The top 10 on American Idol were given the lovely Gwen Stefani as their mentor this week. For the most part they did her proud, with many of them doing great or okay.
Ryan Seacrest finally announced the theme, which was rather broad if you ask me. Because Gwen Stefani was the mentor it was all about No Doubt songs and the bands who inspired them. We were naturally treated to a "this is how awesome Gwen is" clip. In it Gwen said that the artists she likes aren't the big voices, but are more known for their personality and character. She also said that she is more invested in the show now and wants to know who wins.
First up was LaKisha Jones, who picked an uptempo song by Donna Summer - "Last Dance." Gwen said she was blown away by LaKisha and joked that she should ask LaKisha for advice. The performance was great. It was nice to see her do something uptempo and fun. She showed a lot of personality and great vocals too. Randy Jackson liked seeing her do an uptempo song. He also liked the boots. Paula Abdul said LaKisha did Donna Summer proud. Simon Cowell also loved the boots, and that LaKisha was 30 years younger this week.
Chris Sligh was given a fan question, he was asked how he spends his down time. Sligh said they don't get a lot but he likes to knit and crochet. Then he admitted he mostly just sleeps. He decided to perform "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by the Police. Gwen said he is great but he needs to work on watching his tempo. Naturally his tempo was off again when he performed. He is getting better vocally though. Randy thought the song choice was good but the biggest problem was the tempo as he was on a different pace than the band. Sligh agreed he was off, saying he was late with his choice. Paula thought it was nice vocally, but that Sligh needs to feel the beat. Simon said it was a mess and didn't think the song suited him. Then the music started playing and Simon objected that this wasn't the Oscars.
Gina Glocksen chose the perfect song for her voice according to Gwen. She picked "I'll Stand by you" by the Pretenders. This was honestly her best performance yet, vocally and emotionally. Randy loved the boots again, and said it was one of her best ever. He told her to believe and choose wise songs. Paula loves that she is improving each week. Simon told her it wasn't one of her best, it was her best. He told her that she has transformed herself over the last few weeks.
Sanjaya Malakar chose a No Doubt song, "Bath Water." Gwen felt bad for him, as he was forgetting words and the song is difficult. It was difficult, but hilarious again. The hair, the attitude, it was all just funny as hell. Randy was left speechless again, finally picking up on the hairdo. Then he said that Sanjaya can sing but he needs to put it out there. Paula told him to just go for it. Simon presumed there was no mirror in the dressing room. Sanjaya fired back that Simon was jealous that he couldn't pull it off. Simon told Sanjays that it doesn't really matter what they say, he's in his own little universe and if people like him then good luck.
Haley Scarnato chose one of Gwen's favorite songs. She started great on it according to Gwen but then started to add a different melody. Her performance of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" was pretty good overall, but a little pitchy. She was better last week. Randy told her it was alright as it was pitchy and it started rough. Paula told her that a beautiful song requires nothing other than singing the melody and being vulnerable. Simon told her it was sweet and forgettable. She needs to do better.
Phil Stacey was asked how it felt to go from an unknown to a big name in just a matter of weeks. He said that they really never notice it as they're very busy. He chose to do the Police's "Every Breath You Take." Gwen was pleasantly surprised by his voice. She told him to not do a lot extra but just stick the the melody. He took her advice and had his best performance yet as well. He has a very nice voice, which finally seemed to come back to him on this performance. Randy liked it saying it was 'kinda nice' because he didn't push it. Paula told him it was a good choice as it showed off the color and personality in his voice. Simon said it was very good, and a great song choice. It was the first time Simon felt Phil was taking the show seriously.
Melinda Doolittle blew everyone away, including Gwen with her choice of Heaven Knows by Donna Summer. It was uptempo and fun. She didn't stick to her usual Diva blow 'em away type of song. Randy told her that she looks at the words of the song and sings with feeling. Paula says she has charisma from the word go, and is fun and joyful. Simon didn't think this was the performance where she was the best, but it was still vocally outstanding. He added that he hated the outfit.
Blake Lewis chose "Love Song" by the Cure. Gwen told him to be careful where he sticks the beatboxing in. She was looking forward to seeing how he does with the band. Except for a few pitchy moments, it was pretty darn good. There was no beatboxing, which made me happy because I don't think it owuld have fit. Randy told him that he wasn't wild about the song choice, but Blake made the best of it. Paula loved that he was taking risks and being original. He makes the show hip and contemporary. Simon told him he is the strongest guy in the competition, but to be care of entering the "Chris Daughtry Zone"* see note at end*. He told him to not do his own thing all the time, as it gets boring.
Jordin Sparks chose to stay young and hip with "Hey Baby." Gwen was shocked at the choice, then that Jordin made it sound more musical than she thought it was. She also likes that Jordin is cute and refreshing. It wasn't her best vocal, but it was fun and cool. I loved it. Randy thought it was risky, but she could sing anything. He told her she could be a recording artist. Paula told her to celebrate the fact that she is young, hip, and adorable. Simon told her she is the most improved over the last few weeks, but that it was a bit copycat-ish.
Chris Richardson also chose a No Doubt song, "Don't Speak." Gwen was hoping he would just stick to the melody and not do the vocal olympics thing that that he usually does. She thought it would be beautiful if he would just focus on the feeling of the song. The performance was absolutely horrific, off pitch and full of that usual "I don't know why I hate his voice I just hate his voice" stuff. Randy thought it was interesting and liked Chris' flavor on the song. Paula told him he was good. I was ready to yell at the TV (okay, I actually had already paused and yelled at this point), when Simon finally gave me the answer I wanted. Simon wasn't crazy about the vocal, telling Chris he needs to pay more attention to the vocal. He did add that he liked the arrangement though.
My Bottom:
Chris Richardson - firmly at the very bottom, because his performance was bad and he just hits my "I hate him” nerve.
Sanjaya Malakar - though funny, still not good
My Middle:
Chris Sligh - nice vocals, but still just eh. He can do better
Haley - she was better last week. She was okay tonight.
My Top Six:
Melinda and LaKisha - for breaking out of their molds and doing wonderful.
Phil and Gina - for finally and fully delivering
Blake - pitchy moments aside, it was darn good. And no beatboxing gets him into the top
Jordin - ‘cause she’s fun, cute, a good singer, and will sell millions of records
Okay, and last, my note, regarding Simon’s comments to Blake. Do you all realize that with that little offhanded comment, Simon just completely and totally justified what we all said about Chris Daughtry last year? We said he was boring and sticking to his thing too much, while the judges and his little fans adored him and fawned all over him. We hated that he turned everything into rock and refused to change. Simon finally acknowledged what we had felt for all those painful weeks.
guest (Peabody) said: "American Idol Top Ten do Gwen Stefani"
Do you know how bad that sounds?
yup.
guest (Peabody) said: Did anyone notice that "Crying Girl" was absent from last night's show? WTF!
The deal with crying girl - she was at the taping of Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, and they were offered the chance to watch the idols rehearse before the show started. When they came out, she started crying, and the producers decided they really liked that image and offered her and her family a chance to be there for the live show, up front where they could get lots of images of her. They know good television when they see it. I think she might be back for the finale.
As for the Chris Daughtry fans who want to have me flogged at dawn ....
Chris Fan #1: Well, if Chris Daughtry was indulgent and as boring as you said, it is amazing that he is double-plat and rising.
Hey, Milli Vanilla, Vanilla Ice, and the guys who gave us the Macarena all sold tons and tons of albums too. I'm perfectly willing to at the very least place Chris in their category. Would that be satisfactory for you?
Chris Fan #2: You totally misinterpretted what Simon said to Blake. He said he was in the "Chris Daughtry" zone because Blake does his own thing but like Chris, Blake runs the risk of becoming "too indulgent" which was Simon's one complaint about Chris.
Simon's exact words: "definitely the strongest guy in the competition Blake, that's for sure - but where you got to be careful here is that because you're in this Chris Daughtry Zone at the moment where you are doing your own thing. You got to be careful though not to become too indulgent, and as Randy said it's a bit boring.
My words: "Simon just completely and totally justified what we all said about Chris Daughtry last year? We said he was boring and sticking to his thing too much, while the judges and his little fans adored him and fawned all over him."
"sticking to his thing too much" = doing your own thing
"boring" is what "too indulgent" people are (as defined by Randy and agreed upon by Simon).
So exactly where was my misinterpretation?
Anyhow onward and upward with comments for the regulars
Random thoughts -
Paula Botoxed before she came to the show... either that or I just never really watched her talk. She moves only her bottom lip to talk. It's funky.
How happy are we that the judges are picking up on the "boring self-indulgence" stuff WAY early this year? Me, I'm totally happy - because maybe they can avoid some of the trouble that has fallen upon earlier idols who have lost (despite being good) for the same reason.
edit: curlio - 2007-03-28 11:20:42 GMT - tags
"Now you know why lions eat their young" Capt. Phil Harris
Morning everyone! I enjoyed the show as usual and of coarse the comments here.
I think Gwen knows more about music than I imagined. I think she would include herself as one of the current stars that rely on attitude and style over substance and raw ability. I'm sure she wouldn't be caught dead in a duet with Melinda, Jordan or Lakisha or even Haley for that matter. However, she is smart, a great entertainer and stylist and seems really nice.
No Doubt songs don't really show off the singing abilities of the idol singers, but it was nice to see them try.
Sanjay, Chris S and Jordan were my least favorites this week. Sanjaya because he's not
not entertaining to me, and I'm not attracted to feminine boys. Chris S and Jordan, because they seem to have good voices, especially Jordan, but they both get F's for their musicality this week, stupid stupid songs. (Choices, why why why???)
Looks, like Chris S or Haley will go. I'm really tired of Chris S. who probably couldn't even do stand-up at Bob Jones U, sarcasm can only get you so far till you actually have to
produce the goods.
Love all the comments. I too don't think the other Chris is that bad. I actually don't see what about him bothers my Queen and her court though? I hear what they say, I just am not bothered so much.
Simon's exact words: "definitely the strongest guy in the competition Blake, that's for sure - but where you got to be careful here is that because you're in this Chris Daughtry Zone at the moment where you are doing your own thing. You got to be careful though not to become too indulgent, and as Randy said it's a bit boring.
My words: "Simon just completely and totally justified what we all said about Chris Daughtry last year? We said he was boring and sticking to his thing too much, while the judges and his little fans adored him and fawned all over him."
"sticking to his thing too much" = doing your own thing
"boring" is what "too indulgent" people are (as defined by Randy and agreed upon by Simon).
So exactly where was my misinterpretation?
Most of us understand you perfectly on this one, Curlio. I didn't like Chris D on the show but I like him okay now. Wouldn't buy his album, but, don't like new rock very much anyway. His song on the radio is good and his national anthem is awsome! But, his stradegy on the show led to a numbing redundacy that does remind me of Blake, and if Melinda and Lakisha weren't the best since sliced bread, them too. In sports metaphors, "you do want to leave the dance with the guy who brung ya" but, you "don't want to wear out your welcome" or "be the last to notice the party is over"! So, it is about choices, and relative to his voice a darling metaphor applies. "If the only tool you have is a hammer, then everything looks like a nail"! Who loves you?
shellybean - Thanks for a great recap. I only got the last half taped. I missed Sanjaya completely! Man, I hate that!
have you been to wu wu wu dot idollogy dot com? sometimes i go there to catch the entire show. nice cause you miss the adds and stuff. you also miss the banter as well though it still is better than missing it all together.
shenova - My internet connection is going on and off tonight, so I'll be brief...(HATE TIME WARNER CABLE! They are worlds behind Comcast)...
ditto. wu wu wu
cheebe - Jordin - Now tell me she didn't steal that outfit directly from the dressing room of America Ferrara.
my first thought was chestica simpson. perhaps that just says more about my lack of television viewing. quite disappointing i must say. even though her singing was off this week i have decided to blaim the whole thing on the stylists. this girl has a lot of ‘make it after the show’ potential.
Ben1974 - What did they do to his eyebrows?
amen. buggin me like crazy. were they really penciled grey or is it just my screen?
Curlio - Paula Botoxed before she came to the show... either that or I just never really watched her talk. She moves only her bottom lip to talk. It's funky.
smooth as a baby’s arse. i too noticed and was thinking while she was talking – fresh work - and not bad in a post cryogenic sort of way. mind you i thought stefani was not so far off that mark either.
bottom for me this week was chris s. – isn’t it about time? to me it looks like he has been doin some extra eating to go along with that all that sleeping
Will said: [..]
I too don't think the other Chris is that bad. I actually don't see what about him bothers my Queen and her court though? I hear what they say, I just am not bothered so much.
Replay his performance, this time don't look just listen carefully and then focus on his voice, not on the band, the band made the performance tolerable.
What bothers with Haley is the small signs of brilliance within a performance but overshadowed by the 'just okay' of the rest of her performance. She really needs some vocal coaching towards her strong points.
At the beginning Jordin hit a note in a way that told me she'd be able to pull of a Shakira song.
Blake, okay performance quite boring.
Melinda & LaKisha happy to have them break their mold. Though Melinda went further out of her comfort zone than LaKisha.
Sligh and Gina are starting to leave me blank.
Phil, happy that he covered up his head, he actually looked like a decently normal person this week. And surprised me with his vocals.
I expect that Sanjaya, HChris R and aley will be in the bottom. If Sanjaya is in the bottom 3, they will only announce the other two people in the bottom 3 and leave Sanjaya sitting as 'safe'. That doesn't mean though that the 2 standing up like last week would have been the bottom 2. After all they said those were in the BOTTOM 3. thus whoever was the 3rd in the bottom might have been second last.
I've decided to join the DARKSIDE and have registered for VFTW.
There has always been something wrong with this karaoke show: how could so many honkin' losers like Kevin Covais and Kellie Pickler ever get into the top 12? Answer: It's all fixed by FOX and the producers!
I must have voted for Sanjaya (I guess you can call me Fanjaya!) about a hundred times last night, and I'm sorry I couldn't vote more.
The other problem I have is with the voting system. To be fair, it should be one vote per household, but it's not! Don't call me a hypocryte, I'm jsut using their system.
I encourage you all to join me in this noble quest to reform or break up Idol until they mend their ways.
toad said: [...]
fresh work - and not bad in a post cryogenic sort of way. mind you i thought stefani was not so far off that mark either.
Dear Frogwert!, thou doesth knowth how to turnith a phrase!
I do remember making out with a girl once who had on the inductrial strength make-up like Gwen and Madonna and Paris wear, and I felt like I was eating crayons. How's that for imagery! Willy
Peabody ... how could so many honkin' losers like Kevin Covais and Kellie Pickler ever get into the top 12?
imo - not one of the people on the show this year or any other (that i have seen and mind you that is not all of them) no one compares in honkin' like pick me pickler. i actually am starting to see why they got picked in the first place - finally. how would it even be possible that this young kid sanjaya could annoy anyone as much as concrete bonde/chest - is it 'tomato' or 'toe jelly' picket.
i think we should have a least favorite contestant survey.
-- toad
p.s. whew....good 2 know will. u have actually dated.
Dusty - Replay his performance, this time don't look just listen carefully and then focus on his voice, not on the band, the band made the performance tolerable.
tried it. no argument here. shocking vocal. a few times in the middle i found my shoulders looking for my ears - cringe. having not noticed it before how is it possible to miss this? dissonance. i really do not think that he usually sounds that bad. in fact i did not notice it was a bad perfomance when i watched it the first time! how the heck does that work? now i am going to have to go back and blind test some of his other performances.
tried it. no argument here. shocking vocal. a few times in the middle i found my shoulders looking for my ears - cringe. having not noticed it before how is it possible to miss this? dissonance. i really do not think that he usually sounds that bad. in fact i did not notice it was a bad perfomance when i watched it the first time! how the heck does that work? now i am going to have to go back and blind test some of his other performances.
-- toad
toadetta, I did have a date one time but after eating all the crayons and the restraining order, well I figured I might have adopt a new stradegy, that which I am still designing.
Regarding your aparent hearing difficulties, I understand you might have a little swamp grease on your tympanum, what say you wartzilla! Will
Re: Chris Daughtry: Yes, sticking to his rock-roots made it boring week after week, and that's probably why he didn't get enough votes to remain in the competition. But he made an album that was true to his tastes and what he sounded good in (unlike the winner- shoot, I forgot his name already!- and Katherine McPhee). Also, he's the first person since Kelly Clarkson to have a Top 10 airplay hit, so that's why his album's still in the Top 5.
Chris Richardson- what makes it hard to listen to him is he has this quavering voice even when he sings the melody. Then the quavering gets even worse when he tries to "impress" us with his melisma crap. I think that's what bothers people.
I love Haley, but I hate "True Colors." There's not much you can do with a weak song like that, and I'm afraid I agree with Will- based on my notes (I keep a grid- good, bad, eh of both my reactions and the judges'), I'd say she and Chris Sligh may be in the Bottom 2 (they were the only two both I and the judges agreed were "eh") with Haley going.
Sanjaya- I didn't know what to say either after seeing his feminine mohawk, but I still love his sunny voice. He'd do better if, as Paula said, he had more confidence and belted it more.
I'm tired of all these conspiracy theories. People seem to hate Sanjaya, saying everyone KNOWS he's a bad singer. Well, I'm someone who says he sounds GREAT! Also if someone love loses, it could be due to a number of things like the time zone of the callers, which creates trouble getting through (remember, Hawaii has its own time zone, so it's easier for them to vote for whomever they want), etc. AI would be foolish to blow their franchise by being caught fixing the contest.
MusicExpert said: [..]
Sanjaya- I didn't know what to say either after seeing his feminine mohawk, but I still love his sunny voice. He'd do better if, as Paula said, he had more confidence and belted it more.
[..]
People seem to hate Sanjaya, saying everyone KNOWS he's a bad singer. Well, I'm someone who says he sounds GREAT!
[..]
I agree, Sanjaya has a great voice and has a good timing and is rarely off-key.
His stage presence is lacking "something" though, he also needs to have more confidence and should try to lose his nerves.
After the fiasco with Chris Sligh being dumped from the show...American Idol is just one BIG JOKE!!! I thought that people should be voting for someone who can actually sing..not somebody that massacres songs & looks like he could be a relative of Michael Jackson's! I will NEVER watch this show again. At least us Canadians actually choose a singer not a laughing stock!
When I was made aware that the blonde speaking was Gwen Stefani I had to ask "The Gwen Stefani?" No way! I replied" She doesn't sound like Gwen Stefani, the voice I hear in her music is absent." It could have been the way the audio was set up or something else..I think Gwen is very talented as a singer, perfomer, artist etc, it's just that her speaking voice is not the butch girl that I hear in her music. As far as the best performer is concerned, I would have to go with Phil Stacey. If you turned your head during the song "Every Breath You Take" and just listened to the lyrics you would think it was Sting singing. I think he's a great performer, however I do think he needs to develop more of his own style. I think in most artists the style develops along the way, and he's got a good start!
The top 10 on American Idol were given the lovely Gwen Stefani as their mentor this week. For the most part they did her proud, with many of them doing great or okay.
Ryan Seacrest finally announced the theme, which was rather broad if you ask me. Because Gwen Stefani was the mentor it was all about No Doubt songs and the bands who inspired them. We were naturally treated to a "this is how awesome Gwen is" clip. In it Gwen said that the artists she likes aren't the big voices, but are more known for their personality and character. She also said that she is more invested in the show now and wants to know who wins.
First up was LaKisha Jones, who picked an uptempo song by Donna Summer - "Last Dance." Gwen said she was blown away by LaKisha and joked that she should ask LaKisha for advice. The performance was great. It was nice to see her do something uptempo and fun. She showed a lot of personality and great vocals too. Randy Jackson liked seeing her do an uptempo song. He also liked the boots. Paula Abdul said LaKisha did Donna Summer proud. Simon Cowell also loved the boots, and that LaKisha was 30 years younger this week.
Chris Sligh was given a fan question, he was asked how he spends his down time. Sligh said they don't get a lot but he likes to knit and crochet. Then he admitted he mostly just sleeps. He decided to perform "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by the Police. Gwen said he is great but he needs to work on watching his tempo. Naturally his tempo was off again when he performed. He is getting better vocally though. Randy thought the song choice was good but the biggest problem was the tempo as he was on a different pace than the band. Sligh agreed he was off, saying he was late with his choice. Paula thought it was nice vocally, but that Sligh needs to feel the beat. Simon said it was a mess and didn't think the song suited him. Then the music started playing and Simon objected that this wasn't the Oscars.
Gina Glocksen chose the perfect song for her voice according to Gwen. She picked "I'll Stand by you" by the Pretenders. This was honestly her best performance yet, vocally and emotionally. Randy loved the boots again, and said it was one of her best ever. He told her to believe and choose wise songs. Paula loves that she is improving each week. Simon told her it wasn't one of her best, it was her best. He told her that she has transformed herself over the last few weeks.
Sanjaya Malakar chose a No Doubt song, "Bath Water." Gwen felt bad for him, as he was forgetting words and the song is difficult. It was difficult, but hilarious again. The hair, the attitude, it was all just funny as hell. Randy was left speechless again, finally picking up on the hairdo. Then he said that Sanjaya can sing but he needs to put it out there. Paula told him to just go for it. Simon presumed there was no mirror in the dressing room. Sanjaya fired back that Simon was jealous that he couldn't pull it off. Simon told Sanjays that it doesn't really matter what they say, he's in his own little universe and if people like him then good luck.
Haley Scarnato chose one of Gwen's favorite songs. She started great on it according to Gwen but then started to add a different melody. Her performance of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" was pretty good overall, but a little pitchy. She was better last week. Randy told her it was alright as it was pitchy and it started rough. Paula told her that a beautiful song requires nothing other than singing the melody and being vulnerable. Simon told her it was sweet and forgettable. She needs to do better.
Phil Stacey was asked how it felt to go from an unknown to a big name in just a matter of weeks. He said that they really never notice it as they're very busy. He chose to do the Police's "Every Breath You Take." Gwen was pleasantly surprised by his voice. She told him to not do a lot extra but just stick the the melody. He took her advice and had his best performance yet as well. He has a very nice voice, which finally seemed to come back to him on this performance. Randy liked it saying it was 'kinda nice' because he didn't push it. Paula told him it was a good choice as it showed off the color and personality in his voice. Simon said it was very good, and a great song choice. It was the first time Simon felt Phil was taking the show seriously.
Melinda Doolittle blew everyone away, including Gwen with her choice of Heaven Knows by Donna Summer. It was uptempo and fun. She didn't stick to her usual Diva blow 'em away type of song. Randy told her that she looks at the words of the song and sings with feeling. Paula says she has charisma from the word go, and is fun and joyful. Simon didn't think this was the performance where she was the best, but it was still vocally outstanding. He added that he hated the outfit.
Blake Lewis chose "Love Song" by the Cure. Gwen told him to be careful where he sticks the beatboxing in. She was looking forward to seeing how he does with the band. Except for a few pitchy moments, it was pretty darn good. There was no beatboxing, which made me happy because I don't think it owuld have fit. Randy told him that he wasn't wild about the song choice, but Blake made the best of it. Paula loved that he was taking risks and being original. He makes the show hip and contemporary. Simon told him he is the strongest guy in the competition, but to be care of entering the "Chris Daughtry Zone"* see note at end*. He told him to not do his own thing all the time, as it gets boring.
Jordin Sparks chose to stay young and hip with "Hey Baby." Gwen was shocked at the choice, then that Jordin made it sound more musical than she thought it was. She also likes that Jordin is cute and refreshing. It wasn't her best vocal, but it was fun and cool. I loved it. Randy thought it was risky, but she could sing anything. He told her she could be a recording artist. Paula told her to celebrate the fact that she is young, hip, and adorable. Simon told her she is the most improved over the last few weeks, but that it was a bit copycat-ish.
Chris Richardson also chose a No Doubt song, "Don't Speak." Gwen was hoping he would just stick to the melody and not do the vocal olympics thing that that he usually does. She thought it would be beautiful if he would just focus on the feeling of the song. The performance was absolutely horrific, off pitch and full of that usual "I don't know why I hate his voice I just hate his voice" stuff. Randy thought it was interesting and liked Chris' flavor on the song. Paula told him he was good. I was ready to yell at the TV (okay, I actually had already paused and yelled at this point), when Simon finally gave me the answer I wanted. Simon wasn't crazy about the vocal, telling Chris he needs to pay more attention to the vocal. He did add that he liked the arrangement though.
My Middle:
