American Idol 2007

[Evan]

Let's fire up this thread!

Last night was kinda "meh" for me. It suited Mepily-Dooply quite well and she was clearly the best. LaKoKoMo also had the voice and the song, but does anyone look less happy singing? She's like the anti-Sanjaya.

And speaking of Sanjaya, he was trying to grow that mustache, right? It wasn't that he just forgot to shave? It looked slightly groomed. Another happy outing for him. At least he doesn't have to fear the judges anymore. They have completely given up on giving him any constructive criticism. LaKiSha is the one who has to fear him. The big question for me right now is whether she outlasts him.

Gina, Haley and Phil all sang relatively well. With CR avoiding the bottom last week, did his fans fall asleep? I think he's in the bottom three along with Phil and probably Haley. I think Phil goes home. Good singing but not enough personality.

Blake was kind of buried in the beginning. I was entertained, but not as wildly entertained as in the past. Jordin showed the voice, but the song was the worst choice of all the contestants.

I think it's Jordin, Mipsy and Blake in the top three, Sanjaya and KiKi battling for fourth and Phil, Haley, CR and Gina heading home in that order.

Evan

[Carr]

I think that Phil, Gena, and Haley are the bottom three tonight and that Haley goes home.

Man, did anyone else wish the judges would have called Lakisha out on keeping that "Ain't No Sunshine" tag line in when Tony Bennet clearly told her to loose it (and was right)? Gah!

Erin

[Jessica]

I think Phil, Gina and Haley are in the bottom three as well. I have no idea who will go home. I almost think it might be Gina or Phil b/c the fans seem to like when Haley wears little clothing.

Oh Sanjaya and his hair. So it's apparent that he is well aware of the media stuff around him (welcome to the universe of Sanjaya..wasn't that what he said) and yet he still is singing like a wimp. That's sorta ticking me off. I would like to see him let loose a little so that it would be more fun to keep him around as better singers leave.

I LOVE when Paula Abdul told Phil he sounded like a young Sinatra and Simon goes "WHAT??"

Melinda made me happy last night because she sang something that was different from all the other songs. It had a totally different style and she still sounded amazing. Lekisha I'm sorta over b/c ok she has a great voice but every song she sings sounds the same to me.

Final Four should be Blake, Richardson, Melinda and Jordin. I think they all have the most versatility which would make for a good album. And then Blake and Melinda battle it out in the finals.

[Telfer]

www.votefortheworst.com

Whee!

Evan, you're a super good resource for opinions on this show, but there are so many nicknames and acronyms in your first post I have no idea what you're talking about. You should write for a gossip blog or something.

I just watch to wince/laugh at Sanjaya and see LaKisha and Melinda look awesome. Everyone else is so godawful that they should all just be shot in the back of the head and left in a dumpster behind the theater. Oh, except for Gina, who just needs to join a band and quit the stupid show.

[Hawkins]

Blake is starting to be outted as a gimmick. His shtick is tired, and worse yet it covers the fact that he doesn't have a strong voice.

LaKisha and Melinda are starting to wear on me. Yes, they can belt gospel and soul. Great, sign them up for the DreamGirls tourco. I'm betting during country week one of them sings "I Will Always Love You" a la Whitney to skirt the rules.

I still think Jordin's lapping the field.

[PeteFitz]

For the first time in a long time I caught this show (a non-audition one)last night. A few things from the casual observer that reads this thread religiously.

Sanjaya is hilarious. So out manned. The Billy Ocean getup, and the Dog Show preening. Damn. A relatively terrible singer. He is absolute triumph of American pop culture. One thing I will say with this though, it appears that even Seacrest has turned on this guy. Not unlike TO in football, this guys mere presence gets people riled. I thought Seacrest liked everybody.

I loved Bennett's yellow old folks home blazer. And he loved Sanjaya. Brilliant.

You could honestly see how much Bennett cared about his songs, and the message. it was kinda touching. It even got a little misty during his 911/Iraq conflict release. It's flat out hard to watch old men cry. Kids, whatever. Chicks. Me. All the time with the Crying. But dudes that have been through it, to still be affected, good stuff.

You are Correct Mr. Cowell the Cabaret singer does has very nice legs.

Is it me, or is it Justin Timberlake wannabes vs. Aretha Franklin wannabes?

That's about it. The two timberlakes and the two arethas and the NFL chick are prolly the best. But hot chicks (including the Sandman) usually do well in these things.

I'll hang up, and let the doctors of this thread get back to the autopsy.

Fitz

[Digger]

I'm still tired of the moaning Blake. He can sell a song though, and this one worked for me. He'll be fine.

Melinda was flawless as usual.

Richardson sang better than I thought he did.

Jordin continues to impress and amaze me. She also looked the best she's ever looked.

Sanjaya. Come on already. He should just leave the show intentionally. He still hasn't a clue that he has no business being there.

Haley. I bet she's tired of being called the pretty one. All Simon said is she has got great legs. Ouch.

Gina. Boring. There's also something annoying about her. Please vote her off already.

Phil. It was boring and he's just not got "idol" written all over him. His comments about singing the song to his wife will get him enough votes to move on.

Lakisha. She looks more and more stunning and wonderful each week. She can SING as well. I just hope she's got the fan base she will need to successfully run against Blake and Melinda.


Gina, Haley and Lakisha will be in the bottom three with Haley finally going home.

-B

[Chip]

Sanjaya before his performance, "my goal this week is to show America that I actually can sing."

-Chip

[Digger]

Sanjaya has shown us that he's completely clueless. I'm sure he's a nice kid, but he really has no business being this far into the competition.

So Gina is gone. Of course, Sanjaya should have gone before her, but he didn't. I missed the show as I was packing, but I heard she cried. She'll still be on the Idol Tour and I bet she will release an album at some point.

Haley and Phil should be worried......

-B

P.S. Who were the bottom three?

[Carr]

P.S. Who were the bottom three?

Haley, Phil, and Gena.


That was so funny with Michael Buble (sp?) and his joke about Antonia. It seemed like Seacrest got it and played along, but then when they panned away he turned to him and said "You know she's not with us anymore," which means he totally didn't get it.

Also didn't it seem like Bubbley was upset about something during his performance, like the band was too lound or his mic stand was too high or something?


Erin

[littlemo]

It was sad seeing Gina go home. Not that she was going to win it all, but she shouldn't be gone before Hayley, Sanjayai and Phil. The closer you get to the top 3 or 4 the better chance you have of actually having a career after. She may be forgotten after this.

God is not fair. How is it that he gave me these tree stumps and Hayley got long gorgeous legs as long as tall as I am. She knows what she's doing. She'll be on magazine covers or at very least a shaving commercial when it's all done.

Phil is weird looking

[Digger]

Haley, Phil, and Gena.

Nice. 2 out of 3 isn't bad. I picked Lakisha as a surprise.

This whole thing is going to be nuts when it's down to 5.....

[tristan]

Also didn't it seem like Bubbley was upset about something during his performance, like the band was too lound or his mic stand was too high or something?


Totally. I spent the whole song wondering what was wrong with him. Was he drunk? Had he not gotten to rehearse with the band since he was such a last-minute replacement? Was he nervous? He seemed totally awkward. Plus he didn't even sound that good. It was weird. Usually I love him, but his performance made me totally uncomfortable.

I'm glad Gina went home. Maybe she didn't deserve to, but she's obnoxious and tiresome. I'm just waiting for the interview to come out where she is totally snarky about Sanjaya and Scarnato. You know it will.

Phil's next. No matter how well he sings, he looks too much like a bald girl for America to let him stick around much longer.

[Hawkins]

my "big" prediction is that next week the producers, either legit vote or not, pull the plug on Sanjaya

[Telfer]

Phil has sunken eyes. He has a chance to last a while though, he has the patriot/navy vote and all that. And Hayley could coast another week if she keeps shortening her skirt. All stupid, all science <i>fact</i>.

Bye Gina! I liked you more than the rest of CIN, you can be my friend.

[Wendy!]

Is it just me or does anyone feel sick to their stomach just looking at stupid Phil Stacey and Haley??? I can't believe that Gina went home before them, I mean I agree, she needs to be singing with a band or something, but before those 2 jokers?! Yuck! I knew that Phil had won the hearts of miserable single ladies when he said he was singing to his weird Stepford wife...America needs therapy. And Haley? I hated that green dress, she looked like she belonged in some Vegas show, and by the look on her face when they announced that Gina would be going home says that she even knows she sucks.

And for the record, I like Blake a lot, he knows how to move, he knows how to sell a song, he understands music, and I like his voice. He doesn't need Idol, he'll make music on his own and he'll do well.

I'm kind of bored with Lakisha too, she's got a great voice, but it's nothing I haven't heard before. Melinda did great, but she needs to show me she can do other styles of songs. Chris Richardson? Meh...take him or leave him.

Predictions....America is stupid...I don't even know anymore...Sanjaya wins it all? I'll never watch Idol again? The consitution is re-written so Bush can be re-elected? Stranger things have happened.

[littlemo]

Hayley looks and sounds like she should be on tour with Kathy Lee Giffords "Singing song, tribute of love" tour.

[Evan]

For me, losing Gina at this point is somewhat of a shock. Haley and Phil have been in the bottom three more than her, and I don't think either pulled Sligh votes. Gina just went way off the rails with her song choice and look on Tuesday, which cost her votes from her fans. At this point, Phil and Haley have to stick with what is working for them (sounding like a young Sinatra (huh) while grooming eyebrows and legs, respectively) and hope CR tanks next week.

The most shocking thing for me was that Mipsy, LaKiKi and Jordin were the top three. I think they're too similar and would be splitting votes and that Blake would be up there with them. But considering that Blake was buried up front and blah with his performance, I'll say that he is normally in the top three and the Delivery Service* is usually fourth.

Sanjaya is living the life. He is bullet proof. He's drowning in love. It's his universe, we're all just paying rent. I love this guy. On further review, he was seriously growing some facial hair for the Tuesday white suit event. Awesome.

Gina votes go to...Blake? I just don't see anyone who likes Gina heading over to a diva camp. Blake has the contemporary vibe. I guess CR could pick up some votes from her.

As for the troop votes going to Phil, wasn't someone holding up a sign with a picture of some soldiers with a Haley sign? Maybe she's getting the troop votes. Time for an American Idol USO tour. It is USO, right? Get Sanjaya to Baghdad, immediately.

I have never seen Boobilay, so I just thought he was that way. It was kind of weird, but, then again, he owned the stage more than any of the contestants. Cold medicine?

Evan

*Shout out to all you Miyazaki lovers.

[Telfer]

I said this a few seasons ago, and I'll say it again- I think the whole "___ votes go to ___" thing is a crock. I think people vote for their favorite until they're off the show, then they stop voting. Or at the very least, it's not that simple. The logic just doesn't make sense to me- people forget to vote, they don't have time, they think their favorite is safe and they don't bother. And if you're fervently voting for someone, when they're gone you don't just move on to the next most similar person.

The voters for this show can be retardo, but they're not automatons.

[Digger]

I said this a few seasons ago, and I'll say it again- I think the whole "___ votes go to ___" thing is a crock. I think people vote for their favorite until they're off the show, then they stop voting.

Yes, yes, and yes.

I can't see someone who's invested weeks into one contestant, to then just vote for someone else.

I know Hayley isn't a great singer, but she's smart. She knows if she stirs someone in the loins, then her votes will most likely increase. Daddy like.

Am I the only one who completely loves Lakisha over everyone else?

-B

[jimfath]

I hope Sanjaya pulls through towards the end. I know it's unlikly but it's a great joke to play on the producers. The guy seriuosly has no buesiness being in a nationally televised Singing competition.

[ritty]

The most shocking thing for me was that Mipsy, LaKiKi and Jordin were the top three. I think they're too similar and would be splitting votes and that Blake would be up there with them.


And to add on to what Telfer was saying, besides the point that I don't necessarily see votes transferring to other contestants, what makes us think people aren't casting multiple votes? Other than the fact that it's dumb to pay for votes in the first place, the "diva fans" could very easily vote for both Melinda AND Jordin. This isn't the electoral college or the BCS.

[Evan]

People, people, people. Where votes go from the contestants who get ousted is the key to American Idol. How else do we explain J-Hud, LaToya and Fantasia in the bottom three? It was because they all appealed to similar people and they were splitting votes. And once J-Hud was gone, all those votes went to Fantasia and LaToya and they ended up third and first.

Let me explain by looking at the voters:

The Digger Model - votes for one person (e.g. Bill for Daughtry) and stops voting when that person is gone, gets disillusioned, plans on buying cheap beer at hero's triumphant concert in 18 months. No vote splitting effect.

Vote for the Best - this person watches every week and votes for whomever they think did the best in that week. No vote splitting effect.

Vote for a Few - this person has a handful of favorites and votes for them every week. Throws a few votes for each person. As a person they like gets voted off, they have more dialing/texting time and as a result they shift votes from ousted folks to folks sticking around. Some vote splitting effect.

Vote for their Favorite Every Week - this person has a favorite and votes for them every week, but when they get ousted, they choose a new favorite and shift their votes. Vote splitting effect.

So I will agree that not every voting individual creates vote shifting. However, I do not think you can deny that people in the last two categories exist, and those people create a vote shifting effect. There are numerous examples of similar people being in the bottom three and the one that survives gets a huge boost and avoids the bottom three for a few weeks after that.

I think that Mindy and KiKi split votes. If I am a huge KiKi fan AND I am always going to vote for only one person each week, then when KiKi is gone I think the person I will start voting for is Mindy. That is going to give Mippily-Dippily a huge boost when KiKi is gone. I think Blake is going to roll up most of the Gina/Phil/CR vote and by the end he will be top two with Mindy even if he is #4 right now. I think that is also why you will see KiKi in the bottom three before you see Blake there.

As for folks voting for both KiKi and Jordin, as soon as KiKi is gone, they'll vote only for Jordin and that is going to be a huge vote shift. There is a limit to how many times you can vote, especially considering how the lines are usually jammed up for the first 45 minutes for any popular contestant. You can always tell if someone is in trouble if you can actually get through to vote for them. Yes, you can call as many times as you want, but if you are voting for two people one week and one person the next week, the survivor is getting a lot more votes during that next week.

Evan

[Carr]

Other than the fact that it's dumb to pay for votes in the first place, the "diva fans" could very easily vote for both Melinda AND Jordin. This isn't the electoral college or the BCS.


But. . . if you call it's free, you only have to pay to text votes.


Erin

[ritty]

Yeah, I don't actually vote.

[Telfer]

Yeah- I still don't buy it. 33 million people voted and Melinda and LaKisha were both still in the top 3. If they're splitting the votes, you're saying they share a very specific demographic that makes up like, more than 50% of the total voters. If it's that huge a chunk of the pie, you may as well forget sizing up the demographics.

I think, at best, the votes "go to people" by something like a 5% margin. Really minimal. I think the biggest reasons votes shift are:

1) A weekly performance catches or loses people's attention.
2) A weekly performance suddenly energizes/bores an already active fanbase.
3) People's overall interest in American Idol shifts.

It's not like audiences are handed a punch card every week, and each week they choose one hole to punch and if their favorite leaves they need a new vote to cast. People lay around on the couch and they pick up the phone whenever they want.

The only group of people I can see shifting votes this way are people who love American Idol to the point of throwing Idol parties, and when the party favorite dies they HAVE to pick somebody so the party is still fun. And I don't think that happens that often. Most Idol fans are watching for people they're already voting for.

I voted for a couple dudes. John Stevens for sure. Not this season though.

[sammy]

The voters for this show can be retardo, but they're not automatons.

http://defamer.com/assets/resources/2007/03/idol-cryer.jpg

Sanjaya, I love y---beep/boop/beep/squark/system shutdown...

[Mikaela]

my bff went to see taylor hicks when he was on jay leno. she waited in line starting at 5am. she said the only women waiting in line with her were Soul Patrol Ladies, all above the age of 50, and most above a size 18 dress. The whole time they were trying to one up each other about how many times htey had voted. I guess, individuall, they were in the thousands... creeeepy....

ps i LOVE TAYLOR HICKS!

[Telfer]

Also, can we talk about how incredibly drunk Michael Buble was last night?

[ritty]

ok, so what are your thoughts from this week's Los Idoles Americano? My thoughts? thanks for asking. Well, the main thing that struck me was that Sanjaya didn't entirely suck. I mean, he sucked, but not like he typically does. How did that happen? Also, I'm not a huge fan of his eye-fucking the camera. Did he go to the Constantine Maroulis School of Stage Presence? Also, to be honest, I didn't hate Leggy McGams as much as the judges. I thought it was one of her better performances. Maybe a difference in seeing it on TV and being there live? Lastly, Jennifer Lopez didn't bug me like I assumed she would going into things last night. Other than her ridiculous giggle at the end of EVERY sentence, she actually gave helpful advice and seemed to geniunely be interested in assisting the contestants in succeeding.

Hmm, Melinda was just ok. Sanjaya didn't suck. J-Lo didn't make me want to scratch my eyeballs out. It's snowing in mid-April. Yeah.....yeah... the world makes sense. Sure it does.

[Evan]

I think this is the first time Latin night has not been entirely painful. It was not a great all-around evening, but at least we didn't have to watch the Red Crooner sing Gloria Estefan.

I think the drama comes this week from who joins Phil and Haley in the bottom three. I think it is entirely possible we find LaKiKi there. She just seems to be fading. And yes, her song was "fun" last night, but KiKi manages to not smile ever. She is crashing and burning and although she might outlast Phil, Haley and CR, I would be very surprised if she made it to the final four (yes, that means I still have Sanjaya in the final four).

Phil sings okay, he's just weird and boring and unappealing. Haley has become a parody of herself. It's like she's made a bargain with the viewing public - every week I stay on the show you will see an additional inch of leg. So far, a successful strategy, but she's not going to win it. And I think CR's teen-dreaminess pulls him past Haley.

CR looked better than usual. Somehow less stoned. MeDoody was lame but then got huge points for her assessment of Simon's comments - what was it? "I know you want to say something bad so I'm glad I could give you the chance." Brilliant! It was like humble sass and amazing how she can pull it off.

There are three folks we should be talking about - Blake the Best, Jordin the Next American Idol and Sanjaya the Greatest. First off, Blake slayed the competition last night. Latin, contemporary, fun, sexy, he hit is all in one song. And he sang it great. He is absolutely in the top two. And joining him will be Jordin. It is not that she sang great last night, but something about her stage presence told me she was going to win this thing. She's got the momentum and even a mediocre performance is not slowing her down.

Sanjaya will remain topic #1 this morning. Why? The look was awesome. The curly hair! The facial hair finally paying off after three weeks! And it was like he spent the week cocooning with Constantine. Yes, he reminded me last night of my favorite AI finalist of all-time, Mr. Constantine-So-Sexy. The eyes! The squinting! As the camera gently glides by and he holds and caresses us with those beautiful eyes, we are in his universe. Then he breaks his gaze and returns to the studio audience. But wait! One final glance back, for us, reminding us that we are #1 in his heart. Oh, Sanjaya, that was one of the great performances of this season. And he sang it well, although this seemed to be a really easy song to sing. Seriously, if VFTW is really about voting for the worst, they have to switch to someone else. That was a hot AI performance, one for the ages.

The bottom three: Haley, Phil, LaKisha. Phil is heading home. LaKisha gives us a jolt, but there really won't be drama until after Phil and Haley are out and we see whether CR can overtake LaKisha. When LaKisha goes, we'll have our first real controversy and I can't wait.

Evan

[Mikaela]

i was bored. by everyone last night. last night made me realize two things:

1. i like melinda, she shoudl win. just because she has a flawless voice.

2. everyone this season is boring me. i miss taylor hicks.

[Telfer]

Horrible boring blah blah. Dumb choice of a "challenge". The "coach" is one of the most banal entertainers in history.

The show will likely be replaced with Super Paper Mario <strike>tomorrow</strike> tonight.

[ScottRoss]

Yeah, I expected J-Lo to annoy me more than she did, too. More than that, I expected her to give bad advice. I think that genre was out of a lot of their comfort zones and the performances were pretty weak overall because of this.
My bottom three this week are Phil, Lakisha and Haley. Phil goes home.

Corey, where is your tag line at the end of your posts from?

[Digger]

I thought Melinda's performance was boring. Points for her quick-comment back to Simon. Wonderful.

Lakisha. I'm sorry Evan, but I loved it. She was dancing, moving, tossing her hair, etc. I absolutely love her.

Chris was tame. I know they loved him, but I think he was buried in the mix.

Haley. Poor girl. She did well, but you know she's just twisting in the wind.

Phil. Ugh. I can't get over the Michael Bolton thing. If this competition took place in 1989-1991, Phil would be the next AI because he sounds just like Bolton. Bo-ring.

Jordin. Perfect. So much talent. She will get more votes than Lakisha soon enough, and it will be her who drives Lakisha home.

Blake. A bit monotone for me until the end, but he is the only guy who sells it each week.

Sanjaya. This dude is a ratings magnet. I heard he cut his hair into a bowl cut to get a lifetime supply of Famous Bowls, $5,000, and a star spot in KFCs' next commercial. The first 8-10 words out of his mouth while singing were actually ok. It soon became a train wreck as usual.

Haley, Phil and Chris will be in the bottom three tonight. Tough call, but I think Haley finally goes (although I would rather see Phil go just to see Haley's outfit next week).

I too am becoming bored with this season. I only want to see Jordin and Lakisha sing.

-B

[ritty]

Corey, where is your tag line at the end of your posts from?

scott - the sarah silverman show. i should have cited. my bad.

[ScottRoss]

No citing needed. It's awesome though.

[Jessica]

One of the things that is really bugging me about the show is Simon's comments towards Haley. Ok yes she is wearing very little clothes but that is how pop music works. And if the other girls were tiny they too would be wearing next to nothing. I honestly don't think that's her "tactic." I mean I think she is aware of how she looks and makes that choice but for simon to say those things, it just seems really rude and uncalled for.

Remember the first season of AI -they are showing reruns on WGN - but all the girls wore midriffs and some girls wore midriffs that barely covered their tops. Sex sells. That is nothing new.

But I guess you can tell he's fed up with the show which makes me laugh because it's about time he realizes the absurdity.

Sanjaya - Man I hope he wins it all just to make the show exciting.

All the other folks will get record deals and they get to go out on tour so it's all good.

Is J-Lo going to sing tonight? That should be a trainwreck. I just hope they cut to Marc Anthony giving glares. That man loves to control his wife.

[littlemo]

Also, I'm not a huge fan of his eye-fucking the camera. Did he go to the Constantine Maroulis School of Stage Presence?


More like eye raping. Because it was forced upon me

[Tony]

Haley has nice legs, but her face is that of a 45 year old bar fly who has not slept in a week. And that whorish lip paste just made her black eye circles stand out even more. She looked like a racoon hooker on flesh stilts.

I hated this show when it started. I enjoyed last season. Now I think I am back to hating it, but will still watch in the hopes of a Sanjaya win.

Latin night - is it always 50% Santana, 50% Gloria Estefan? I didn't realize there were only two Latin artists to choose from. I was hoping for a Mambo #5 from Sanjaya. If Sligh was still there, he would have done it.

[Hawkins]

it wasn't even real Santana, it was crappy pop singers who were accompanied by Santana.

No "Evil Ways" no "Noone to Depend On" "Everybody's Everything"

I'm surprised there was no Shakira in the mix

[Evan]

I like it when they take their time with the results show. 30 minutes always seems rushed. I question whether an Akon performance is necessary, but whatever. The show had a more relaxed vibe last night, especially since there wasn't much tension around who would go. CR looked nervous in the bottom three, but Phil and Haley pretty much accepted it. Phil looks almost eager to go home and has the whole "just having fun while I am here" thing nailed. I think Haley wanted to stay more than Phil, but it was either this week or next week. Of course, I think she would have done well with country, so if she had survived then we might have had a shocker next week.

But it is not to be. Almost certainly Phil will go home next week. My hoped for surprise of LaKisha in the bottom three didn't materialize, which shows CR is really weak because he had about as good a performance as he can hope for last week.

Country week may give us the possibility of a shocking seven person elimination show. This is of course where they divide into two groups of three and make the seventh person choose the group to join that is safe. But with Phil being in the bottom three every week and CR hitting the bottom group a number of times, I do not see how they could work it. It hasn't worked the last two seasons. However, I doubt country will be kind to Melinda and LaKisha. If you were Blake and had to choose between Melinda, LaKisha and Phil, or CR, Sanjaya and Jordin, which group would you choose?

Or how about this - they could group three groups of two - Melinda, LaKisha as the first pair, then CR and Sanjaya, then Blake and Jordin. Then tell Phil he's in the bottom three and have him join the pair that he thinks is in the bottom three with him. CR and Sanjaya is obvious, but then it is really LaKisha and Melinda! That would be awesome. The chances of that actually playing out are about zero. Oh well, I can dream of a night that matches The Most Shocking Moment in Television History.

Evan

[Telfer]

I wish the results show were 60 seconds long. They're so useless, the drama almost as lame as the guest performances (at least JLO wasn't trashed like Michael Bubbles).

Sanjaya was so safe, I love it. Hilarious. The bottom three was all terrible anyway.

Country is next week, so I will probably not even watch. Crap buckets, all of this season.

[Digger]

I like it when they take their time with the results show. 30 minutes always seems rushed. I question whether an Akon performance is necessary, but whatever.

Who is Akon and how long did it actually take him to write that song? 30 seconds? Did a tree frog actually write it for him? Unreal. I have to get my shit together, get some music software, and squeeze songs like that out of my anus. I'd be rich in a month.

But it is not to be. Almost certainly Phil will go home next week. My hoped for surprise of LaKisha in the bottom three didn't materialize, which shows CR is really weak because he had about as good a performance as he can hope for last week.I thought Chris' performance was pretty weak. I don't know when it will get bad for Lakisha. Maybe when it's narrowed down to 3. When it's Lakisha, Blake, Melinda and Jordin, I bet Lakisha goes.

Country week may give us the possibility of a shocking seven person elimination show.Hilarious. This made me spit my oj. Nice one Evan. I don't know why they even recognize Country music, but whatever. Can't wait to see Sanjaya in some ass-less chaps and a cowboy hat. It's the perfect opportunity for him to come out to the world.

If you were Blake and had to choose between Melinda, LaKisha and Phil, or CR, Sanjaya and Jordin, which group would you choose?Melinda, LaKisha and Phil.

Man, Haley looked absolutely amazing last night. Phil said the great comment of them all being blessed to even be there. True 'dat holmes.

Sanjaya is frightening.

Who goes first? Phil or Chris?

How far does Sanjaya actually go?

-B

[Evan]

How far does Sanjaya actually go?

I think Sanjaya is top 4. This guy takes the weekly themes to the max. The ponyhawk, the white suit, the Latino look on Tuesday. He revels in it each week and I love it. Like you said, Digger, he will go all out for country week and it is going to be awesome.

Am I right in thinking that LaKisha, Sanjaya, Blake, Jordin and Melinda have all avoided the bottom three? That is pretty amazing and most likely unprecedented. Usually you have two or three people who are ultra safe, but the same seven folks have been swimming in the bottom three. We got a little glimpse last week when they showed Jordin, LaKisha and Melinda in the top three. Still, this next week will be the first trip to the bottom three for someone. I think it is between LaKisha and Sanjaya. I would actually be more shocked if it were Sanjaya.

I think Phil goes before Chris.

Back to my "where do the votes go" theory, I think that LaKisha and Melinda are locked in the number of votes they have. I just don't see anyone saying "I was voting for Haley, but now that she's gone, I'm going to vote for Melinda." LaKisha and Melinda were excellent from the top and have to survive by holding onto their votes. I think that is far harder than gaining momentum, like Jordin, or rolling up votes from castoffs, like I suspect Blake is doing. That's why I think LaKisha might have been top three last week, but will be bottom three next week.

Back to the show - I usually love the Ford commercials, but that one last night was disturbing. Sanjaya looked just a little too much like Melinda. J Lo was channeling the lead singer from Aerosmith. The draping clothing looked like those long scarves, and she was hanging on the microphone like he does. It was a weird mash-up of Spanish and Aerosmith. Simon has man-boobs. J Lo tricked all of them into sitting on the floor and then demanded a stool so she would be above all of them - I think that is in that 48 Laws of Power book. I agree with everything Digger said about Akon - it was like a kindergarten class wrote that song. I also like AI's confidence - "let us know who you want to see, and we will bring them before you!"

Evan

[MeaganO]

Evan, you make watching American Idol worthwhile! I love your posts.

I think I finally figured out why I don't like this season as much as last (I've only watched two seasons so far): These performers don't look comfortable on stage. Blake is really the only exception to that, and sometimes Melinda and Jordin. I thought LaKisha's song was good, but she look incredibly uncomfortable. CR has yet to pull out a move that doesn't have his feet together, him slightly leaning back and doing that hip hop arm pump thing. Phil and Sanjaya make ME uncomfortable. And Haley looks like someone who belong in a suburban mall. If they have sylists on this show she should fire hers. Remember that hideous green dress??

Overall the only two who I look forward to are Blake and Jordin. They both bring something fresh and contemporary to their songs, and seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves. I hope it's those two in the final.

[Telfer]

Oh, I would also just like to say that Randy calling something "pitchy" is officially a bit. Nobody could possibly recycle the same specific critique in such a huge variety of scenarios and be serious. Even if he were right, there's no way he's <i>really</i> that inarticulate. "A little pitchy for me" is Randy's way of saying "I'm completely checked out right now, time to move my mouth".

[Chip]

Are any of you Jordin fans? If so, please explain what you like about her. I don't like her voice, and I haven't cared for her song choices. I don't get what people (including the judges) see in her.


-Chip

[Evan]

For all the people complaining that this season of AI is not as good as past seasons, I will point out that both Latin night and country night were not complete disasters. Last night was much better than I thought possible. It was rough in the middle, but no one seemed to try to be country and fail. They all pretty much made the songs their own.

If I were CR, I would be worried. I thought his performance was a mess, and it was just bizarre how he told Simon that the nasal thing was intentional. Does that mean he was trying to sing with a nasal twang? And then all the weirdness with his awkward Virginia Tech remembrance, followed by a quick shot of Simon rolling his eyes. To be fair to Simon, I think he was rolling his eyes at the "intentional nasal singing" thing, but, wow, that looked bad and I am sure Fox will be working overtime to keep that clip off of YouTube. I think that is what led to Simon's awkward Virginia Tech condolensces, followed by, "but still, despite our sorrow at the horrific loss of life in the tragedy at Virginia Tech, that was just not good." Way to keep it real, Simon, and not let your feelings about the shooting affect your ability to judge the Idol contestants. Couple those two moments with the sorta weird somber beginning that was immediately forgotten, and I think it is fair to conclude that AI needs to invest in some national tragedy contingency planning.

Back to the singing. The reason I think CR should be worried is that Phil finally knocked one out of the park. At this point, that's not going to help him win the competition, but I think it was enough to keep him around for another week. And I think he was helped by just keeping it bald and not wearing one of those bizarro hats. Or are those caps?

I thought it was a great night for Jordin. The song fit her well and that was the best performance since her "I (something in parentheses)" that made her a front-runner. I think she is in a head-to-head competition with Melinda right now for one of the top two spots. Melinda felt younger last night and sang great (no surprise), so she helped herself, or, since I believe everyone who is ever gonig to vote for Mindy-Doo is voting for her already, at least didn't hurt herself.

When I watch Blake, I feel like I did when I was 12 years-old and watching a John Hughes 80's teen movie - this is so cool! He makes me feel giddy. I thought he was awesome last night. He is for real my favorite contestant ever, excluding guilty pleasure contestants. Speaking of which, Constantine was in the house! Best. AI. Finalist. Ever. I melted when he squinted at the camera and pursed his lips. Can't we do an AI all-star season and bring him back?

For me, all the interest this week lies in who gets welcomed to the bottom three. Phil and CR are there, but who will be forced to join them? It's between KiKi and FreeKi, and I really think it is going to be KiKi. She was savaged by the judges. I actually liked how the song started out, but then it was back to no-smiling-all-yelling LaKiKers.

Her best hope is that America feels shamed by the glaring truth of Simon's comments to Sanjaya. Sanjaya played it perfectly again - crazy hair, hilarious song choice. But last week he at least sang well, whereas this week was just murdering the song. Simon called him out and they made it awkward, probably in an attempt to make us forget about the Virginia Tech remembrance awkwardness. The whole fight between Ryan and Simon should have been fun, but Ryan sounded dismissive or Simon and Simon sounded truly angry about Sanjaya's continued presence, so the whole exchange made me cringe.

I think tonight when KiKi is sitting in the bottom three and Ryan asks for the judges opinions, Simon is going to flat out say that Sanjaya should have been sent home long ago and he will make some pointed remark about Sanjaya becoming a clown that will destroy Sanjaya's confidence and will to have fun on the show, causing a total meltdown next week and making America stop voting for him because they feel bad for him. That will be a shame, because the two things I most look forward to when I watch AI is finding out how cool Blake will be and finding out how crazy Sanjaya can make it. Considering all the crazy costumes we envisioned for Sanjaya, he was actually relatively restrained.

So, in summary, Jordin and Melinda are fighting for the final two, where one of them will join Blake. KiKi makes her debut in the bottom three, joining consistent bottom-dweller Phil and this week's casualty, CR. And Simon is furiously working on how he will be able to destroy Sanjaya with a few sentences tonight.

Evan

[Natalina]

I don't know what was more exciting for me...the fact that I was actually home to watch AI last night, or that I would actually be able to relate to Evan's inevitable post this morning. Usually I have to take Evan's commentary and catch up on YouTube, but today I got to follow along. Yay!

When Chris made that awkward Virginia Tech comment, Erin and I cringed for a full minute. Yikes. I feel bad for thinking this, but in context it seemed like a last ditch effort to garner himself some votes after the judges ripped his performance. Well-intentioned or not, it felt very inappropriate. I have more thoughts on this...that would likely not come out right in the context of this forum. So...moving on...

Blake is my favorite. Evan, I share your giddiness. He's just so cute! I want to hang out with him and go riding on waverunners and order pizza at the beach house. I was a little worried about him because he was clearly uncomfortable with his song choice, but he sang with a lot of sincerity and the judges loved it. I was relieved.

Everyone loves her, but this was the first week I was sold on Melinda. I know she has a great voice, but I've never been in love with her. Last night was great though. It's true, she's a completely different person when she's singing. LaKisha (and until now, I thought the same about Melinda) seems to take a song and make it her own despite the genre...which I felt was kind of cheating. This week, Melinda embraced country, and I actually liked it.

Sanjaya was lazy. The song felt like he was in a bad high school talent show. He's out.

Bottom three: Chris, Lakisha, Sanjaya

[Carr]

I don't think Sanjaya will go this week, but I think he will be in the bottom three. Chris is a goner. I knew it did not bode well for him when he was alll like "I can sing country! I'm really good at it!" in his lead-in tape.

I will not be surprised if the contestants' group number tonight is a stirring tribute to Virginia Tech.


Erin

[Jessica]

Oh man, Erin you are probably right about the song tribute tonight. ugh.

And I say ugh because I feel like it will come off horribly awkard like last night's opening. Forced and not 100% sincere.

I think Chris might go tonight too. I think it's Chris, Lakisha and Phil. With Phil getting to sit down and it being down to Chris and Lakisha. I wouldn't mind if Lakisha went home. That would make for some good TV. And she hasn't shown much personality. Like she keeps singing the same way, not taking the celebs advice for song choice or how to sing the song at the end. She is giving the attitude that the judges want Melinda to have. The I know attitude. Just not a fan. I like Chris a little more. But only a little more.

Love Blake and now I really love Melinda. She shows such a range of styles and just has so much fun up there. Loved the song last night. I also loved how Simon called her out on the surprised look. That was funny. I think it's those 2 at the end. Jordin is great too.

Couldnt care too much about everyone else. Would love for Sanjaya to be the 4th spot. I think it might happen.

[Hawkins]

I'm an unabashed fan of Jordin

I think she has the most "crossover" appeal and overall talent of the contestants. Melinda has the strongest voice, but if you were going to make a package of an "idol" I think Jordin has more positives.

I still don't get the Blake love...he doesn't have a strong voice. Yeah, he's got a faux hawk a couple tats and can beat box.

[Edison]

I'm glad Haley went last week. Chris should go this week.
Versatile? What? He's a one-style singer, ala Justin T. or Michael Jackson. He's boring, and he was not good last night.

Phil knocked it out of the park. He picked a good song and sold it well.

Melinda is amazing. She's a true performer. She may not win, simply because she lacks that pop idol 'look', but she's the best singer and will no doubt have a long and full career.
In a mix of talent and appearance, Jordin has the best chance of winning right now.

[HKREMER]

I think a faux hawk is imperative for this years american Idol. all the past idol winners would be better if they all had faux hawks.

This year America is screaming, "please give us a faux hawk! we need more faux hawks!"

blake is a sinch. plus he can beat box.
(chica chica unnn) - beat box noise

[Evan]

My Comcast DVR likes to crap out during key AI moments. So I got to see Randy dressed up as an eggplant and Fergie performance (she looks oddly like Kirstie Alley), but I missed all the drama! Can it really be that Sanjaya is gone? How did this happen? I need details on every moment. I hear KiKi was the other bottom-dweller, but who joined them in the bottom three?

AI is deliciously unpredictable.

Evan

[Evan]

Can it be that what I read on ew.com is true? Blake was in the bottom three??!?!?! WHAT?!?! NOOOOOOOooooooo........

Maybe my DVR was just trying to protect me from that harsh news.

Prediction: Blake will throw in some beat-boxing next week.

I was curious why they gave Bucky as much screen time (about .35 seconds) as Antonio Banderas, but I guess Antonio got to talk about Shrek.

Also, thank you, AI, for the long explanation of Simon's rudeness.

Evan

[Chip]

I genuinely felt bad for Sanjaya last night when they announced he was gone. The crowd burst into cheers and applause, which may have been because they were happy LaKisha was staying, but it could easily be (or at least come across) that they were cheering Sanjaya was gone. That's got to be a pretty hard thing to hear. At least they gave him a nice bit of applause at the end, though.

-Chip

[Digger]

Blake was the throw in to make people think "what the hell is going on?" AI thrives on Drama.

Lakisha has no fan base. I am certain of this now as she was in the bottom two even through she brings it each week.

Thank God Sanjaya is gone. Simon was 100% correct on Tue night when he ripped into the Sanjaya Phenomenon. Sanjaya will be on the tour still. He had no business making it out of the Hollywood round. Sorry.

I too predict that Blake will drop the doe-eyes stuff and come out rocking next week with some beatboxes and dance moves.

Richardson is on the radar. Sadly, so is Lakisha. Phil will outlast Lakisha and that is a crime.

This has always been Melinda's competition to lose and that's a shame because I think that Jordin is just as good as she is (and would be more marketable in the long run).

Fergie is a man in drag. I said it.

[Hawkins]

I'm going to be honest

I think the fix was in this week. I think LaKisha actually got the lowest vote total and there would have been hell to pay in the media if Sanjaya outlasted her

[Jessica]

I agree. I think it was a total fix. It makes no sense for him to go from not even being in the bottom 3 to being kicked out. I totally think Lakisha had the lowest number of votes. The producers have that clause that says they can throw out votes that are made in rapid succession. Like speed dialers or those that have that machine. They of course say it much more prettier but the fact still remains. America's votes really don't matter in the end.

I know there have been other controversial eliminations in the past but I dunno. Something just seems real fishy with this one.

Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.

When does Bon Jovi come on? Can't wait for that one.

[Wendy!]

Oh my gosh!!! The drama!!! I love it!!!

Simon's apology: Most awkward moment in AI history....good tv.

I was flabbergasted that Blake was in the bottom three. I'm with Evan and Natalie, I get all giddy with Blake too, he was nervous about that song and that played to audience, he's always been so confident which I think won him a lot of votes. That's ok, my man's going to rock it out next week. However, I am now completely sold on Jordin, she is older than her years, knows her voice, and is bringing it out and getting stronger every week. As far as AI, she's the most marketable. I don't worry about Blake, I'll be buying his album either way, he isn't going to need AI to be successful in music.

GOODBYE SANJAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sure I felt a little sorry for him because Simon was clearly very happy about the outcome of last nights vote. That had to hurt the little guy who doesn't know he's stuck in closet yet, but wasn't afraid to show his tears through the worst rendition of "Let's give 'em somethin to talk about" where he changed the words to say,
"Let's give 'em somethin to talk about
More than hair"
Did anyone else catch that? Classic stuff.

Most of the time the results show sucks, but last night was worth every minute. Thank you American Idol!!

[Telfer]

It bothers me that Blake never lets you see his teeth when he sings. He has a weird unnerving mouth.

[hixx]

I think half of the problem with Blake's mouth is that he has absolutely no upper lip.

None.

He's still my little surfin' hottie.

hixx

[davidson]

I fast forward to the last few minutes of the results show so I missed Simon's apology.

Can someone recap?

[Digger]

I fast forward to the last few minutes of the results show so I missed Simon's apology.

Can someone recap?

He said it wasn't him rolling his eyes at Chris Richardson's remark that he would like to tell his friends at VT to hang in there.

Simon said he was rolling his eyes at the thought that Chris admitted to intentionally singing nasally. They even played what seemed to be a staged audio version of his conversation with Paula where they talk about Chris' performance. Simon claims to not have heard Chris mention VT at all.

He wanted to clear the air.

Thank GOD Sanjaya is gone. Looks like the people at votefortheworst.com have picked Phil as their next 'target', with Richardson right behind him.

I hope it becomes a three person race with Jordin, Melinda and Lakisha. That will be great.

[Del Close's Skull]

Is it just me, or does Phil Stacey look like Adrian Brody with cancer?

[Digger]

Chris - Change The World = boring. too much with the runs. not every song is in the style of 98 degrees. I'm growing bored with him.

Melinda - (can't remember) = she's a pro. sings like a pro. looks like a pro. she's at least #2.

Blake - Imagine = Imagine people leave songs like this alone because no one can EVER make it better than it already is. Doe eye'd and sincere, he was boring beyond compare.

Lakisha - (can't remember) = love this woman, but she was shouty... if that's a word.

Phil - (something from Garth Brooks about the Oklahoma Bombings ((inside job)) ) = Phil's best vocals yet. He sounded great and I don't really like him at all.

Jordin - (something that was super old and awesome) = this girl is better than Lakisha. Can she take down Melinda and win it all? I say yes. SHe's the most marketable contestant besides Blake.

I predict Lakisha will go.

-B

P.S. Finally, someone looks in the USA to help the people here who need it. We've got homelessnes, poverty, and hunger here too.

[Carr]

Okay,

So here's my question about last night: Where was Bono? Was that addressed? I thought they said he was their mentor this week, but no footage at all of it.

Did he pull out and they tried to gloss over it?

Seems fishy. Anyone have deets?


Erin

[Digger]

Bono will be there tonight.

As part of his ongoing efforts to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa, U2's Bono will participate in the IDOL GIVES BACK (http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/) fundraising special airing Wednesday 8/7c on FOX.


The Irish singer will meet with the six American Idol finalists to talk about the work of ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History (www.one.org (http://www.one.org/)) and how the IDOL audience can help. The IDOL contestants also will perform "American Prayer," a song written by Bono and Dave Stewart about the AIDS emergency in Africa.


Bono joins an illustrious group of celebrity participants on the special, including Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox and many more.




I'm actually glad they went mentor-less this week. Seems like most of the mentors are only there to really boost their own careers by appearing on the most watched television show in history. J-Lo? Puh-lease...

Ellen DeGeneres will co-host with Ryan this evening.

[Jordana]

Allow me to just climb up on my pet-peeve soapbox for a moment:

While all those videos were touching and those kids were damn cute, where the heck were they in "Africa"?!? I absolutely hate it when people say stuff like "Here in Africa..." or "We're going to help Africa..." All of those African segments would've meant a whole lot more to me if they could've just said, "We're here in Kenya..." or wherever they were. They even mentioned a village's name, but not the country. It perpetuates the "Africa is one big old homogeneous place" stereotype that is huge here. And if we could just get specific, I think people would care just a little bit more. Caring about a whole continent is much tougher to grasp then caring about one country - and that money is going somewhere specific.

I admit that this is a personal pet-peeve of mine b/c, as I was preparing to study abroad in South Africa, loads of people would say "Oh, you're going to South Africa? I have a really great book on Uganda that you should read" which really meant nothing to me. The worst was: "Oh, you're going to South Africa? Which country?"

Then again, I should be glad that they're at least doing something, as I think if they hadn't done an Idol Gives Back this year, no one would have found them lacking one.

The show itself was pretty boring to me, although I loved the theme. I've been a huge Blake fan from the start, but Jordin is starting to win me over as she consistently rocks it. And I was really surprised by Phil's performance - he sounded great, now if only he could look the part!

[Edison]

I say Chris is going tonight. Either he or Blake. I like neither of them. A JustinT-wannabe and a mousy-looking guy who sings like Morrisey.
Blake didn't pull off Imagine effectively. Too 'Johnny Mathis'. That song is an intimate plea for peace, not a love balad.

My gut tells me that it's going to come down to Melinda or Jordin. Melinda is a performing dynamo. Unbelievable. But, Jordin exudes diva potential at age 17.

Jordin performed the classic standard You'll Never Walk Alone.
..Known mostly for how severely it's butchered by Jerry Lewis, every single year, for the past 40 years, ..whilst in the last moments of his Labor Day MD telethon.

Simon was right; She should record and release it. She contemporized it and captured it's sentiment beautifully.
Jordin totally owned that song.

[Carr]

So do you think they asked Simon to be positive last night for their special event? He was the sun-shiniest I have ever seen him.

Thanks for the deets on Bono.

Here's my prediction:

Bottom 3 tonight Chris, Blake, Lakisha

Chris goes home.


Erin

[Evan]

My overall take on the evening mirrors Mr. Digger's. I hope Chris Richardson goes. I thought the judges had been told to be kind to boost votes because of how they responded to him, but then they started going negative with Blake, so I guess they really liked CR.

I knew someone would do Imagine, and I hoped it was Blake, so that was good, but then I realized that the song is kinda boring. Like Simon said, the original is burned in our minds, and you aren't really going to top that. Plus he didn't give it any spin other than to be sincere (is that a spin?). I liked it, but it was nothing special and I want to get some more Blake personality into my songs.

Mipsy sounded great as always, but I think she's losing momentum to Jordin. Jordin was awesome. She was certainly put on the spot when Ryan promised a powerhouse performance, but she delivered.

LaKisha remains fixed on past Idol winners. She's crashing and burning. Looking back on it now, the song from Dreamgirls that put her on the map fit her too well - it's an angry song. But that delivery isn't working in any other song.

Phil just keeps surviving. I thought he did great. Not enough to put him in the top three, but I could see him outlasting CR and KiKi.

As for general observations, when will Simon announce his big donation to the cause? Doesn't this guy get paid like $30 million a year for judging AI? I liked how he got mad at the conditions in wherever they were in Africa. That was the right response.

$0.10 a vote from News Corp. is generous and I am sure they'll get at least 50 million votes. I was calling in for Blake two hours after it ended and was still getting busy signals. I know you could complain that News Corp. has made much more than $5 million off of AI, but I say don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I think this Idol Gives Back thing is a great idea.

I figured Bono would mentor the whole group for their group song during the results show, and I was right. It would have been fun to see Bono individually mentoring Sanjaya, but I guess that wasn't working out for lots of reasons.

I did wonder last night where Sanjaya was, what his hair looked like and what he was wearing. I definitely missed him. Of all the AI conspiracy theories I have heard, the one that makes the most sense is that the producers selectively disqualify votes that they say come from auto-dialers, and that is how they shape the results. If so, I can see why they got rid of Sanjaya before last night. They wanted to bring some dignity to the proceedings. Is it too late to send Sanjaya somewhere to give out some hugs and love then show us the video tonight? Please, AI, make this happen.

As for the Idol hyperbole, I am not quite sure that voting last night was the most important call I will ever make. And as for the promised shocking moment tonight, my bet is that no one is eliminated (another reason for the producers to ax Sanjaya last week).

Two hours of celebs bowing to the AI machine tonight! I can't wait!

Evan

[Jordana]

Yes! Woohoo! They said they were in Kenya. I'm pleased now.

[Evan]

Wow, I loved last night. I know, it's like I've drunk the kool-aid, but I thought the show was great. I thought the segments on the people they are aiming to help were alternately heartbreaking and encouraging, having their intended effect of making me want to help. There were often tears in my eyes. And the music was great. I particularly liked Annie Lennox and Kelly Clarkson, who seemed like she was auditioning for the Janis Joplin biopic. Bono's American Prayer song even sounded like a good song. I loved Carrie Underwood's video. And then they'd sprinkle in the humor. Such a mixture of emotions all night long. I give it an A+.

I was not shocked by the no one getting voted out thing. It seemed like the finalists had the same thought, as well as the audience, but there was this sudden moment of tension when Jordin was standing up there where I thought, "wait a minute, what?!?" before Ryan let us all off the hook. Still, I thought they'd go for a three person finale instead of booting two next week. Is it possible Phil will make the final four? At least it should help Blake make something of a comeback next week.

I don't even know or particularly like half the people on the show last night, but when it's all for charity, I embrace it all. Seriously, it was an excellent evening.

Evan

[Digger]

Wow, I loved last night. I know, it's like I've drunk the kool-aid, but I thought the show was great.

I had mixed feelings. While I absolutely admire the charity the show as a whole has organized, at no time has any of the 4 figureheads said how much they've donated. You would think that as much money as they all make, they could at least spill the beans. Ellen said she was writing a check for $100,000, and no one on the AI set said a word. Shameful.

Also, at times it seems like Ryan (during teh Africa segments) was trying to really get some emotional reactions out of kids.... you know... for teh drama. Remember, his career has primarily been that of an interviewer... looking for people he's interviewing to let their guard down and give him something juicy on camera. I felt it was a bit much to continue to film that poor kid's reaction to both of his parents being dead and him having to deal with the family. Shame on Ryan.

I actually think Simon has a heart. He was wonderful in the whole thing.

I particularly liked Annie Lennox and Kelly Clarkson

Lennox needed a different top and Clarkson was amazing. I never saw any of her AI stuff, but she sure lived up to the hype. What pipes!

I was not shocked by the no one getting voted out thing. It seemed like the finalists had the same thought, as well as the audience, but there was this sudden moment of tension when Jordin

Poor Jordin. I figured on a night like last night that no one would go about 1/2 way through the show. I initially thought Lakisha or Chris would go.

Ben Stiller is not funny at all. Lame bit. That guy is tired.

Rascal Flats? Boring.

It was great to hear Earth Wind and Fire and hear Anne Lennox sing. Ellen is such a great host.

I hope they raised a ton of money. Like 50 million.

-B

[Carr]

Anyone else thing that Celine/Elvis thing was weird city?

What was the deal with that?


Erin

[hixx]

Erin, yes! That was the weirdest thing and I hated it and it scared me and I don't ever want to see that again. It was hard to figure out which one was real cause Celine is so scary.

I thought last night was great, I really loved the little dancing montage. I thought Jack Black was pretty funny and the little Simpsons short was right on.

Two next week! ACK! Phil and Chris, although Phil may stay.

I will restate: Chris and Lakisha.

Hixx

[ritty]

And as for the promised shocking moment tonight, my bet is that no one is eliminated (another reason for the producers to ax Sanjaya last week).

Two hours of celebs bowing to the AI machine tonight! I can't wait!

Evan

While I don't always agree with all your AI takes, I gotta throw some props your way for the prediction, Evan.

I do feel a little bad for Jordin. She had 3 seconds that felt like 3 years thrown at her for the sake of drama. Way to screw with a 17 year old girl's emotions, American Idol.

Also, more African Children's Choir, please. They made even Josh Grobin watchable!

[Evan]

Also, at times it seems like Ryan (during teh Africa segments) was trying to really get some emotional reactions out of kids.... you know... for teh drama. Remember, his career has primarily been that of an interviewer... looking for people he's interviewing to let their guard down and give him something juicy on camera. I felt it was a bit much to continue to film that poor kid's reaction to both of his parents being dead and him having to deal with the family. Shame on Ryan.

I can see where you're coming from, with Ryan seeming to pull out the drama, but really, why shouldn't we see a 12-year-old orphan who is taking care of himself and his sister cry about missing his parents? That situation is heartbreaking and it is the situation our money is supposed to help address. If the drama is what gets people to donate more, then kudos to Ryan for bringing it out.

Contrast that with the simple mention that the 28-year-old mother of two that they took to the hospital died two days later, or that the child they were taking to the malaria hospital also died. If you are looking for restraint in the face of these tragic circumstances, AI showed that, too.

Overall, I felt they did a good job of balance tragedy with joy. It is remarkable that these kids can smile at all given the circumstances they live in, but AI didn't just show us the horrific images, they also showed us the courage and resiliency of these children when they simply smile, sing and dance.

I do wish the AI foursome had joined Ellen in announcing a donation, but I can also respect that they probably want to keep that private. I am certain they all donated significant sums, but in the face of the massive success of this show if they had announced any sum it probably would not seem like enough. It is so easy to say that News Corp's $5 million is peanuts compared to what they've made on AI, or wonder how much Exxon should give considering they had $40 billion in profits last year, but I think you just have to take a deep breath and be happy that they gave any amount and realize that $5 million is going to do a lot of good.

I have really made an effort to be entirely positive about the whole show, and it helps that I thought the show was great.

Evan

[Digger]

I thought it was ironic that oil companies were donating to a cause when they're the one's who have been raping foreign lands for oil for decades....

[Chip]

I thought Kelly Clarkson's performance with Jeff Beck was the highlight of the show. That was one badass piece of music, that.

-Chip

[Evan]

Is tonight really Bon Jovi night?

And, really, wouldn't the world be a better place if every night were Bon Jovi night?

I would be interested in hearing predictions for who will sing what. I think Phil will sing that "Dead or Alive" song. I am saying that because it is the only Bon Jovi song that comes to mind, and I think Phil's voice is best for it.

Evan

[Evan]

OK, I checked out Bon Jovi's Wikipedia entry, and I recognize "Living on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name."

I think KiKi should sing "You Give Love a Bad Name" because she is so angry all the time. That vibe should work in that song.

I'm going to hope for Blake to do "Living on a Prayer." I think the high notes would be a stretch for him, plus he'd have to rock it, but if he infuses some Blake style into it I think it could be what he needs to propel himself into the top three. I am seriously worried for him right now. He's been sorta lame the last few weeks. If he could infuse the sincerity from last week into that song and hit some light beat-boxing, plus really let go on the chorus (he recently seems to be working so hard to control his voice), it could be awesome.

Evan

[Carr]

I don't think they will only sing Bon Jovi songs. This season it seems to be "songs by and influences of" the mentor. Which I kind of like, so people don't get stuck with very few options.

I think we might see some songs by the Boss, and maybe a girl rocker like Joan Jett or Blondie.

Erin

[ritty]

somewhere in a shitty Illinois town, Gina is SO mad she got voted off before this week.

[Crescent]

Is tonight really Bon Jovi night?

And, really, wouldn't the world be a better place if every night were Bon Jovi night?

I would be interested in hearing predictions for who will sing what. I think Phil will sing that "Dead or Alive" song. I am saying that because it is the only Bon Jovi song that comes to mind, and I think Phil's voice is best for it.

Evan

I am only watching (taping) this show tonight because of the Bon J factor. And you saying that...about EVERY night being BonJovi night? Well...it just really made my day. *sniff*. Thank you for saying the trueness.

Love,
Crescent

[Crescent]

If someone really knew what was good for them they would choose some OLD BonJovi like Silent Night or She Don't Know Me. Or even Never Say Good-Bye...although that one never really rocks out. Wanted Dead or Alive could be a goocher for someone if they can pull it off and nail it.

[Jessica]

My coworker will be watching AI tonight and tomorrow purely for the JBJ prescence.

I too am pretty excited for a little Bon Jovi action these next 2 days.

[Evan]

Bon Jovi! He gets respect for being a good mentor. He called every performance pretty well.

Phil has the most Bon Jovi-ish voice and I thought he did very well on his song. He also did well last week. Could he possibly be in the top 4? Considering that CR should be out for sure this week and LaKisha was not good last week but came back somewhat this week, the inconceivable could happen and Phil could be there with Jordin, Blake and Mipsy.

Chris Richardson was just not inspiring. Sure, he wasn't terrible, but has this guy ever put on a performance that made you think, "Wow!" No, he hasn't. Couple this with last week's stinker and he's gong home.

Jordin just killed all the momentum she has. That was, in a word, terrible. It didn't help that the lights were inducing seizures across America, she towered over those guys she was standing next to (did they purposely find five foot tall musicians? They looked like Hobbits next to her), and her hair was atrocious. That was an absolute career-killing performance. She is super-lucky that she gets to combine her meager votes this week with last week's total. Last week she was awesome. Terrible song choice and it showed she doesn't have the maturity to control how she is presented.

Contrast her to the other two ladies who should have been out of their element on Bon Jovi night. KiKi found the right song, and Mipsy astonishingly found that she can rock. I liked KiKi for the first time in weeks. As for Mindy-Doo, she actually wasn't boring. I agree with the observations that she was Tina Turner-esque. She owned it and rocked it and didn't apologize or run from it. She clubbed Jordin over the head and told the kid to take her toys and go home. I was impressed.

But everyone else paled in comparison to Blake. Blake is back! My little beat-boxer, robot-dancer, welcome home! I can see how you could hate what he did to the song, but I absolutely loved it. It's like he gets me. He didn't really mess with the chorus and he had tons of fun everywhere else in the song. It was the quintessential Blake performance. It makes me wonder if he was just lying in wait and cruising the last few weeks so he could come back big with everything he's good at and make us love him even more.

At this point, it looks to me like Blake and Melinda are the top two. Jordin could conceivably recover, but KiKi votes (whether she's out this week or next) will go to Mipsy and Phil and CR votes will go to Blake. Jordin will have to knock it out of the park next week and hope the judges go after Mipsy for something if she wants to make it to the final two. It's a shame, because I think she could have wrestled a top two spot away from Melinda, or she could have benefitted from Blake wilting into lameness.

Phil does not deserve to go home tonight. His last two weeks were his best weeks. CR absolutely will go home. KiKi will probably also go home. She would have deserved it after last week, but not so much this week.

My guess is they give us two groups of three and tell them that one person in each group will go home. You'll have KiKi, Jordin and Blake in one group and CR, Mipsy and Phil in the other. They'll let Blake and Mipsy sit down. Then they'll amp up CR and Phil, which between those two shouldn't add too much drama, and CR will be out. Then they'll amp up the drama with Jordin and KiKi because they love to make Jordin cry. And it will be LaKisha going home.

Evan

[Digger]

Poor Jordin. Last night was horrible for her.

Phil nailed his song. I don't like him, but he's on a roll.

Blake. Welcome back brother. Man his song was great.

Lakisha did well.

I wasn't too impressed with Melinda's song, but she has a following.

Chris. Looked like he was almost out of breath and his voice was about to blow out. Not good.

Chris will go for sure, and I hope that Jordin is safe. I'm with Evan in believing that Lakisha will go as well. I fear her personality isn't condusive to people voting for her.

Nice to see Antonella in the crowd.

Gina.... meh.

Seacrest is a homophobe.

-B

[Wendy!]

But everyone else paled in comparison to Blake. Blake is back! My little beat-boxer, robot-dancer, welcome home! I can see how you could hate what he did to the song, but I absolutely loved it. It's like he gets me. He didn't really mess with the chorus and he had tons of fun everywhere else in the song. It was the quintessential Blake performance. It makes me wonder if he was just lying in wait and cruising the last few weeks so he could come back big with everything he's good at and make us love him even more.

Evan

I couldn't agree more! I had to rewind his performance just to see it again, I loved it so much. He is a true artist, I've been saying it all along. He knows himself, he knows music and how to arrange music. He's got it! And I think he played it really well this whole season because I'm sure the judges expected him to lean on the beat-boxing throughout the competition but he has shown that he is truly a well-rounded performer. I'm so excited. I actually hope he makes it to the top 3 but doesn't win. That way AI doesn't own him and musically he can do whatever he wants after the competition.

Poor Jordin!! She chose a really hard song to sing and she just wasn't able to get a hold of it. I do think she has tremendous potential so hopefully her votes from last week will save her.

I say bye-bye Chris and Lakisha, she was good, but I'm bored with her already and Chris is just not good enough in comparison.

Yay Blake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hixx]

Blake rules. That was one of the coolest things on Idol ever. I made a non Idol watcher come in the room and watch it. And I, like Wendy, watched it twice, which I have NEVER done on Idol. Not once.

Poor Jordin. Yikes. Although, I don't think its going to hurt her that much, I think she'll be fine.

And as much as I cannot stand Mindy Doo, last week and this week she was great. But I still don't think she's going to win.

I'm still holding on to Jordin and Blake final two.

Is it really true you can download their versions on songs? Cause I want Blake's "bad name" in my house for all time.

And Sligh's Endless Love for that matter.

Hixx

[MeaganO]

Here's what I don't like about CR: He lacks confidence. He keeps getting compared to Justin Timberlake. Sure, they're both in the same looks category. I don't think JT is particularly great looking, but he exudes confidence and that makes him and his music hot. CR, on the other hand, exudes a lack of confidence, and that makes me not like him at all. I can't wait for him to go. When the camera panned to him in the beginning last night I said to my (hot) husband, "HE'S still on?"

For the first time, I liked Kiki. I don't feel like it's a lasting like; she just did well with that song.

Blake. Dear, dear Blake. I nearly cried I loved it so much. I, too, watched it twice. He just knows how to play this game.

I got so sick of Jordin's apologetic smiles and head nods that it made me wonder why the hell she didn't just do a different song if she knew this was going to be so tough. She just dropped to meh status for me and showed her age for the first time.

Everyone else was fine. Honestly, Blake is the only one who really excites me every week.

It should be interesting tonight.

[Evan]

I got so sick of Jordin's apologetic smiles and head nods that it made me wonder why the hell she didn't just do a different song if she knew this was going to be so tough. She just dropped to meh status for me and showed her age for the first time.

I wholeheartedly agree. It was like, "Oops! Oh well, I knew I was terrible! So it doesn't matter!" And what made it worse for her was that KiKi and Mindy rocked it. Rookie move, Sparks.

How's about the Simon - KiKi smooch! That was a little strange. Okay, a lot strange. And they'll portray it as the kiss of death when she's voted off tonight.

AI's influence reaches into the White House. Not only can they drag pop stars to their stage for our enjoyment, they can also force the most powerful man in the world to make a lame joke. Notice the tepid response from the audience. It appears the President may not be too popular in LA. My guess is $70 million is what we spend in Iraq every 6 hours.

I would love to hear from the Bon Jovi fans that tuned in last night. What did you think?

Evan

[Evan]

It was an easy call on CR, but I am somewhat surprised by Phil. KiKi just seemed destined to miss the top four and I wonder how she got in along with Jordin and Mindy. I guess America likes big voices and little beat-boxers. So KiKi becomes the surprise in that she wasn't surprisingly sent home "early."

This is the final four that most people would have imagined at the beginning of the finals. It is too bad they got rid of Sanjaya when they did. His smile would have raised extra millions for kids in Africa and America and I am sure he would have done something wonderful with Bon Jovi. I would have preferred watching Sanjaya these past two weeks over CR.

I will admit to being slightly tense when Blake was up there with CR. There is usually a big surprise in AI, and I was freaking out that Blake might be sent home. But it was not to be.

It's a solid top four, but not much variety in there. Blake is destined to be number two because as Kiki and Jordin/Mindy get eliminated, I do not see him picking up their votes. This is the same situation with Harold, when he was probably in the lead among the top four, but Carried rolled up the votes when the other folks were eliminated. The drama right now is whether Jordin or Mindy makes the top two and wins it.

After watching the semi-finals, I think no one is surprised that the top 4 is three women and a guy. The women were much stronger.

As for the performances, I am so happy that they gave us Alan Thicke's son! I had heard about him, but I never thought I would hear him. He's looks freakily like his dad and he sings like a little girl. It was awesome. And that little mustache made him look sort of Lyle Love-esque.

Bon Jovi sounded like they were covering a Coldplay song. It would appear that they have mellowed somewhat. I found it to be an odd song choice for them. It never took off or rocked out.

What was going on at the beginning with Ryan and Simon. It was too awkward. Was Ryan slamming Simon's fiance? And what was being said during the end group hug? I rewound it ten times but couldn't make out the words, which I swear had something to do with Paula.

Also, I loved Ryan's comment about "no filler" during the show. And I can't believe they let Jordin off the hook early and didn't make her cry.

That's all.

Evan

[hixx]

I thought Ryan was trying to make sort of a dirty puppet joke. I think it was a sexual innuendo more than it was about his girlfriend.

Like "I've seen Simon's puppet and I promise you, I'm not sticking MY hand up there".

Or "Simon, put your puppet back in your pants"

Or "Stuff your puppet or shut it"

Or..well...you get the idea.

Hixx

[Digger]

It was an easy call on CR, but I am somewhat surprised by Phil. KiKi just seemed destined to miss the top four and I wonder how she got in along with Jordin and Mindy. I guess America likes big voices and little beat-boxers. So KiKi becomes the surprise in that she wasn't surprisingly sent home "early."

I was surprised that Phil was going, but I also know that he should have gone by this time anyway. Like many, I constantly put the contestants in a pecking order.

This is the final four that most people would have imagined at the beginning of the finals.Yes. I have to disagree with you on Sanjaya though. That kid had no business making it out of Hollywood week.

I will admit to being slightly tense when Blake was up there with CR.There was NO way that Blake was going anywhere. They put those two up there on purpose due to their alleged close relationship behind the scenes on the show. Apparently, they are very good friends, and work on music together all the time. Putting them up there created more drama as they are friends.

It's a solid top four, but not much variety in there. Blake is destined to be number twoI believe he has a very good chance at being #2, but Jordin has been solid every week except for JBJ week. If Blake steps it up like he did this week, he is guaranteed at least #2. If he goes back to auto-pilot, doe eyes; I don't think he will be the force needed to topple the big sounds of Jordin and Melinda.

The loser in this whole thing is Lakisha and that saddens me. I just absolutely love her to death.

I feel this is Melinda's competition to lose. Their love-fest for Doolittle is borderline legendary. It's like they are giving it to her.

Bon Jovi sounded like they were covering a Coldplay song. It would appear that they have mellowed somewhat. I found it to be an odd song choice for them. It never took off or rocked out.It was a slow-builder. As I watched the show with my gf, I realized that Bon Jovi and Co. have stepped into the aging rocker phase (and may have been there for quite some time already). My theory is, each band that's worth a hill of beans has one segment in time where they are completely awesome.

It's usually early on in their careers when they are struggling and music is everything to them. Once they start to get more and more money, life becomes easier. This means, no more struggling. Soon they all get married and have kids, and that means less and less time to themselves and their band mates. Creating good music is a selfish labor of love. Wives, kids, and all that money get in the way of all that creativity and time. It's not music 24/7, so the qualilty and content suffers.

What was going on at the beginning with Ryan and Simon. It was too awkward.I think by now it's all encouraged behavior as it equates more ratings. Supposedly they are really great friends in real life, so I am sure it's all in jest. Seacrest though, when he bombs, bombs terribly.

Was Ryan slamming Simon's fiance? And what was being said during the end group hug? I rewound it ten times but couldn't make out the words, which I swear had something to do with Paula.I couldn't make out what was said, but I think the group was aware that the mics were on still, and they continued talking.

So, it's Blake against the ladies. Who goes next week?

My money is on Lakisha, but if Jordin has another goof up like this week; she's in jeopardy. I still think Jordin is the most marketable one of the group. She's young and can be molded into a multi-dimensional star. Blake will become more of a Hicks-like solo-oriented artist and do what HE wants to do. The difference is Blake has talent.

Melinda will sell one record, and then people will get bored with her personality-less nature. Lakisha will be the Elliot Yamin of this year. Great voice, but won't really sell any records.

Barry Gibb next week. Hilarious.

When is Borat coming on the show?

-B

[Carr]

I have never seen someone as sure he was going home as CR last night. They should have done that elimination first so there was at least some drama with the second one.

I know, Alan Thick's son, huh? Jason was giving him props last night for singing smooth smooth R&B while unapologetically looking like the preppiest white guy ever. Take that Justin Timberlake! Ridiculous.

Erin

[Chip]

I'm curious how adding the votes from the last two weeks affected things. Mathematically, we could have seen someone else leave had they kicked off one per week as normal.

Give us transparency, AI!

-Chip

[Evan]

I hear that it's two songs each tonight. My fear is that will dilute Blake's creativity.

Bee Gees tonight! For some reason, I recall this as being a good night in the past.

Evan

[Digger]

I am well aware of the importance of Barry Gibb in the world of music.

Aside from Jordin (who didn't do that well), there wasn't a single contestant who did well.

Blake has a following. Lakisha will go.

Barry Gibb was a horrible choice of a musical artist. Shame on AI.

[Edison]

I was bugged by the judges' flip-flopping on how to deliver a BG song.
One minute they're dogging them for stylizing away from the melody too much, but a faithful delivery is too boring. I disagreed with Simon about Jordin's 2nd performance (Woman In Love). I thought it was heartfelt but still elegant and classy.

LaKisha's gone.

[ritty]

was it just me, or did it seem like Barry Gibb just got some new teeth and still wasn't used to them yet? or did he always talk like that?

[hixx]

There was definitely something wrong with Mr. Gibb's mouth. I found it really distressing.

Mr. Gibb also hated Blake, you could feel it.

I was totally bored last night, but I don't think it was the Gibb's fault, I think it was the Idol's fault. There are a million Gibb songs to choose from and they chose poorly.

I agree with the judges, Blake doing a little "Jive Talkin'" would have gotten the night moving along just fine.

Boo. Jordin was good, but boo in general.

Hixx

[PeteFitz]

They should just make it Bon Jovi every week.

[nichbob]

yeah, awful last night.

why such specifically "themed" weeks? what happened to themes like "70's" or Motown or Judges picks?

[Evan]

I agree with all that has been said. It was a really weak night, but I blame the producers, not the contestants. When we're to the point where there are four left, we know them and we want to see more of the songs they want to sing. Instead, they force them to sing Bee Gee songs, and not just one but two. They should have gone for a wide open theme, like songs that were in the Billboard Top 10 at some point during the last 35 years, and let the contestants do what they want to do.

KiKi's mistake was that she still sounds angry. She just cannot soften up. Blake was not good, but I think he has more fans than LaKisha.

Blake's mistake was trying to mix it up on both songs. I think last week's performance was effective because he had not beat-boxed in a few weeks. He should have did his first song straight up and then added more of his style into the second song. I guess this means I agree with Randy.

Mindy's mistake is that she was great on the second song, but it only highlighted that she sounds great when she's singing songs to a middle-aged audience. Did that make any sense? What I mean to say is, she sounded old but she sounded good, so that means she just won't be able to capture a youthful vibe and that means she'll lose out to Jordin.

Jordin recaptured the momentum from Melinda. She picked good songs and sang them well. She really needed to get back to the comfort zone after last week, and she did it.

I agree with the conventional wisdom that KiKi goes tonight, although I will be stressing about Blake when they show him in the bottom two. I think Blake is destined for second place, but if he turns in another loser night next week, I could see a Jordin - Mindy final. But I think it is more likely that next week will be a battle between those two and the winner will end up as our next American Idol.

Evan

[Evan]

This was a brutal week on AI. Even the results show was terrible. That medley of Barry Gibb songs was awful. Blake looks entirely uncomfortable around the remaining contestants. Even during the group hug, his body language made him look like an outsider.

The result was predictable, but KiKi should be proud of how far she got. When they ran the good-bye montage, it shows that we did not see a minute of her before the semifinals. But she was able to ride that one Dreamgirls song performance all the way to the final four. Impressive.

Next week determines if Mindy or Jordin wins. I think it is conceivable that Blake totally tanks next week and leaves those two in the finals, but I think it is more likely he will end up in the finals with only a slim chance of actually winning.

The banter with the judges has been painful all year long. They just can't get on the same wavelength and it seems like they're constantly slamming each other in an insidery way that's probably playful but when you don't know what they're talking about it just comes off as weird. That Fantastic Four plug was also strange. Alba is in her own little Cloud City, floating above her co-stars. Were they told not to talk? They just looked like they were gritting their teeth and smiling while Jessica took over the mic. And then she didn't even stay until the end of the show. Diva!

At least we got the final three we deserve. And it is a solid final three all around. Usually it is clear who is the top two and this year there will be suspense for the results show next week.

Evan

[Digger]

I'm sad to see Lakisha go, but this way she's able to work on her own album. It was nice seeing her get this far, and I think the way she carried herself on this show was wonderful.

I'd like to see Blake and Jordin in the finals, with Jordin winning.

I'll also not be surprised when they hand it over to Melinda who will play the 'what? me? really, you like me?' thing with her eyes and I'll be immediately bored.

This season was really boring overall. A few good parts, but overall - boring. There wasn't one contestant I really got behind.

[Gina Little]

This year I didn't get into the show. Aside from the beginning auditions, I hadn't watched an episode until the Barry Gibb night when they each sang two songs. Blech! After watching that I am glad I didn't get into it.

I remember Melinda from her first audition. She was really good in the audition but didn't stand out when singing Mr. Gibb. I didn't recognise the other three and nobody stood out that night. Did I mention "blech?!"

I remembered Sanjaya's audition as well. His sister (was that his sister?) was hot! Although I missed the other episodes, I at least got to check out his changing hairstyles online. What was with the mohawk?!

Oh well, I probably won't watch any more episodes.

[Natalina]

Yeah, this season was pretty much Snoozeville. But I really do like Blake. I think he's very different from anyone who's been on the show and he has the potential to be an interesting solo artist. I just feel like, when the fun and the drama of the show is all said and done, AI pumps new singers into the already saturated field of pop music (I'm generalizing, I know they aren't all "pop" artists per se). There is the occasional Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood who really hit big with success and accolades...but for the most part, there are a ton of albums being launched into a sea of already superfluous albums.

After typing this half-assed statement, I disagree with myself already. But I'm posting anyway. Happy Thursday! Go Blake!

[Chip]

Yeah that was Sanjaya's sister. I don't remember her name, but I'll call her Sanjina.

This week was the only one I can think of that I liked Jordin's singing. But frankly, I've been pretty disappointed with the way the contestants turned out this season as a whole. Several of them had potential but never showed it consistently. I think I'd like to see Blake win it just because he's got something different.

My recommendation for all of you regarding the results shows - record them and fast forward to the end. That's the only minute I care about in that hour of television.

-Chip

[Tony]

I really don't get Blake. So he's a white kid who beat boxes and moonwalks. I guess I see the appeal, but I don't get how "new" he is supposed to be.

Also, doing 311 songs and a 311 cover of a Cure song is not groundbreaking.

[Jessica]

I had to watch the results show last week live because I was in Florida w/o my lovely Tivo. It was brutal. Those interviews on the streets, the dragged out banter. Then they rush at the end and my flippin Tivo always cuts out when they sing their last song.

Yeah this season hasn't been too shocking but I'm with it. Solid Top 3 but I'm torn who I want to see in the finals. Like I too think it should be Jordin and Blake in the finals but then Melinda is so good too. I think I would probably only buy Blake's album because that one might be the only creative one.

Next week will be a good one I think. What are they singing? They are going home so I bet we get another 2 hour show and another hour results.

I love my Tivo.

[PeteFitz]

I'm with T-bag on this one. I'm not on the Blake Train. More often then not I find him to be a fairly below average singer. It's a singing show, so that kinda hurts his appeal (to me anyways). He always looks like he's trying really hard to sing. It grates on me. The "arrangement" thing and beatboxing thing was cool. The first time I heard it. Just sing a song.

I guess he's a good looking dude. But not as good looking as Tony.

On the jock,
Fitz

[Digger]

From the AI Site: The drama unfolds in the semi-finals tonight at 8/7c as Blake (http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/blake_lewis/), Melinda (http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/melinda_doolittle/), and Jordin (http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season6/jordin_sparks/) compete for title of American Idol. With one song of their choice, one from the judges, and one from Clive Davis, it’s sure to be a great evening.
The results night will be equally as fun, with live performances by Elliott Yamin and Maroon 5!

So, Melinda and Jordin will go to a big vocal diva song, Blake will do another 311-sounding song of his choice.

The songs the judges pick will be cool.

I can't believe they're each singing three songs in one night. Go Jordin!! I hope this is when she starts to distance herself from the Melinda-lock.

This may be Blake's Last Stand.

I'll be looking at Elliot's new teeth tomorrow night, and be counting the seconds until Ryan makes a comment about them like he did with Pickler's top shelf.

-B

[ScottRoss]

All three of them were on The Tonight Show last night. I didn't like Jordin's personality. I think a lot of it was that she's so young but she was really annoying while the other two just sat there and were honest with their answers. I almost wonder if it was enough to turn some people off of her.

[Evan]

This is the night we've all been waiting for. Up until now, you pretty much knew that these three were safe. Now I can't really say who will make it to the finals. It really depends on the performances tonight. Doing three songs will be tough, but I have always liked this night in the past with their own choice, judges choice and Clive choice. You are pretty much guaranteed that one out of three is going to be great.

I think Jordin needs to show her spectacular fun side. I think Melinda needs to play it safe on two songs and then blow the roof off with her last performance so she can end with the judges saying that she's been great all along but that was the performance that shows she can pop. I think Blake needs to rein in the beat boxing on two songs and then have a party time on the third.

Evan

[Digger]

Personally, I think Jordin was better than Blake singing-wise. I liked Blake's first two songs a lot. Jordin rules, and I am actually getting tired of Melinda now.

The judges still have boners for Melinda though.

Blake will be standing with Melinda as they vote Jordin off. I don't think she's got enough fan base to pull off another survival round.

The big upset would be Melinda going on Tuesday, but DialIdol has her in first by a narrow margin. They have Blake in third.

This could be anyone's night, but my gut tells me Blake has more of a following than Jordin, even though Randy said he would like to see the ladies in the final.

We've come a long way so far....

-B

[Edison]

Blake and Jordin are splitting the 'little girls' votes, which plays big. Given that, I think Jordin is going to win over Blake.
..It'll come down to Melinda and Jordin after tonight.

Mindy is an undeniable talent. She can own Tina Turner to Etta James to Ella Fitzgerald and could go far in the business, but she simply doesn't exude potential 'Pop Diva' the way Jordin does. At age 17 Sparks is just blossoming, and could go on to broadway and beyond. She just shines.

If Mindy takes the prize it'll be great. She's simply a better performer and she defies the 'idol' mold. Sparks will still go on to be a pop diva in spite of the loss, and Doolittle will have proper recognition for her talent.

[Digger]

This is crazy. There are websites all over that are analyzing this whole thing. Like on DialIdol.com:

Scores are so close this week that DialIdol is unable to produce any substantive prediction. (Sorry!) You can look more closely at the data to get a better sense of how your favorite is doing and draw your own conclusions.
Check out the GeoPredictions (http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/GeoPredictions.asp) page that breaks down the vote by state and even area code!
Check out the DIHardGraphs (http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/DIHardGraphs.asp) page that shows patterns that developed throughout last nights voting.
See how the West coast votes differently than the East coast.
See how Melinda did extremely well on the East coast but not so well on the West coast.
See how Blake and Jordin battled it out for last place the entire night.
Looking at that data myself...
I see that Melinda is probably in good shape (but still within range of going home) because she did well during the East coast voting which is critical. She was not popular on the West coast though which could be the X factor that sends her home.
Jordin and Blake are separated by 6/10 of a percent. This is incredibly close!
Jordin grew her lead during the most critical hour of voting - the first hour and also did well during the West coast vote.
Blake edged Jordin during Arizona/Mountain voting which isn't a critical time period.
Blake lost his home state of Washington to Melinda (http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/GeoPredictions.asp). In fact he wasn't even competitive!
Analyzing the data seems to point to Blake going home but it really is so close any of them could go home - we'll just have to watch and see!
Don't forget that during this week last year the results proved that all three Idols (Elliot, Taylor and Katharine) had 33% of the vote and were all separated by less than one percent!

[Jessica]

oh my gosh. that stuff is crazy. That goes a bit too far for me. All that data analysis.

I give Blake credit for choosing a new song to sing during his choice. The other 2 stuck with songs they had already sung. I don't know why but that never sits that well with me. I have to wade through all the ridic banter. At least give me new songs to listen to. I wonder if that might hurt Jordin.

Blake at least has some personality and I just feel like he's not as predictable as the other 2. Melinda seems like a shoe in to win it but I don't know how great her album would do because I don't think she has that universal appeal. But then again I wasn't a fan of Kelly Clarkson until her second album.

I would like to see Blake with one of the girls in the finals. The two girls in the finals would be too boring in my opinion.

[Hawkins]

It's odd, I don't get the Blake love, his voice is airy and weak

I thought his Roxanne was rather weak and low energy, and the beatbox thing is a gimmick to distract from his weak singing voice.

Melinda hasn't gotten a critical note yet, and that disturbs me. Yeah, she's got a strong voice, but how far did she ever really push her comfort zone or "sell" a song up until last night's Ike/Tina cover.

I think in 4 years when Jordin learns how to "work it" she's going to be a force

[hixx]

I still love me some Blake. He's just the cutest little thing, with a sense of humor, a sense of style and a strong sense of his own personality.

And I like that he's totally different than those two. They bore me now.I know exactly what Melinda and Jordin can do. Are these last few shows always this boring?

I don't think Blake is the strongest vocally, but he's got a ton of personality and every week -- including last night -- I'm way more interested in hearing what he's going to sing than Jordin or Melinda.

I've always like Jordin, but I'm starting to get tired of her too, and her inspirational sad songs and her increasingly affected singing style.

Melinda is awesome, but there are no surprises anymore.

Blake showed us he still can surprise us during Bon Jovi week (THAT ROCKED) and that he's just the cutest little thing. I'm going to put him in my pocket.

Hixx

[Evan]

I loved Blake last night. I thought Roxanne was a decent song choice for him and he played it fairly straight. The Maroon 5 songs was a great pick for him, definitely the best producer pick. And I think he deserves a ton of credit for choosing a new song while the other two lamed-out with repeats for their own song choice. Considering that Blake seems to put a lot into arranging his own songs, he had to do a lot of extra work for a third song. Plus I am now officially intrigued by Robin Thicke. His performance a few weeks ago was so bizarro, but if Blake is willing to sing his song, I might give him a try, too. Blake doesn't have a diva voice or a big voice or an opera voice or whatever. He has his own voice. And his own personality and style. And I love it. I think the voting is tremendously close, as evidenced by Digger's post, and I worry he'll go home, not because he won't be successful but because we won't get to see him next week if he doesn't make it to the final. Also, Sir Mix-a-Lot has spoken, America, and he chooses Blake.

The theory that the producers want Jordin to win was damaged by their choice of song. That was a disaster, akin to her Bon Jovi week disaster. I cannot believe the judges didn't call her out on that. It was a wreck. The first song was good, but she got a death ray look from Simon when she was talking about her reaction to hearing the song choice. The third song was great, but it was a repeat. And she fought with Simon again when she tried to point out her song was merely 30 years old, not 60 years old. Every once in a while a petulant teen shows through with Jordin, sorta like how I always suspected McPhee was a grown-up spoiled brat. I think that she deserves third place right now.

Mindy stays great. I think the Tina Turner vibe works for her. I thought Randy gave her a lame song, but that just goes to show that he is the lamest judge this season. Paula seems to have pulled herself together, which means we notice that Randy gives bland feedback all season long. He's been mailing it in. I still think Mindy should get dinged for repeating on her third song.

Please, please, please give me another week of Blake!

Evan

[Jordana]

The theory that the producers want Jordin to win was damaged by their choice of song. That was a disaster, akin to her Bon Jovi week disaster. I cannot believe the judges didn't call her out on that. It was a wreck.
Evan

Thank you! I was watching that just mortified, b/c I thought it was awful, and then was shocked when the judges said they liked it!? AND, she definitely should not have made the com