Home > American Idol > Archives > 2007 > April > 24 > Entry
‘Idol’ (finally) gives back
Were we watching a talent show or a telethon?
Both, it turns out.
Yes, this is the week that “American Idol” has been hyping all season long. The show that’s made boatloads of cash for Fox is finally getting around to doing something for the less fortunate.
Downer songs and startling video tours of troubled locales made for a pretty depressing hour. But with millions around the world set to benefit, we’re willing to forgive and forget.
Chris Richardson: “Change the World,” Eric Clapton. Somewhere in America it’s karaoke night at a really seedy bar. That’s where Chris should be — not on “Idol.” Seriously, he doesn’t even belong on the same stage as the rest of the bunch. Yet there he was — again — making us cringe. There’s not a single nice thing we can say about his performance — even after backing up the DVR and giving it a second look. Randy: “Tonight, for the first time in a really long time, you’re in it to win it. That was great, dude. That was really great.” Our grade: C-
Melinda Doolittle: “There Will Come a Day,” Faith Hill. Another slam dunk for Melinda. We’ve come to expect nothing less. Looked great. Sounded even better. Her continued evolution — from good to better to best — is exciting to watch. Paula: “Melinda, there’s no one like you. You’re magical, and you look beautiful.” Our grade: A+
Blake Lewis: “Imagine,” John Lennon. A very simple, straightforward performance. And it worked wonderfully. Sounded really amazing. Even gave us chills at one point. Simon: “I think the most important part was that you sang it with sincerity, so good.” Our grade: A-
LaKisha Jones: “I Believe,” Fantasia. Another scare from LaKisha. Seemed like she was phoning it in at first, but by the end we were sold. Is her heart really in this anymore? We sure don’t think so. To be a serious contender, LaKisha’s got to step things up. Pronto. Randy: “I don’t believe it was your best performance, but I did like it.” Our grade: B
Phil Stacey: “The Change,” Garth Brooks. Sticking with country after his success last week. That’s smart. Picking some random song most of us have never heard? Not so smart. Especially when it’s very, very vanilla. Nothing at all memorable about it. One (small) request: Wear a hat, Phil. Always. Paula: “I feel like you’ve really found your comfort. This was fantastic. This was your best.” Our grade: C+
Jordin Sparks: “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Patti LaBelle. A beautiful singer with a beautiful voice. She even made herself cry. Wow! That said, surely there was a better song she could have picked. Something a little less Broadway that’s more familiar to the “Idol” demographic. Simon: “I thought you were fantastic. I think you’d have a hit record with that.” Our grade: B+
So who’s next to go? Chris or Phil, we think, will be sent home Wednesday night. But, after last week’s surprise appearance in the bottom three, an early departure for LaKisha wouldn’t surprise us. What do you think? Let us know …
Comments
By E Martin
April 24, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
I find it very interesting they are pushing Jordin.Her Performance was good,not spectacular like they said.It was okay.I feel they are pushing her she will sell more records for them.Clearly,Melinda is the
polished one.Actually,like Chris last year it would be better for Melinda not to win.She will have more freedom as a artist.No matter what happens we all know Melinda will get a recording contract.Even Bucky got one. Lakisha or Chris R will be voted off this week I feel. Melinda’s My Funny Valentine is still far and away the best song on Idol I heard this year hands down.
By gdub
April 24, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
OK, I’m a sucker for Jordin’s song…but she was my favorite tonight…surely, SURELY, I’m not the only one who thought she was better than one-note Blake…or even Melinda (Gary’s scores)…
and if you’re looking at who could really be the next American Idol, let’s be real…as great as she is, Melinda comes across as about twice Jordin’s age, though I know that can’t be the case because of the age limit…I just think Jordin has a better chance of connecting with more if the Idol demo….but I’m sure I’ll buy both their albums…
By Carole
April 25, 2007 5:44 AM | Link to this
The most disturbing part about Idol Gives Back is the fact that it’s not made clear exactly who will be in charge of all the money raised to ensure it is given in the right amounts to the right locations. They stand to receive millions of dollars - so who is watching this money?
By David
April 25, 2007 6:22 AM | Link to this
I think it is a sure conclusion that this is a contest between Melinda and Jordin. Surprisingly, Phil has revived himself. I thought a couple of weeks ago he was gone. But the last two performances have moved him up from the bottom. I think the bottom this week will be Lakisha and Chris. Lakisha has a strong voice, but when you compare her with Melinda and Jordin, she doesn’t stand a chance. Blake is the favored male vocalist and will survive in the final three. Here is how I see it going down. This week: Lakisha. Next week Chris, then Phil….and a very, very close finish with Melinda coming out of top!
By Colette
April 25, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be nice to read “Exxon/Mobil finally gives back”, or any oil company for that matter!? Or, another good one, The Apprentice (finally) gives back, or Survivor, or Amazing Race. These are other shows that do well in the ratings. I applaud Idol for giving back. I think saying (finally) is an insult. At least they’re making a difference.
By Des
April 25, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
I think Phil should go. Chris is a really good singer.
By Ned Horsey
April 25, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Radar Online has discovered a pagan idol equivalent for each of the remaining American Idol contestants. (Could Phil Stacey really be the reincarnated God of the Undead?) Check out their godly powers at:
http://www.radaronline.com/features/2007/04/melindadoolittleamerican_idol.php
By JuJu
April 25, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
My picks for getting voted off this week are either Chris or LaKisha. I really, really don’t like either of them. For the life of me I can’t see why they praised Chris’s performance. He was bad. I like Phil slightly better than those two. They are pushing Jordin to win, so she probably will, and either Melinda or Blake will come in second.
By Mark
April 25, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
I agree, we should be happy they’re doing something to give back to the community instead of just pocketing all of the advertiser’s money. If the money raised doesn’t go where it should, the charities will let us know.
By Teri
April 25, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Jordin and Lakisha had a hard time hitting their notes - as in, they didn’t. I don’t get all the craziness for Jordin. She’s ok and last nite was probably her worst. Seriously, play it back if you DVR’d it and it was pretty awful. She squaked a lot. Lakisha, started out so powerful and now… Chris of course butchered his chances one more time. Phil and Blake actually sang well last nite. If I were to put money on it, Blake is a talented pop idol contender as far as package deals go. Melinda is the best singer, but current pop music will not welcome her. The rest may end up with some random label but not on the pop charts per se. A lot of talk about Fantasia last nite, what was that song and what the heck happened to her? I guess I didn’t follow that season much.
By Carolyn
April 25, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
I think Jordon should win. I also think Phil should sing Silect Lucidity by Queensryche. He reminds me of the lead singer.
By Liz Hoffmann
April 27, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
I’m concerned about Ryan Seacrest saying “most shocking” about someone who got the lowest votes.I think Blake is fantastic, but I worry. Also, how come they were playing Blake’s first song instrumentally when they were talking about raising money for charities? I think Blake will be super important to the music industry how ever it goes.But I still say:Go Blake. Do the best damndest upbeat song you can conjer up because Lizzie still thinks you can pull it off!!!!!!