Ryan explains the whole premise of this-for every vote called in at the end of the show, Newscorp will donate 10 cents per call to charitable organizations across the U.S. Special guest Bono is supposed to show up at some point…whether it’s tonight, or tomorrow, is unclear. Stay tuned…
Cut to Ryan and Simon visiting some famine-stricken villages in Africa. The scene is the grim reality of severe starvation and poverty in a third world country. As the camera pans across some emaciated Africans lying in a huddle, too weak to stand…for once Simon has no words. “This is hell on earth,” he says.
We’re brought back to the studio, and the performances begin.
Chris Richardson starts out with “Change the World” Eric Clapton. From the soundtrack of Phenomenon, if I recall correctly. Like the movie, Chris’ version of this song also starts out flat. Still can’t help but like the kid….he’s singing in earnest and on key. Solid performance, but I’m not entirely blown away.
And the judges say…
“You in it to win it, dawg!” - Randy
“Exciting!” says Paula, sounding anything but.
“I think you did really well,” says Simon.
Ooh, and after Idol…the MOST SHOCKING EPISODE YET of House. Don’t they say that every week? Please. The only time House has ever shocked me, is when he catheterized himself. Now that’s impressive.
But I digress. Moving on…
Ryan explains how all the money from “Idol gives back” will be spread throughout all of the states, A few scenes follow, with the judges and Ryan visiting some poverty stricken areas around the country.
Randy visits his home state of Louisiana, and comforts a woman who lost everything to Katrina.
Ryan goes to his hometown of Atlanta and visits a homeless shelter.
Melinda Doolittle is up next. “There Will Come a Day” by Faith Hill
Starts out a little shaky, then she belts out the chorus in her usual style. Excellent overall performance. She still seems like she can’t believe she’s up on that stage, sometimes.
The judges weigh in: Randy – “You have arrived.”
Paula – “Magical”
Simon heartily approves.
Ryan reminds us that Newscorp is donating 10 cents for each vote called in tonight, and reminds viewers that last time 38 million votes were cast. Of course, last week everyone voted in order to get rid of Sanjaya. Right? Right.
Blake Lewis is up next. He sings “Imagine” by John Lennon. I silently pray that he doesn’t beat-box during this performance. OUCH. That high note sounded like it hurt. Good thing John Lennon’s dead, so he didn’t have to hear that. Other than that one awful note….not too bad.
What do the judges think?
Randy – “Great choice of song. Performance wise, it was a’ight.”
Paula - “First sensitive, emotional performance from Blake. Really enjoyed it.”
Simon - “It felt sincere, but it didn’t go anywhere. It was good.”
Hmm…haven’t seen Bono appear yet. Would have been interesting to see him act as vocal coach to Sanjaya, but alas…
LaKisha is up next. She sings “I Believe” by Fantasia. She doesn’t sound too comfortable singing in the lower register. Naturally, everyone’s going to be comparing LaKisha’s version to Fantasia’s….and LaKisha falls just a tiny bit short.
Randy – “Pitchy, but I liked it.”
Paula – “You are a powerhouse….”
Simon – “Paula, you were trying to say you preferred Fantasia’s version.” Lots of booing in the studio audience, to which Simon hisses “Will you SHUT UP!” His point is taken—LaKisha’s a great performer overall, but it can be detrimental to sing a song made popular by a former Idol.
Up next – Phil Stacy. He sings “The Change” by Garth Brooks. Now, I’ll admit…I’m not a big Phil fan. But he’s singing this song REALLY well. Probably my favorite Phil performance to date. I think he just cinched himself a ‘safe’ spot in the next elimination round.
Judges:
Randy – “Nice vocal on a very good song.”
Paula – “This was your best. Fantastic.”
Simon – “I like you…I think you’ll do well in this show.”
Jordin’s up next – with a ‘showstopper’, Ryan says. After the break.
Jordin sings “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Forgive me, but this song usually reminds me of the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon for MDA. I trust that Jordin’s vocal will be a lot prettier than that of Jerry Lewis. She’s amazing…and emotional. She actually looks like she might be ready to cry. Wait, she just did—I saw a tear fall! Best performance of the evening.
Randy – “One of the best vocals on this show, any season, ever.”
Paula – “You picked the best song to close the show.”
Simon – “Unlike Randy, I thought you were fantastic.”
My thoughts…if Jordin doesn’t win the whole thing, I’ll eat my hat. Of course, I said the same thing about Bo Bice during season four. *gulp*
Hey…where’s Bono? Maybe we’ll see him tomorrow night. MAYBE.
Chefker
Yeah, I was expecting to see Bono when Ryan said he was the coach this week. What a rip off!