Jordin Sparks, Our Next American Idol

Well, I had an anti-climactic ending to an anti-climactic season of AI!

You may remember that I missed Chris Daughtry on Tuesday night because the show went over in time and, although our DVR can read the cable listings, cable listings NEVER adjust their times, even if they know a show is going over the normal times listed. Shame on them for making me miss the end of the show on Tuesday night.

However, the show also went over last night (which I should have suspected or at least have been a little paranoid about the possibility) and I actually missed seeing the announcement of who won!! (Shame on me for missing the end of the show last night!)

Which means ---- I watched every episode, from the painful beginning auditions through to the bitter end and was denied the excitement of seeing the winner announced!! I’ve said it more than once. . . this season has been the most mediocre ever, so it’s kind of fitting that I should be forced to comb the internet for film footage of the end of the show.

I pretty much only have a few things to say about last night’s show --- first, it was way too long. Liked the opening duet, liked Green Day, hated Gwen, liked the Jordin/Ruben duet, Smokey Robinson scared me, why didn’t Aretha wear all white, Bette’s legs are great but her live performance was iffy, liked how much fun Ryan had with the awards and with Simon, glad that Paula has the chance to go to rehab now.

Still fuming a little that I missed the end (please, someone, start working on a recording device that records based on what’s on, not what time it is).

Gotta love the girls I work with!! Yesterday, we were playfully arguing about who was going to win (I was the lone Blake holdout). We each said “goodbye” last night telling the other not to cry too much when their favorite didn’t win. When I walked in this morning, they were all sitting in their cubes giggling, holding up “JORDIN WON” signs.

That’s why I don’t hate coming to work every day!

I’m contemplating starting another blog along the lines of “Adventures of the Traveling Circus” (what we call it when we venture out with the twins).

If that doesn’t pan out, I’ll see you next year. As long as AI’s on the air, I’ll definitely have an opinion!!

Dueling Singers. . .

There seems to be an overriding theme on AI blogs this season. . . most of us just want the show to end. Is it too many seasons of AI or just that this season seemed so overwhelmingly mediocre?? Somehow, I remember that earlier seasons had a “wow” moment, when a contestant totally blew everyone away with a performance (Fantasia and “Summertime”, Chris Daughtry and “Walk the Line”) or that they were at least mostly capable of singing most genres. It just seems that this season’s contestants had their style strengths and genre favorites and everything else was jus okay.

Not really any surprises!! I’m beginning to think the show was at least more entertaining before Sanjaya left!!

Even Melinda’s exit didn’t get me worked up, because we know it can and does happen, but we’re okay because we know she’ll be okay.

So, it comes down to two very talented kids --- one with almost flawless vocals and one real entertainer. Say what you want about Blake --- he knows how to put on a show. We can forgive him his vocal flaws because he knows how to get the audience excited. Jordin will be great to listen to, but she can’t get an audience going like Blake can.

And, what it will come down to is how often each person’s fans can get through to vote.

Last night’s show saw the nation speculating on why Paula didn’t have bandages on her “broken nose” (for those of you in comas, Paula “tripped over her dog” Tulip this past weekend and, among other things, broke her nose). I’ve heard every rumor from “she was wasted” to “she’s had some work done”. The wasted one I can believe, but even Paula knows she could wait another week and have work done during the hiatus. . . unless she doesn’t care that everyone will know.

Randy looked like Michael Jackson (or MJ’s monkey friend) dressed him. Someone needs to be fired for letting him go on the air dressed like that. Paula needs a hairdresser (notice I didn’t say new hairdresser, because it didn’t look like anyone did her hair at all). Simon did the smart thing and didn’t try anything new.

Ryan was in rare form – surprise the “bitch” reference didn’t get cut from our “already aired” West Coast version.

Each contestant got to sing one fave, one previously unheard and the winning song from the songwriter’s contest.

It was no surprise that Blake chose “You Give Love a Bad Name” (Bon Jovi). When he sang it a couple of weeks ago he got one of the few good reviews from Simon, even though Jon himself was nervous for Blake that night.

Jordin came out next with “Fighter”, a Christina Aguilar song. More than a few people were hoping she would choose “Beautiful” instead. As always, her vocals were flawless, though she was extremely nervous (and rightly so, did you see the size of the auditorium??).

Blake returned with Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved”. This is really his genre, it really suits his vocal stylings. I thought it was great.

Jordin was next out with “Broken Wing” by Martina McBride. Again, wise choice because she did so well with it the first time, but I think Simon was coercing the voters when he stated it was better than Martina’s original.

Then came the songwriter’s contest winning song: This is My Now. No surprise that this song won – it’s really good and destined to be a hit.

It was interesting to hear it sung in two completely different styles. Blake sounded good doing it his way and Jordin sounded good singing it her way. I think it might come down to which version people liked best.

I totally missed Chris Daughtry’s performance (although I heard the eye-makeup was a bit scary --- I think the comment I liked best about this was: “I threw up a little. . . in my mouth!”). We have Tivo, and I love it because I can watch a one-hour show in about 35 minutes. However, Tivo follows what the cable guide says. If it says the show ends at 10:00p.m., Tivo stops recording at 10:00p.m. Although we have it down for hockey games (always extend the recording for at least an hour --- it’s not good when Dad misses the overtime upset), we didn’t think of extending the recording time and ended up missing Chris because the show went over a few minutes.

Maybe it was best. . .

I’m still predicting Blake will win. I think he appeals to the young 20’s audience who has the free time and the mad texting skills to vote for four hours non-stop.

Then There Were Two. . .

Can't let last night go by without complaining about the 1-hour format. Why, oh why, can't they condense (cut) content and give the results in a timely manner and let these poor kids off the hook?? It qualifies as torture, both to the contestants AND the viewing public.

Most of the hour was a replay of Tuesday night's show. In fact, you could have missed Tuesday's show, only watched last night and not have missed a thing!!

Elliott Yasmin sang for us, reminding us of the huge talent possessed by Number 3's (and also premiering his new grill). My daughter was a little put off by the new teeth and wondered if that was the first thing he had purchased --- I think he bought something nice for his mom first but who can blame him for getting his teeth fixed??? I'm just glad it didn't change his singing. (And, he should recommend his dentist to Barry Gibb!)

Jordin was the first to be sent back to the couch (in tears because she was so relieved and I think emotional because she knew whatever way the voting went she'd be sad).

That left Melinda and Blake --- kind of sucked for Blake, though, when Melinda was announced as going home, because he couldn't really be happy for himself without looking like a jerk.

Let's face it --- they're all three very talented and will all have music careers. No matter who went home last night there would be disapointment. But, I was okay with it because I know Melinda will be very successful (albeit with a little older audience, but wildly popular none the less).

So, next week the Child Prodigy and the Boy Wonder face off for the #1 spot. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I think Blake might just walk off with the crown this year.

C'mon, let's face it! Jordin will be a huge success whether she wins the whole thing or not and Blake. . . well Blake just seems like he's got so much talent that could be developed.

So, I'm predicting Blake Lewis is our next American Idol.

Dueling Trio

Last night, each contestant was shown being feted in the hometowns with various honors bestowed, from streets named in their honor to their own star at the local mall.

Each prospective idol was given three chances to wow the voting public with songs chosen by one of the judges, one of the producers and the last being their own choice.

Jordin started out with Simon’s choice “Wishing on a Star” by Rolls Royce, who Jordin would later barely be able to identify as a group from the 70’s. She did a good job, but why Simon chose a decidedly disco song for her, when they all failed so miserably with that genre already, is beyond me. But, Jordin’s got star quality and she managed to pull it off quite nicely!

Blake came out next with “Roxanne” by Sting, which was Paula’s choice. Paula no doubt hears that similarity to a young Sting that I hear (but my kids tell me I’m crazy). Blake was also in good form and did a great job.

Melinda sang Randy’s choice: “I Believe in You and Me” that was originally sung by Whitney Houston. All the talk all season about taking on the kings and queens of music and he chooses a Whitney classic. I was a little disappointed. She sang it technically well, but there wasn’t a lot of feeling to it. I was hoping she would pour some emotion into it, but that didn’t happen. Judges were pleased.

Jordin’s next song was “She Works Hard for the Money”, a Donna Summer classic (also from the disco era). Again, complaints all season about taking on songs with adult emotions and the choice is “sing this song about a hooker”. Alas, because Jordin has star quality, she again pulled it off.

Blake came out next with Maroon 5’s “This Love” – right up his alley and totally appropriate for his vocal styles. He did a fabulous job.

Melinda’s next selected song was “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike and Tina Turner. I personally had never heard this song, but then again, not a big Ike and Tina fan (I must have sensed the abuse early on). However, Melinda did an outstanding job --- a little more of herself in this performance.

Jordin’s personal choice was “I Who Have Nothing”. Most people remember Tom Jones singing this (the first time around). I can understand why this might be her favorite song. I can picture a tiny Jordin practicing this in front of a mirror. Although it has an adult tone, she again managed to pull it off. Judges agreed.

Blake’s personal choice was “When I Get You” by Robin Thicke (who I just recently started listening to --- who knew “Mr. Growing Pains’” son was a white R&B singer?). Blake “blew this one outta the box” to quote Randy Jackson.

Melinda wrapped up the show with “I’m a Woman” apparently sung way back when by Peggy Lee (who knew??). She delivered another technically perfect performance. Melinda knows music, she knows how to sing, but for me, there’s no emotion.

I would send Melinda home, because I don’t feel her heart when she sings, and let Blake and Jordin duke it out.

But, I think America might send Blake home. . . but I could be wrong.

Four no more. . .

Okay, I know. . . I “missed” a night of writing, actually two, because I’m just posting now for both of this week’s shows.

I just couldn’t drag my self to the computer to start. . . everything about this week was SO depressing.

Let’s start with Tuesday night: enter Barry Gibb, this week’s mentor. What happened to Barry?? Why is it that some people just DON’T age well??? He’s got every assistance available to him known to mankind (hair people, dentists --- ppllleeease switch dentists, Barry --- trainers, stylists)!!!

Why, oh why is he living each and every day with that horrible long gray do??? Gray I can take (obviously) but long gray??? Just looks like Gandalf!! And, please tell me he had that horrible dental work done free, because it would be an outright CRIME if someone had taken money for those teeth. He sounded like the beaver from Lady and the Tramp (it’s worth it to get the movie out and fast-forward to that part). And the clothes --- oh God, Barry --- you can see in the mirror every day that you’re not 20 anymore. . . or 40. . . or even 50. A man your age, who is definitely NOT in shape, can NOT wear a see-through shirt in public. I felt my dinner coming up just watching!!

Hey, I was a BIG BeeGee fan back in the day. Hell, I OWN the Barry and Barbara duet vinyl!! One of my favorite mindless activities is getting out our copy of “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” the MOVIE starring the BeeGee’s. . . LOVE IT!! BeeGee’s singing Beatles songs with a movie written around them.

Alright, I digress. . .

Everyone got to sing two songs. Had anyone actually listened during rehearsals they would have cut that in half for everyone. Really, it was just painful to listen to!!

Melinda sang “Baby I Love You Inside and Out” (just okay) and “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (much better but still wasn’t “wowed”).

Blake sang “You Should Be Dancing” (entertaining but not my favorite and WHAT IN THE WORLD was he wearing??) and “This is Where I Came In” (better, but we had nothing to compare it to because the song was so obscure I think only the original sound engineers had ever heard it).

LaKisha sang “Stayin’ Alive” (just aiight) and “Run to Me” (much better choice for her).

Jordin sang “To Love Somebody” (best of the first four performances, but that ain’t sayin’ much) and “A Woman in Love” (loved the dress, but taking on a Barbara song?? Not the best choice). Plus, I was so nervous for her that I couldn’t fully enjoy it. However, she got a best compliment of the night from Barry --- that’s gotta mean something, doesn’t it?

By the time the credits started, I thought Blake might be heading home --- the judges seemed to turn on him and you and I both know how that influences the voting most of the time.

The only thing I can figure is that the whole Barry disintegration thing and maybe even the ridiculousness of making these babies sing BeeGee’s was just wearing on me. We recorded last night’s show and, honestly, pretty much shoosted through most of it until the results were announced.

Pink sang (what the heck was SHE wearing), Barry came out and, I don’t know, I can’t really call it singing and IN A SEE-THROUGH SHIRT!!! Really, someone needs to take him aside and tell him he just shouldn’t be singing anymore. He sounded atrocious!

Paula made a conscious effort to modify her clapping after it was mocked at least twice in the show. That’s an improvement. The Ford commercial was stupid. Ryan announced Jordin was safe, the Melinda, then made LaKisha and Blake sweat a little until he finally told LaKisha she was going home.

I think she knew going into the show that it was her last appearance. She did regain some of her old enthusiasm last week, but her spirits have been flagging for a long time. Go home, LaKisha, kiss and hug that little girl of yours, get caught up with your family and then go cut a CD. You’re going to be a star, girl! But you’re the only one who doesn’t know it.

So, next week’s show will pit Blake against the two remaining divas, Jordin and Melinda. I honestly think Melinda will go home next week. I started thinking about what the judges said this week, and, if you had all the shows and played them back, Melinda always sounds like she’s singing the same song. It’s not just that she has a distinctive voice, she hasn’t discovered how to put herself in the music.

My prediction: Jordin and Blake will end up duking it out for the #1 spot.

Six to four. . .

Okay, this is why I love this show! You never know what’s going to happen!! I was convinced that, since Phil had blown everyone away with his Bon Jovi song, he would not be sent home.

I thought I had the “voting public” pegged --- normally they seem to vote based on the last performance, not on overall talent, but this time they fooled me (again)!

I was convinced that, based on the last performances, Jordin and Chris would go home --- well, at least I was half right, much to the dismay of my youngest daughter, a huge Chris fan. Once again, mom prevails. . .

Although never a big fan of Phil’s vocals, he seems like a genuinely nice guy and this far into the season you kind of “buy in” to the personalities, develop likes and dislikes for certain contestants and empathy for all of them. After all, they’re still all really young and probably haven’t had to deal with too many big disappointments in their lives. And, too, they’ve made it from thousands upon thousands to be the last six standing on stage --- each one has to hold out a real belief that they could win the whole thing. They’ve been put up in a nice house, given a clothing allowance, driven around, had stylists, hair and make-up people fussing over them, production staff taking care of every little detail --- surely more than a couple have started to get used to and enjoy the lifestyle and maybe started to believe this could be the rest of their life.

I’ve gotta say, I’m glad I’m not making the decisions at this point --- these final four are all truly talented, each in their own way. There are four distinctly different yet all really enjoyable styles of singing still in this contest. I think this might be the year when more than one CD goes big after being released.

I’m pulling for Blake because I think he’s wildly talented --- he’s got the look, the personality, a voice and moves, along with his beat-box talents. Blake’s gonna be a star no matter where he places in this contest.

Melinda will be a huge star regardless --- might even end up on Broadway like Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia, as will Jordin (hell, Randy’s ready to sign her today).

And LaKisha, also wildly talented ---- it would be nice for her to win not only because she’s got a great voice, but because it would change her life and her daughter’s life so dramatically.

I guess, if I had my choice, I’d send Melinda or Jordin home next, then have Blake and LaKisha battle it out, with LaKisha winning.

Only in my little world. . .

Six Singing for Four Spots. . .

Bon Jovi, Bon Jovi --- ayyyeee!! They're really testing me this season!! It seems like I've said this a lot this season but. . . he's not my favorite, never been a fan. . . okay, he's pretty cute now that he's matured a little but, other than that, not a fan.

And, who knew you needed "chops" to sing Bon Jovi??? I probably couldn't even ID a Bon Jovi song --- didn't even know they do the theme to one of our favorites, "The Crab Show" also known as "Deadliest Catch".

So, Phil come out first singing "Blaze of Glory" from one of the few movies I've never seen (Young Guns) --- probably because Charlie Sheen was in it. Amazingly (because I'm not Phil's biggest fan) he did a really, really good job!!! Almost as good as "country night"! Great start to the show!

Next came Jordin, singing "Livin' on a Prayer". This was the only song I could have ID'd, but not when Jordin sang it. This was the first time I've been disappointed by a performance by this young powerhouse of a singer. She knew starting off that it wasn't going to be great, but she must have known during rehearsals --- maybe a better choice would have been to pick a different song?? She had a lot of trouble with the low notes and was very pitchy through most of the verses.

LaKisha's been somewhere else for the past several weeks, and I was getting pretty nervous about her chances of staying, but something happened this past week --- maybe a visit with her daughter, maybe a spiritual awakening. . . whatever it was LaKisha was back tonight!! She sang "This Ain't No Love Song " and absolutely sang circles around everyone else, but LORD what was she wearing??? Isn't there some guidance when they choose wardrobe?? Why couldn't someone have gently said "No, LaKisha, that just isn't working for you!" Lord love a duck, the girl knows she's not petite (loved her comment about the camera catching her skinny side), but even she must have known that oufit wasn't working for her!! Even so, I was thrilled to find that LaKisha is back!!

My little fave, Blake, was next, taking a HUGE risk singing "You Give Love a Bad Name" and putting his own mark on it. Gotta love Blake, going against everyone's "advice" and doing his own thing!! Even Jon wasn't sure Blake could pull it off, but pull it off he DID!! I loved everything about it --- the new hair, the beat boxing 16 measures in a singing competition --- I think Blake proved tonight that he really could be the next American Idol!

Chris came out next singing his choice: "Wanted: Dead or Alive" (theme from "The Crab Show"). It was okay for me, but even my youngest (a big Chris fan) said it sounded better when you closed your eyes --- something disconcerting about watching him strain so hard!! He gave it a valiant try, but it was definitely not his strongest performance in my eyes.

Melinda wrapped up the show with "Have a Nice Day". Although she didn't "take it to church" like Jon advised her, she did a great job (and she thought she couldn't sing rock 'n roll). I wouldn't like to hear her attempt this genre every week, but for being out of her element, she did very, very well.

I appreciated Jon Bon Jovi's candid remarks a lot more than most mentors, who tiptoe around so as not to hurt any feelings. I think he was honest and upfront with his comments.

Based on this week's performances ONLY, I believe Jordin and Chris will go home. This is getting tougher and tougher folks. . . I'm beginning to wish they'd completely change the show's format and make this year "America's Five Idols" or at least "America's Four Idols".