American Idol Season 6 Volume 3

[southerner]

This thread should get us through the end of the season.

The Volume 1 thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24925)

The Volume 2 thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31103)

Here's the Top 4:

Melinda Doolittle

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/wcsoutherner/wedding%20pics/04.jpg

Lakisha Jones

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/wcsoutherner/wedding%20pics/20_G.jpg

Jordin Sparks

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/wcsoutherner/wedding%20pics/0000038286_20070307234514.jpg

Blake Lewis

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a131/wcsoutherner/wedding%20pics/0000038053_20070228075349.jpg

[imagirliegirl]

Go Blake! :D

[Sophia]

Reposting from the previous thread:

I was surprised Phil went. I thought it would be LaKisha.

I'm doing a happy dance Chris is gone (although I'd have been happy to see Blake go). :)

I think LaKisha and Blake will be next to go, with a Jordin/Melinda finale.

[Rose]

I think Lakisha will go next and then it's a toss up between Blake & Jordin. Jordin hasn't been consistent enough to ensure that she will be in the final two.

ETA I scrolled down so slowly because I was so scared Blake's picture wasn't going to be there.

[Dizzy]

I really thought Lakisha would be the one to go home over Phil. It seemed like he had a LOT of fans. shrug. Through all my years of watching I still can never "call it".

[Adaya]

Of all the pics of Melinda.....LOL!!

[jesvet]

I'm not unhappy about that at all, Phil and his serial killer eyeballs and Chris' tinny annoying voice.

[ivansbabe]

If it's a Melinda/Jordin finale it will be boooooooooring. Melinda grates on my last nerve and she looks like she's 40. I can't see her as idol material.

[southerner]

Of all the pics of Melinda.....LOL!!
I chose it on purpose :p

[sublime311]

I chose it on purpose :p
I love that about you! :D

[sublime311]

I'm hoping for a Blake/Jordin finale with Jordin winning. *fingers crossed*

I hope Blake doesn't win so he can do his own thing. Jordin is perfect for Idol.

[tgr68]

I really thought Lakisha would be the one to go home over Phil. It seemed like he had a LOT of fans. shrug. Through all my years of watching I still can never "call it".
I really thought this too. I wasn't a big fan of either, but I really felt that Phil did better overall during the last two weeks.

I'm very happy BTW that Blake is still here! :D :D

[Rose]

Does anyone else have to close their eyes when Robin Thicke sings? All I can picture is Jason Seaver singing to me. He reminds me too much of his Dad.

[Adaya]

Does anyone else have to close their eyes when Robin Thicke sings? All I can picture is Jason Seaver singing to me. He reminds me too much of his Dad.

I can't say what I picture when I hear Robin Thicke sing. His whole album makes me wanna....oh well, nevemind. ;)

[Scooter]

I'm also hoping for a Blake/Jordin finale with Jordin winning and Blake moving on to get a contract with a little more freedom.

Southerner, you evil woman! That Melinda picture scared the crap out of me when I scrolled down too fast! It's like one of those websites that people forward you where you look at something normal for awhile and then something pops out and scares you!

Ivansbabe, I'm with you, one of the few anti-Melinda people here. She really annoys me.

Does anyone else have to close their eyes when Robin Thicke sings? All I can picture is Jason Seaver singing to me. He reminds me too much of his Dad.
Yeah, I can't watch any performance by that guy because it looks like Alan Thicke is singing. :p I watched way too much Growing Pains to be able to get past that!

[numberlady]

Does anyone else have to close their eyes when Robin Thicke sings? All I can picture is Jason Seaver singing to me. He reminds me too much of his Dad.

I am so glad you said that. This was my first time seeing him and I told DH he looked like him and he disagreed. Glad to know that is his dad!

I think the right people went home.

[QueenDillyDally]

It was actually kind of sad when they were doing the goodbye to Phil. It seems he was the "Papa Smurf" of the group. I think all the contestants really liked him and were sad to see him go. Even Ryan was commenting A LOT about what a nice guy Phil is to everyone. I got a little teary eyed when they showed his goodbye tape.

I'm glad that Chris is gone now. His voice really wasn't up to par. I'm not sure why they even put him in the top 32 or whatever to get that far.

So hoping for the final to be Jordin and Blake. Melinda bores me and I'm not crazy about Lakisha. Jordin would be the best AI winner because she is the most marketable and "moldable". Blake will get a contract with a record company either way.

I actually thought the relationship between Chris and Blake was sweet. I'm glad that the idol contestants can "bond" like that.

[KiewiStyles]

Does anyone else have to close their eyes when Robin Thicke sings? All I can picture is Jason Seaver singing to me. He reminds me too much of his Dad.

No. I had to turn the channel. It was really bad.

[Dotsie]

I was sad to see Phil go. I really did like him. I expected Chris to get the boot.

I agree with everyone else that says it's a Jordin\Blake final with *Jordin* winning.

Robin Thicke cannot sing... horrible. I actually had to mute my tv during his performance.

[mel7dog]

I think the right people went home. I liked Phil as well, but I don't think he had the talent or stage presence of the others. He had several weeks that just weren't much good. I think Jordin or Blake will win. Melinda and Lakisha are really good, but to me they are not that unique. Jordin REALLY needs to step it up this next week and wow us if she wants to stay.

[chefker]

Phil and his serial killer eyeballs

*snicker* Last night I was running through the house yelling "Bug-eyed Phil is gone! Bug-eyed Phil is gone!"

Jordin's gotta step it up. I agree with other PP's, I really think it'll be down to her and Melinda to win it all.

[May27JnJ]

I think Jordin and Melinda will be the top two. I think LaKisha will go home next week. I hope Melinda doesn't win. I'm not too crazy about her. I would definitely buy Jordin's CD.

[kam]

I think the right people went home last night but I felt bad for Phil. I've heard this group is actually genuinely close and there aren't any divas, so every week is especially hard for everyone.

I can't imagine Blake going into the top 2. Not because I don't think he doesn't deserve to be there but I can't imagine him singing a song that will most assuredly be filled with rainbows, once in a lifetime moments and puppies and keeping a straight face.

[May27JnJ]

I hope hope hope Blake wins really! I just don't think he will. :o I think you either love him or hate him. There's no in between.

[MsPeachy]

I was actually surprised it was Phil who left over LaKisha. Considering he's been steadily improving over the weeks and LaKiki's been faltering. America usually rewards those who improve. At least he went out on a high note and his final sing-out was really good. OTOH, I won't miss Chris that much. He's cute and all but he ain't no Timberlake that's for sure.

So we are down to an almost exact replica of Season 3. Top 4 = 3 Divas and the token Guy. And I'm feeling about as excited about this season as I did that one. Just too much blah for me to get into.

DH & I both wondered WTH was the point of having Robin Thicke on? It was such a divergence from the entire week's theme, etc. :confused:

The Bon Jovi song was boring! Why didn't he sing something more rock? I mean really, talk about sapping the energy of the show. However, DH and I decided that Jon should get 2 awards: Best Aging of a Rock Star and Best Rock Star Hair. ;)

[Kimberland30]

I can't imagine Blake going into the top 2. Not because I don't think he doesn't deserve to be there but I can't imagine him singing a song that will most assuredly be filled with rainbows, once in a lifetime moments and puppies and keeping a straight face.

LMAO!!!! Sooooo true.

[Adaya]

I agree with everyone who says that Jordin is more of the AI type compared to Melinda or maybe Lakiki. In that regard maybe she should win. I also agree that she has more potential for molding and shaping as an AI winner. I think that's what this show is all about. However, I wouldn't buy anything she put out. I don't like her.

Now if Blake, Melinda, or Lakiki put out an album, win or not, I'm all over it. They are more my taste.

[imagirliegirl]

It annoys me when they want to change their names during the season. If Laskisha wanted to be called Lakiki, she should have started that way or waited until after the season ended.

[Adaya]

It annoys me when they want to change their names during the season. If Laskisha wanted to be called Lakiki, she should have started that way or waited until after the season ended.

Oh snap...I thought that's what people her friends and family were calling her and so we started calling her that here. Is that what she said on the show? Apparently I missed that. Well then that missy...... :rolleyes:

[Sophia]

I thought Lakiki was just a nickname. I didn't hear she wanted to "change" her name. :confused:

[conneals]

What is it about the guest stars? Why do they always sing some slow ballady crap? Sorry, but when the guests come on, I usually end up doing something else...it is just so boring. I hate to say it, because I love Bon Jovi, but that was a boring performance.

Oh, and I am so over the taped performance being played off as live.

[imagirliegirl]

I thought Lakiki was just a nickname. I didn't hear she wanted to "change" her name. :confused:

At some point someone (can't remember if it was Ryan or Simon) called her Lakisha and then backtracked saying she wanted to be called Lakiki now.

[May27JnJ]

Ew. LaKiki. Give me a break!

[Sophia]

At some point someone (can't remember if it was Ryan or Simon) called her Lakisha and then backtracked saying she wanted to be called Lakiki now.


Wow, I must have missed that. Maybe they were just kidding around? They still call her LaKisha on the show and the official site.

[Rose]

I don't think Lakisha said anything about changing her name. Diana Ross asked her what her Mom called her and she said Kiki. It just took off from there.

[MsPeachy]

I don't think Lakisha said anything about changing her name. Diana Ross asked her what her Mom called her and she said Kiki. It just took off from there. This is what I recall as well. The only place I've seen "LaKiki" is on the 'net.

[mel7dog]

Oh, and I am so over the taped performance being played off as live.
Ok I must be an idiot, but I never knew they weren't live :confused:

[laura]

I disagree that you either love or hate Blake. I used to not care for him, but he has grown on me now, though I don't love him. I also would like to see a Blake/Jordin finale w/ Jordin winning, however - she is really cute and I think she could be great w/ the correct training and a little maturing.

I don't like Melinda's personality - her constant faux surprise bugs the HELL out of me - but I don't think her voice needs AI to get her a record deal. I was loving LaKisha from the beginning, but recently I have started to not care for her; to me, she sounds like she is shouting much of the time recently. I wanted her to go over Phil this week, though I was pretty sure she wouldn't. His goodbye was sweet, though; I don't think he had the best voice, but IMO his personality was endearing - moreso when he was not singing, though, unfortunately.

[nettreefrog]

I've been a huge Melinda fan since the auditions... And, she really has not disappointed thus far (although Latin week wasn't her normal fabulous presentation). Personally, I think it will be her and Blake in the final.

Phil's last performance was really touching and showed a great deal of character!

[QueenDillyDally]

What is it about the guest stars? Why do they always sing some slow ballady crap? Sorry, but when the guests come on, I usually end up doing something else...it is just so boring. I hate to say it, because I love Bon Jovi, but that was a boring performance.

Oh, and I am so over the taped performance being played off as live.

Are you talking about the taped celebrity performances?
:confused:

Ok I must be an idiot, but I never knew they weren't live :confused:

I think the only pre-taped performances for the AI contestants was last week during the telethon week.

[nylons73]

Robin Thicke's performance was taped 4-5 weeks ago. I read the blog on the LA Times and their staff writer had to sit through 3 re-takes of Robin Thicke's performance. (I would have seriously died. Once was enough for me!)

Lakisha did not change her name or ask for her name to be changed. Diana Ross asked her what her mother called her. Lakisha responded "Kiki." Then Diana Ross started calling her Kiki when she talked about her, etc. It caught on on the net (different blogs, message boards, etc.) and now people kind of refer to her as Lakiki or Kiki. Lakisha had nothing to do with this except for talking about her name to Diana Ross.

The Idol Gives Back performances by the contestants were taped due to the time constraints that the show was under last week. (Last Tuesday I mean.) Every other Tuesday, the Idols perform live on stage. The recap clips however are taped in a rehearsal session that is held ~just~ before the 'live' show goes on. I know of several people that have been to these rehearsal sessions. The contestants wear the same clothes, and sing the same songs, etc. It's just that the judges aren't there and most of that audience is NOT the audience for the later show. However, this is where they found that incessantly crying girl. She and her mom won tickets to a rehersal show and when she wouldn't stop crying, she was promptly given tickets to the 'live' show which follows it.

Since all of the 'recap' footage at the end is taken from the rehearsal show, it's a fun to try to pick out what's different in the recaps versus the actual live performance that the contestant gave. Well, at least I think it's fun. ;)

[ceaserbride]

That is so interesting about the recap footage! I've always thought it was rather "quick" to be put together!

[kam]

Whether they are live or not, I usually fast forward through the group performances. Because of the cheese factor, I expect them to sing "Sunshiny Day" and give us jazz hands at any moment ;)

[southerner]

Chris's exit interview. (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558695/20070503/id_0.jhtml) In it he says he knew he was going home. He saw the 12 string guitar on stage when the band was setting up and his song was the only one that used it.

[ivansbabe]

I was talking with some coworkers at lunch and one guy's wife graduated high school with Blake and was in his music/choir classes with him. Another woman here is coincidently friends with one of Blake's good friends so she has met him. Both said that he was a really nice guy. I thought that was cool.

[Myra]

I can't imagine Blake going into the top 2. Not because I don't think he doesn't deserve to be there but I can't imagine him singing a song that will most assuredly be filled with rainbows, once in a lifetime moments and puppies and keeping a straight face.
Excellent point--those songs are awful, though it would be interesting to see what song the judges choose for him. I'd love to see him interpret Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" (cut down to about 1/4 of the length, of course). In a Blake-Melinda final 2, I'd be happy with either result. Anyway, Blake is my baby daddy. :p

[ihearttx]

New Julien! New Julien! I want to move to France!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAFXNLJoEcs

[ihearttx]

Um, I love French fries, chocolate souffle, french toast...

and JULIEN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf92R8nz6jI

[conneals]

Ok I must be an idiot, but I never knew they weren't live :confused:

Sorry to be so confusing...I meant the taped guest performances. The actual contestants are live, but Thicke's performance was taped as was mentioned above. Several other guest star performances have been taped as well.

[nylons73]

Chris's exit interview. (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558695/20070503/id_0.jhtml) In it he says he knew he was going home. He saw the 12 string guitar on stage when the band was setting up and his song was the only one that used it.

Yes, Ricky Minor and the band are the only ones told (by Nigel) whom is going home, so that they know what song they are going to be playing that night. Seacrest doesn't know until he sees the envelope.

[Adaya]

New Julien! New Julien! I want to move to France!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAFXNLJoEcs

That was pretty good, but nothing tops "Like A Virgin". I find myself humming his version from time to time. ;)

[ihearttx]

That was pretty good, but nothing tops "Like A Virgin". I find myself humming his version from time to time. ;)

I agree. He is so cute and he sounds like a combo of the Chef from The Little Mermaid and the Swedish Chef from The Muppet Show.

Sigh. Swoon......

[southerner]

Rumor on some AI boards is that Elliott Yamin is performing next week.

[ivansbabe]

For those of you who don't know it's Bee Gees night tonight. And go Blake! I just want him to make it past this week, then I'd be fine with whatever happens.

[May27JnJ]

Is it just me or has this season flown by?

[solongtogo]

When is the finale?

[MsPeachy]

I am totally psyched for BeeGees night!! :)

[Rose]

When is the finale?

Tonight is top 4 so I would guess in two weeks.

ETA - Looking on their website it's the 23rd.

[ihearttx]

Anyone have any song spoilers for tonight?

[southerner]

rumored songs for tonight are in white:

Blake:
- You Should Be Dancing
- This Is Where I Came In

Jordin:
- Woman In Love
- To Love Somebody

Melinda:
- Loves You Inside Out
- How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

LaKisha
- Run To Me
- Stayin' Alive

from www.idolforums.com

[Toonces]

Really looking forward to Jordin's 2nd song. I LOVE that song.

I'm with Randy... tired of Blake's beat boxing.

Lakisha didn't act on any of Barry's feedback. She just doesn't seem like she wants to be there.

I was surprised at how Barry looked - kind of like the Kenny Rogers thing from last season. Last time I saw him on TV, he had his hair dyed still. Still love him though!

[MrsBeckyLP]

Nylons, just out of curiosity, how do you know so much about the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of the show?!

Tonight has been very boring for me.

[ihearttx]

Goodness I think that was the worst Idol show EVER! OY!

[imagirliegirl]

Wow, Barry really likes Jordin. Not that I blame him, she's amazing. That has to feel great for her to be so young and have Barry Gibb talk about how fantastic he thinks she is.

Here's my order:

Jordin
Melinda
Blake
Lakisha

I think Lakisha should go home but I'm worried about Blake. It wasn't a great night for him. I like him so I hope he outlasts Lakisha. She just never seemed to pick it back up.

I agree with the above poster that she just doesn't seem into it. The first thing I noticed was that she completely ignored his advice. I freaking hate when they do that. If a famous musician tells you to jump, say how high. They all seem to forget that these people do know their stuff. I wonder if she thinks she'd do better without winning so she wants to go home.

[tgr68]

Here's my order:

Jordin
Melinda
Blake
Lakisha

I think Lakisha should go home but I'm worried about Blake. It wasn't a great night for him. I like him so I hope he outlasts Lakisha. She just never seemed to pick it back up. I agree with this order. I have not been impressed by Lakisha for several weeks now. I love Blake, but he had an awful night.

[DisneyGirl]

I think Lakisha is going home tomorrow.

[Sophia]

My rankings:

Jordin (loved her, even though her 2nd song was shaky)
Melinda (good but boring)
LaKisha (showed a teeny glimmer of hope before reverting to blah)
Blake (the beatboxing is painful and juvenile at this point)

I think LaKisha will go this week, only because Blake has some rabid fans that I'm sure went into overdrive to save him after he bombed so badly. In fact, I think it may be Jordin & Blake in the finals because Melinda is so boring and doesn't have the fan base.

[Rose]

It's a theme with Lakisha to ignore the mentor's advice. She did it was Diana, Lulu, Tony, Barry, and others.

It's like a running joke.

[angel17]

It's a theme with Lakisha to ignore the mentor's advice. She did it was Diana, Lulu, Tony, Barry, and others.

It's like a running joke.

Especially since she has admitted more than once that she has had no formal training. So don't you think you should listen to those that do?? Especially since week after week you are called out for the choices you make? Lakisha was my favorite in the beginning but I'm really ready for her to go home.

Then Blake and let Jordyn and Melinda duke it out in the final.

[lawyerlee]

This is how I would rank tonight's performances:

(1) Jordin singing "To Love Somebody"

(2) Blake singing "You Should Be Dancing"

(3) Melinda singing "Loves You Inside Out"
I totally disagreed with the judges on Melinda. I think they've been ridiculously hard on her recently. She did great. I think she sounds like a young Gladys Knight. Not boring at all. Go figure.

(4) LaKisha Jones singing "Run to Me"

(5) LaKisha Jones singing "Stayin Alive"
I thought this was great. I could see where Paula was coming from about it being a mistake to slow it down, but I thoroughly enjoyed this performance and the unique touches she brought to the song.

(6) Melinda singing "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart"
I love this song, but I didn't care for this particular arrangement. It should have been better.

(7) Jordin singing "Woman in Love"
The first half of this ruined it for me. She did much better with the second half, but I still felt let down, especially when compared to her first performance.

(8) Blake singing "This is Where I Came In"
I didn't like this at all. :( I think he overdid it by beat boxing on both of his songs, and I just didn't get this song choice at all. Hated it.

I don't know who I think should go home tomorrow night. I guess I'll just say that I hope Melinda and Blake make it to the final two.

[lawyerlee]

This isn't exactly on topic, but did you guys hear that Paula is going to have a show on Bravo this summer? I saw a brief promo for it tonight. It might be pretty fun. The promo is her all dressed up and tripping on her heel. Sounds about right. ;) :D

Bravo announces Paula Abdul's 'Hey Paula!' to debut this summer (http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/bravo-announces-paula-abdul-hey-paula!-debut-this-summer-4996.php)
By Christopher Rocchio, 04/12/2007

Bravo has announced that Hey Paula!, a new docu-reality series that will give viewers a look at American Idol judge Paula Abdul's professional and personal life, will air as part of the network's summer programming lineup.

Originally announced by the network in early January, Hey Paula! will follow the former Los Angeles Laker Girl and Grammy Award winner as she films the sixth installment of Idol; works on her new Bratz: The Movie project; develops her own line of perfumes and cosmetics; expands her originally-designed jewelry line; markets her clothing line; and fits personal appearances into her demanding schedule.

[sublime311]

Speaking of Paula, I thought she looked really pretty tonight.

[Rose]

I thought Paula looked very pretty as well. I noticed as I was watching. I thought this was one of the worst nights. Nobody stood out to me. I'm worried for Blake.

So don't you think you should listen to those that do?? Especially since week after week you are called out for the choices you make?

I didn't say that she shouldn't. I definitely think when you are being mentored by legends you should listen with your ears open.

[ivansbabe]

Yeah, Blake wasn't so good tonight but neither was LaKisha, though his second song was better even if I've never heard of it. So I think it will be those two in the bottom. Melinda was boring as usual, but she wasn't off key or anything, and Jordin did okay...again not great. Kind of a lame night huh?

[QueenDillyDally]

Speaking of Paula, I thought she looked really pretty tonight.


Funny you say that because my husband said last night, "Could she wear any more makeup?!?".

[QueenDillyDally]

Favorite:
Jordin.. although her 2nd song was a bit painful to the ears but at least it kept me awake. :o
I LOVED LOVED LOVED her first song!

2nd Favorite:
Melinda (that 2nd song was really really good)

Blech:
Lakisha (fell asleep during her last song it was so boring)
Blake (ugh... it was a bad week for him)

I'm hoping Lakisha goes home because for some reason, I look forward to watching Blake perform.

[skyblu]

Funny you say that because my husband said last night, "Could she wear any more makeup?!?".

Yeah, she looked so "done", it was all a bit much. She's starting to morph into Joan Rivers. She should lay off the nip/tucks and the lip fillers a bit!

Last night was a huge yawn. Although I love Jordin, and thought she was the best of the night. And Lord, that girl is gorgeous!!

Does anyone else think Barry Gibb looks like the caveman from the Geico commercials? (I think it's the teeth. Or the hair)

http://www.russbonagura.com/images/russbarrygibb.jpghttp://www.thirdwayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/caveman_1.jpg

[MsPeachy]

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to say I was underwhelmed by last night's show. I think I expected the whole thing to be just better.

For the first time, I didn't "love" Melinda on her first song but I thought she redeemed herself on the 2nd. And it was opposite for Jordin. Hearing her screech and strain through her 2nd song, I kpet thinking she should have switched the order.

Lakisha was good on her first song but I totally tuned out on her 2nd. I'm over her.

Blake sucked major lemons on both his songs. I agree with PP who said he didn't have to beatbox on both. One would have been enough. I thought his performances merely highlighted his weak vocal ability.

Rankings
1 - tie. - Jordin & Melinda
3. Lakisha
4. Blake

totally disagreed with the judges on Melinda. I think they've been ridiculously hard on her recently. They are "LaToya'ing" her. Does anyone else think Barry Gibb looks like the caveman from the Geico commercials? (I think it's the teeth. Or the hair) Don't forget the mustache.

[sublime311]

Funny you say that because my husband said last night, "Could she wear any more makeup?!?".
Really?? Huh.. I usually think she looks overdone, but last night I think it was a combo of her make-up, her hair style and the color she was wearing (white) that I liked.

[sublime311]

I just listened to Jordin's 2nd song again (http://www.rickey.org/?p=3442). I dunno. I don't think it was horrible. She is amazing.

Re: Barry Gibb looking like the caveman - yeah, totally! I commented about his too big dentures last night. You'd think they could come up with a set of dentures that doesn't make wearers sound like they have too many teeth.

[loving624]

I thought last night was really bad. This is the final 4. Maybe it was the theme of the week and the fact that it was difficult for them but man I didnt like it. Jordin did good, Melinda did okay, but I didnt like LaKisha or Blake at all and I am normally a large Blake fan. I agree that LaKisha really needs to listen to the advice of the mentors. I dont think the judges have ever commented on that, if by some miracle she stays here, they should make that comment.

I predict LaKisha going home tonight. Wonder how far she could go after Idol? I dont see myself buying an album of hers.....

[conneals]

I'm just tired of them (top brass) shoving Jordin down our throats. They do this every year. Jordin is good yes, but she has some flaws that are pretty obvious. The biggest issue is pitch. She has issues with this every week. But, she has the look and the peppiness that they want in AI.

Overall, I thought last night was boring. I love Barry Gibb and the BeeGees, but those are hard songs to sing. They have a definite sound. A definite sound that is very hard to reproduce, especially for a female.

But, the judges seemed to be contradicting themselves a bit this week. Last week they wanted to songs to sound original. This week, they didn't mention that they were trying to make the songs sound original. They just didn't like them. I wish they would have said more, "We didn't like the arrangement." I think they only said this once?

Beatboxing has been overdone...way overdone.

[chefker]

I just listened to Jordin's 2nd song again (http://www.rickey.org/?p=3442). I dunno. I don't think it was horrible. She is amazing.



I agree - I really don't think Jordin's second song was as awful as the judges seemed to think.

I honestly thought Blake would be able to capture that falsetto that the BeeGees are famous for - but instead, he focused more on the damn beatboxing. I think it worked for him with the Bon Jovi song, but beatboxing didn't work for him at ALL this week.

[Sophia]

I agree with sublime's and chefker's comemnts that Jordin's second song had issues but wasn't as bad as the judges made it out to be.

As far as LaKisha not using the mentors' suggestions--I'm thinking maybe she doesn't know how to switch gears--not that she decided to ignore the suggestions, but maybe she just can't change the way she's doing it. I've seen it happen before, not with singing but with art, dancing, etc--the person understands what they're doing wrong, but they just keep doing it over and over anyway because they're stuck on a track they can't get off of. It's actually kind of sad.

Anyway, DialIdol predictions (http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/Predictions.asp).

1-2 Blake Lewis - 22.47

1-2 Jordin Sparks - 22.23

3-4 Melinda Doolittle - 12.05

3-4 Lakisha Jones - 11.63

Just like I thought--Blake's fans went into overdrive because they sensed danger. Insane--he sucked hard. And at this rate, it'll be a Jordin/Blake finale.

Looks like both Melinda and LaKisha are in danger of leaving--I hope it's LaKisha. She's been consistently weak.

[cgmom313]

All I have to say about last night is bleh!!! I was totally bored and not entertained at all.

Blake was very weird to me last night, he barely opened his mouth to sing and what is with him always turning his head and looking at the band. Just seems so off to me.

At this point I really dont cares who goes home. I am pretty much over this season. Nobody really wowed me like in years past.

I say bring on the summer hit "So you think you can dance?" :D

[numberlady]

I really don't like that the "theme" is one artist or band or their "favorite songs". I like it much better when it is a genre and the singers can pick the song that best suits them and represents what they want to say. I think it is much harder for certain singers to be able to reproduce these famous songs in a way that the audience and judges can get into.

I didn't think Blake was that bad, but I agree that he shouldn't have done the beat-boxing in both songs. I still love him though :)

[MsPeachy]

I have to point out what has got to be one of the biggest movie misconceptions ever -

In the movie Saturday Night Fever, John Travolta does not do the pointy-finger dance move to the song Staying Alive. I think the song that's playing in the disco when he does it is Night Fever. But yet - people do that move when referring to that song every. time.


Ah - we finally see the Pink performance.

[kugrrly]

everyone probably thinks of that dance when when they hear that song.

[MsPeachy]

skyblu - I showed DH your "comparison pics" of BG and the caveman and his response was "Holy Sh!t!! You're right! Oh my god!"

Just wanted you to know you made a convert;)

[imagirliegirl]

Why did Barry Gibb just sing for 10 minutes.

[imagirliegirl]

ETA:

Nevermind. Apparently my DVR got screwed up. I hear Lakisha went home. That's good. I'm annoyed that I missed it though.

[Smilin13]

Yep Lakisha went home tonight.

I guess all my votes for Blake last night helped *grins*

I think it is so cute how the contestants seem genuinely to care for each other. It shows a good side of reality tv that most shows don't have.

:)

[imagirliegirl]

How did Lakisha react? Did she seem surprised? Ryan was talking to her at the beginning of the show and she already seemed to be gearing herself up to go home.

[sublime311]

(I'm chiming in late - west coast.)

Wow. Pink is in amazing shape. She usually is more meaty...

Lakisha is definitely looking down already. Is she just guessing at this point or would they really give her some inkling that she's going?

[tgr68]

Barry Gibb/Caveman Look-alike~This was the first thing DH pionted out when he saw BG last night.

[sue-bert]

I thought Barry Gibb sounded like a chimp.

[MsPeachy]

How did Lakisha react? Did she seem surprised? Ryan was talking to her at the beginning of the show and she already seemed to be gearing herself up to go home. I swear she looked relieved. Seriously. She handled the whole 'going home' montage very gracefully and with a smile on her face and only a few tears toward the end.

[conneals]

I swear she looked relieved. Seriously. She handled the whole 'going home' montage very gracefully and with a smile on her face and only a few tears toward the end.


I can only imagine how difficult it has been for her. Her daughter seems very important to her and being away for so long has to be really tough.

[imagirliegirl]

I swear she looked relieved. Seriously. She handled the whole 'going home' montage very gracefully and with a smile on her face and only a few tears toward the end.

Thanks. I thought she might be relieved. She's kind of had this look on her face lately like she's tired of it. She hasn't been herself lately either when she's competing. And by herself I mean really freaking good.

It will be interesting to see who goes next. I thought Lakisha was the pretty obvious choice for last night. But I'm really not sure who'll be in the final. It could be any of them.

[craftgenius]

Well..I'm pretty upset that Lakeisha was sent home! I thought that it was time for Blake to leave!!! In my opinion, he should have been gone before both Lakeisha AND Phil. But that's just me...

[QueenDillyDally]

I really don't like that the "theme" is one artist or band or their "favorite songs". I like it much better when it is a genre and the singers can pick the song that best suits them and represents what they want to say. I think it is much harder for certain singers to be able to reproduce these famous songs in a way that the audience and judges can get into.



DITTO! I thought this to myself this week. Why with only FOUR contestants left did they have to sing TWO BG's songs each? That was just MAJOR overkill. SO freakin' boring. Who makes the decision about the week themes anyways? They should be fired! :rolleyes:

[lbs27]

I caught a quick interview with Lakisha on my local Fox affiliate this morning (the morning news is obsessed with AI). She said she actually felt relieved (kudos to the PP who said this is how she looked!) to be going home. She said she doesn't have to worry about picking a song for next week, or what the judges will say etc. She also said that the cleaners screwed up her dress or something on TUesday night so she was upset about that when she was singing and not really focused. She also said that she felt hoarse and that was why she sung the song in the lower key. She also said she kind of new that it wasn't her best night and that she was likely the one going home, so I don't think she was suprised.

[sublime311]

I receive the Phoenix Coyotes newsletter - this just landed in my inbox:

The Coyotes and Sting Welcome Jordin Sparks Back to Glendale!

American Idol semi-finalist and Glendale resident Jordin Sparks is coming to Westgate for a special pep rally on Friday afternoon, and Coyotes and Sting fans are invited to come out and show your team spirit! Coyotes Head Coach Wayne Gretzky and the entire Sting team will be there to present Jordin with gifts from the teams.

The event will begin at 3:30pm with live performances from past Arizona Idols, leading up to a 4:00pm procession (featuring the Pack and Stingettes) that will bring Jordin to Westgate's Fountain Park (north end, by the AMC theater). Jordin will then perform a few songs from her time on American Idol.

Fans are encouraged to wear Coyotes and Sting gear and bring signs to show your support! Please prepare for warm temperatures and follow event signs for parking directions. Please visit glendaleaz.com for more information.

The date is 5/12... It would be so much fun to go! Too bad Glendale isn't closer. I hope the locals make a good showing!

[MsPeachy]

Well..I'm pretty upset that Lakeisha was sent home! I thought that it was time for Blake to leave!!! In my opinion, he should have been gone before both Lakeisha AND Phil. But that's just me... I would have really liked to see Phil do this week's theme.

I caught a quick interview with Lakisha on my local Fox affiliate this morning (the morning news is obsessed with AI). She said she actually felt relieved (kudos to the PP who said this is how she looked!) to be going home. She said she doesn't have to worry about picking a song for next week, or what the judges will say etc. She also said that the cleaners screwed up her dress or something on TUesday night so she was upset about that when she was singing and not really focused. She also said that she felt hoarse and that was why she sung the song in the lower key. She also said she kind of new that it wasn't her best night and that she was likely the one going home, so I don't think she was suprised. Wow - she just had a bunch of things all go wrong at the same time! It seems that it was probably a culmination of the stress of teh entire show finally taking it's toll on her.

I receive the Phoenix Coyotes newsletter - this just landed in my inbox:
The date is 5/12... It would be so much fun to go! Too bad Glendale isn't closer. I hope the locals make a good showing! It seems like the same thing they did last year with Top 3 - when they took Taylor, Kat and Elliot back to their hometowns.

[Dally]

I live in same area as Blake, so I'm going to try to go to one of his events today. My DH thinks I'm a total dork. :D

If I manage (I'm working today, so I have to leave work early to do it), I'll try to get photos and post them.

[imagirliegirl]

Okay this is probably mean and horrible but here goes. I get so annoyed by these contestants whining about missing their families/kids etc... I'm sure they miss their kids but come on, they knew they would be gone for awhile. You are away from your family to be on a TV show that will probably make you famous and better off. There are parents who have to be away from their kids for reasons like war. Hearing someone whine about something that's going to HELP their family really bugs me. I'm sure you miss your family but I don't want to hear how you were ready to go. :rolleyes:

I'm not just picking on Lakisha, it happens every season.

[honeygirl]

I'm in the Phoenix area and heard a interview with Jordin Sparks on the radio today. It got boring but before I changed the channel I learned that she is 5'10 and wears heels that are 3+ inches tall. And Ryan S is only 5'5 and Simon is 5'9 :)

She said that they'll be singing 3 songs next week and that there isn't a theme. Also that they live in apartments and she's been sharing a room with Melinda and that they're good friends.

I'm not going to her "concert" as I hear that 10,000 people are expected to attend. I'll be far away from all that traffic! They're making a big deal about her around here. She's on the news, full page in the paper, signs up, etc. She had a police escort this morning around town. Must be overwhelming for a 17yr old.

[Michelle]

I really wanted to go to the Blake events today but there's no way I'd be able to break away and do it. I was kind of bummed becuase he's from the same city as me. Then I found out that he's singing the national anthem at the Mariner/Yankee game tonight! We already made plans to go to that game and got tickets for that game before I even found that out! I'm excited to see him sing!

[Dally]

Michelle, that's great you get to go the Ms/Yankees game tonight! Let us know your impression of Blake live. :)

[Michelle]

Michelle, that's great you get to go the Ms/Yankees game tonight! Let us know your impression of Blake live. :)

I will! I'll have my camera with me because it's DD's first Mariner game. So at least I'll have an excuse to have my camera with me tonight! :) Hopefully I'll get a Blake picture good enough to post!

[Dally]

Well, I cut out of work early to go see Blake when he visited his (and my current) hometown. There was a parade on main street, where mostly young teenage girls lined the streets. Actually, there were also a lot of women with small children, too. Clearly, Blake has a number of female fans! After the parade, he gave a concert in the small amplitheater we have by the river. What's kind of fun is that he had played there before--years ago--during one of the free summer concerts they host there. This time, just like last time, he had his friends/band with him.

I took some photos. He looked really happy and jazzed by the experience. Also, he is very cute in person. Better than my photos (or the TV, IMO) show.

The people mobbing the car (and seriously, they really mobbed it...especially after he passed us). You can kind of see him standing in the car:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/495689197_64f3c55cc4.jpg?v=0

Blake waving (interesting to see how closely the camera followed him):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/495689227_9be817a830.jpg?v=0

Reaching out to shake hands. The men in suits were his bodyguards. (Sorry this is blurry):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/495689257_36f13cf7d5.jpg?v=0

The hometown crowd for his mini-concert (after going to the parade, I couldn't get any closer to the concert. People got their spaces hours earlier. I'm on a bridge--one that was stuffed with people. There were also people on the other side of the river, hoping to at least hear the concert.):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/495654200_ad902ac577.jpg?v=0

[ivansbabe]

Ah, how cute! That's cool there was a decent showing. I couldn't get out of work though I live just minutes away from Bothell's Landing. I know my mom got stuck in traffic around there, not knowing what was going on. It's so neat to see this in our community since it's such a nice place to begin with. Thanks for sharing :D

[sublime311]

Super cool! Thanks for sharing those with us!! Lucky!

[udsweetpea]

Wow! That's a lot of people! Thanks for sharing :)

[Toonces]

Dally ~ Thanks for the pics! I cannot believe that crowd!! :eek:

[sublime311]

Blake singing the National Anthem at the Yankees/Mariners game: http://www.rickey.org/?p=3482

Not bad!

[Michelle]

Thanks Dally for posting that! I'm excited to see our city on American Idol tomorrow night! :) I applaud you for being able to deal with all of the people and traffic! Thankfully, I was able to go around all that on the way to the game.

The Mariner game was fun. I swear, you would have thought it was a well established rock star who was singing the National Anthem. As soon as they introduced Blake, the crowd went crazy! Not to mention, there were Blaker Girls all around the entrance of the stadium with signs. It was pretty funny. Oh to be a teenager! :) Blake did do really well singing the national anthem though (well from what I could hear of it)!

I'm looking forward to the final 3 performances tomorrow!

[Dally]

I'm glad you all liked the photos. It's pretty cool to have an AI finalist in your hometown. :)

Ivansbabe and Michelle--we must be pretty much neighbors!

Michelle--that's great about the Blake at the Ms game. I'm glad he had such a good reception.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of the home visits tomorrow night!

[sparkle&shine]

I'm in the Phoenix area and heard a interview with Jordin Sparks on the radio today.

Which station were you listening to? I heard her interview on KIIS FM and it was pretty decent. She sang Happy Birthday to Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart that was pretty good!

[southerner]

rumors about tomorrow night's show:

Paula chooses Roxanne by The Police for Blake
Simon chooses Wishing on a star by Rose Royce for Jordin
Randy chooses I believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston for Melinda

Melinda's choice: Since You've Been Gone
Jordin's choice: I who have Nothing
Blake's choice??

*they are picking their favorite song of the season to sing again

**There is going to be a third song chosen by Clive Davis**

Elliot Yamin and Maroon 5 will be performing on Wed. night

from www.idolforums.com

[sue-bert]

Blake singing the National Anthem at the Yankees/Mariners game: http://www.rickey.org/?p=3482
My computer at work is not equipped with speakers. Someone *please* tell me he held back on the beat-boxing this time!

[ihearttx]

My computer at work is not equipped with speakers. Someone *please* tell me he held back on the beat-boxing this time!

Fear not, he didn't. :)

[ihearttx]

Constantine starts on Bold and the Beautiful today!

[ihearttx]

On a posting frenzy today...

Check out Blake with Sir Mixalot!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a7iyxAVSAU

[sparkle&shine]

I hope that one of the rumors about who is performing tomorrow is right! I LOVE their new song.

[Rose]

More song rumors:


Blake will also be singing Maroon 5 & Robin Thicke. Clive picked Tina Turner for Melinda.

[imagirliegirl]

Whoa Blake's mom looks so much like Roseanne!

I think it's been such a great night for everyone. I wonder who will go home. I think this is the best top 3 they have had. It's anyone's game at this point. I do think Blake would do better if he didn't win, though.

[lawyerlee]

For the first time I'm really feeling like Blake's voice isn't so great. I love his style and think he's adorable, but his vocals stood out to me as worse than Jordin and Melinda's tonight. I did enjoy him singing Maroon 5, though.

[kugrrly]

melinda was hott with the last song. :)

Blake did nothing for me. The Maroon 5 song was okay, but nothing spectacular.

[tgr68]

Well, tonight was a toughie for me. :(

Jordan was good tonight, as usual, but I thought the songs chosen were blah.

I loved seeing Blake with Sir Mix-a-Lot!! :D I thought he did well with all three of his songs.

Melinda rocked the house out on all three songs!!

As far as who is going home, it is really a toss up between Jordan and Blake for me.

[kugrrly]

What is that Robin Thicke song called? I am interested in hearing his version.

[Sophia]

What is that Robin Thicke song called? I am interested in hearing his version.


When I Get You Alone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNg0ReHeTiM

[ihearttx]

What is that Robin Thicke song called? I am interested in hearing his version.

It's old school Robin..when he was just called "Thicke".

[imagirliegirl]

I loved seeing Blake with Sir Mix-a-Lot!!

That was super cute!

[sublime311]

I loved Jordin's "Wishing on a Star." Like Simon, I prefer the original version, but I still think she did it justice. I enjoyed it.

[kugrrly]

Sophia~Thanks for the link. I enjoyed that song, but Blake's singing did nothing for me. I liked Robin's version much better.

[Rose]

I loved Blake but I think he'll be going. Jordin really annoyed with her back talk to Simon.

[SMgal]

So, Blake grew on me. I didn't like him much until tonight. Such an interesting top three! I love Melinda's voice. I would vote for Jordin to go.
Just my 2 cents! :)

[Asha]

i thought last night was terrific. i am hoping the final two are blake and melinda. for the first time, i wasn't bored by melinda. i think it helped that others picked out songs for her. i think she was playing it too safe with her own song choices.

btw, i don't think its only teenage girls and some of us smitten older ladies who like blake. quite a few older men i have talked to seem to have crushes on blake too. my dh practically jumped down my throat when i said i didn't like him singing the robin thicke song. lol!!

[skyblu]

Asha, my FH likes Blake, too. He even votes for him, and we've never voted on AI before!

I want it to be a Blake/Jordin finale with Jordin winning. I think Blake would suffer from being squeezed into the AI "box" and Jordin would fit that style much better (the syrupy neo-pop ballads that they write for them are *so* not Blake!).

Melinda is certainly very talented but she just...annoys me.

[chefker]

I think Blake would suffer from being squeezed into the AI "box" and Jordin would fit that style much better (the syrupy neo-pop ballads that they write for them are *so* not Blake!).



I agree. Blake is this season's Bo Bice. It's like they don't know what to do with him!

[Sophia]

DialIdol.com predictions in white.









1-3 Melinda Doolittle - 29.67

1-3 Jordin Sparks - 27.74

1-3 Blake Lewis - 27.15



http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/Predictions.asp

[May27JnJ]

Wow! Deep down I thought that's what it would be.

[MsPeachy]

Wow - Close. Almost too close to call since that doesn't factor in texting. Reminds me of last season's Top 3 when Elliot was eliminated. Remember when they put the percentages on the big screen?

Melinda was my fave last night. I loved her Nutbush City Limits performance though I wished she'd have gotten a more recognizable Tina song. And also, that song makes me think of the horribly violent scene in "What's Love Got to Do With It".

Blake and Jordin were just "meh" to me.

[Sophia]

Definitely too close to call--check out the "rankings" in the first column. I'm going to be on pins & needles tonight.

[Chris~n~Jen]

Asha, my FH likes Blake, too. He even votes for him, and we've never voted on AI before!

I want it to be a Blake/Jordin finale with Jordin winning. I think Blake would suffer from being squeezed into the AI "box" and Jordin would fit that style much better (the syrupy neo-pop ballads that they write for them are *so* not Blake!).

Melinda is certainly very talented but she just...annoys me.

ITA with everything you said.

I'm not sure what it is but DH really likes Blake. I'd also like it to be a Blake/Jordin finale with Jordin as the winner. Melinda is just to borring.

[May27JnJ]

Yep. Melinda can sing, I just don't like her.

[ivansbabe]

I wouldn't care if Blake went home tonight, it's not really going to hurt him at this point, plus I don't know if I want to see him cheese out in the finale.
If I had to pick who will win it, I would like Jordin. I do think Jordin and Melinda are obviously the better singers but most of their song choices last night were lame-o...I don't know who is liking that stuff :confused:

[miaclear]

I agree with ivansbabe. I love Blake but he can go home tonight and it wouldn't bother me. I'd rather not see him sing the cheesy song AI has in store for the finalist. I hope Jordin wins.

[imagirliegirl]

I felt bad for Jordin last night. She sang her choice so well then Simon picked on it for being too old. The song he chose for her was old. I hate when they do that.

[udsweetpea]

Didn't Simon love Jordin's choice before when she sang it a few weeks ago?

[Rose]

I think last time he said she sang it beautifully but it depressed him.

[sparkle&shine]

So who went home? No way I can wait until it airs here to find out! Someone please post in white for me when you know!

[Smilin13]

Show's not over yet.

But,

OMYGOD!!!! Elliot Yamin?!?!?!?!?! I knew he had gotten his teeth fixed, but geezus, I wonder what the heck they had to do that. I even had to go and find pictures of him from last season. He looks completely different.

wow

[lawyerlee]

Did Ryan just say that Melinda goes home?! Surely I heard that wrong...didn't I?! :eek:

[KiKi'sMommy]

I was thinking the same thing! Now I get it!

[Smilin13]

Yep he said it....as in "does her segment from home"

freaked me out too though...for a second

[Rose]

Do mean for her hometown visit since there is still 15 minutes?

[lawyerlee]

I'm so gullible! Damn that Ryan! ;) :D

[Smilin13]

Now for a picture show on Elliott (sorry for my obsession, but I am just shocked).
Elliott then:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/501559757_8e70709a07.jpg?v=0

Elliott now:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/501559739_700772011d.jpg?v=0
(okay, this picture isn't from AI tonight...and his hair is MUCH curlier on the show tonight)

[imagirliegirl]

Adam from Maroon 5 is manorexic. What happened to him?

[Rose]

What happened to him?

Jessica Simpson. She's like an infection.

[Smilin13]

Jordin is in the final.

[Smilin13]

Melinda......is out

[udsweetpea]

Jaw on floor!

[Smilin13]

It is Blake and Jordin in the finals.

[lawyergirl25]

W...t...f?

[Rose]

OMG, the people on TWOP are going to upset.

Edited

[ihearttx]

Holy Crap!!!!!!!!

[Sal03]

:confused: :eek: :eek: :confused:

I AM SHOCKED

[megc1]

I can't freakin believe it. She looked pretty shocked.

[ihearttx]

I have to say that Melinda didn't ever have the likeability factor for me, and I think people just went nuts voting for Blake.

[Smilin13]

I'm pretty disappointed. I didn't really want Blake to have to be in the final. Hhhhmmm. pretty interesting.

[imagirliegirl]

I'm not surprised. Melinda is amazing and consistent but her personality (or lack thereof) seemed to work against her. She's going to have a career so I'm not worried. I hope Jordin wins. I think she needs it most. Blake and Melinda will be fine, probably better off, if they don't win.

[sparkle&shine]

YAY!! I am so happy for Jordin! I hope that she wins!!!

[imagirliegirl]

Jessica Simpson. She's like an infection.

I thought he looked sick. She probably gave him a rancid STD he can't shake.

[Sophia]

I'm not surprised. I've felt for weeks that it would be Jordin and Blake in the final. Melinda has the best voice, but she doesn't have that "it" quality, and she doesn't seem contemporary or marketable enough.

[Chris~n~Jen]

I'm not at all dissapointed. I think Melinda will have a great career ahead of her. She just wasn't personable enough for AI.

I'm happy with the Jordin/Blake finale. I'm really hoping that Jordin wins it.

[loving624]

I'm in shock!!

I hope Jordin wins. I think Blake will do better on his own than stuck in the AI mold

[sparkle&shine]

What song does Maroon 5 perform? I really hope it's the new one!

[sparkle&shine]

I'm not surprised. I've felt for weeks that it would be Jordin and Blake in the final. Melinda has the best voice, but she doesn't have that "it" quality, and she doesn't seem contemporary or marketable enough.

I totally agree. I hope that Jordin wins because she will do well with the AI model. Blake can come in 2nd and not have the restrictions and do well for himself. I am sure that Melinda will come out okay also!

[kimbyj]

I think Melinda was not young and hip enough for the AI voters - that is why she was voted out. She has the best voice of the three and I agree with Simon (can't believe I said that) she is the MOST consistent singer up there.

I realize it's his signature but Blake really needs to bring the BB down for next week -it's getting real old.

[Sophia]

I realize it's his signature but Blake really needs to bring the BB down for next week -it's getting real old.

It's downright irritating at this point. He starts in with it and it's like nails on a chalkboard to me.

[DisneyGirl]

I am not dissapointed that Melinda was sent home. I think like others have said already her lack of personality did her in.

I really think Jordin is going to win.

[ginadc]

"Lack of personality?" I don't get this at all. Melinda isn't over the top, but she's adorable. She's quirky, funny in a wonderfully self-deprecating way, and amazingly gracious. She's the classiest act on the show this season by a country mile, in addition to being one of the best vocalists in any season (IMO its best ever). And this is boring? Yet Jordin, who is a slightly more talented clone of Diana DeGarmo, is...somehow more interesting?

Does. Not. Compute.

Fortunately, I guess we need look no further than Elliott Yamin tonight to see how well a third-place performer can do; he seems to be doing a lot better than Taylor (who? what? where?) Hicks with his album, as far as I can tell.

But for the first time in five years I won't be watching the AI finale. There's just no point. Melinda belongs in the finale and without her, it's just meh to me.

[lawyerlee]

I think Melinda was not young and hip enough for the AI voters - that is why she was voted out. She has the best voice of the three and I agree with Simon (can't believe I said that) she is the MOST consistent singer up there.
This is exactly what I think. I hope she gets a record deal and kicks ass anyway. :)

[ivansbabe]

Wow, I'm shocked too...though it hasn't been on here yet. Poor Simon and Randy, they never hid their preference from the audience.

[mel7dog]

I wasn't shocked. Melinda is a great singer, but she just sort of blends in. I hope Jordin wins overall!

[mel7dog]

Jessica Simpson. She's like an infection.

I thought she was dating John Mayer?

[lbs27]

I know (I guess?) that the performers don't know beforehand who is going home, but did anyone else think Melinda looked "off" tonight, sitting with the others? She just looked really nervous or distracted or something. It was the first time I noticed it, but there's no way she could have know, right?!

[sublime311]

WAIT!!! As Ryan was cutting to commercial after Elliot's performance, the very last thing he said was "Melinda goes home". WTH??? I KNOW I didn't imagine it!! Melinda even had a "what!?" look when the camera panned to the couch.

Did anyone else catch that!? I'll go back and check after the show ends.

[sublime311]

Oh! Duh!! He meant that she was going to Nashville!! lol Don't mind me, I'm tired!

[Rose]

I thought she was dating John Mayer?

She is, but she also supposedly hooked up with Adam Levine.

[sublime311]

Wow. Chris was right - nasal IS a style of singing... Just ask Adam Levine!


ETA: Sorry about all the late comments - west coaster here.

[jesvet]

Holy cow, Elliot sang circles around Adam Levine.

[Michelle]

American Idol owes Seattle an apology for saying that Seattle had no talent! Blake is from Seattle and Jordin came from the Seattle audition. I'd say that's some talent.

It was sad to see Melinda go but she'll do well on her own. I'm actually kind of relieved because she's better off not being the idol. Although I was hoping for a Blake/Melinda finale.

It was so cool to see my hometown on American Idol! Go Blake! :)

Elliott is looking good these days! I enjoyed his performance tonight.

[Dally]

I'm happy with the results. Melinda is giong to be just fine. She's proven that she's a great singer and she got more comfortable on stage during the season.

Like some PPs, I hope Jordin wins because she fits the AI mold. Blake will do great coming in 2nd.

BTW, I think Blake was gracious when they announced Melinda was leaving. He didn't celebrate. He focused on her and stayed subdued. And I'm not just saying that because he's my hometown boy. ;)

Michelle--It was a lot of fun to see Bothell & Seattle!

[SMgal]

I think Melinda was not young and hip enough for the AI voters - that is why she was voted out. She has the best voice of the three and I agree with Simon (can't believe I said that) she is the MOST consistent singer up there.
I agree with you entirely! Melinda's fans are not teenagers. I'm sure she will be fine and probably, better because as a pp said, Elliot (My MAN! =)) is rocking the radio and do we EVER hear a WORD from Taylor Hicks? I know it's another topic, but I'm so PROUD of Elliot! :)

I realize it's his signature but Blake really needs to bring the BB down for next week -it's getting real old.

I noticed he did tone it down last night. Last week, it REALLY BUGGED me and I was squirming in my seat for him!

Can someone tell me what Simon said about Melinda's leaving? DVR cut off JUST before him! I think it was interesting that Simon really wanted people to vote for her, but "the people" didn't seem to listen... :p

[Michelle]

Can someone tell me what Simon said about Melinda's leaving? DVR cut off JUST before him!

Simon said: "Congratulations to you two (to Blake and Jordin). My commiserations, Melinda, 'cause you are one heck of a singer"

[May27JnJ]

I was surprised that she went. But then again I wasn't. I thought people were voting for her like crazy, but I don't think she was an "American Idol". I know she'll have a future. I think the Top 2 this season is great.

[MsPeachy]

"Lack of personality?" I don't get this at all. Melinda isn't over the top, but she's adorable. She's quirky, funny in a wonderfully self-deprecating way, and amazingly gracious. She's the classiest act on the show this season by a country mile, in addition to being one of the best vocalists in any season (IMO its best ever). And this is boring? Yet Jordin, who is a slightly more talented clone of Diana DeGarmo, is...somehow more interesting?

Does. Not. Compute.

Fortunately, I guess we need look no further than Elliott Yamin tonight to see how well a third-place performer can do; he seems to be doing a lot better than Taylor (who? what? where?) Hicks with his album, as far as I can tell.

But for the first time in five years I won't be watching the AI finale. There's just no point. Melinda belongs in the finale and without her, it's just meh to me.
I completely agree with (almost) everything you said here. ;) Melinda was my favorite because she was the most talented and I thought she was adorable and funny as well.

Personally, Jordin grates on my nerves. She's cute and all but there is something just not doing it for me. I am shocked Melinda isn't in the final and won't bother watching. I am even more shocked at seeing how shocked Simon was!

On a side note: Elliot was fantastic!! He looked and sounded great!! (though I wasn't quite sure why he kept closing his eyes) Love him!

[May27JnJ]

(though I wasn't quite sure why he kept closing his eyes)

I think the song was high for him. (Not too high, just higher.) Sometimes when you strain to sing a note you just close your eyes.

[sue-bert]

Melinda doesn't have the most sparkly personality, but she does have the best voice, and -- unlike her two competitors -- has consistently delivered strong performances week after week after week. It's a travesty that she was eliminated.

I hope she'll get picked up by a record producer.

[sue-bert]

Melinda's fans are not teenagers. I'm sure she will be fine and probably, better because as a pp said, Elliot (My MAN! =)) is rocking the radio and do we EVER hear a WORD from Taylor Hicks?
I agree with your coment about Melinda.
Taylor Hicks was a gangly karaoke act who couldn't dance. He was not the most talented singer by far the year he won.

[MsPeachy]

I think the song was high for him. (Not too high, just higher.) Sometimes when you strain to sing a note you just close your eyes.
That's an interesting observation. I did like the song he sang but wasn't really concentrating on the key(?) you know.

[myshel]

As I was saying to DH and my father, both Jordin and Blake have the ability to be commericial successes in the way AI likes their stars to become. I'm not so sure that Melinda has that quality in the way the AI machine would like her to have it.

[Lauren23]

I missed the show last night, but was shocked to hear who went home. But I really think Melinda would be better off not winning. Since when does the best win AI anyway? It's only really happened like 2 times (in my opinion, anyway :) )

Does anyone have a link to a video of Elliot singing last night? I'm sad I missed that!

[Sophia]

Video of Elliot

http://www.rickey.org/?p=3563

[coquelicot]

Dude--I should have gone outside more on Friday. Some of the footage they shot in Nashville hinted that Melinda's limo might have gone right past my work building!

That being said, DH said that he will boycott next week's show because Melinda didn't make it. He's more ticked that Blake *did* make it--he can't stand the beat-boxing. I'm pretty bummed, too. I thought Melinda easily had the best voice out of the three, as well as some great stage presence. I'm throwing my support behind Jordin now. I said early on that she could be a dark-horse favorite for the finale.

For the Melinda fans out there--just remember Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry. Not to mention Elliott Yamin and Kellie Pickler to an extent. Doesn't take the AI title to be famous.

[ginadc]

As I just posted on TWOP...it occurred to me this morning that, according to America's voting, Melinda ranks about the same as Nikki McKibbin and Jasmine Trias.

(Elliott too, which is better, but STILL...come on, people!)

[diam124]

I couldn't believe Melinda was voted off. I thought she was hands down the best singer on there. The audience seemed kind of stunned as well - they really weren't clapping or cheering loud at the end. I felt kind of bad for Blake with the booing.

Oh well, I guess I'll root for Jordin now.

[kindermom]

She may not be a one-hit wonder commercial success for AI but I would hazard a guess that she will have longevity to her recording career without AI top win to her name.

[kam]

I think Melinda was voted out because everyone assumed she'd make it to the final two so voting was really deciding who else would be in the final two. It happens almost every year. Of the three left, Jordin is the only one who fits into the AI mold. I think winning is certainly not a requisite for success.

[~queen~]

RE: TAYLOR HICKS

I was in Las Vegas early in the month for the De La Hoya/Merriweather fight and saw that he was headlining a few shows at the HOUSE OF BLUES.


Anyways, I'm not shocked. This is a popularity contest after all, NOT a talent contest. Did you notice how few people were actually out to support Melinda, vs how many showed up to support the other 2? And what was up with the getting the fax from AI in the Mayors office with no one else around? Freaky!

[SMgal]

Simon said: "Congratulations to you two (to Blake and Jordin). My commiserations, Melinda, 'cause you are one heck of a singer"

Thankyou!! :)

[SMgal]

I hope she'll get picked up by a record producer.

She WILL! It was OBVIOUS how talented she is! :D

[imagirliegirl]

I hope she'll get picked up by a record producer.

Oh she will. When she was voted off I told Brad she'll have a contract by midnight.

She's going to do better not winning. I was glad to see her go for that reason. I feel the same way for Blake, I hope he doesn't win. Jordin is the one who needs it.

[Adaya]

I was in shock, but not sad because like everyone else has mentioned, Melinda will do fine.

Best of luck to Jordin and Blake. I personally like Blake better, but either one of them would be a okay AI winner. I've never been a huge fan of Jordan, but I don't dislike her. I think it's because there were many more people ahead of her that were my favorites.

[SMgal]

Video of Elliot

http://www.rickey.org/?p=3563

Thankyou! What can I say? I always knew Elliot had a HOT voice!

[westamp]

She is, but she also supposedly hooked up with Adam Levine.

WHile she was still married to Nick, no less

[westamp]

Melinda got something out of the whole experience (even though she didn't win) -- she got the exposure and the record cos' attention. I see her stuff playing in the jazz stations in my area. She can have a viable career post-Idol. I don't really see her catering to the teeny bopper twenty-something set. Her style works for the people who count (those with a sizable disposible income and buying power -- people in their 30's and 40's). So it's a good thing she didn't win.

Blake does not fit the Idol mold. His singing is also weaker than the two remaining ladies (no I'm not a beat box fan. It's overdone, stop it now). He'll do fine as an also ran.

This thing has Jordin's name on it. She'll do well as the designated Idol.

[Adaya]

Oh forgot to say, loved Elliot Yamin last night. I kept thinking, I bet his mom is really proud of him. :)

[Cricket4]

She may not be a one-hit wonder commercial success for AI but I would hazard a guess that she will have longevity to her recording career without AI top win to her name.

I was going to post the exact same thing. She may not sell the most records immediately off the bat, like Chris Daughtry, but I predict she'll have the longest successful recording career of anyone to come out of the AI franchise to date.

[maggieb]

"Lack of personality?" I don't get this at all. Melinda isn't over the top, but she's adorable. She's quirky, funny in a wonderfully self-deprecating way, and amazingly gracious. She's the classiest act on the show this season by a country mile, in addition to being one of the best vocalists in any season (IMO its best ever). And this is boring? Yet Jordin, who is a slightly more talented clone of Diana DeGarmo, is...somehow more interesting?

Does. Not. Compute.

Fortunately, I guess we need look no further than Elliott Yamin tonight to see how well a third-place performer can do; he seems to be doing a lot better than Taylor (who? what? where?) Hicks with his album, as far as I can tell.

But for the first time in five years I won't be watching the AI finale. There's just no point. Melinda belongs in the finale and without her, it's just meh to me.


I completely agree. Blake grates on my last nerve. I couldn't put my finger on why I don't like him until my DH said, "He looks like a jerk." That's exactly it. And the beatboxing is so tired. Not new, not fresh.

Jordin's OK, but she's no Melinda. I will not watch the finale. No reason to.

[Rose]

I completely agree. Blake grates on my last nerve. I couldn't put my finger on why I don't like him until my DH said, "He looks like a jerk." That's exactly it. And the beatboxing is so tired. Not new, not fresh.

I know not everyone likes the beatboxing but Blake has been just as nice as Melinda the whole season.

[maggieb]

Oh, ITA...he has been extremely nice. I am just being shallow as all get out and think that he looks like a jerk.

[ivansbabe]

Her style works for the people who count (those with a sizable disposible income and buying power -- people in their 30's and 40's). So it's a good thing she didn't win.


It's fairly common knowledge that younger people in their teens/twenties make up most of record sales. That is why Blake and Jordin are in the finale they appeal to a younger crowd, they make up the majority of the people voting (multiple times). Plus people in their 40s, the ones with money that you mentioned are probably buying some of their kids music too so I don't think this statement is correct.

eta: I've heard Melinda compared to Shrek in looks...

[imagirliegirl]

Am I the only one who didn't like Elliott last night? His look, clothes and song style just didn't seem to match at all. I hated his hair and still thought he was pretty unattractive.

[sparkle&shine]

I LOVE that Maroon 5 song on the radio but man did Adam suck live. I wish that the judges could have had a whack at that ;)

[MsPeachy]

I know not everyone likes the beatboxing but Blake has been just as nice as Melinda the whole season.
I thought it was cute how he kneeled down and presented Melinda with his flower bouquet while she was doing her sing-out. :)

[diam124]

I LOVE that Maroon 5 song on the radio but man did Adam suck live. I wish that the judges could have had a whack at that ;)

I agree - while he was performing I was thinking that the judges would tear him apart!

[westamp]

It's fairly common knowledge that younger people in their teens/twenties make up most of record sales. That is why Blake and Jordin are in the finale they appeal to a younger crowd, they make up the majority of the people voting (multiple times). Plus people in their 40s, the ones with money that you mentioned are probably buying some of their kids music too so I don't think this statement is correct.

eta: I've heard Melinda compared to Shrek in looks...

Well maybe I'm quoting advertisers because the coveted age in advertising is 25-40 range. That's where the major bucks are.

If we're talking about the younger crowd who voted, how do you explain Taylor Hicks or his so called "failure" to launch his record?

[westamp]

I agree - while he was performing I was thinking that the judges would tear him apart!

Maroon 5 are perfect examples of doctored studio singing (and I'm a fan). I bought one of their short european concert live cds and I can tell ya there were so many mistakes (off key singing, pitchy, you name it) that you would have thought an amatuer was singing. So I wasn't surprised by their live performance.

Would buy the CD but skip the live performance!

[ivansbabe]

I think Taylor was the underdog, he played that well especially at the beginning. He got a lot of hype because he was different, funny, very quirky and you didn't necessarily know what to expect each week. People like that, it makes the show more exciting.
His music now appeals to an older crowd, thus you're not hearing much about him.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Am I the only one who didn't like Elliott last night? His look, clothes and song style just didn't seem to match at all. I hated his hair and still thought he was pretty unattractive.


That hair was just...wow! So not feeling it.

[Kimberland30]

As soon as Melinda was sent home, I said to my family that Jordin just won it. I wasn't surprised that M went, I actually expected it. I'm 36 and find her singing BORING, but I guess maybe some were talking about a crowd older than me liking her. She has a great voice, no doubt, but it's just not enough to "wow" me.

I'm also really getting tired of Blake looking over his right shoulder all the time. Who is he looking at? :confused:

And Randy Jackson is so stuck on himself. I didn't realize it until another poster here commented on how much he drops names in his judging. Last night he did the same thing with Melinda's song (when she sang Whitney Houston's song). Ugh. Get over yourself already!

[SMgal]

That hair was just...wow! So not feeling it.

As a HUGE Elliot fan, I must admit- the hair was REALLY distracting. My DH kept saying his new teeth were distracting... I loved his outfit, his voice and performance, but the guy still needs to work on a better look!

[KiKi'sMommy]

And Randy Jackson is so stuck on himself. I didn't realize it until another poster here commented on how much he drops names in his judging. Last night he did the same thing with Melinda's song (when she sang Whitney Houston's song). Ugh. Get over yourself already!

This is so true. It drives me nuts and actually makes me respect him less.

[Sophia]

Re: Elliot--last night was the first time I wasn't distracted by his bizarro looks and could actually appreciate the voice I've read so many raves about. I thought the hair & teeth were an improvement. He was actually semi-attractive and manly instead of geeky.

[lawyerlee]

Yeah, I thought Elliot looked really good. Massive improvements! :)

Phil Stacey is giving a concert to benefit the people of Greensburg, Kansas, which was completely destroyed by a tornado (http://www.cnn.com/2007/WEATHER/05/06/severe.weather/index.html) a couple of weekends ago.

Phil Stacey to perform at Wichita fundraiser (http://www.kansas.com/entertainment/music/story/71194.html)

Very cool! :)

[swcolleen]

Simon liked melinda so much it wouldt surprise me if HE already offered her some sort of recording deal!

[phoenics]

Melinda got something out of the whole experience (even though she didn't win) -- she got the exposure and the record cos' attention. I see her stuff playing in the jazz stations in my area. She can have a viable career post-Idol. I don't really see her catering to the teeny bopper twenty-something set. Her style works for the people who count (those with a sizable disposible income and buying power -- people in their 30's and 40's). So it's a good thing she didn't win.

Blake does not fit the Idol mold. His singing is also weaker than the two remaining ladies (no I'm not a beat box fan. It's overdone, stop it now). He'll do fine as an also ran.

This thing has Jordin's name on it. She'll do well as the designated Idol.

I actually think it would be a mistake for Melinda to do jazz - she's much more talented than that. She's Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Tina Turner, Stephanie Mills (can't you just see her belting out 'Home'?) talented. I wouldn't buy a jazz album from her - maybe neo soul with jazz overtones - but I like to see her rock out too. She's got a broad area to play with - she does everything well, lol.

I do think that it's probably for the best that she lost - because AI would have probably ruined her first album. She'll be a huge star. Period.

I think she lost because she doesn't fit the AI mold - which usually skews young unless you have some quirkiness to you (Taylor Hicks). I think Jordin will probably win - but Blake could surprise everyone with his following, who knows. I like them both, but I think Jordin will win - she fits the 'image'.

But I have to say that I no longer like the title 'American Idol' - unless they add 'pop' to the front of it - it doesn't fit what the show is really about. Though 'pop' isn't what I mean, exactly, it's simply that everything feels 'popified' - even if the genre isn't pop that's being sung. Actual voice and performance doesn't seem to mean anything - Melinda usually explodes with personality when she's PERFORMING - but then she's simply meek (this is not a negative, imo) and gracious when she's not performing. Funny how she got punished for that in the end.

What kills me are the comments that Melinda had no personality - that's not true, imo. She was gracious and a class act all the way. I think that many WISH she'd gone 'diva' on us - but that's obviously not who she is and it's nice to see someone simply NOT CHANGE. After all the complaining we do a lot of times about celebs who are too big for their britches, Melinda was a refreshing CLASSY breath of fresh air.

And I think she knew she was being voted off, actually.

At first I was shocked that she was voted off - but after about a minute, I wasn't surprised at all.

But look at Chris Daughtry.

I daresay that Melinda has the best voice I've ever heard on AI before though.

ETA: I'm 34 and I never found Melinda boring. Guess diff strokes for diff folks. I think her singing could be considered boring if you find consistency boring?

[melmatsu]

I was upset Melinda didn't at least make the finals. But, I was doubtful she would win since she's a bit older and sense she's so good, and it seems like the most talented vocalist rarely ever wins, in my opinion. Melinda graduated from my college alma mater, so I was especially excited to see how far she would go. I have no doubt she will do well.

[udsweetpea]

I think her singing could be considered boring if you find consistency boring?

She consistently performed well, but that doesn't mean she wasn't boring. I often found myself doing other things while she performed. It's like a "been there, heard that" before, while someone like Blake and Jordin bring something different and vibrant (almost) every week. They aren't consistently good performers like Melinda, but it was always the same ol' same ol' every week from her.

[isign]

Melinda was good, yes, but in a way she was kind of boring. She never really seemed to just let it fly, everything was always so controlled. She had a great Diva presence on stage, but then she'd have that shocking, oh my gosh am I good, attitude that drove me nuts. It kind of has me wondering - if she's that good, and has been in the industry for a while, why hasn't anyone noticed her yet?

[sue-bert]

It kind of has me wondering - if she's that good, and has been in the industry for a while, why hasn't anyone noticed her yet?
It's a very competitive field. Probably nobody noticed her because of lack of the proper opportunities for exposure. Success in the entertainment industry is dependent on talent, but also a lot of luck.

Heck, I am sure there are hundreds of talented undiscovered singers who did not try out for AI who are capable of outsinging many of those who made it into the top 20. I live in a small town, but I am positive I can find someone here who can sing better than, say, Antonella.

[southerner]

Paula Abdul broke her nose (http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Todays-News/Oh-Nose-Idols/800015613)

Amazingly, this week's American Idol just got even more TiVo-worthy. A spokesperson for Paula Abdul tells TV's Extra that over the weekend, Idol's erstwhile Pollyanna tripped while trying to avoid her chihuahua, Tulip, and as a result, broke her nose. (Aren't you supposed to tiptoe past the Tulip, as the song goes?)

Marcia Brady's backyard football incident just fell to No. 2 on the All-time Silly Circumstances rankings.

[lawyerlee]

Melinda was good, yes, but in a way she was kind of boring. She never really seemed to just let it fly, everything was always so controlled. She had a great Diva presence on stage, but then she'd have that shocking, oh my gosh am I good, attitude that drove me nuts. It kind of has me wondering - if she's that good, and has been in the industry for a while, why hasn't anyone noticed her yet?
I feel like she's a genuine person and not just putting on an act, so that never bothered me. But perhaps she's got me completely fooled. ;) :)

[southerner]

Here's what's going down this week:

Song Choices:

Jordin:

- A Broken Wing by Martina McBride
- Fighter by Christina Aguilera
- song writing contest winner single

Blake:

- She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
- You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi
- song writing contest winner single

Finale performers:

Gladys Knight (singing with the top 6 girls)
Smokey Robinson (singing with the top 6 guys)
Doug E Fresh (beatboxing with Blake)
Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce and Anika Noni Rose (singing with Jordin)
Bebe and Cece Winans (singing with Melinda)
Joe Perry (singing a beatles medley with the top 12)

from www.idolforums.com

[ivansbabe]

If that's the case, this will be a long show. It looks fun though. My poor husband will hole himself up in the den with a video game so I have a feeling I won't see much of him after dinner, lol.