Brandon's Going Home

Well, bleh, bleh. Dare I admit that, huge fan that I am of this show, I'm not feeling very attached or passionate about anyone? It reminds me of Fantasia's season--you know, you're sort of mildly entertained for 12 weeks and then they crown her winner.

So, score one for Boquinha's predictions. Brandon's going home. I don't think his heart was in it.

But hey, don't lose heart! Poof your hair, wear a big red feathered boa, throw your arms in the air, have smoke and fireworks announce your entrance on stage, sing like crap, and YOU, TOO can be a diva!

That bottom 3 wasn't super shocking either. Biggest shocker of the night was Simon's collared shirt.

Yawn.

So, if you're bored, I highly recommend you read Magistra's post from yesterday. Far more entertaining than tonight's show.

Whoopie!

Mini-golf podiums (sans tiny pencils), cheesy choreography, and those crazy Ford commercials! We've finally arrived at a real elimination show. No surprises on the one going home, Brandon Rogers, but after another half hour of A.I., I'm left with some unanswered questions.

1. Why do they subject these poor contestants to such awful choreography during the group numbers?

2. Was there a reason that Brandon did more posing and less singing during the group song? (Maybe lyrical amnesia?)

3. How does Simon choose when to change shirts?

4. If running through all 12 contestants can be done in less than 60 seconds, why have they dragged it out in past years?

5. Why can't some people just call it a career after 4 decades instead of embarrassing themselves into a fifth?

6. And on a related note, why couldn't we put Diana Ross in the bottom 3 tonight? Her performance warranted it, and since she coached last night's performances I hold her partially responsible.

7. Why was the saxophone player giving Diana Ross the evil eye during her performance? (Maybe he thought he could sing it better.)

8. Why is Blake holding out on us? In other words, why didn't he break dance last night?

9. Why are adolescent cell phone bills so high? I mean, answering that ridiculous question only costs 99 cents per text message, plus standard text messaging rates. And why do they need the phones in the first place?!

10. Sanjaya looks like he's in agony up there every night. When will people just let him go?

See you all next week for what should be another great set of performances!

Top 12 minus 1 - Diana Ross performs!

The group song, 'Stop in the Name of Love' was nice. There were some obvious weak spots. Gina Glocksen was off-key in her solo bit. Sanjaya was as weak in the group as when he solos.

Oh, last night it occurred to me that Sanjaya's soft-spoken speaking voice reminds me of a younger Michael Jackson talking. If only he could belt it out like Michael.

Diana Ross performs 'I Love You More Today Than Yesterday'. She seems past her prime, vocally, but still has star quality. She's quite a woman.

Bottom 3: Brandon Rogers, Phil Stacey and Sanjaya, with Phil safe for another week. Pretty predictable bottom two (I picked them, anyway), but Sanjaya stays, Brandon goes.

See you next week!

...John

Top 8 and the also-rans.

I know it seems rude, but let's be honest. A few individuals have shown us they can step up, and the rest just can't keep up.

Top 8
LaKisha and Melinda of course, who can deny that these two are just amazing. Add Blake Lewis despite the monotone version of Keep Me Hanging On, liked the updated sound, but he never worked the vocals. Some others have mentioned they like Chris Sligh, and I did too, but I know why the judges didn't like it. They said almost the same thing I did, if you've ever heard AC/DC thunderstruck it has the same defect. It sounds like an intro to a song, it builds but never peaks. Rounding out the top is Gina, Stephanie and Jordin. Phil Stacey is the bottom of the top, he's talented but ordinary, let's hope he continues to hold onto the first line luck he had last night.


Bottom 4
Hi Sanjaya, this is the bottom and here...you are a leader. He has a great voice and natural talent, but I can't tell if he is just scared, unable to do better, or missing a lung and that's as much force as he can muster. He sings like I whisper....wait...I whisper louder then that.
Brandon Rogers just is not getting it, he has spent so much time behind the act that he can't step up and be the act. He's got a really weird Wayne Brady unhipness to him which is disheartening based on the level of talent I think he has.
Chris Richardson and Haley Scarnato suffer from the same disease, boring...I've like some of what Chris has done in the past, but I don't think he is all that memorable. I feel bad for Haley, she was doing so well and then just fell apart.

So, who's going home?
Sanjaya is on vote for the worst and every 14 yr old girls speed dial, so although he she be going home, I think he might survive. Brandon Rogers worked really hard to force people to not vote for him, so I think his head is on the block. Haley stepped up huge last night, but fell apart, her head is next to Brandon's.

TOP 12 - DIANA ROSS WEEK

It's exciting to be in the new venue, and down to the nitty gritty!

Diana Ross: I appreciated her desire to be a supporter/mentor to the Idols, rather than a critic. They've got enough of those, and I think that that's what the "guest star's" role is - to share their talent and knowledge with the contestants.

BRANDON - He did pretty well. Nerves seem to have gotten the better of him in a few spots. It's got to be hard to be the first in this new phase of the competition. Simon was ROUGH. Paula's right - he knows what he did wrong, he knows he made mistakes. There's no need to kick him while he's down.

MELINDA - Was she made for this or what??? What is so incredible about her is that her talent fills the space. When they were on the small stage, she filled the room, and now that they're in a bigger place, it expands again and just explodes!!! She has definitely got *it*. Amazing!

CHRIS S. - I like that he tried to change it up, make it modern, and make it fit his style. It shows he's trying to be *original* (the exact thing the judges are always telling them) and not just trying to copycat. That being said, the arrangement was a little boring and not my favorite. I still appreciate the effort though. I miss the glasses!

***Is Ryan sitting on that girl's lap???

GINA - She did well! Again, maybe not my favorite, but when you have to pick from Diana Ross, there's only so much you can do.

SANJAYA - Okay, this is the first week I have not been a fan of his hair! Is he trying to channel Diana or what? (And can you even channel people who are still alive?? ;) ) Anyway...I like that he's moving around some, he looks like he's enjoying it more. I think I see some growth - maybe the hair *is* working! He's still not in the same league with everyone else, but I see improvement this week. Paula gave some actual advice, which is much appreciated, especially compared to Randy's "You suck but your hair's a star!" and Simon's "Diana Ross will be screaming in Beverly Hills!". Thanks guys, that's really helpful.

HALEY - Interesting observation from Diana about her having a "recording voice rather than a live performance voice". I can see that. I like her voice lower like that. I didn't like the whole thing as much once she stood up. She certainly stepped up to the task better than I thought she would! Overall I liked it. It's got to be disheartening to know that no matter how hard you try and work and seek to improve, as soon as you're done singing you're basically going to be facing a firing squad. That poor girl! It was nice of Simon to make a point showing that he remembered her name, and to find something to say rather than "it was bloody awful!". I think his critique was *spot on*. She will stay just because Randy and Paula were so harsh with her. But I also think she deserves to this week. And quite honestly, I want to see her do well...I love a good underdog story!

PHIL - I thought he started it off well, you can tell he's worked on that! I really liked it! He did a great job. He enjoyed it and stepped up in the new environment. Quit complaining about the songs, judges, you're just 'dissin' Diana Ross! :)

LAKISHA - She looked great! Fantastic job as usual! She's a star.

BLAKE - I don't like techno music, I don't like hip-hop, but I like Blake! I appreciate that he tried to make it "his own", even though again, I'm not sure if it worked. I would have liked to see a little more *feeling* out of him, he seemed to be concentrating too hard on the *performance*. Good job though. He seems to be pulling every trick he has out of the bag for every performance, rather than surprising us with something different each week, and I think it would help him if he *saved some for later*.

***Ryan's definitely sitting in Paula's lap! ;)

STEPHANIE - Her vocal was really good! I was a little bored, but I attribute that to the fact that you won't see me out buying tickets to a Diana Ross concert.

CHRIS R. - He did well! He was out in the audience on the first performance on the big stage, wow! I appreciate, but don't totally buy what Simon was saying about "take away you, your personality, etc. and just listen to the song on the radio, and people would be changing the channel as fast as possible". Even if you just hear a song on the radio, you still take into account the person singing it, etc. A lot of stars out there don't have the best vocals in the world, but we think of the whole package as we listen to their songs.

JORDIN - I liked seeing the slower, softer side to her. Another GREAT performance! I really really liked it. She is so impressive!

TOP - Without trying to sound like a broken record - MELINDA, LAKISHA, and JORDIN.

I also liked PHIL and HALEY.

BOTTOM - Giving marks for improvement (thereby not putting a certain person into the bottom) I'll say BRANDON. Then I have to put someone else, so I'll say BLAKE, but if I put him I feel like I should put CHRIS S. as well. That could start a domino effect, so I'll just stop there! I don't know who will go now that we're voting for guys and girls at the same time, but I really think it will be a guy. I'll say Brandon.

We'll see tonight!

Top 12 with Diana Ross!

Well, I got a post error (no more than 200 characters in the labels, which I know there weren't) and lost my entire post.

I'll simply say that Melinda and Lakisha ruled, Jordin Sparks was good, but not in their league as the judges suggested, and Brandon and Sanjaya were on the bottom, for me. Sorry you missed the rest of my detailed analysis, but I haven't the time or patience to reconstruct it.

Oh, and Diana ranks chills up there with me, so she knows something... ; )

...John

I Think Goosebumps are Good.

Hallelujah, it's my favorite part of this show - theme weeks and top 12! Okay, let's start with random thoughts and questions.

1. Have the judges always had those skinny mics on their table? Those seemed new.
2. Diana Ross. Sigh. She seems nice at least, but bleh songs, if you ask me. GSITKU or not.
3. How cute that Ryan's Nana was there tonight.
4. Randy Jackson is so *#$#%@ condescending! And it really irritates me.

BRANDON ROGERS - "Can't Hurry Love"
Blechy song. Snore. I cannot believe that someone hasn't said, "Melinda has proven herself as a back up singer who should be up front. You have not." He just doesn't have it. He hasn't the WHOLE TIME either! I'm not shocked that Sanjaya made it into the top 12. I'm shocked that Brandon has! It reminds me of Anwar - great guy, great singer, great smile, but just not cut out for the stage. Is he sick? It was flat. He was drowned out. He forgot his lyrics right after that John Travolta leg move. I'll grant him that it's GOTTA be rough to be first, but ugh. He is polite!

MELINDA DOOLITTLE - "Home"
She's genuine and phenomenal. What more really needs to be said? Yes, Melinda, I think goosebumps are good. Just crown her now.

CHRIS SLIGH - "Endless Love"
I'm gonna go ahead and disagree with the judges. I rather liked his interpretation of the song. I liked it even more than (gasp!) Blake's. They're just different. Blake's was more techno and Sligh's was more contemporary. I love the U2 piano syncopation during his song. He's a musician and he did a great job, very original. Geez, judges. They can't make up their minds. Don't be a copycat. Oh wait, DO be a copycat. Don't be original. That's what we meant.

GINA GLOCKSEN - "Love Child"
So, Miss Ross thinks she should "pronunciate." Okay. Great choice. I really liked it.

SANJAYA MALAKAR - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
Argh. He's just too quiet and sweet for this. Gotta give him A LOT of credit though because this was his best performance so far and it was on the big stage, so big props for that. And see what I mean about Randy? He laughs, sighs, groans, laughs, tears the kid down (again), and then says, "But your hair is rockin'!" Fool. He sounds like an ignorant baboon when he does that. Just stick to the music and shut up. Grrrrrr. And the dumbing down of America was apparent tonight, was it not? Let's have a lesson on homonyms, shall we? Whale vs. Wail. One is a mammal of the sea. One is a scream or cry. Apparently, most Americans are NOT smarter than a 5th grader. So you can just skip the next show.

HALEY SCARNATO - "Missing You"
Other than forgetting the skirt that goes with that shirt that was tied with a big ribbon under her backside, she did pretty well! Very nice emotion and stage presence. I was surprised, because before tonight's show, I pretty much thought she'd be the next one to go. She does have a great studio voice. She forgot the lyrics (urgh). Those squats made me VERY nervous. Why in the world would anyone choose that night and that stage to wear something so dangerously short?? In high heels no less! Have you read these people's interviews on the American Idol site? They all fall! She showed some personality tonight and I think people will warm up to that. She may not even be in the bottom 3. And yay to Simon for remembering her name.

PHIL STACEY - "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"
Is he? I haven't been liking Phil recently, but tonight he did a nice job!

LAKISHA JONES - "God Bless the Child"
Okay, well the finale is set. Melinda and LaKisha. That was fantastic! Great control, great vocals, great look. Well done!

BLAKE LEWIS - "You Keep Me Hanging On"
I love Blake. But for me that was good, not great. And that jacket flippy thing? A little overdone. But it's true what Simon says, he'll be fine. Did you hear the audience? I think it's going to be a challenge for him when it comes to song selections if they keep having horrible weeks like this one. Diana Ross??

STEPHANIE EDWARDS - "Love Hangover"
Or something. That was pitchy all over the place. I haven't ever really liked her and apparently the judges don't either. And you know what? She is royally pissed off, because she thinks she's a diva and that she's in the running with Melinda, Kiki, and company. But America has news for her--we didn't like LaToya either. The attitude is WAY too off-putting.

CHRIS RICHARDSON - "The Boss"
Damn. I thought he meant he was going to screw the theme week all together and sing some Springsteen. I know I haven't ever been a big fan, but he's already getting old for me. That sneer thing he does when he sings? Yawn. He's good, but it's old already. It was pitchy. I do give him credit, though, for making it his own without messing too much with the integrity of the song, which tonight came across much smoother than Sligh's or Blake's efforts.

JORDIN SPARKS - "If We Hold On Together"
She is the complete antithesis of Stephanie Edwards. And that's why we like her. How can you help BUT like her?! Wow! That was some mad praise. And she accepts it so adorably. Dang, 3 girls pushing for the top spot! Way. To. Go.

Magistra is right about that old Stink Eye. Competitors beware. I think Stephanie is TICKED off.

Tops tonight for me: Lakisha and Melinda
Bottom 3 tonight for me: Brandon, Sanjaya, and Chris Richardson

Bottom 3 predictions: Brandon, Stephanie, and Sanjaya
Going Home: Brandon

The Big Big Stage

We finally made it to the really big stage, and a lot of the contestants looked like they wanted to run back to Little Big Stage. Lackluster is the word I'd use for tonight, with a few notable exceptions.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: So, Taylor, Ruben, Clay, and a few others weren't good enough to warrant inclusion in the opening montage. Thanks for the memories guys. You've had your day in the sun. The Dog tried to use every cliche he knows . . . in the first 30 seconds! My new "favorite" may be "in it to win it." Maybe because it rhymes. I'm easily amused sometimes. Randy was asking a lot of questions like "how do you think you did" tonight. Not a good sign at all. I was glad to see the cast of "Bones" in the audience tonight. They've gotta find some way to get around us fast forwarding the Tivo during commercials. This may be Diana Ross night, but any Marvin Gaye connection seemed to be worth a few compliments. There goes that crazy Brit giving us lessons in English again in the form of near homophone pair whale and wail. Diana Ross should be in the same class as Stevie Wonder as far as songs that must not be sung on A.I. I think the judges were waiting for a Diana-like performance, but then no one can sing like her, no one. So, Catch-22, here we come. At least she was very kind to the contestants. I was glad to see that.

BRANDON ROGERS ("Can't Hurry Love" but please hurry the song): This guy just blends into the background. He has talent, but for whatever reason he looks ill at ease in the forefront. He did seem very nervous tonight, and it's tough to be first in a new venue. I don't like the song in the first place, and he didn't make me love it any more tonight.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE ("Home," from The Wiz, not the good one by Michael Buble or the other good one by Chris Daughtry): I'm with Simon--I think the song is boring but Melinda made me like it. She is incredible. She seems like she shocks herself each week. At some point she needs to realize that she is IT and can win this thing if she keeps things fresh. Ricky Minor sure was digging the performance! And all the guys are wearing sneakers, so she should, too! And Simon, that feeling you were trying to shrug off with poor humor and juvenile antics? You were being moved!

CHRIS SLIGH ("Endless Love" with a loveless end): I'm a bit upset. Chris did a very cool arrangement and got no love for it. Even if the judges didn't like the arrangement because it's a Diana joint and sing it like it is and don't touch the arrangement, blah, blah, blah, they have to give him props for originality. "Be original" they say. "Hey, stick with the original" they say next week. Boo! Most of Chris's fans probably know this as the song being lip synced by the Zamboni driver on Happy Gilmore, so this version will top whatever impression they've had up until now. Regardless of the judges' comments, Chris's fans will love it!

GINA GLOCKSEN (The children's classic "Love Child"): She was edgy, and good enough, but a bit boring for my liking. It was the right song for her, and she didn't do anything to deserve being booted this week. I was a bit disappointed that she didn't pronunciate very well. She didn't really enunciate either for that matter. But it's not like Diana Ross has the best diction in the world!

SANJAYA MALAKAR ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to project his voice): Sanjaya gets drowned out by the backgrounds and band each week. He's a sweet kid, and he has a great voice, and this week was actually his best. I was disappointed in the way Randy treated him. He can be so condescending, and this does nothing to improve any performer's skills. And even if his hair is the dopest, don't mention it after raking him through the coals and laughing at him. Low class all around.

HALEY SCARNATO ("Missing You" kind Randy): Haley was so nervous our television was actually shaking before, during, and after her performance. But all in all she did a pretty good job. I'll admit that it was better than I expected. Less Belle, more good. I was glad to see Simon give her some praise, and after the negativity from the other stooges Haley looked a bit shocked. I'm also glad we didn't have a Brittney Spears moment with that dress. Yikes, that was close!

PHIL STACEY ("Love and Affection" and something else nice): Phil started out better than he usually does, sang the low notes more in tune, and screamed less. Notice I didn't say "not at all?" Overall it was a nice performance from him and he should be safe another week. I feel like I'm playing "She loves me, she loves me not" with Phil each week. This week, "I liked it."

LAKISHA JONES ("God Bless the Child" and Kiki, too): Wow! This is a two-woman contest right now. It's early, and crazy things happen, but Lakisher and Melinder are in a different class by themselves. The trick is to keep improving and keep it fresh. I was worried in the early weeks that Lakisha might end up being like Mandisa: a lot of power and screaming. But Kiki has proven herself as of late.

BLAKE LEWIS ("You Keep Me Hanging On" wishing no one ever sang this song): Now, I'm a Blake fan, and I'm glad he went original on us. But why did he get praise for the attempt while Paula took a second shot at Sligh? I don't see a huge enough difference in the two tries to do that. It was an okay performance tonight, but Blake definitely did not put out one of his best efforts tonight. And I would rather see Blake go out early, but hang on to his originality than see him conform for the judges. I don't see that being a problem, really.

STEPHANIE EDWARDS ("Love Hangover," but I wish I had the real thing right now): So she looked mad again. Stephanie, don't get mad, just sing well. She was pitch all over the place, and the song is boring. Don't blame the arrangement, because that's you, too. On the one hand I cringe when contestants say things like "I really forgot my lyrics" or "I sang like Randy on Xanax" or "Why do you keep voting me through when I stink like this," but I liked how many people sincerely took credit or blame for what happened tonight. Stephanie will win more supporters if she knocks the chip off her own shoulder before someone does it to her.

CHRIS RICHARDSON ("The Boss," but not Springsteen): If you had "Chris Richardson in the first week" in your office "first person on the risers behind the jugdes" pool, you collect the pot tonight. Well, Diana told him to work the audience. Can I just tell you how I hate that little stage behind the judges. So few people make it work, and so many more just lose their breath trying to smile, sing, mug for the camera, shake hands, kiss Paula, climb the steps, remember your lyrics and not to fall, sing a bit, run down the stairs, climb back up on the stage 4 beats too late, and then almost pass out at the end. Chris did maintain his style, and didn't embarrass himself. That's it.

JORDIN SPARKS ("If We Hold On Together" little dinosaurs will have a happy ending): I'm not ready to put her with Melinda and Lakisha, but Jordin was really good tonight. The performance was a bit "young," but I suppose that's okay since Jordin is a teen-ager. One thing is for sure--she can sing! I can see her being a major factor in this year's competition as long as she keeps improving with each week. It will be interesting to see how she progresses through this season.

MY QUICK HITS
BRANDON: Slow start, quick exit.
MELINDA: Whaddya say to skipping this whole thing and cutting an album now?!
CHRIS S.: Your fans will love tonight, but you need your glasses back.
GINA: Congratulations! You've survived Diana Ross week!
SANJAYA: Would somebody please turn up the volume on this guy?!
HALEY: Simon loves me! He really loves me!
PHIL: Cue him up for another week.
LAKISHA: You can skip this thing, too if you want.
BLAKE: I think I'm suffering from BBDS (Beatbox Deficiency Syndrome).
STEPHANIE: Want some dip with that chip?
CHRIS R.: Less "working" next week, more singing.
JORDIN: And you're only 17?

MY TOP THREE: Lakisha, Melinda, Chris S.
MY BOTTOM THREE: Stephanie, Sanjaya, Chris R.
FINDING STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY: Sanjaya

I'm interested to see how voting goes now that the guys and girls are consolidated. I also hope this week cures the judges of their "Girls vs. Guys" mentality. It's everyone for his or herself from now on. It's on now!