We are now down to the top 9 in the American Idol competition. This week, the singers took on songs from the big-band era and had some help from legendary singer Tony Bennett. Probably one of my least favorite genres that American Idol covers, yet it proves to be very important when exposing this type of music to new generations. So it certainly does have a purpose especially when you consider how many people tune into AI whenever it's on the air. Lets get down to the critiques!
Blake Lewis is up first tonight and I must admit, I was not blown away by his performance. He certainly cannot twist in his usual beat-boxing schtick (two weeks in a row, to be exact). However, he does keep things contemporary and makes the song enjoyable. I especially liked the way he ended the song. Being that he is a sentimental favorite of mine, I think he's safe this week.
As Phil Stacey sang next, I could not get over how much he sounded like Frank Sinatra. I don't know if this was an intentional impersonation or not, but it was as if Sinatra was reincarnated. That may end up hurting Phil tomorrow night during the results show. Personally, I thought he did an admiral job with the song and enjoyed the ending. I think he'll be in this week's bottom three.
Going third this week was Melinda Doolittle. And to be honest, how else can I describe her exceptional singing week after week? I do agree with Simon in that the beginning was not as strong, but she really brought it home in the later half of the song and had the crowd on its feet, deservedly so. She remains American Idol's number one singer thus far. 100% safe this week.
Chris Richardson was up next (and now remains the show's only other "Chris" - I know, totally random). I wasn't blown away by his performance, either (not like the judges were). I thought he had pitch problems in the beginning of the song and he seemed to be singing weakly. However, I thought he did a nice job of wrapping the song up into something worth listening to in the end. Chris should be safe this week.
Jordin Sparks sang next and I was very impressed with her performance. She can sing just about any kind of genre of song without any flaws. She has such a sweet personality and an amazing voice and it seems to all be coming together for her. She gets stronger week after week and this week was no exception. Jordin is safe this week.
I felt sort of bad for Gina Glocksen this week since this genre had to make her feel a bit uncomfortable. However, I thought she did a good job with her song. It certainly wasn't on the same level as Melinda or Jordin - but she worked it out. As the judges commented, it was a nice, controlled performance. I don't think it will be enough to keep her out of this week's bottom three, however.
Up next was America's favorite "entertainer," Sanjaya Malakar. Now this kind of music seemed to be suitable for Sanjaya and I half-heartedly thought it was going to be a good week for him. It certainly wasn't top notch, that's for sure. Sanjaya once again came out meekly and whispered much of the song. He needs to be more confident when he sings and really belt out the lyrics. The notes were definitely not on pitch but even though he doesn't deserve to be in this competition, do you honestly think he's going home tomorrow? Sanjaya is safe (maybe a little reverse psychology will do the trick).
Haley Scornato was up after Sanjaya (and what an act to follow). I think Haley gets a bum rap a lot of times and the judges seemed to side-step from giving her a truthful critique to her performance tonight. She looked absolutely stunning in her dress - could be something that saves her from being eliminated. Probably the weakest female left in the competition, but I like her personality. I think she winds up in this week's bottom three.
Last but not least, it's Lakisha Jones. Much better than the two previous weeks, but I was not blown away by her performance. The beginning was probably the weakest of all and she seemed to have some pitch problems. However, she really belted it out in the middle and end and made it a memorable performance. She has such a powerful voice and she knows exactly when to use it. This week Lakisha's safe.
I was thrilled to hear Ryan mention that Kelly Clarkson will be making a return to American Idol during a future episode. I've always been a fan of Kelly's work and even though I didn't watch the first season of the show, she definitely was the perfect choice for the show's inaugural season. It will be fun to watch her on the American Idol stage one additional time.
So in this week's bottom three, I predict Phil, Haley, and Gina. Personally, I think it's Phil's week to be eliminated, but don't take my word for it.
See you next week!
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