Country Music Night with mentor Martina McBride

(Click the idol talk button to see more reviews!)

Phil Stacey
Where the Blacktop Ends
Country has been the best genre for Phil this far. I thought he had a good performance (no goose pimples though) and I definitely prefer the all-black shirt and pants look for him. If this were Country Idol, Phil would be a contender. He looked so comfortable on the stage tonight.

Jordin Sparks
Broken Wing
I did get goose pimples with Jordin though! Wow, what a great performance. She looked beautiful and has such a great presence (Oh wait, did I say that last week?!?) Really, she does. She has a great singing style and personality.

Sanjaya Malakar
Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
Bandana Boy did his usual voodoo. And that’s all the written space I’m devoting to Sanjaya.

Lakisha Jones
Jesus Take the Wheel
Such a big, powerful voice. My comment to DH during the chorus was that her big, awesome voice was actually too big for the song. I like that she had an emotional connection to the song because her performance felt more connected. It just lacked some vocal control.

Chris Richardson
Mayberry
Poor Chris was off his game tonight and visibly disconnected – but understandably so as a Virgina resident after yesterday’s rampage.

Melinda Doolittle
Trouble is a Woman
I loved this performance. Melinda always exudes confidence, but this week her performance really popped! As Martina said, her mannerisms and delivery draw you into the “story” and her vocals are always perfect. Simon telling her to quit looking surprised made us laugh.

Blake Lewis
When the Stars Go Blue
A little rough in some places, but an okay performance overall. It did not have the wow factor that last week’s performance had though. His voice reminds me of the lead singer of an old group… The Smiths, I think? I can’t quite place it…

I never thought I’d say it, but I missed Haley this week. Despite her showgirl appearance, at least she was more interesting than the other showgirl Sanjaya. Darn Fanjayas!

Best of the Night: Jordin and Melinda

Bottom two: Chris and Phil (Maybe if I don’t say Sanjaya, I’ll be delightfully surprised.)

Who is the next American Idol to go home? (Top 7) Blake Chris R. Jordin LaKisha Melinda Phil Sanjaya

See Results

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By TVJunkie Jenn | 4 Comments »
Filed under: American Idol, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar

Latin Night
Master Class with J-Lo

Melinda Doolittle
“Sway”
Didn’t her hair look cute? When swept up and “poofed out”, it adds more height and lengthens her look (if you know what I mean). Every week I say the same thing – technically sound performance I somewhat agree with Simon that it was lacking a little bit of “wow”, but it was still a good performance for me.

LaKisha Jones
“Conga”
My favorite performance from LaKisha this far (I’m not a big LaKisha fan). I think she engaged the audience and had fun. Her annunciation of the fast, moving parts of the chorus sounded clear and on beat. Even though she was moving around the stage, she didn’t lose her breath or fall behind the rhythm. For me, it was a better performance from her this week.

Chris Richardson
“Smooth”
Chris sounded “smooth” tonight. I like that his tone wasn’t so nasal sounding. Each week, he manages to take a song from the genre and turn it uniquely into his own while still keeping the best of the original version. To me, that takes talent and I think Chris pulls it off well.

Haley Scarnato
“Turn the Beat Around”
Randy called her a “dude”? Must have been a pretty bad performance for him or he wasn’t falling for the short shorts and stilettos routine. Simon voiced what everyone else is thinking.

Sweet Haley, dressed like that while prancing and jiggling around the stage, you look like you are in the wrong competition. I have a difficult time taking you seriously. However, I realize that being taken seriously isn’t what sells CDs…

Phil Stacey
“Maria, Maria”
I still don’t think he is THE American Idol, but I do think that he has improved since the beginning. This week’s vocal sounded warm from start to finish unlike previous weeks when he started kind of rough. I like the tone of Phil’s voice when he is at his best, but he lacks the “Yo” factor needed to win this competition.

Jordin Sparks
“Rhythm is gonna get you”
Fun and sassy song choice for Jordin. I like that she stays true to her youth and enjoys each performance to the fullest. Jordin is a true performer and a true idol contender. I imagine we’ll continue to see a lot of Jordin in the next few weeks and beyond.

Blake Lewis
“Need to Know”
I thought this was his best vocal performance this week – really showing off fullness and richness in his singing tones. I’ve liked Blake from the beginning, but began to get bored when we were down to the top 10-12. The last few weeks have been redeeming to hear Blake move into different genres and show off his style and talent.

Sanjaya Malakar
“???”
Please, don’t fall for his sexy-eyes attempt. Probably his best vocals thus far. (Not saying much over past performances, but still scary!) Simon’s comments cracked me up, especially the one that he couldn’t understand him.

Best of the night: Blake, Jordin, Chris

Bottom Three: Haley, Phil, Sanjaya (wishful thinking – hope it works!)

So, what did you think of tonight’s performances? Did you agree with the judges? Who were your favorites?

Thanks to BooMama and Beth, the Laundress for the graphics!

Technorati tags: American Idol, Blake, Haley, Jordin, LaKisha, Sanjaya

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By TVJunkie Jenn | 3 Comments »
Filed under: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar

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 | No Comments »
Filed under: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Gina Glocksen, Gwen Stefani, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar