That's right--the fiddle! I noticed that too, and now that you mention it, maybe that's why Chris' performance was fuzzy to me.

I share your sentiment about Sanjaya being in the bottom 3, Lemmy. I think he should be the bottom 1.

He made the bottom 1 finally. Now that the comic relief is gone, maybe we can now enjoy a singing competition.

His antics were truly over the top on Tuesday, and not at all in a good way. If there was ever a week he deserved to go, this was it.

Three cheers for the top six!

I know the first thing out of my brother's mouth when Sanjaya was told he was going home, he said, "Finally!" and clinched his fists into the air.

I went on my local Fox station's website (KDFW, Dallas). Someone made a comment there on the American Idol blog that Sanjaya may be gone, but he'll live forever on YouTube. The great thing about that site is you don't have to watch him, if you don't want to.I reacted in much the same manner, jumping up and yelling "Yes" to the television.

Y'know... I thought about this all day yesterday as I stared at the ceiling (well, maybe not ALL day, but for a credible and too large a part of it ). I know I assign a lot more importance to "American Idol" than I should. In my mildly educated little cranium I soundly realize that it is just an entertainment show (mostly about ratings, money and so forth). But, to me, it's more than that. The show seems to have its "finger" on the pulse of the gadzillions of people, young and old, who watch it like crazy. Usually that irritates me endlessly. Mr. Sanjaya is a great example of this. I cringe, even now, at the memory of him but (I gag as I say this ) he gave an apparently large section of this odd population something that they wanted to see. I want to see fine talent recognized, held up, given legs...I want that because I've seen so many examples of undiscovered talent in my life and I'm buoyed by seeing these kids get the opportunity to be noticed. I'm not sure where I fit into the "big picture", though, in that there seems to be a LOT more audience for "cute", or "safe" (a label I still don't understand when it comes to a singing competition contestant, but anyway...), or even "goofy". But, back to my original thought ---> the voting seems to represent, itchy as it sometimes (often?) manifests, what is alive in the streets of America. I was talking to a friend of mine on Tuesday AM and I told her, before the show even aired, that it seemed to me that Chris could get up there that night and sing "Baa Baa Black Sheep" in Pig Latin and STILL not get voted off, probably not even be in the bottom three. I had read somewhere that he was born in Virginia and, really, considering the horrific events that had taken place there the day before I couldn't imagine there were too many who would have the gall to vote to oust a mostly talented kid from that state. Not because of anything more than out of respect for the holocaust that happened there. Not thinking about Virginia Tech at all (which would have been mighty hard to do considering the freshness of the event) it is pretty safe to say, based on performance alone, Chris should have been in the bottom three. I'm not suggesting that Chris knew this would be a factor in voting, used it in any way...I'm not assigning anything to him like that. But, it seemed to me, that there was no question that he was "safe" this week. Which, honorable as that is, is a pretty significant U-turn away from a bona fide "singing competition", isn't it?
I think, too, that same 'current events' influence is what finally got the ridiculous "Sanjaya Show" finished. In a climate where real promise in young people gets eliminated (really eliminated) by the dozens in a short bloodbath, the youth of America had to be thinking that maybe everything was NOT a joke. Real potential should be respected, not toyed with. Life is, at the end of the day, a serious matter. I know, I know...I'm probably assigning far too much sociological value to a pop TV-show but that show attracts app. 40 million voters weekly. And those votes just have to reflect what the country is thinking/feeling in general. As has been evidenced so far, singing skill has not been the guiding force in this.
I'm still kind of amazed at what the "Herman's Hermits" dude so correctly said (at least I think it was him). He mentioned that Simon insists this is a singing competition. The only true thing about that part is that Cowell wants it to be that ~ season after season we've seen that it doesn't quite work that way. Peter Noone went further to point out that "this is a voting competition ". Me? I'm jacked-up thrilled that Sanjaya is history, now on his way to Nickelodeon (or wherever). How pathetic what it took to get him that way...

Yea! I finally got to see Sanjaya go and I couldn't be happier! I had almost given up hope of him ever going home! I can't believe I'm the only one who has posted anything about it! I'm sure you all are jumping for joy as well!!

Quote:

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I finally got to see Sanjaya go and I couldn't be happier! I had almost given up hope of him ever going home! I can't believe I'm the only one who has posted anything about it!

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Well...did you read the post directly above yours?

I wasn't particularly worried about when Sanjaya would leave--like I posted somewhere here before, when the ranks thin the 'bad' one ends up getting booted. The people who were voting for someone else who left switch their votes to one of the more talented people. If they were going to vote for the 'bad' one, they most likely would have done it all along.

As for Chris...I didn't mind the whole Virginia Tech thing, whatever his motives were. I'm sure he had genuine feelings about it all, how could he not?
What I did mind was him talking back to the judges about the whole 'nasal singing style' thing. No, dear, it is NOT a style of singing...at least not the way you've been doing it.

And that, by the way, is my favorite rant about some of these contestants over the years--how can they stand there and say that Simon Cowell, and especially Randy Jackson, don't know talent or don't know what they're talking about. Good grief, Randy has played with rock, jazz, country and r & b legends, he produces more legends and he was a vp of Artists and Repertoire at 2 music companies for quite a few years. I just really want to slap those kids upside the head and tell them to do a little research. Find out who you're bad-mouthing first. It makes you sound really ignorant when you tell someone with those credentials that they don't know what they're talking about. Sheesh.
(Oh, and not to leave Paula out of this--but she is a performer, and has been a successful choreographer since the early '80s. So I don't think she's completely tone deaf or anything. )
Ok, rant over.

Chris told Simon Cowell that "nasal is a form of singing, in case you didn't know it". I found that to be disrespectful towards Cowell, but there's two ways that you can look at it because in a way he's right. Modern record producers and talent scouts are probably looking for singers that don't sound nasally. On the other hand, Willie Nelson has been singing through his nose for over 65 years now, and the last time that I checked, he still has a pretty big fanbase.

Oh yep, I agree, what I meant was that, in my opinion, Chris's nasal singing is due to a lack of technique rather than a conscious style choice. (That's why I added the 'not the way you've been doing it' part.) It's ok to say that when you're singing country, but there's not much reason when you're singing other styles--unless you really want to sound like a weak buzzsaw.
'Course, I don't much care for Willie's singing either. Love his songs, I just prefer to hear other people singing them.

Eeek ! First, I thought the show was really enjoyable last night. I'm sure that was because all we have left now are, imagine it?, people who really CAN sing and, in addition to that, are trying to take home the prize at the same time. Yay. That makes everything that used to be important important once again, though. Song choice is not just urgent as usual, it's critical now, right? I thought Blake singing "Imagine" was daring indeed (and he sang it well, in my opinion) but *yikes* how can any soul sing that song and not be compared to John Lennon? And how can you fare when being instinctively compared to Sir John? I'd say "not well" would just about cover it. It isn't fair that he'll likely be in the bottom three because of it, either, but that's my hunch as to where he'll land. Then there was Lakisha...who, if you ask me, is in serious trouble tonight. She sang great, or at least I thought so. BUT she sang a Fantasia tune?! Paula, often irritating as she is, nailed that one as she reviewed it. Pulling off a Fantasia tune is hard enough on its own, doing it with a fair critique on an "American Idol" stage is a risk that should have probably been skipped. She'd have to have somehow given a version that made people forget Ms. Barrino. Unfortunately, gifted as Lakisha is, she didn't manage to do that, I'm afraid. I hope I'm wrong, I really do (I, personally, think it's time for Chris to go) - but I'm nervous that Lakisha might be on her way home tonight.

One quick thing, too, about Jordin. Another of those who is really going to have to "blow it" to find herself on thin ice. She CERTAINLY did a grand job last night (and, from my perspective, that is a song that I have loved for decades now - so was glad she did so well [but I must say I've heard the song done much better without all that marching across a stage as others did it just as well]). But, again, perfect song choice. It's not one necessarily attached to one singer and it has a mighty message. Jordin owned it. And, the more I think on the matters at hand, Miss Jordin might own this season when all is said and done. To me, that would be just fine, too.

Not that you asked ....

I don't think that Chris performed a bad version of Eric Clapton's "Change The World", but I can't pass fair judgement on him because I really don't care for the Justin Timberlake school of singing. Blake picking the John Lennon song to do was a bold choice indeed. He had this look on his face like he was holding his breath when he started out, the last half of it wasn't that bad since he looked like that he had exhaled. Lakisha may be the next one to go, if she keeps picking songs by previous Idol contestants to do. Phil picked a good song to do, but sang it in the wrong voice. Melinda gave another great performance, but Jordin owned the stage last night. Her version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" was incredible.

Hi all, hope you don't mind me joining in. For a quick intro - Melinda is my favourite although Jordin is impressing me more and more. I think after last night's performances Lakisha and Blake are vulnerable but Blake may carry more of the popular vote. I didn't hate either performance but thought they were better suited to earlier rounds and would probably have got them voted off. Blake excels when he's pushing barriers a bit and possibly last night wasn't the night he could do that. Chris did really well I thought and so did Phil but try as I might I can't warm to Phil's performances. He's better the last few weeks but just not my thing. I predict Melinda and Jordin safe as houses, Chris and Phil probably OK and Blake and Lakisha vulnerable, with Lakisha likely to go. But I've been wrong most weeks and most series so who knows?

I think that your summary is right on the money, wordpie. I'm thinking Lakisha will be the one to go, but I've been wrong before myself. My picks are starting to get a little better, now that the kid with the funny looking hairdos is gone.

Well, good Heavens! Was that not the most depressing "American Idol" show on record ? Granted, I'm really glad they did it (and it's terrific that they decided to use the influence the show has in such a positive way) but it certainly wasn't the cheeriest two hours of TV. Important TV often isn't, though, I guess. And, I have to say, much as I applaud the singers, I always get dashed when they dress them up in all-white. It's as though they're angels about to ascend Jacob's Ladder or something. They matter, but (um...) they're not that important. At least I don't think so, in global terms.

My only comment, mostly, about the show is that I was primed and ready to hate that "Elvis" thing. I don't like like it when they re-arrange historic images electronically (I don't even like it when they colorize black-and-white movies) and I really don't like Celine Dion very much. But I thought that moment on the show was pretty amazing. Respectful. It kinda shocked me to feel that way.

And it'll take me a few more days to get over that, after that unnecessary final tease, that Jordin was about to get the boot. I was getting all mad before I took the time to notice, based on how it was going so far, that she wasn't going anywhere just yet. Whew!

A tad cruel for Jordin I thought. I did like the show overall - there were some excellent performances although I do agree that I don't really expect to watch American Idol and blub most of the way through it. The Elvis thing took me by surprise because I hadn't heard anything about it before but I too thought it was good.

The only odd note I found was Bono - the invisible mentor for Tuesday and then shown on Wednesday but only so he could plug the charity. OK, everyone plugs their new album or tour usually but if we're talking god-like performances his was it, with or without the white suit. Maybe he just rubbed me up the wrong way but his was the only sour note in the proceedings for me.

I didn't get to watch the first twenty minutes or so of the show. Something went wrong with my DVR. So, I missed Bono and Jack Black. It was pretty cruel the way that they did Jordin. I would have been more intrigued with the Elvis segment, but I would have rather seen just about anyone else duet with him, besides Celine Dion!

Does anyone know what the 'theme' tonight is? Yes, yes... I suppose I could dig around and search but I thought asking over here would be quicker ....

The vocal coach for the contestants this time is Jon Bon Jovi. But, I really don't know if they're going to be singing heavy metal songs or power ballads!

Thank you, Lemmy! I'm guessing Mr. Bon Jovi has a new album or movie coming out? It's the only reason I, for one, can think of his inclusion. I'm having a hard time picturing any of 'em ripping off a good cover of "You Give Love a Bad Name", too (but it would be kinda fun to watch them try, I reckon ).

Well, the tv listings say they will be doing songs 'from the band's repertoire'. So I guess you might just get to see that, Gats.

I can't fathom why the judges thought that Blake's performance was so great. I thought that he ruined a perfectly good rock song. It's clear to me that he's going to "beatbox" his way through life no matter what. I also wonder if Paula had a few nips from the bottle before listening to it. She thought that Bon Jovi approved of it in the rehearsals. Bon Jovi made the remark that it might be strange in so many words that he spends sixteen bars of the song not singing, in a singing competition. I don't think that he liked hearing his song "hip-hopped" up and I can't blame him. The strongest performances to me both came from LaKeisha and especially Melinda. I like Jordin a lot, but I think that she finally bit off more than she could chew. Next two to go? Maybe Phil and Chris.

I must disagree with you regarding Blake; I absolutely loved his performance but it's probably just a matter of taste.

Jordin impressed me less than before, but she still deserves to stay. Lakisha was great, and I had to laugh when Melinda told Bon Jovi that she couldn't rock. Melinda, probably as usual by now, was the best performance of the night.

I really hope that Phil and Chris are the ones to go, because I'm not ready to see any of the other four go just yet.

Hearing old 80s songs redone by Idol finalists has largely been a disappointment. Probably has something to do with the production value of those hits as most of those singers didn't show amazing vocal range. Bringing them out again usually means copying the originals which stirs up some nostalgia perhaps but rarely produces a wow performance.

Case in point is Jordin's performance. "Livin' on a Prayer" probably Bon Jovi's most famous song was in her hands fine for a nostagic good time but as a chance to stand out and shine it was a dismal failure. The best she could do with something like that is equal Jon Bon Jovi's performance and even then so what. It's too entrenched in its own time and place to be effective today. Chris had a somewhat better time with his song but will it replace my memories of the old song. No, not at all. It was safe performance.

I cringed when I heard Blake was doing "You Give Love a Bad Name". It happens to be my favorite Bon Jovi song and I've loved it ever since I bought it on 45 as a teenager. I feel he is hit and miss with his reinvention of every song he does. He often goes off track and comes up with some strange stuff.

I couldn't believe what he did tonight. I found it one of the most astounding performances I have ever seen. He created something completely original out of something totally familiar and it was breathtaking. He is one gutsy kid. To attempt that at this stage of the game and risk serious ridicule is courageous bordering on foolhardy. One false move now and you're gone. It was a tightwire act that he made work. He also made me realize how much simpler it must be to just stay in pitch than to rearrange and recreate a song and do it well. This could have been an atrocity. It wasn't. That takes more than a good larynx. It takes intelligence and the courage to believe in yourself. He has my vote to the end now.

I thought Melinda was great and Phil has been growing on me for the last few weeks. I would say Jordin is going bye-bye except they're combining votes from last week and she was astounding then.
I say Chris and Lakisha leave us tomorrow.

Last night's was kinda a weird show, I thought . Not that I quite expected anything else, I guess. None of them really had a track record that looked like a very good Bon Jovi "fit". I thought Jordin was just dreadful. The only good thing about that, though, was that Jordin thought so too and knew it the first note out of her mouth. Her recovery upon being judged was, as always, gracious and genuine ~ her momentum is such that I doubt she'll be too deep in the mud as a result (and the "You'll Never Walk Alone" votes will be large, I'd suspect). Chris was, in my opinion, much better than I was ready for. But not nearly good enough, I'm afraid. Off to the bottom three for him . Phil has now confused me to the point of distraction! I just don't know what kind of singer he is or hopes to be! That really shouldn't be such a huge factor in a mixed-up genre show, but it is for me. I think he's got a definite "image/labeling" problem already and he's not even a bona fide singer yet. Therefore, off to the bottom three for him, too. I did not like Lakisha's performance, either (but find that I think I'm liking Lakisha herself better). Honestly, though, 'rock' music is not her genre but she tried mightily and the song choice was OK, given what she had to pick from. I STILL say it's not fair to make R&B singers sing country and so forth and/or country singers sing Motown. They run the risk of not doing well simply by showing up at the studio. But, unfortunately, she's lost some momentum lately and, even though she has a great deal more hair than the other two down there combined times about 3042, my guess is that she'll round out the bottom three. Melinda, my beloved moon-eyed girl, was pretty darned good last night - but I, for one, saw not a hint of Tina Turner in her. She was out of her comfort zone as well but, as usual, found a nice little pocket there and tore it up. Somehow or other, the comparisons to her and Tina made me itchy. I have a pretty big hunch that Melinda wants anything BUT a Turner-like career (no "Mad Max" movies for her, thanks ). But, as suggested before, Ms. Doolittle could sing Seuss's "One Fish, Two Fish" like Roseanne Barr and I'd probably find something to like about it. Yep, the woman can't miss in my amateurish book of appraisals.

Now to Mr. Blake. I hear your pain, Lemmy (and, yes, Jon was a bit [maybe entirely?] atwitter about that version of his anthem, too) BUT I thought Blake was strong, almost astonishingly so. Not so much for the 'skill' of it and certainly not because of that beat box obsession of his, but only because he completely took a chance and put his very own signature on that well-known tune. I reckon I've seen so many contestants over time NOT individualize a song and get slammed for it -OR- try to 'make it their own' and fall so flat that it was downright embarrassing that I was encouraged that he pulled it off so well and with such courage as he did last night. If nothing else (and he really is a better-than-average showman, I think) Blake has got a large dose of some mighty guts, I'd agree. John Lennon in Part one of the votes, a street-ish version of Bon Jovi in Part two? My suspicion is that he'll end up safe tonight, the plucky little fart .