There's hope yet for the boys of American Idol. After last week's dreary performances, it was hard to imagine any of them having enough star power or vocal prowess to deserve a spot at the top -- especially once the girls completely obliterated them the next night. Now, I'm proud to say that I can actually envision several of them in the top 12. Granted, they'd be taking spots seven through twelve, but it's still an improvement. Perhaps the most shocking development of all, however, was the reemergence of Sundance Head. I feared that we'd be in for another round of the furry man's airplane choreography, but his performance was so good, it even won over me, a staunchly anti-Sundance viewer. Just goes to prove: anything's possible.
Tuesday's show opened up with a quick pan of the guys (did I just see Sanjaya wearing that? For real?), and then Ryan gave a special congratulations to Jennifer Hudson for not only winning an Oscar, but helping to boost Idol's pedigree. After all, he observed, when contestants win awards like Grammys, Oscars, and Golden Globes, it only validates the caliber of talent selected by the judges and voted for by America. Or, in the case of Jennifer Hudson, NOT voted for by America (she did only come in seventh place, let's not forget).
We then cut to Jeff Foxworthy clapping in the audience, cheerfully promoting his new Are-You-Smarter-Than-A-Fifth-Grader game show, something I vowed to stay far away from, mostly due to the fact that it featured, you know, Jeff Foxworthy. Nevertheless, Ryan checked in on the judges to hear what they had to say about expectations and whatnot for the evening's show. Randy implored the boys to do a better job, and Paula advised them to have fun, saying, "Hey! Have fun! You guys are celebrities now!" Orrrr something like that. Can someone remind me the names of the two guys that were cut last week? Rodney and Pavel?
Anyway, after another quick glance at the guys (God, AJ is so short. No wonder why he always tosses his arms in the air -- for added height), we then learned that tonight's theme was dedication. Every singer would dedicate his song to somebody in an effort to make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. First up was Phil Stacey, who shockingly didn't dedicate his performance to his baby girls. Hmmm... first he skips his daughter's birth, then he snubs her on national TV? Worst Dad EVER! Anyway, Phil instead sent this song out to his buddies in the Navy for reasons I can't quite remember because I was so busy staring at his head. You know, with the large bags under his eyes and his dark eyebrows, if you squinted, his eyes truly did morph into crazy alien eyes. I hereby anoint him Roswell Penishead.
The best part of all this, however, was one very randy photo from the Navy which had me wondering just how many of Phil's buddies were inspired by the Village People to sign on up:
Nevertheless, Phil took the stage and sang the easy listening favorite, "I Ain't Missing You At All," which sounded just as lazy and bland as it ever did. Phil himself was fine -- his voice sounded good for the most part (although, there were some ill-advised patches of nasal dolphin moans in there). However, the hard part for me was injecting any sort of life into this song. I'm not going to front. I totally have the MP3. But it's one thing for me to cheese out to it, but it's quite another when you're trying to win a singing competition to it. If Tina Turner couldn't make the song exciting with her rendition, there was no way Phil could either.
For whatever reason though, Randy thought the performance was hot -- mostly because he probably had memories of last week's ghastly episode still in his head. Paula told Phil she liked his tone and could hear him on the radio, and Simon said he was nice, had a lovely video segment, and an affable look, but ultimately, he suffered from a "completely unoriginal voice." THANK YOU. He further elaborated that Phil was a "very, very good karaoke singer." However, because Phil was so allegedly likable, Simon reassured him that he wasn't going anywhere soon. For whatever reason, this necessitated another shot of Jeff Foxworthy clapping in the audience, and then once Ryan was done talking to Phil, what the hell, let's look at Foxworthy one last time! Delightful!
« Recap: It's a Super-Sweet, Sultry, Sophisticated, Sexy, Spontaneous, Sizzling Sandy Spectacular! | Main | Recap: I Guess It's Time For a New Beginning »
Comments (25)
Yea, first post! B-Side, great recap. SO much more enjoyable to watch than last week. The singers were all way better, except Sanjaya and Brandon, and the judges were by and large fair to all. I also didn't think Chris was all that great though. To be honest I found his performance to kind of be a weaker version of something Blake could have done. Anyway, nice to see that the guys can manage to go out there and at least not embarrass themselves. Looking foward to tonight and seeing how everyone's favorite Catholic schoolgirl pornstar holds up under the pressure.
-JR
1 of 25 | Posted by JasonR
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 4:29 PM
Also, I gotta think that "Vote for the Worst" is going to have to abandon Sundance and take up the cause of Sanjaya, should he survive this week.
2 of 25 | Posted by JasonR
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 4:31 PM
I pretty much expected this, but yes: The guys were a MUCH stronger group this time around. I was definitely moderately entertained for this show, although they didn't wake up the fire in me like the girls round did last week. And I'm definitely looking forward to tonight's girls. But for now, these are my thoughts on the guys this week (because I'm sure you guys LOVE reading my views):
Phil Stacey - Eh. It was a moderately good vocal, but the performance as a whole just bored the hell out of me. I like Phil, and Simon is right, he'll be around next week, but put some more on the table, bald man. His big impact last week was being dead last in a show full of ass.
Jared Fowler - Once again, I hated him, and the judges pretty much liked him. I do agree that he was better than last week, but I really don't think he's any good at all, plus that song is total cheese. Meh. We'll see him next week, I'm sure. Hopefully he won't make Top 12.
A.J. Tabaldo - He did nicely, just like last week, but I'm not sure if I like this performance better than his last one. I'm getting some serious "forgettable" vibes from him. He sounds good, but eh, who cares? He was a surprise last week considering he had NO screentime until then, and now I'm starting to see why. I do like him better than Jared, though.
Sanjaya Malakar - Oh boy... Once again, his voice sounded good, you know. It was in pitch, he's soulful, but... the performance just killed him, though I don't think Randy and Simon should have been THAT harsh. I think if there was a bit more energy in the performance, it would have been just dandy. Otherwise it was just slow and seemed for fit for a stage in a jazz club. That's probably his weakness: He has no real energy to him.
Chris Sligh - Much much better than last week. I didn't think he was that bad last week, but not that interesting. And considering how bad last week was, he was a shining light. This time he really showed his voice and it was simply great. Also, HE HAS A WIFE? And she's PRETTY too! You're right, Chris, I have no idea how you coerced her to marry you.
Nick Pedro - Ugh I was afraid he'd sing this song. He did it good for how I would expect a guy to sing such a song, but I wasn't floored, I was bored. And the song is overdone. I liked him more last week, when he didn't get as much praise from the judges. God damnit. I do agree with Simon's comment on his appearance, though.
Blake Lewis - I was OMFG-ing all over the place when I heard he would be doing "Virtual Insanity" before the commercial break. I could not freaking believe he chose that song. And frankly, I liked the performance muchly, especially the little scat in the middle. I knew Simon would hate the crap out of it, but oh well. I liked Blake tonight and it's obvious at this point he'll get Top 12.
Brandon Rogers - Ugh. This song sucks and it did his voice no justice. I also thought he sang it like crap, off-key aside, especially in the beginning where it looked like he was tripping up over tentativeness or was about to forget the lyrics or something. Simon is absolutely right: The whole "feeling it" was bullshit, Brandon has a much better voice than this, he needs to pick songs that prove it. But unfortunately, this performance might have cost him the whole competition. He's this year's male Lisa Tucker, only it took her until the Top 12 to start failing all over the place.
Chris Richardson - Not sure I liked the song, but I don't like a lot of the crap they pull out honestly, but he did well tonight. I guess. I don't think he deserved as much praise as he got. I would really like to hear him SING something though, not just talk moderately fast in a cute Justin Timberlake voice. But that very thing - plus rave reviews from the judges - is probably what will make him last in this competition. :/ Sigh.
Sundance Head - THIS is what I was waiting for, just like the judges. Fuck VoteForTheWorst and fuck all the haters out there (sorry B-Side), THIS is what Sundance Head is all about. As long as he sticks to kicking serious ass like this, he could be a force to be reckoned with even alongside the girls. Best performance of the night, although the song was a little weird, mostly because a lot of songs turn out that way when you trunucate them to 90 seconds. Ergh.
Anyway yeah. Much better night than last week. I still hate Jared, but he's not going anywhere. Brandon might be plum screwed tonight after that showing, and same with Sanjaya. But if Sanjaya still has the girl vote locked in, then Nick is likely in serious trouble, along with A.J. So pick two, and it's likely curtains for them. Everyone else is safe.
Great recap as always, B-Side. I laughed hard at the whole A.J. paragraph, with the Ray Romano and Phil Stacey references. XD And the "We just love gourds." Also: Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader is a fantastic show. :D
3 of 25 | Posted by Smoke_Rulz
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 4:32 PM
That wannabe JT guy is overrated. He has the "idol look" I guess, but his singing is just too weak. He tries hard on stage, I admit, but none of the guys comes close when it comes to vocal talent, to Chris Sligh, who's on a different level compared to the rest of the guys. I was suprised to see how different he looks short hair. I understand his goal to look apart/original or whatever, but he should sport his hair short again. Not that I care whether he sports a huge afro or shaves his head bald, but I'm afraid he'll get voted off early in the competition cause of his looks. I really hope that doesn't happen, but I won't be suprised if it did.
I too, can't help but enjoy the beat boxer perform. I wouldn't be suprised if he makes it to top 4. He has great stage presence, and I enjoy his wacky but cool dance moves.
4 of 25 | Posted by roleepolee
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 4:39 PM
Sanjaya and Jared are gone for me. Sanjaya aka "Black Ozzy" is just god awful. Jared is just boring.
B-Side, thanks for the Latino Ray Romano joke. In return, on my website, I posted a video of Constantine Maroulis doing "Hard To Handle" for you to keep laughing at him. The link is http://realitytvguide.blogspot.com/2007/02/this-ones-for-you-tvgasm-its.html.
You should do recaps of Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? on this site. That show rocks. By the way, a trapezoid has 4 sides.
5 of 25 | Posted by nerrawllehctim
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 4:43 PM
Nice recap B-Side!
I'm glad you caught the Latino Ray Romano - it was hilarious (although when they showed him in the audience he looks nothing like him).
So is this now going to be the norm to leave the best performing person to go last? Where is the fun in that? They did it last week as well - we'll see if they do it the same tonight. How do they even figure out the order in which these kids perform?
6 of 25 | Posted by jairocon
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 5:50 PM
This is the second time that Brandon has had the left side of his shirt tucked in while the right side is untucked. Ugh. Just stop it. Tuck or don't tuck but DECIDE!
hb
7 of 25 | Posted by HoneyBunny
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 6:07 PM
"I'm going to be a little adventurous, and do Marvin Gaye." - Jared
REALLY? The only adventurous thing about that performance was his kneeling move, which he stole from Stephanie.
I'm surprised that Simon complained that Blake was lacking originality, but praised that Chris Richardson kid. Are you kidding me? Chris R. must study every Justin Timberlake video, not to mention sit 1st row at all of his concerts. He's an exact carbon copy of JT and I wish the judges would comment on that. His facial expressions, body movements, and singing style.. all Justin.
8 of 25 | Posted by IJustWatch
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 7:10 PM
Maybe it's because I'm a jamiroquai fan (I have all his records and the concert DVDs, bring on the shame), but Blake's performance was HORRIBLE. I'm guessing he's banking on most people barely knowing the song, but Simon was right on the ball with his assessment. The first half sounded like a cover band. And the beat boxing?! Actually started to fast foward the tivo when he started, but my husband actually made me rewind and watch it.
But Sanjaya was by far and away the worst singer of the evening. I to thought he was going for the michael jackson look (we were looking for the glove), but what a horrible horrible performance. "vote for the worst" needs to hop on that bandwagon and fast.
I find myself agreeing with Simon more and more these days. (esp with his opinions on the women this evening) And it's frankly starting to scare the crap out of me.
9 of 25 | Posted by Laurie
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 8:00 PM
Jazon Mraz sucks my left nut, and so does Chris Timberfake (or Chris Fakerline). Were Simon and Randy breaking into Paula's medicine cabinet?
Blake, Chris Slight, and AJ (yes, AJ) were the best three, followed closely by Sundance (aka Merkins in His Chest) and Nick.
10 of 25 | Posted by LaSexorcisto
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 8:16 PM
I'm watching the girls now, and WOW! What a performance by dolittle!!!! I seriously think she's the best singer ever to come out on AI.
How can the guys win after that? Oh yeah, that retarded votefortheworst. com website. Sanjayah will win, I guess...
...All I can say is, if MD comes in even 2nd place, it will be the biggest mistake in the history of talent competition.
I can't help but like Gina though, but MD is the best.
11 of 25 | Posted by roleepolee
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 8:37 PM
Simon is really starting to annoy me...
He's a flip flopper just like John Kerry. He'll say "you need to be more charismatic" blah blah blah one second, then he's like "it's not Personality Idol". That doesn't even make sense, because the name of the show has nothing to do with singing...it's not like it's called Vocal Idol. But anyway, my point is how can he say it's not about personality then turn around and say you need to have personality?
Sanjaya is my favorite, but I didn't vote for him b/c i figure that the girls 10 years younger than me can take care of that.
I love Chris Richardson. In addition to be being a huge Gavin Degraw fan, I'm even a bigger Jason Mraz fan (I've seen him in concert 4 times) so a) I like Chris Richardson's musical taste and b) I have to agree with Randy, his version of Geek in the Pink was even better than the original. Altho I don't understand why after every performance he doesn't like, he goes "Aono man, that just wasn't good for me..." Seriously, is that the only way you can think to phrase it?
By the way, during tonight's episode, when Haley came on I was like "who is that girl? was she on last week?" yeah...
12 of 25 | Posted by Rock Star
|
Posted on February 28, 2007 9:12 PM
I think what Simon means when he says that to people is that to be american idol, you have to have the total package of singing and the right sellable personality. Charisma if you will.
But you can't just fall back on having a great personality if you don't have the musical chops to back it up. it's not personality idol, it's american idol. There are contestants that stink (Rudy), and sure they are nice but the teeny boppers buy records on more that how nice a person is.
So sell your personality, but don't JUST have personality is what he's saying
13 of 25 | Posted by Laurie
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 4:49 AM
I loved the recap. You nailed it dog!
Chris Richardson was the best. But I'm not too familiar with Timberlake, so I don't compare it to that.
Hate the beat boxing thing. Dumb outfit too.
Sanjaya? Hahahaha!!!!
Chris Sligh was ok. He was trying to act all humble and sincere this week.
Sundance's performance had a lot of energy, but I didn't think it was great. 'It was just ok for me, man'.
Brandon? What a meltdown. At least he got wish a happy birthday on national television though.
Jared - really uncomfortable watching his hand make love to his face. Get a room.
Soflat, out.
14 of 25 | Posted by soflat
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 6:37 AM
According to EW.com, "Geek in the Pink" is a sexually explicit song...I had no idea. Either way, I thought Chris sounded great singing it.
Oh, and B-Side, you should warn people at the beginning of your recaps that eating while reading could be potentially harmful to their health...I almost choked on my Rice Krispies this morning because I was laughing so hard!
15 of 25 | Posted by UglyAllie
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 7:42 AM
UglyAllie...
It's really not that explicit, he just mentions his gf getting out a vibrator b/c he doesn't want to deal with her bullshit...and he doesn't even phrase it that way...
16 of 25 | Posted by Rock Star
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 7:52 AM
I probably will be reiterating much of what everyone else has already said, but I obviously have to comment since I'm borderline obsessed with this show.
It was EXTREMELY obvious that Chris Sligh was toning it down this week purposefully and acting more humble to show America that he's not the cocky ass he came across as last week. Ok maybe he wasn't that bad, but people need to be careful when talking back to Simon too much- the dude may be harsh, but he's dead on 95% of the time. But regarding his performance, I thought Chris was great and I also think he has an amazing voice.
I want to like Jared more, but I just can't. Yet I have to thank him for adding so much entertainment value to the show by singing Let's Get It On. When Seacrest made that comment about what he's "done to that song," I nearly lost it. Please be the next one to come out Ryan!! (not that there's anything wrong with that).
I was SHOCKED when the judges gave Chris Richardson such huge praises. Like B-Side, I expected them to hate it. The kid isn't bad but I definitely didnt think it was the best performance of the night by far.
I think Brandon has a lot of potential but sadly hasn't shown his talent...and he's in definite trouble tonight. But if goes before Sanjaya, I might flip out. Ok, the kid is nice, and he has a nice voice, but he's so boring. I really thought that this process would give him some confidence and he'd come into his own but I think he's in over his head.
Can't help but like Blake. People can say what they want about him, but the guy is extremely entertaining... he's a good performer.
17 of 25 | Posted by TVCheese
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 8:08 AM
sanjaya and blake are my favorites. blake might get annoying though. sanjaya was really boring the other night but i really do love his voice.
and i hate nick. i hate him.
18 of 25 | Posted by luxe
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 8:13 AM
Much better than last week, except Sanjaya. Sundance did a good job, but I still can't stand to look at him.
Ive noticed that nobody in the first 18 comments, aside from Smoke Rulz' rundown (#2), has even mentioned Nick Pedro. This tells me one thing. Nick is that forgettable. Therefore, I predict that Nick and Brandon will be 86ed this week. Which is a shame because Pedro can really sing, but man, is he a bore.
19 of 25 | Posted by Saabotage
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 9:10 AM
Sanjaya needs to cut off that Michael Landon bouffant- it's horribly distracting. And I don't see him making it very far in this competition; he doesn't have enough power behind his voice. I'll bet his sister is seething with rage that he got into the top 20 and not her.
Chris Sligh is a great singer, even given his speech impediment. I like that he chooses more obscure songs rather than top 40 crap that we've heard regurgitated on every other season of AI.
Phil Stacey creeps the heck outta me. That Navy photo was HILARIOUS, by the way. A decent, but not memorable, singer. Plus, his shiny head and Margaret Keane huge eyes freak me out. Phil, you are not the new Chris Daughtry, man.
Blake has a decent chance at getting in the top 10. He has an excellent voice, provided he chooses the right songs for his vocal range.
Does anyone else think Paula Abdul has had cheek implants? Her face is decidely rounder and fuller, and her upper lip looks like it's stuffed to bursting point. Not the Paula I remember in the '80's.
20 of 25 | Posted by Shaz
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 9:26 AM
B-Side, this may be the funniest recap you've written (except for the airplane flight recaps - those were platinum). That latino Ray Romano thing had me laughing so hard I couldn't stop.
21 of 25 | Posted by Karo
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 9:41 AM
There you are!
Man, B-side...this site has pretty much gone down the tubes for me since you stopped recapping my fav shows...PLEASE come back for Survivor and Amazing Race...no one's even here in case of an untimely PhilDeath...
Miss you. You're the best. And this recap was the best.
*sniff*
*sniff*
22 of 25 | Posted by scribbles531
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 11:25 AM
Am I only the one who thought that Sanjaya looked ridiculous in that outfit?! I agree with what Randy said it looked like dress up gone wrong. Chris Sligh is actually a really good vocalist, in my opinion, but it will be interesting to see how far he gets because he doesn't have the ideal "look". And I really liked Nick Pedro's version of "Fever", even if the song has been "overdone".
Oh & by the way, Phil Stacey is from the city I live in! So that makes me want to root for him.
23 of 25 | Posted by hollabackboy
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 1:05 PM
OMG, B-side, you are amazing! I was laughing the whole way through!
Blake - In his element. I really like him. Got a Josh Logan vibe, which was nice.
Sundance - He and his brillo pad and his need to show us his chest hair all the time just needs to go. I admit, he sang better, but "I ain't feelin' it dawg"
Chris Sligh - He's toned down the funny and brought up the vocal game. I still really like him too.
Phil - Dude creeps me out, seriously. Watching him stare into the camera last night + how he was singing + what he was wearing...boy was DEFINITELY trying to be some sort of bizarre alien-esque mix between Chris Daughtry and Magni. It's weird.
Brandon - What happened, dude?
Ah, Sanjaya. He has an amazing voice, no one can slight him that...he just really, really, really needs to bring up his stage presence if he wants to go anywhere. And get a haircut while he is at it.
JT Wannabe - Was good. NOT the best of the night, as was said by the Judges. Personally, I thought Blake was the best of the night.
Can't remember anyone else...wasn't there a LOT more familiarity by this stage of the competition last year? Why is almost everyone so boring?
Anyone notice Randy, in his excitement to praise Blake, combined the words "dawg" and "y'all" into one superWord: Daw'll. I am gonna be using that ALL THE TIME. Cuz that's how I roll, daw'll.
24 of 25 | Posted by iroxy
|
Posted on March 1, 2007 2:48 PM
"Mustang Sally" is the most cliched, predictable, done-to-death pub rock song ever. I hate it even more than "Brown Eyed Girl". But somehow the Gimli-like Sundance absolutely aced it. That's some achievement. Go trowel-beard!!
Sanjaya is ridiculous, even more embarrassing than Kevin Covais. The flaccid little weed needs to go, soonest.
And Brandon, you boring, boring man. Go back to grandma.
25 of 25 | Posted by The Soapmaker
|
Posted on March 2, 2007 4:50 PM