Let’s face it: this is a very “rock-challenged” group of finalist. For me, this season’s themes have been lame and quite yawn worthy, so I wasn’t sure what to expect tonight. I’m a big Bon Jovi fan. I’m a child of the 80’s, but I was apprehensive about which Bon Jovi songs the contestants were going to choose.
Here are my thoughts from favorite to least favorite:
Blake Lewis - You Give Love a Bad Name - Once again, his lack of a vocal toolbox doesn’t matter because he is multi-talented in ways that the other contestants are not. I loved how cohesive his beatboxing was with the music. Definitely the biggest risk of the season and I’m thinking it will work in his favor.
Melinda Doolittle - Have a Nice Day - Nice to see some personality up there. I had a feeling she could pull off some attitude if she’d just drop the diva act for a night.
Lakisha Jones - This Ain’t a Love Song - I think the fact that this song is not one of the more familiar Bon Jovi songs helped Lakisha tonight. We have to remember that this week’s votes are getting combined with last week’s. She was more than likely one of the bottom two last week, so that means she needs to be in the top two this week to cancel that out. I thought it was a solid performance, perfect choice of a soulful ballad. Is it me or are the pounds just melting off of her?
Phil Stacey - Blaze of Glory - For a song he’s practiced for fifteen years, I expected a bit more. The past few weeks, he seems more comfortable up on stage, and it’s paying off for him. It’s nice to see him letting it all hang out. Sweat and all.
Jordin Sparks - Living on a Prayer - Well, it was bound to happen, an off night for Ms. Sparks. Rock music and low notes are not her strong suit. We knew that. However, in true AI form, the reverse psychology of the judges criticisms will probably drum her up enough pity votes to get by this week’s double elimination. There are a few Bon Jovi songs like Bed of Roses, Always, or I’ll Be There For You that come to mind as songs she could have pulled off more successfully.
Chris Richardson - Wanted Dead or Alive - Shaky. He (like Jordin) could have pulled off a ballad much better. Blah. He’s really going for making that nasal style make a break through.
Southerner. Out.
“For a song he’s practiced for fifteen years, I expected a bit more.”
Har! True! I would’ve liked if more of them spent more than 2 minutes picking their songs and did some research. It paid off for Lakisha.