I never cry during the Idol results show, but I got teary-eyed when they called Gina’s name.

Since her initial audition this season, I have been pulling for her. I wouldn’t go as far as calling her the underdog, she’s better than that, but she has been a second-runner in the phone lines behind the stronger voices like Melinda and Lakisha.

Gina’s tears and stifled sobs upon receiving the final result pulled at my heartstrings because I could only imagine how much this journey has meant to her. To be able to return from “Idol rejection” and audition again gives a taste of how determined she was to make it to the final rounds. I realize that all the contestants want to win, but Gina seemed genuinely appreciative of the entire journey.

After next year’s AI concert tour, she’ll be a stronger singer. With her unique and individual style, I certainly hope we’ll be seeing her again!

More Gina
On Idol
On MySpace

p.s. Special thanks to Beth for the Sanjaya graphic!!!!!

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By TVJunkie Jenn | Comments Off
Filed under: American Idol, Gina Glocksen

Gwen Stefani (& her influences) Week

Lakisha Jones
“Dynamic” – Gwen Stefani (btw, how cool would it be to have Gwen give you props!)

Lakisha makes performing look like a breeze. She really has an amazing voice. This week, Lakisha had a fun, disco piece. Better song fit this week over last. Vocally, I thought she was perfect as always, but I still felt a little disconnected from her. Cute dress though.

Chris Sligh
It is tough to take on a Sting song because he is so distinctive, but I enjoyed Chris’ rendition. I like the tone of his voice. However, his lack of annunciation on some word endings stood out to me because it didn’t sound polished. I agree that his timing threw off the performance. I hope he can get a better feel of the music going forward. Good song choice this week, Chris.

“Not the Oscars!” – Simon, on being cut off by the music

Gina Glocksen
For me, one of her best performances. I loved the warmth and passion in her voice. I thought she would rock out this week, but the power ballad was probably a better choice to showcase her talent. Her voice sounded full and smooth. Perfect key for her vocal range.

She reminded me so much of Heart tonight – even down to the colored streaks in her hair. And, yes, I did see Heart in concert back in the day…

Sanjaya Malakar
“I don’t fit in, so why do you want me?” – lyrics to Bathwater (*snicker*)

It was better than last week (not saying much). I had to agree with the judges… I’ve been saying for the last few weeks that the guy never brings it; he sings so softly. Last week didn’t count since he was yelling (not singing). Sanjaya, you’re sweet and cute like a puppy dog. But can we send him home now people?

Not even going to comment on the hair…. although I wonder if it was a tribute (gone terribly wrong) to his pig-tailed fan from last week…

Haley Scarnato
“Eye-candy” – Mr. TV Junkie’s description.

I think she’s actually improving each week. Or, at least picking better songs that suit her. I can’t say the same for her taste in outfits. They all look like over sized tunics without pants. She is so pretty, but the outfits are distracting to me (as in “What was she thinking?”). This week’s attire seemed a little more conservative. Maybe because it had sleeves. Oops,I digress… isn’t this a singing competition? Beautiful rendition of the song, but lacking “Yo!”

Phil Stacey
Such an improvement vocally over the last few weeks. He can sing! He was wise to be conservative with his stylizing and then pull it all out at the end. I thought it was a soulful performance from him.

Melinda Doolittle
How cute did she look this week? I love her vocal phrasing and how she “tells a story” as Paula put it. She genuinely looks at home on stage – confident and comfortable. I see her in the final episode If not, she’ll still get a contract somewhere. I know we’ll continue to see her around.

Blake Lewis
“Chris Daughtry zone” – that necessarily a bad thing?

Of all the song choices Blake had this week, this one was a little puzzling. I love The CURE (felt like I was in high school again), but I had to agree with Randy/Simon that it was veering into boringtown. Nice to not beatbox or over-stylize each week. That gets predictable as well. I was surprised the judges gave such high remarks over this song as I thought it was just “okay”, but I do agree that he is one of the better male performers, if not the best of the men.

Jordin Sparks
“Just refreshing” – Gwen
I love this song – the beat and the energy. So do my kids LOL. We sing the chorus back and forth to each other. Great, youthful song for Jordin. At her age and with her talent, she can take song choice risks like this. A little pitchy in her lower register, but her vocal runs and her long/big notes are awesome. Very cute, upbeat performance with edge.

Chris Richardson
“Just Goood” – Paula
Chris was working his camera-eyes tonight. I don’t mind though. Does that make me a weepy 12-year old with pigtails??? (Poor thing is going to have that replayed over and over for the rest of her life…) I think Chris is better than bottom two. Let’ s hope America thinks so too. I wouldn’t mind getting stared down seeing more performances from Chris.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s results show! I actually don’t fast forward the Ford commercials this year.

Did you have a favorite from tonight’s performance? Who do you think will go home?

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By TVJunkie Jenn | Comments Off
Filed under: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Gina Glocksen, Gwen Stefani, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar

British Invasion Week

Haley Scarnato
Ok, her performances are growing on me. This week I didn’t mind her. However, she sounded out of breath and unable to support some of her notes on the chorus while she was moving (gyrating?) around the stage and floor. (I still don’t like her choice in outfits – looked like Gap linen shorts and a gold lame halter that was double-stick-taped to her back.)

Chris Richardson
I like Chris’ versatility. He showed a more vulnerable side to his performing. I don’t typically like slower songs, but I appreciated seeing “the softer side” of Chris. I agreed with the judges that he showed a lot control and was less pitchy with this style of arrangement. I hope he tries one performance without his nasal tone. I’m curious what it would sound like.

Stephanie Edwards
I think she is the undiscovered talent of the show. Stephanie has an incredible voice and stage presence, but hasn’t had a breakout performance yet… She looked a little nervous this week (hence, the judges said she didn’t look like she had fun). Her notes were a little sharp (pitchy) this week.

Blake Lewis
A fun, redeeming performance from Blake over last week. I liked hearing the original melody line of the song mixed with a modern sound. (I typed that before Simon said it, btw!) I liked having the beatbox ‘sound’ in the background as he was singing. It tied his style into the music without him having to change it too much. His voice was a great fit compared to the original artist, don’t you think?

Lakisha Jones
Lakisha is such a pro at performing, although she seemed a little disconnected this week. Nerves, maybe? Her ending showcased the incredible power and timbre in her voice. And who wouldn’t love to be wearing $1M in diamonds?!?

Phil Stacey
Probably his best performance thus far. Poor guy, it doesn’t sound like Simon likes him too much. I don’t consider Phil to be an American Idol, but I still think he is a talented singer. He was much better with his final vocal run this week.

Jordin Sparks
“That was so empowering and I don’t even have a boyfriend.” How cute is she? I got goose bumps as she sang. Wow! Her vocal master classes are really shaping her voice and assisting her vocal stylizing. I always look forward to hearing her sing each week!

Sanjaya Malakar
It was nice to finally see an upbeat performance from Sanjaya (not that I personally liked it any better). The singing (using that term loosely here) was not Top 10 material though… VFTW sure knows how to pick them. (Yes, that was dripping with sarcasm)

What was up with continuously showing the young pigtailed girl crying??? I guess it made for a great sarcastic Simon comment and sappy camera moment.

Gina Glocksen
I love Gina. She is the awesome rocker chick I always wanted to be in high school. Needs a little work on annunciation still, but still enjoyable. Rock on, Gina!

Chris Sligh
His voice sounded perfect for this song. I loved how his voice “floats” in this range. The chorus sounded a little rushed (just slightly). It was a little distracting seeing some of the audience as he walked through (they were clapping way offbeat, hello!). Once Chris was back on stage, I liked his performance much better.

Melinda Doolittle
For being “out of her comfort zone” (her words), Melinda knows how to pull off a polished and well-sung performance. I would love to see her in the finale.

Who was your favorite performance of the night? Who do you think is “the most improved” so far? Who should go home??? Who do you think will actually go home???

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By TVJunkie Jenn | Comments Off
Filed under: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Gina Glocksen, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Stephanie Edwards