Well American Idol finally got an elimination right, sort of. While one of the Bottom Three was perhaps less deserving than someone else who should have landed there, the overall result tonight was expected and acceptable. But let's not skip to the ending just yet. We first have to find out how we got there!
First up was clearing up the confusion over Simon Cowell's eye rolling during Chris Richardson's mention of the Virginia Tech tragedy. Ryan Seacrest mentioned the debate in the media and by the fans over that look. Simon explained that after he and Chris got into that debate about singing through his nose. Then he talked to Paula Abdul and didn't hear Chris mention the victims. The look he gave was at Paula, not at Chris or the victims. Simon says that he might not be the nicest person in the world but he would never disrespect the families or the victims like that. He felt it necessary to set the record straight on that matter (and I for one am happy he did so). Then they played the clip, with picture in picture and full audio, showing Simon talking to Paula the whole time Ryan was talking to Chris. Simon was indeed talking about the nasally issue. Ryan joked that there is another show happening at the table every week. Paula said she constantly has to explain things to him. Randy Jackson said that Simon is hard of hearing. Ryan then said that everything would be less confusing if Simon did less talking and more listening.
We apparently will be regularly tortured by stupid fans in Hollywood until the end of the season. Just like last week, Ryan went out and talked to fans about what they thought of the show. At least they found smarter ones this time who could remember names. Still with no commercial break in sight, we went on to the group performance. The group performance featured the Idols singing "I'm Alright." Unlike some other group performances which were crappy, this one was very nice overall. The duet pairings sounded nice, with even Chris sounding good.
After a commercial break, we had the AI Challenge. Then we were treated to a clip featuring the Idols telling us what type of music they like to listen to. Melinda Doolittle has been listening to a lot of gospel lately. Sanjaya Malakar has been listening to country and blues. Blake Lewis is digging the new Incubus album, while Jordin Sparks loves Fergie. Chris Richardson likes Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, but said his favorite CD was Peter Noone, and Herman's Hermits. Phil Stacey had been listening to Willie Nelson. Last up was Lakisha Jones who likes Yolanda Adams.
Fergie performed "Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)" which surprised me. I hadn't heard the song before. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't her usual "I'm hot look at me" kind of crap. She's got a good voice I just wish she would use it for music that didn't have to constantly mention how sexy she is.
The Ford commercial was cute and weird all at the same time. I'm not really sure what it had to do with cars really, as it was a spy sort of thing. They sang "I Ran" while stealing a briefcase from each other. Eventually Sanjaya had the briefcase and opened it to find a set of keys to a lovely Ford car. Then we pimped Idol Gives Back, which happens next week. Among those showing up to speak, look good, or perform are Gwen, Pink, Earth Wind and Fire, Il Divo, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson. They also said there will be a duet with two of the biggest stars in history. I think it will be Michael Jackson and someone (Paul McCartney! that's my guess).
Ryan divided the Idols into two groups. Sanjaya, Lakisha, and Blake were in one group. Phil, Jordin, and Chris were in another. Then Ryan told Melinda she was safe (which we all knew already). Then he told her to go stand with the group she thought was safe. She wasn't about to pick though, and just sat down in the middle of the two groups. Ryan told her to slide over to the group with Phil, Jordin, and Chris as they were all safe.
Randy thought it was crazy that Blake was up there. Blake was surprised as well. Paula told them they should all be proud, but she understands why two of them are there. Simon, who Ryan said was grinning from ear to ear, said he was beginning to sense something. Then we saw a clip of the Idols going to a preview of Shrek the Third. They were given a tour of Dreamworks and were surprised by Antonio Banderas as they were practicing doing lines from the movie. Antonio and his family were at the show as well. He joked that he voted 7 times last night.
Finally Martina McBride came out to perform. She sang "Do It Anyway." Afterwards her daughter came up onstage, and stole the show. She's really cute and kept answering questions for her mom. Finally Martina was able to talk when Ryan asked her who would be leaving. Martina said she couldn't make that decision, America already made it. Then she stole Ryan's line and said they would find out who after the break.
Then we were down to the elimination. Blake was the first to be safe. Then we found out that Sanjaya would finally be going home. He was crying as he watched his clip, I think they were happy tears though. He also had fun singing his song one more time, changing the lyrics to talk about his hair instead. Over on the side, Melinda had to comfort Lakisha, as she was rather upset.
I have to first of all congratulate Chris. Despite his terrible performance, he managed to pimp his way out of a hole. Blake didn't deserve to be in the bottom, Chris did. Oh well, I suppose it is a competition after all, so anything goes. I am sad to see Sanjaya go though. Sure he wasn't the strongest singer, but he was definitely fun. It was his time finally though. I thought he would have managed to stay a couple more weeks. Oh, and as for VFTW, I suggest you switch over to Chris as he's definitely the weakest singer left in the competition. Any of the others would make decent Idols - even Phil.
YESSSSS! There is a God!!! Ding Dong, the Sanjaya is gone! I really thought he'd hang on a few more weeks. I haven't been this happy since Kellie Pickler got voted off!
The only surprise tonight was that Blake was in the Bottom Three instead of Chris.
Random thoughts -
I was pleasantly surprised by Fergie. She does have a very good voice. My husband's reaction: "WTF is Fergie doing on Country week?"
I'm not a fan of Country music, but I LOVE Martina McBride. Her "Crossroads" with Pat Benatar was a classic. If you haven't heard how she got her start...her husband was one of the people working on the tour for Garth Brooks. One particularly hot day, they had to haul ice to pack around the equipment to keep it from catching fire. Martina was the main person hauling ice, and Garth noticed. When Garth was in need of an opening act, Martina's husband asked if she could do it. Garth remembered Martina hauling ice and said "yes". To quote Garth, Martina made him look like a genius when, in fact, he'd never heard her sing.
Although Ryan didn't announce her, Fox was advertising Celine Dion for the show next week. My guess is that she'll be doing a duet with someone. McCartney would make me very happy.
I agree that it is a TALENT competition, not a personality contest. All of the past winners deserved their win, along with those who have become well known in the business. How one person could stay for so long with out the vocal talet needed is a shame. I am beginning to think that Idol has reached it's end.
Guest said: I agree that it is a TALENT competition, not a personality contest. All of the past winners deserved their win, along with those who have become well known in the business. How one person could stay for so long with out the vocal talet needed is a shame. I am beginning to think that Idol has reached it's end.
People have short memories. Idol is littered with bad singers making the Top rounds including Kellie Pickler (Season Five), Scott Savol (Season Four) , and Jasmine Trias (Season Three). Scott Savol was almost as reviled as Sanjaya, and he made it even further in the contest.
Apparently, the producers of AI are still worried that Simon's "explanation" of the eye roll was not convincing enough, so they booked a "goodwill tour" between now and Tuesday.
Thursday: Passing out cokes and hotdogs at the Burbank "Special Olympics" with Michael Richards and Don Imus.
Friday: Explanaing his story again to the Rev. Al on Sharpton's radio show.
Saturday: Attends Sabbath services with Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Sunday: Sponsors an orphange to see "Disturbia".
Monday: Beats up three nuns to get into the mood for Tuesday night.
Guest said: Apparently, the producers of AI are still worried that Simon's "explanation" of the eye roll was not convincing enough, so they booked a "goodwill tour" between now and Tuesday.
Was worried about KiKi...Her song choice was so off...she has a different set of powerhouse vocals than Carrie..thats a hard song to sing. She should have wailed on some Wynonna--why hasn't anyone sang a Wynonna song on AI in all these years?? She has some great cross over tunes.
Blake--my man...I voted and voted some more , still NO.1 Come on people, lets step it up for Blake...at lease to top 2-3. Might not be good for him to win, but he needs to go farther!
At last ................. now AI can go on in peace.
Sanjaya had a great run , from the top 24 to the top 7 !!
Sad to see that Chris was not in the bottom 3. Well , I don't expect America to get 2 things right !!! He got the GAGA votes along with the " I'm from Virginia and vote for me please 'cause I knew people from Virginia Tech !" sympathy votes.
So top 6 now will perform with the big league next week .................... COOL !!!! Now we can hear Chris purposely sing nasily ! WOW !!!!!!!!!!!
Was Lakisha crying happy tears ; that she was soooooooooooooo relieved to not be leaving that she just bawled ! Or did she really miss Sanjaya ? Very confused !
Actually was expecting Blake to be in the bottom 3. He does not give a WOW performance ! And he's stopped beat-boxing ! Only time will now tell as to who will take home the coveted title of American Idol 2007 .................................................. oooooooooo .
I liked the kid. She was cute !
Fergie was ,a change, not shaking her body and humping the guy next to her ! And she sang really well. She has a great voice , she just needs to make her song " movies " less ...................uh.................. flesh and *( not that I'm saying I hate her songs ..... they are usually quite good ). oh , I wish Black-eyed peas had another album !!!!!!!!
All the best to Sanjaya and family !!!! Will miss hearing about you and talking about you on sites like this ( hehehe).
zayralover said: Was Lakisha crying happy tears ; that she was soooooooooooooo relieved to not be leaving that she just bawled ! Or did she really miss Sanjaya ? Very confused !
No! She was really sad, because Sanjaya and Kiki formed a very strong bond and they were the best of friends. Producers of AI were really puzzled by their unique bond, where Kiki had become a sort of friend, philosopher & guide to Sanjaya. I think in a way Sanjaya must be glad that he left instead of Kiki. I dont think he would have survived her elimination at his expense!
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
finally america got it right no suprises there sanjaya
is absolutley terrible.I was surprise that blake is in the
bottom 3.I am glad that phil survive because of his great
performance i am realived that lakisha survive the elimination.
Sad ............................ I wish AI kicked both Chris and Sanjaya out together ......... I would have loved to see Chris give a mouthful at Simon , proving once again the a_s that he is ..........
Nice to know that Kiki and Sanjaya had a strong bond .......... perhaps in the finale, Sanjaya and Kiki will perform together ...........
This show is going to suck now that Sanjaya has gone. Sanjaya and VFTW had become bigger than the show and the powers that be couldn't have that. Especially with the big "charity" week coming up.
When did Fergie take over as the lead for the Dixie Chicks? She eerily look a little too much like Natalie Maines last night.
At one point, I was waiting for Dionne Warwick and Rex Smith to introduce the Solid Gold dancers. I am not liking this American Idol Variety Hour at all.
It is sad that Simon does not pay attention to the singers' comments on the show. Sadder yet is that he needs Paula to provide commentary for him. Yikes!
Buh-bye Sanjaya. I am sure you will be a great singer in a few years, but your youth exposed your inexperience.
Well, I hope that Sanjaya has no major negative effects on his life from all this. He is a young man after all, and his self perception is still very malleable. I know he seemed kind of flip about all this but, the whimsical fancy of the public can be very cruel. Hopefully he will have a scrapbook for his grand children and have a good life. Will
No, I am not getting soft. LOL
I think last night is the first time I have ever sensed fear from Simon. I'm glad he had the videotape of him talking to Paula.
edit: Will - 2007-04-19 10:59:59 GMT - edit: Will - 2007-04-19 11:33:49 GMT -
Well American Idol finally got an elimination right, sort of. While one of the Bottom Three was perhaps less deserving than someone else who should have landed there, the overall result tonight was expected and acceptable. But let's not skip to the ending just yet. We first have to find out how we got there!
First up was clearing up the confusion over Simon Cowell's eye rolling during Chris Richardson's mention of the Virginia Tech tragedy. Ryan Seacrest mentioned the debate in the media and by the fans over that look. Simon explained that after he and Chris got into that debate about singing through his nose. Then he talked to Paula Abdul and didn't hear Chris mention the victims. The look he gave was at Paula, not at Chris or the victims. Simon says that he might not be the nicest person in the world but he would never disrespect the families or the victims like that. He felt it necessary to set the record straight on that matter (and I for one am happy he did so). Then they played the clip, with picture in picture and full audio, showing Simon talking to Paula the whole time Ryan was talking to Chris. Simon was indeed talking about the nasally issue. Ryan joked that there is another show happening at the table every week. Paula said she constantly has to explain things to him. Randy Jackson said that Simon is hard of hearing. Ryan then said that everything would be less confusing if Simon did less talking and more listening.
After a commercial break, we had the AI Challenge. Then we were treated to a clip featuring the Idols telling us what type of music they like to listen to. Melinda Doolittle has been listening to a lot of gospel lately. Sanjaya Malakar has been listening to country and blues. Blake Lewis is digging the new Incubus album, while Jordin Sparks loves Fergie. Chris Richardson likes Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, but said his favorite CD was Peter Noone, and Herman's Hermits. Phil Stacey had been listening to Willie Nelson. Last up was Lakisha Jones who likes Yolanda Adams.
Fergie performed "Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)" which surprised me. I hadn't heard the song before. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't her usual "I'm hot look at me" kind of crap. She's got a good voice I just wish she would use it for music that didn't have to constantly mention how sexy she is.
The Ford commercial was cute and weird all at the same time. I'm not really sure what it had to do with cars really, as it was a spy sort of thing. They sang "I Ran" while stealing a briefcase from each other. Eventually Sanjaya had the briefcase and opened it to find a set of keys to a lovely Ford car. Then we pimped Idol Gives Back, which happens next week. Among those showing up to speak, look good, or perform are Gwen, Pink, Earth Wind and Fire, Il Divo, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson. They also said there will be a duet with two of the biggest stars in history. I think it will be Michael Jackson and someone (Paul McCartney! that's my guess).
Ryan divided the Idols into two groups. Sanjaya, Lakisha, and Blake were in one group. Phil, Jordin, and Chris were in another. Then Ryan told Melinda she was safe (which we all knew already). Then he told her to go stand with the group she thought was safe. She wasn't about to pick though, and just sat down in the middle of the two groups. Ryan told her to slide over to the group with Phil, Jordin, and Chris as they were all safe.
Randy thought it was crazy that Blake was up there. Blake was surprised as well. Paula told them they should all be proud, but she understands why two of them are there. Simon, who Ryan said was grinning from ear to ear, said he was beginning to sense something. Then we saw a clip of the Idols going to a preview of Shrek the Third. They were given a tour of Dreamworks and were surprised by Antonio Banderas as they were practicing doing lines from the movie. Antonio and his family were at the show as well. He joked that he voted 7 times last night.
Finally Martina McBride came out to perform. She sang "Do It Anyway." Afterwards her daughter came up onstage, and stole the show. She's really cute and kept answering questions for her mom. Finally Martina was able to talk when Ryan asked her who would be leaving. Martina said she couldn't make that decision, America already made it. Then she stole Ryan's line and said they would find out who after the break.
Then we were down to the elimination. Blake was the first to be safe. Then we found out that Sanjaya would finally be going home. He was crying as he watched his clip, I think they were happy tears though. He also had fun singing his song one more time, changing the lyrics to talk about his hair instead. Over on the side, Melinda had to comfort Lakisha, as she was rather upset.
I have to first of all congratulate Chris. Despite his terrible performance, he managed to pimp his way out of a hole. Blake didn't deserve to be in the bottom, Chris did. Oh well, I suppose it is a competition after all, so anything goes. I am sad to see Sanjaya go though. Sure he wasn't the strongest singer, but he was definitely fun. It was his time finally though. I thought he would have managed to stay a couple more weeks. Oh, and as for VFTW, I suggest you switch over to Chris as he's definitely the weakest singer left in the competition. Any of the others would make decent Idols - even Phil.
