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Idols are ‘Stayin’ Alive’ … barely
What a freakin’ mess.
Who in the world thought it was a good idea to have a Bee Gees night on “American Idol”? (Click here for video.)
Making matters worse: Each contestant “treated” us to two performances. Gag!
Round 1
Melinda Doolittle: “Love You Inside and Out.” Let’s be honest: It’s not that great of a song to begin with. But Melinda tried her darnedest to make something of it. For that, we give her credit. The performance was solid, but not that memorable. This late in the game, that’s not good. Not good at all. Simon: “You are better than that.” Our grade: B
Blake Lewis: “You Should Be Dancing.” Gender-bending, anyone? We’re pretty sure that freaky, high-pitched voice — which we’ve never heard before and will, hopefully, never hear again — shattered a glass or two. Possibly even a plasma TV. Blake looked like he was having a ton of fun but we just weren’t digging it. Even with the addition of a smidge of beat boxing. Randy: “Sometimes when you do the beat boxing, it works. Tonight it didn’t work. That song didn’t need any of that.” Our grade: B-
LaKisha Jones: “Stayin’ Alive.” This is the song everyone should’ve fought to sing. LaKisha was smart to pick it. Loved how she worked the stage. Performance oozed attitude. This is the LaKisha we know and love from earlier this season. You go, girl. Simon: “The performance was verging on scary in parts.” Our grade: A
Jordin Sparks: “To Love Somebody.” The good: Jordin looks stunningly beautiful tonight. The bad: Her performance, like the others so far, lacks that certain something. Very subdued — and very vanilla. Randy: “Jordin, so far you’re winning tonight. You’re in it to win it.” Our grade: B+
Round 2
Melinda Doolittle: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” A few moments that made us smile but, again, quite bland overall. Vocals were — and always are — flawless. Melinda has nailed every single performance all season long. Tonight, however, has been rough. Randy: “You’re our resident pro. You know you’ve got it going on.” Our grade: B+
Blake Lewis: “This is Where I Came In.” We’re pretty sure that’s the only sweater Blake owns. Maybe he can afford another one if he wins. Lots of energy. A great voice. But it’s an obscure song — for a reason. Even Barry Gibb was surprised Blake picked it. Paula: “Blake you are the contemporary rebel in this competition. I don’t know that song, but I do know I enjoyed you singing it.” Our grade: A-
LaKisha Jones: “Run to Me.” It appears the producers — and contestants — have forgotten “Idol’s” target demographic. These songs may go over well at this weekend’s VFW dance, but teens, 20- and 30-somethings aren’t about to rush out and pick up a Bee Gees CD. Instead of getting us up on our feet, LaKisha and others are putting us to sleep. A slight case of puberty voice near the end made things mildly interesting. Simon: “It was better than the first song, but it still wasn’t great.” Our grade: B
Jordin Sparks: “A Woman in Love.” The night’s best performance — but that’s not saying much. Great looks, great voice. Still, we’ve seen better from her. Simon: “I thought it was old-fashioned and very pageanty. You’re 17, Jordin!” Our grade: A
Honestly, we have no idea which “Idol” America will boot based on these performances. They were incredibly horrid for this late in the season. But we continue to believe LaKisha is the weakest of the remaining four, so our money’s on her. Disagree? Let us know. And be sure to vote in our poll.
And a quick note to Barry: Lay off the man-tan. Seriously, you look ridiculous.
Comments
By Maisie Mahler
May 8, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
A lesson in how to murder the BeeGees music. Blake’s style was once interesting and different but now it feels like boring beat box Blake. Does it have to be every song he does? “This is where I came” in has nice melody but his version was monotonous. Lakisha has a good strong voice but her renditions tonight seemed all over the map. Melinda is consistently good and controlled, I’d like to see her really let loose. She would probably knock every one else out of the ball park. Jordin strained a bit on the last song but she is a real talent. I think Blake should be booted, but I think Lakisha will go home instead. Remember Mandisa. It should be Jordin and Melinda in the finals. As for the man tan who cares, he is Barry Gibb.
By Maria
May 9, 2007 6:55 AM | Link to this
Melinda Doolittle needs to go. She acts so fake, not to mention her make-up makes her look like she is made out of wax.
By Suzie
May 9, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
Blake is B-b-b-b-boring! And the boy can’t dance worth a d-d-d-damn!
By Single Mom
May 9, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
BLAKE….Love you!!!!! I only watch American Idol because of him. Everyone else is boring! When Blake has a CD out I will be the first too buy it!
By Brocktoon
May 9, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Wow.
You call it “a freaking mess” and “incredibly horrid,” but the lowest grade you give any contestant a B-minus? Seriously?
Either your rate-o-meter or your hyperbole-generator is broken, my friend. I suggest you have the rate-o-meter checked first because, you’re right, this was one freaking mess.
May I suggest the following …
ROUND ONE: Melinda Doolittle: “Love You Inside and Out.” My Grade: B- Blake Lewis: “You Should Be Dancing.” My Grade: D LaKisha Jones: “Stayin’ Alive.” My Grade: C Jordin Sparks: “To Love Somebody.” My Grade: B
ROUND TWO: Melinda Doolittle: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” My Grade: B+ Blake Lewis: “This is Where I Came In.” My Grade: D+ LaKisha Jones: “Run to Me.” My Grade: C Jordin Sparks: “A Woman in Love.” My Grade: B
SHOULD GO? Blake WILL GO? Lakisha
By The Other Keith
May 9, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Man, it was bad enough for them to have to relate to Bon Jovi but to have to reach all the way back to the BeeGee’s is ridiculous!
Barry Gibb looked OLD, bummer!!! Wait a minute, he IS old!!!
Lakisha has always been a favorite for me mainly because she seems to be the underdog. She’s got talent, as all of them do but even I have to agree that it is time for her to go home. Blake will be next.
By Stephanie
May 9, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
I would love to see Aretha Franklin night on American Idol. It would be interesting to see how she would mentor the remaining idols because she is STILL the Queen of Soul!! Although he is no longer with us, I would love to see Luther Vandross night on Idol.
As for who I think is going home tonight?? Sorry to say it, but Lakeisha may be leaving us. Blake SHOULD be going, but Lakeisha just has not had the WOW factor lately. She shouldn’t worry, though. No matter what, she will still get a major recording contract.
By bess
May 11, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Malinda is tremendous. I don’t know why all the fanfare about Blake. He cannot sing.In fact none of the men should have made the top 12.Jordan is good but she looks too old and on the flip side LaKisha will be out becaue how she looks. She actually has a great voice.