Stephanie Edwards – First 10 of the night. Where did this girl come from? She was all over that song, with some cool little spoken word and going on her knees on the stage, wow! Fantastic way to start the night, I was pumped up and I wasn’t going to lose the enthusiasm no matter how bad anyone did. And thankfully no one did that horrible.
Amy Krebs – Eh, so what? She didn’t SUCK, in my opinion, but she didn’t put the vibe out for me. Especially following Stephanie. But I didn’t expect much out of Amy, to be honest. Forgettable, and will be voted off tonight or next week.
Leslie Hunt – She looked way older than 24 in her pre-performance video. It reminded me of when Kellie Pickler cut her hair short and suddenly aged 15 years. That being said, first clunker performance of the night. White girl doing Aretha doesn’t work that well, especially out of a self-described indie rocker. I’m not sure she’ll last the week.
Sabrina Sloan – The next 10 of the night, and off an Aretha song! Baby where have you been all my life? She didn’t command the stage quite like Stephanie did, but man she was good. Once again, where did she come from? I’ve never seen her before now, complete surprise at how good she was.
Antonella Barba – NO! NOOOO! Antonella, my sweet, why did you pick that song? WHY? I hate this song so very very much, and even if I think it blows, it’s way too big for her and also completely a horrible choice for her singing style. She didn’t sing it well at all. Worst performance of the night from a girl who was one of my favorites going in (partly because I didn’t know who any of these other girls were). Also, that’s a HILARIOUS pic you snapped of her, B-Side.
Jordin Sparks – Third 10 of the night. It seemed odd that she was so tentative in the early goings of the song, but I actually thought it worked well and Jordin cleaned up things nicely. There’s always that rogue 16-17 year old who puts on a great show, ay? I could foresee a Lisa Tucker-ish meltdown, but think Jordin is too good for that.
Nicole Tranquillo – Very very odd song choice, was a bit wrong for her, but I actually kinda liked the performance. Her voice seemed all over the place at first, but then she showed she had some serious pipes. And once again: I don’t know this girl at all. But I think if you sing a song that’s kinda bad for you, and still manage to shine a little, that’s commendable.
Haley Scarnato – Eh. Another decent but forgettable performance, just like Amy Krebs. I almost forgot how she sang as I got to this very paragraph, that’s how forgettable she was. But thankfully I remembered, and I agree with Simon’s comment that she sounded way older than she is. I was also very excited because Melinda was singing right after her.
Melinda Doolittle – Holy mother Mary can you say 10? My absolute favorite performance of the night. Melinda has shaken off her nerves completely, shot herself out of the “background singer” mantra, and she was ALL OVER this song and the stage. The third Aretha song of the night! It was like Aretha died and was reborn into a singer of the new millennium. Barring some kind of horrible string of performances or an upset of Tamyra/LaToya porportions, I think Melinda is taking this season’s crown.
Alaina Alexander – The last big clunker of the night. I didn’t expect Ms. I’m-Gonna-Give-Up-My-Dream to do very well, and she picked a very bad song to sing. I also felt she sang breathless through the entire song, and the last note at the end was about the only one that sounded right. She probably also suffered greatly by following Melinda. Yeah, nice knowing you, Alaina.
Gina Glocksen – Surprisingly nice. The song seemed shorter than everyone else’s songs, but that could be my buzzing mind tricking me. I agree with Simon that those big notes weren’t right on, but they sounded good, and Gina I think solidified herself in the middle of the voting this week. I wasn’t blown away, but she was better than Alaina.
LaKisha Jones – And here is the fifth and final 10. I was a -little- surprised she chose that song, but it was a great way to end the show. I don’t think she’s this season’s Mandisa, but she belted that song out very nicely despite how nervous she apparantly was. Fantastic.
This was a GREAT way to recover from the guy’s night last night, and it proves that finally the girls have a major talent source this year. It’s making me wonder where these girls were over the past 5 seasons, because I could see any one of my 10-scorers winning an American Idol crown. Makes you sad that only one of them is gonna get it, ay? But I’m sure most of them will have record deals by the end of the Idol Tour anyway.
But yeah, my favorites were the five 10s I gave out, with Melinda being the queen of the night. Melinda should go all the way and win this season, in my opinion. I think Alaina and Antonella will be leaving us, but Antonella could survive cause freaking VOTW is jumping on her bandwagon. I’d say Leslie and Amy are in trouble as well, with Leslie most likely leaving with Alaina if Antonella manages to survive. I definitely look forward to next week’s girl show. Addition, great recap as always, B-Side.
Also: Ryan should still SHUT THE HELL UP.
The boys are toast. I can’t understand how some of these kids made it into the top 24. Are you seriously telling me that out of 50 thousand or so people this is the top 12 guys? Not a single one cute or talented. The girls on the other hand are better looking, but only about 6 (tops) can sing. They need to send everybody home except for the black girls and just let them duke it out for the next 6 weeks. The ratings may be good right now, but I think the cat’s out of the bag on just how untalented and really unappealling most of this group is. I think i’ll skip it until most of them have been eliminated.
…but it was a mild shame she wasn’t a dermatologist assistant, if you know what I’m saying.
Best.Comment.Ever. Good thing I wasn’t drinking anything, cuz it would be all over my keyboard now.
I thought LaKisha was amazing. She brought me to tears … twice, since I went back and watched again.
Melinda is also a marvelous singer, and it would great to have a LaKisha/Melina final!
I think a lot of people are giving Lakisha too much credit. I’m not saying she’s bad or anything like that at all, but I wouldn’t call her the best of the bunch. The song she picked was a great song by itself, meaning that, just following the original, you could sound great. Besides that, I could hear a little straining in her voice that most people won’t hear because they’re being wowed by the song and the volume to which she’s singing it. Again, I’m not saying I think she’s bad at all, but a few of the previous great girls were better, especially Melinda.
I don’t see a guy really having much of a chance this season at all.
I think it’s important to keep an even number of guys and girls. If you have too many of one gender, the show somehow loses a bit of its appeal ratings-wise. I think season 3 is a great example of why we needed some sort of gender equality. Unfortunately, all the guys are crappy this year, but that’s the judges fault more than the show’s format’s fault.
Besides, there aren’t more than six girls that deserve to move on anyway.
Oh, and the picture you used of Melinda makes it look like they’re asking if she’s smarter than a 5th grader… or that she wants the apple.
My first comment in response to what someone said on yesterday’s recap…Sundance Head should change his name to Toiletbrush Chin…lmao lmao…
Stephanie was awesome, Jordin shocked me. I have to agree with brendaham lincoln’s comment yesterday about hating Gina. She seemed really cocky during Hollywood week when she said “I don’t care about anyone else in this competition besides myself.” Yeah, okay, but don’t say that on camera when your survival depends on people voting on you. And she seems like a wanna be Pink or something. She thinks she’s a hard ass, but she’s not and she really didn’t hit the note…
Roleepolee…I still don’t see how you can claim LaKisha is haughty. OMG, it was sooooooo haughty when she said if she doesn’t win, she’s gonna go back home and keep working at the bank and taking care of her daughter. What a cocky, cocky woman. Again, with your outlandish statements.
I am glad that Antonella fucked up, because I hate her ass, and I would very much like to see her go home today.
Well, the girls can’t be divas every week of the competition. Some theme weeks are surely going to be a bit “white bread” for some of the soul singing sistas.
I was going to add, look what happen to early frontrunner Paris Bennett last season.
Once again this is the problem with America voting. Antonella was 2nd best behind Lakisha of course. Come one. Looks like Alaina is a goner and most likely Amy Krebs based on http://www.dialidol.com
Did you hear the lyrics “And You! And You! You’re Gonna Love Me!” I thought about this website. I mentioned you in a blog I have myself. The link is http://realitytvguide.blogspot.com/
B-Side, Alaina reminds me very much of Mariah Carey, in her face and movements when she sings.
Great recap and caps.
Oh yeah, I forgot to add, remind me again, why wasn’t there room for Marisa in the top 24?
Leslie kinda reminds me of Storm Large if she had been raised on Wisteria Lane.
Antonella – just put her on an MTV show where she belongs.
Nicole can’t sing ‘urban’ because she is not ‘urban’ and Randy told her to her face that it was bad because it was ‘urban’…hey, I think he means she ain’t black.
Haley has a little McPheever smell to her.
Melinda – girl, Stand Up Straight!
Simon asks Ryan if he is trying to date Alaina…I didn’t know Alaina had a package.
Lakisha did Jennifer Hudson who did Jennifer Holliday.
hb
Oh yeah, I forgot to add, remind me again, why wasn’t there room for Marisa in the top 24?
THANK YOU… I’d rather see her in there over some of the forgettable white girls. I honestly could NOT remember who the 2nd girl was, or who the girl that sang an “urban” song was even after B-Side’s descriptions.
Antonella doesn’t suck that bad, she just needs her personality to shine. If she has one. I bet her “best friend” is soooo happy about her downfall.
“For whatever reason — I forget the context — Randy then called upon the Dawg Pound for the first time this season, and as expected, this tradition has not become more delightful with age”
b-side, i think randy called on the dawg pound in response to Simon calling out the skinny white girl for being a dog walker.
in response to post #22 comment, Antonella doesn’t “suck too bad”. should that qualification (or lack thereof) get her through to the end. personality is a part of this contest but too bad her voice isn’t as strong as the others. she’s just a generically pretty face and i agree with the comment that she should move over to some idiotic MTV reality show.
Jeez, Rock Star…Fine, Lakisha is the greatest human being in the world, far greater than all of us combined….
..I just said she seemed a ‘little’ haughty to me. Don’t get me wrong, I did say she’s a good singer. Just something about her..her eyes, the way she presents herself, The way she reacts when the people compliment her. Something about her I don’t like.
And stop stating the obvious and saying that I make outlandish comments. I know I do, which is why I comment in the first place. I wouldn’t say anything if my opinions were the same as B-side, and the other commenters. Why say the same things other said a million times before?
Um…different and outlandish are not synonyms…
< <she’s just a generically pretty face and i agree with the comment that she should move over to some idiotic MTV reality show.>>
Why should she move to MTV when she is already on an idiotic reality show?
I wish, I wish, I wish they would move Paula to first position at the judging table. That would be comedy GOLD, people.
It should be Lakisha and Melinda in the finals. The judges repeatedly state that this is a SINGING contest, not a personality contest or a beauty contest. But, I don’t vote so, I should quit complaining.
I cannot believe that Anotnella is 2nd best to Lakisha. People are so easily swayed by a pretty face.
HB, your statement about MTV is perfect! They need a reality show about Jersey girls. Surely they’re as entertaining as the generic blondes in CA and HA.
*Sigh*….Rock Star, I guess what I meant to say was that my comments are outlandish TO YOU, since it’s different. Try having an open mind for a change.
You remind me of Jen from RW Denver, and judging by your screen name and predatory nature, I wouldn’t be suprised if you’re actually her.
MTV4ME- There was a True Life: I’m a Jersey Shore Girl…or something to that effect
I forgot to ask: Do you think Haley practices her “Jesus hands” in front of the mirror? Every time I see (auditions, Hollywood week, last night) she was in “praise” mode …
I’m just not seeing moves like that getting you into the top 12 …
MTV4ME (#27) – They’re not. They’re swayed by VoteForTheWorst.com
Antonella and Sundance were the picks on votefortheworst.com. She didn’t get through because she’s pretty – only pretty awful. I like Sundance though and hope he does well.
First of all, love to Rock Star for agreeing with me. Word up, homie.
Second of all, I agree with the general opinions of who sucked (Antonella) and who rocked it (uhh, all the non-white girls)
Don’t really have much more to add to this discussion. Hmm… Oh, LaKisha, right. I don’t see any haughtiness from her, I think she’s the exact opposite, she’s completely humble. roleepolee, you’re absolutely entitled to think what you want of her, and I’m sure you realize how much flack you’ll get for even the slightest tiniest gentlest knock on her. Of course you know, you’re obviously a regular here. But damn it, she’s flipping awesome. So theres.
So yeah, it really seems the only white girl with a chance is Gina, despite how much I dislike her. If she can hang in there with the likes of Stephanie and Melinda, good on her, man. Good on her. I still don’t like her, though.
By the way, can anyone update me on who was voted off? I work during Idol and didn’t go home to my lovely DVR tonight, I need updates, people!
brendahamLincoln (#33) – Paul Kim, Amy Krebs, Nicole Tranquillo, and Rudy Cardenas.
They should have three categories instead of two: Males, Females, and Divas.
I’m not on the Lakisha & Doolittle bandwagon at all. That loud diva stuff is going to get old really fast.
I thought Amy Krebs and Haley were fine. Really poor song choices though (and bad outfits).
Gina Glockson has potential.
Antonella didn’t sound that bad to me. The performance was charming.
I hope the non-divas get their game on next week.
Smoke_Rulz – Dude…there are readers who tape the show and watch later.
Rule is no spoilers till the recap is up. If you want to discuss the reveals go to the forums.
hb
Gina reminds me of Kat on Miami Ink.
Yeah, Smoke…no spoilers until that episode’s recap is posted.
Thank God, they booted Paul Kim off. This guy needs a slap across his homely face. He actually thought that he was SO good, he could go barefoot on stage. What an EGO. Listen idiot, if you plan on going barefoot, you better bring it on, and you were pathetic. I can’t remember one season where these kids are SO CORNY. Did you read some of the biographys of these kids(is it biographies? what is plural? whatever..)..These kids love Gloria Estefan (YUCK), Kenny G, etc. I’ve never seen a bunch of bigger nerds…
I just wanted to intone that I think Gina is absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion she is far and away the most attractive woman on the show, and thankfully she can sing too which means that she should at least be around for a few more weeks and hopefully longer. Though I doubt she’ll win it all.
oops sorry about the spoiler..I didnt realize that the recap wasnt up yet my bad..wont happen again
I have so many comments but will spare you most of them –
I cant believe no one else has mentioned that Sabrina looks like a bad “Cher” impersonator. I couldnt get it out of my head wathcing her – I kept looking for her adams apple. She is very talented but yikes – that nose, hair etc…
And please god, tell Ms. DOolittle to quit hunching her shoulders – she has no neck in most of the shots – its this giant head with a cheshire cat grin – she is amazing though!
LaKeisa lives not too far from me – her mom opened their home up (on the local radio) to ANYONE who wanted to come and watch her daughter perform on Wednesday – next week, I am going!!
@ #33 – Thanks brendaham, I’m glad that somebody has enough courtesy to debate with me without making it into an argument. I get scolded day after day from friends and co-workers, for saying what I said about Lakisha. What is so damn likable about her? It seems as though people (and the show) give her too much credit for her talent. Yeah, she’s a great singer, but I just don’t see any difference between her, Mandissa and Jennifer Hudson. 3 great belters, yes, but I just don’t see any originality. The only belter, or diva, to receive such praise is Whitney Houston. That’s it. Nobody will beat her in terms of range and skill.
The reason I like dolittle so much is that she’s skilled enough to sing without belting, yet she has so much range and soul. She doesnt have to go all out to prove her abilities….I guess I’m just afraid that too much attention will be given to the other girls and Dolittle will come out second, or third.
a) I’m not even going to dignify your comments about me being Jen with a response.
b) You don’t have to love her, but don’t say that she’s haughty when you literally have absolutely nothing to back up that statement. That’s why I argue with you. Because you talk shit and you can’t back it up.
I was QUITE dismayed by the results of last night’s show.
roleepolee (#43) — I am gonna ROCK your world by actually agreeing with you. LaKisha gave an AMAZING performance but her personality leaves me flat. I wouldn’t say “haughty” but there is a lack of affect there which is odd when her performance was so sizzling.
Melinda comes across as being genuinely humble, gracious and appreciative of the opportunity.
I also think roleepolee’s comment about “skilled” singers is right on. As a back-up singer, Melinda has had experience performing onstage and in front of audiences whereas people like LaKisha and Antonella have not. If you remember from the auditions, Antonella was the bff without training. I think her performance on Weds was the first time she’s ever really performed. I am not cutting Antonella too much slack, since I am not a huge fan, but it does explain her wobbliness and poor song choice to some extent.
Finally, somebody who understands what I’m talking about. Thanks Sub.
I guess haughty was too strong of a word to describe her. I definately don’t think I was talked “shit”. She’s good, but not as good as Dolittle (and maybe even Glockson), end of discussion. (Great, am I gonna be scolded cause I said Glockson’s better than Lakisha? Go ahead, we’ll se what happens when the season continues.)
Just to touch on the Antonella. People gotta understand, she sang a VERY difficult ROCK song. From listening to her voice, she should only stick with R&B songs. Her audition was very good, I thought, and she does have promise. She just needs to work on hitting higher notes. I predict that she will be 10th runner up, Lakisha to be 4rd runner, and Gina to be third. It’s a toss between Sligh and Dolittle to be winner.
Ok, back to work….