Idol Gives Back No More--Down to 4

So, the charity is over, and to make up for past generosity Idol kicks off two contestants this week. Sort of makes last week's most shocking results ever seem like pseudokindness. Anyway, Phil's gone not because he didn't rock Bon Jovi night, but because he waited until Tuesday to really bring it. And with so many excellent female singers there is only room for one guy, and it's Blake (obviously, after his amazing Tuesday performance), so sorry to Chris, but mad props for the effort he's put into this competition. With the extra rehearsals and work with professionals he could be quite entertaining on tour.

I have questions as always after the results show, and here they are:

1. Do we really need to bring back boogie and bring back Barry Gibbs? Haven't we all be Bee-Gee'd out?

2. Did anyone else think three other Idol winners would perform last night? Honestly, they could have flashed up that toll-free number and had a chimp mime someone making a phone call and it would have been at least as entertaining as watching Taylor plead for money. And shame on Ryan for actually comparing these three spots to last week's performances by Kelly and Carrie.

3. When did Bon Jovi get back together for this tour thing? I was actually very impressed by their performance last night. I could tell from Jon's work with the contestants that he does have quite a bit of musical talent.

4. How many other people got the willies from that Robin Thicke performance? When I saw him at first, I thought he was the guy from the back of my high school economics class who was always muttering something about computing odds ratios and mean values or something like that. We couldn't even understand the last bit of his song and were saying to each other what our best guess was. Then our daughter says in all sincerity, "Maybe it was a different language." Not a bat bet. Honestly, he didn't seem like a guy that could have a #1 R&B hit right now. (As an aside, I went to his website and found out that: (a)He doesn't always sing in falsetto, and (b)He has at least one song with the requisite "U" for "You" substitution to legitimize his claim as an R&B star.)

5. Was anyone else nervous that Phil was going to forget to sing with his wife? How would that have gone down when they got home?

6. Did Chris actually say he'd go home for Blake? I have a hard time believing that!

So, Boogie or Bee-Gees or Disco or some other crazy week next. At least only 4 people will have to sing it, but they'll probably do it twice! Here we go again . . .

TOP 6 - BON JOVI WEEK

HOLY COW!!!! I didn't have plans to write this week since I'm crazy busy today, but after watching the show I couldn't help it! I was blown away with most of the performances! It was so awesome!!!!! I'll just do my quick thoughts:

PHIL - Awesome!!!! Loved it!!!!

JORDIN - Not my favorite from her, but she's Jordin and you gotta love her!!!

LAKISHA - Surprisingly terrific! I was prepared not to like it and she really got me!

BLAKE - What a chance, but I agree, IT WORKED!!!!!

CHRIS - I didn't care much for it...

MELINDA - What a Jill of all genres :) , another surprisingly great performance!!!!

2 leaving!!! It'll be tough. I'm definitely hoping it's Chris...then maybe Lakisha (though she doesn't deserve it based on her performance), but maybe it'll be Phil :( ?????

I'm still in shock at what a great night it was!!!!

Top 6 minus 2 - Bon Jovi Performs!

Alrighty then...this is gonna hurt a little...

Ryan's promise of "no filler" is a joke, and he clearly shows it with his facial expression.

Simon misconstrues Ryan's 'puppet' remark and demands an apology from Ryan. LOL! He recovers quickly enough, though, and manages a fast return to a civil mood.

filler...I'm

filler...going

filler...to

filler...cook

filler...shrimp & egg noodles

Ah. Results. Melinda is safe. Lakisha is safe. Phil is going home. I guess his last three weeks wasn't quite enough to save him. I'm not sorry. He done good, but he ain't heavy.

His parting song lyrics now seem ominous: "I don't know where I'm going...I'm going down in a blaze of glory." He really is, and I wish him and his family well.

Mmmm...good noodles and shrimp... ; )

They let Jordin off the hook after last week's torture. Good, but not enough. That leaves Chris and Blake, and I think Chris will be the one to go. If not, Blake will have learned something valuable by the risk he took, regarding how wide of an audience his unique stylings will appeal to. He'll certainly have a loyal following if he leaves, but I think he'll be staying.

Bon Jovi - What can be said. Wonderful. Rock on!

I can even tolerate the Ford commercial better, now that Mike Rowe from 'Dirty Jobs' is doing them. I love that guy, and his voice is a pleasure to listen to.

Chris is leaving, as I thought, but it's nice to hear that he and Blake plan to tour together, and I'm sure Ellen will have him on before long.

Gotta go listen to the song contest entries...

John


P.S. I'm betting at least a nickel that that's Dr. Mark singing 'Someday' in the contest entries. I've never heard his voice, but it matches what he looks like, and the simple piano with violin in the background seems about right for his studio skills. Am I right?

Fantasia's "I Believe"

Okay, so even mentioning this performance earlier has me looking it up, listening again, watching again. This really is one of THE best ever performances, IMHO:

I Believe

Top 6 - Bon Jovi Mentors!

I love Bon Jovi, as much, if not more, for his acting and personality as for his musical talent.

Phil Stacey - Opened with power and performed quite well. The judges agree, except Simon, but I can see the truth in what he said about Phil acting the part. He does have something about him reminiscent of The Great Pretender, a chameleon who can target what people want and is exceptional, if nauseating at times, at being the consummate people-pleaser. He has at least as much talent in that area as in singing - and maybe much more.

Jordin Sparks - I think this song might have been a poor choice. The lower register she starts in puts her voice in a bad light, but she has to start that low in order to be where she needs to for the higher registers, the key change, and the very powerful ending. Randy agrees with my analysis. Simon just rips into her with no pity. Realistically though, it was one of her worst, but it wasn't actually terrible.

Lakisha Jones - 'This Ain't a Love Song' - Mmmmm...she slinks into this song like she wrote it herself. Chills from the start which stay to the end. Sing it, girl! Simply an excellent performance...one of the best this season...recordable as it stands. This is the performance to beat tonight. Even Simon loved it and proves it by kissing instead of dissing her. Simon wiping his lips while continuing to talk, after Ryan's remark about her lipstick on his lips, is priceless.

Blake Lewis - 'You Give Love A Bad Name' - a brilliant, ultra-creative interpretation of a song that might be better than the original. It certainly highlighted his considerable skillz in beat-boxing. A HUGE success, and, as Randy said, the most original, personalized interpretation ever done on AI. Simply marvelous.

Chris Richardson - 'Wanted - Dead Or Alive' - Chris gets the requisite grunge in his voice to sing this song, and does a decent job, but it isn't on a par other performances tonight, which puts him in the middle, or worse. He may be in trouble if America favors Phil's improved performances tonight and for the past 3 weeks, which is quite conceivable, and doesn't think Jordin deserves to go based on tonight's borderline performance, which is also quite likely.

Melinda Doolittle - 'Have A Nice Day' - Melinda brings it very nicely, and tops Phil and Chris, though the stilted lyrics don't give her much opportunity to showcase her voice. It was a stretch for her, but she handled it well enough. Randy compares her to a young Tina Turner, which is accurate, and even Simon agrees with this. I don't think she came up to Blake and Lakisha tonight, but was closer than anyone else.

Tops - Blake and Lakisha (you choose), followed by Melinda.

Bottoms - For the night, Jordin and Chris.

Going home - dead or alive - I have to bet on Chris. Though his performance tonight was very good, I think Jordin's history will carry her through, and Phil's last three performances will keep him alive. If not, Phil will be people-pleasing elsewhere.

Top 6 (Again)

Well! THAT was a GREAT night! Save one poor song selection and very uncomfortable and under confident performance, everyone was fantastic!

Best to worst tonight for me for them:

Blake
Melinda and Lakisha (I can't decide)
Phil (I know. I surprise myself. I can give credit where credit's due.)
Chris
Jordin (UGH. This pains me.)

Phil started the show REALLY well and did a surprisingly good job, I must admit. I don't care for his mugging and kissing up, but he DID do a really good job tonight. I'm not sure it's enough to save him though, given his competition. And besides, he said he's going down in a blaze of glory, so you know . . .

Jordin realllllly did not pick the right song. It's the first time I've seen her do that (not pick the right song) and it was really rough. She looked totally uncomfortable and I was uncomfortable for her. I don't think it's enough to boot her. I still think she has a shot at winning it all, but it was WAY rough tonight. I do love that she admits it and doesn't go on and on about "having fun!" She calls a spade a spade. Good for her. I love how genuine she is. It's refreshing. It's marketable. Plus, her name is Jordin Sparks. I can't think of a name that could be more marketable than that one without making up a stage name. She's great! Rough night, but she's great. And for the record, I didn't think this past week's performance was THAT great. It was really, really good, but the praise was over the top--it wasn't her best, her vocals were strained, and it was a bit pitchy. That said, it was still GREAT, but not "the best ever" yadda yadda. But anyway, I think that considering the two weeks together, she's fine. (And for the record, I totally knew they wouldn't boot anyone this past week--I suspected before the show, felt it would be out of place if they had, and knew when Ryan said "biggest shocker ever" to start the show). So, neener neener.

Lakisha was FANTASTIC! Probably her best week ever. And I loved the interchange with Simon (who "llllllllloved" her at her audition, too). He kissed her! And said she has great lips! Now that's an idol highlight! She did a great job--very controlled, very powerful, not oversung. Kudos to Kiki. Smart song choice. It was phenomenal.

BLAKE DESERVES ALL CAPS BECAUSE HE WAS HOT HOT HOT AND PHE-FREAKING-NOMENAL! I LOVE THAT GUY. LOVE HIM. HE WAS "DA BOMB!" AND TOOK SUCH A GARGANTUAN RISK AND TOTALLY, TOTALLY PULLED IT OFF. LOVE THE BEAT BOXING, LOVE THE RECORD PLAYING, LOVE HOW HE MAKES IT HIS OWN. HE NEEDED TO BEAT BOX THIS WEEK AND IT WILL PAY OFF. HE'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE. HE HAS US ALL BEGGING FOR MORE. LOVE THIS GUY. I PREDICT THAT THAT WILL BREAK SOME SORT OF DOWNLOAD RECORD TONIGHT. THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. LOVE BLAKE. BEST TONIGHT. HANDS DOWN.

Chris got more credit than I think it deserved, but it really wasn't bad. I think he's in danger. It wasn't horrible. It wasn't great. Overall, it was good. I like him. I don't think he's making top 3 or anything. I *do* think he's generally better than Phil, though. Curious to see how it plays out.

Melinda was SMOKIN' hot!! She is SO good, SO fun, SO amazing! She was phenomenal as well. (What a great night of performances!!) I love Melinda's sassy performances and she rocked it out with sass and attitude and I loved it! I really like her and do think she'll be in the top 2, if not winning it all. Way to go, Melinda. GREAT song choice.

I predict Chris and (urgh, this past week, I would've said Lakisha even though I think she did well with "I Believe" and the judges were harsh--though I totally agree that ABSOLUTELY NO ONE can touch Fantasia's performance of it and hers is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE Idol performances EVER, but given the judges' comments, I thought she'd go). Anyway. I predict Chris and Phil.

Headline: Simon and Lakisha caught in a liplock!

So, what a show! This is one of the best shows to date and honestly, everyone did at least a really good job. And the judges seemed to be in a good mood this week. Everybody's feeling good about the millions of dollars they raised last week. It was a setup for a good one . . .

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Bon Jovi has a lot better songs than Diana Ross. Good ol' Jon looked pretty psyched for Blake's performance, even if he didn't want to let on about it. So, Jordin's mom "grew up" on Bon Jovi. I feel like I did, listening to my brother's "Slippery When Wet" record. Yes, you read that correctly: it was a record (often played right after listening to my Europe, "Final Countdown" record). So, I guess that means the "next generation" is coming along, making me one of the "aging generations." My how time flies. So, Lakisha found a personality this week, and Simon found a new girlfriend. It's nice to see Simon in love. Melinda rocks! I bet Gina felt like crap listening to Ryan's "too bad you're out already, this would have been an awesome week for you" jabs, and then watching Melinda fumble through the rockin' sign language . . . twice! This was a great night for the band. Ricky was rockin', B.B. King's little brother was lovin' it, the percussionist got a great workout on Blake's song. Awesome band night! And why didn't George W pony up a little green tonight? He only makes half-a-million dollars for being president besides the private plane and free meals! Sheesh!

PHIL STACEY ("Blaze of Glory"): First of all, wrong lyrical choice for elimination protection. And especially considering two people go home tomorrow, it all becomes so much more precarious. Phil rocked the house, this much I can admit. His self-aggrandizing personality still irritates me, but based on his rocked-out, slightly country-tinged rendition and Bon Jovi's glowing praise he should be here next week. Let's see if America likes him more than Simon.

JORDIN SPARKS ("Living on a Prayer"): So, that was the wrong song in the wrong key at the wrong time. Ouch! She is so much better than this week showed. Well, I guess she can't be held responsible for music she only heard as an infant. She did sound better after the Truck Driver's Gear Change toward the end of the song, but it didn't help much.

LAKISHA JONES ("This Ain't a Love Song"): I'd never heard this song before, but she rocked it! Classic Lakisha power ballad at the right time. She was in control and looked like she owned the stage. No wonder Simon wanted to get a little of that som'in' som'in'!

BLAKE LEWIS ("You Give Love a Bad Name"): Mark it down. Tonight is the night that you saw the most original performance in Idol history, past, present, or future. OK, so it's a bit hyperbolic, but I wouldn't be surprised if when this show is gone, Blake's performance tonight ranks up there as one of the most memorable. It was awesome! Jon Bon Jovi wanted to love it in the open, but had to keep his true feelings in the closet on this one. I knew Blake had to bring back his unique style and did he ever! I've never seen a contestant with so much chutzpah and the talent to back it. Wow!

CHRIS RICHARDSON ("Dead or Alive"): So the deck was stacked against him on two accounts: another Chris who now headlines a band bearing his last name a la Bon Jovi did this last year, and Richardson had to follow Blake. Oh, and Ryan made a stupid Timberlake comment (did you catch the Richardson eye roll?). Chris did a good job, even with the fates aligned to trip him up. You could hear his style a bit throughout, although I'm not sure I really heard any "blue notes." It's that time of year when the really good fall victim to the great, and Chris may be caught in the crossfire.

MELINDA DOOLITTLE ("Have a Nice Day"): OK. I think I will, but only because you so emphatically encouraged me to do so. Great song selection and a great way to wrap up the show. This girl can sing, and bonus points to her for knockin' it out the box on an off week for her. BonJovi? Melinda? Really?

MY TOP 3: Blake, Melinda, Lakisha
#1 DOWNLOAD IN AMERICANIDOL.COM HISTORY: Blake
MOST BLATANT CAMERA MUGGING FOR PERSONAL GAIN SINCE PHIL STACEY: The Bushes
THE ERNIE BANKS AWARD (LET'S BOOT TWO): Phil and Chris

It's so tough to predict this week since it's the combined votes from the past two weeks, and I don't think Phil deserves it this week, but that's the way I see it for now. Oh, and they announce the finalists for the Songwriting contest tomorrow (from what I can seen online). I'll let you all know if mine is there. Cross your fingers. Pray. Light candles. Perform ritualistic sacrifice. Actually, scratch that. But do whatever else you want to bring about good karma!