American Idol isn't just a talent
competition, it's also the slowest televised makeover on television. How do they manage to makeover the
contestants sooooo slowly? They look better and better every week. And yet, it's not an extreme makeover. It's done so
gradually that you barely realize it's happening, but it's happening. A tweeze of the eyebrows here, a push-up bra
there. It's really amazing. I think they do it that way so you still recognize the contestants every week. Imagine if
they would have done Clay Aiken's makeover all at once? It would have felt like a fraud. It's better this way. Slow and
steady wins the race.
One person in need of a makeover is Ryan Seacrest.
I hate it when guys wear jeans with a jacket and tie. In my opinion, it's the suit equivalent of a mullet -- business on top, but party down below. It's just not right. If you're gonna dress up, then do it from head-to-toe, don't stop at the waist. But it was nice to see Paula sober this week, so big ups to her AA sponsor for actually picking up the phone when Paula needed her!
Mandisa- She was the stand-out of the night, by far. "I'm Every Woman" was a perfect song for her to sing and she hit it out of the park. Randy gave props to the arrangement, but I actually thought that the band slowed her down a bit and was slightly disruptive. But still, an amazing performance. Of course, the most awkward moment of the night came when she admitted to singing that song in the shower, and Ryan goes, "there must be quite a lot going on in that shower." Oops, did he just accidentally call a fat girl fat? I think he did. Now, in Ryan's defense, I know what he meant. He was talking about the acoustics, and he even tried to explain himself when he realized how it sounded. But it was too late, the damage was done. I know how the poor dude feels, I once hurt a transvestite's feelings by making an ill-timed joke about a breakfast burrito. Sometimes, you hurt people...purely by accident.
Kellie Pickler- Oh, why do we love Kellie so? Admit it, we love her. It's cause she's an airhead. She's Jessica Simpson and Ellie Mae Clampett rolled into one lovable blonde. Last week, it was the caaaa-laaa-maaa-ri. And this week, she's a mink...I mean minx...I mean...giggle giggle (whips blonde hair off forehead, bites fingernail for effect.) Kellie is just a few months away from starring in her own Pizza Hut commercial opposite Miss Piggy, starting a virginal love affair with a former boyband member...and then leaving him to hump one of the Jackass boys. I can't wait.
Paris- Did Paris bring it this week? No, she did not. I think she put on a great performance like she does every week, but she's just not showing us how well she can sing. She needs to show us what she's made off. And soon! Paula commented that "Conga" is a tricky song to sing, but I think she's out of her mind. I'm pretty sure I've seen a few people do "Conga" at karaoke and it sounded pretty close to the original. I don't think it's a great song to demonstrate one's voice talent. Paris is simply suffering from bad song choices. But I have to say that I love her fashion sense. At first, I didn't like how she always wore a long tank top over jeans, but then I went clothes shopping today. When you're trying on spring fashions and you haven't yet lost your winter flab, a long shirt is your friend. A high-five to Paris for teaching me the fine art of the waistline masquerade.
Lisa Tucker- Her hair looked great tonight. I like it curly, but she just looked stunning with it blown-out. But once again, bad song choice. She can't find an age appropriate song that shows off her voice. It really is frustrating. Simon made a crack that it looks like her mum is choosing her songs for her. I doubt it. Did you see her mom? She looks pretty young and hot. The only thing her mom is picking out is a new garter belt to go with her bustier. But I thought it was cool that Lisa can play the guitar. Maybe she can bring her guitar to the Mandisa & Taylor duet.
Ayla Brown- I didn't really like Ayla tonight. I don't think she was bad, but I think her song choice was too contemporary. I agree with the judges on that one. It didn't showcase her stellar voice, and I know she has one. And I also think that she shouldn't wear heels. She's a giant. She could give King Kong a piggyback ride. She really does dwarf Ryan, that's for sure. She could dwarf anybody. It takes a real man, with no height insecurities, to share a stage with her. I guess she won't be co-starring with Tom Cruise anytime soon.
Katharine McPhee- Who thought she was knocked up? I didn't think she was knocked up. Apparently, that was a West Coast rumor, cause it never made it to me on the East Coast. Well, the one good thing about the pregnancy rumor is that it allowed Idol writers to take another crack at poor Kevin Covais. Yup, stud muffin Kevin is the one that knocked her up. Ha ha ha, let's all laugh at what a sexless dork Kevin is. That routine is getting a little bit old, Seacrest. Kevin Covais stud muffin jokes are about as played out as Brokeback Mountain jokes. But potential nerd fetuses aside, I thought that Katharine did a great job tonight. She performed with confidence and it showed. But most importantly, it looked like she was having fun out there. I loved her little triumphant spin after the song. I think she'll make it to the final three. Hopefully, Katharine can "lay off" Kevin's sweet abs until then. Ha ha ha. (See...lame.)
Kinnik- I sort of feel sorry for Kinnik. She really blew it tonight. I like her though. You can tell that she is a sincere person and that she really wants this. But I just hated her performance tonight. It was a train wreck. At times, her voice was deep and then it went up too high, and it cracked all over the place. It was a vocal disaster. But the one thing that I really like about Kinnik is that she never argues with the judges. When she does poorly, she admits to it. And she takes it to heart. I really think that's a good example of character. I think that if I met Kinnik in the real world, I'd like her. And I might, cause I don't think she'll be in California much longer.
Melissa McGhee- I wasn't feeling this girl tonight or any other night for that matter. I think her voice is pretty good, but she just doesn't have that star factor. I don't love her or hate her. I'm just totally neutral to her, and that's not gonna get you votes.
My picks for elimination: Kinnik and Melissa McGhee
My vote: Mandisa
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3-08-2006 @ 9:55AM
Missy said...
I agree that Mandisa rocked it out! I have to disagree with Melissa McGhee being at the bottom though. I thought her song suited her perfectly. I would rather see Ayla go instead of Melissa because while Melissa is growing by leaps and bounds I think Ayla took a BIG step back this week. I am a realist though and think Ayla will stay and Melissa will go.
Did anyone else see them show Brandy in the audience during Paris' performance? Was she there with her family or just attending on her own? I think Paris is getting preferential treatment or something because she messed up her words near the beginning of her song and no one even mentioned it.
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3-08-2006 @ 10:08AM
Elliott said...
The star of the night was definately...
Lisa Tucker's Mom!!
All the hottness of Lisa, without the jailbait factor. The Tucker family may now be officially more perfect than Ayla's.
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3-08-2006 @ 10:21AM
kira said...
I agree with most of the comments, but did anyone notice that when Mandisa finished her performace all the girls were against the railing clapping and smiling....all except Katherine McPhee...she was alone on a couch pouting and not clapping....what was that all about? I like Katherine, but that made me wonder if she's not fond of the praise Mandisa got or is getting... have we found a Diva in our midst...or just not feeling well...I have Tivo and played this back several times...and it did appear that she was not happy about something... or maybe she is having morning sickness...LOL!
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3-08-2006 @ 11:09AM
Rachel said...
Oh my.. that was too funny. And on the money!
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3-08-2006 @ 11:11AM
Maria said...
I agree, with all your comments, and love the way you had honest humor to it.
Yes, Madisa is awesome and I love Kelly - I think Kinnick should def go,,, but I liked Melissa - However, the other girls DID do better than her. I'm not really feeling Paris anymore - And that was Brandy in the audience, wasn't it???
I feel really bad for Kevin (leave him alone already) and Simon was right on the money with his comments - He IS telling us what we are all thinking, so please Randy and Paula stop trying to comfort the contestants - In the real world this IS a competition and people ARE going to be HARSH - So, they better start getting used to it.
I agree with your comments about Paris - She IS great, but having a really rough time with song choices, poor kid, is just trying to find her way -
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3-08-2006 @ 11:13AM
mARIA said...
Oh,,, I meant to say I'm not feeling Lisa anymore - I LOVE PARIS
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3-08-2006 @ 11:28AM
sara green said...
if paris and lisa don't step up, no one will be feeling them...since the auditions, they havn't really done the bright lights; however, kelli is gaining strength each week, mandisa is fabulous and if katherine can find her nitch, she will be a force, her voice is way better than kelli; however, i feel that this year will be a guy winner, they are sooooo great. Chris, Ace, Elliot, Taylor, Geidion, i will be heart broken when any of my final eight are out...
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3-08-2006 @ 12:51PM
Brent said...
I don't mean to give a dose of reality to you guys and the show, but Mandisa will not sell CDs or be played on the radio. She will do worse than Fantasia. The females are not good this year. Melissa has the only potential to be successful of the females because of her character. But she cannot sing well.
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3-08-2006 @ 1:09PM
Carolle said...
The reason Katherine was not happy was because of Simon's terrible comment after Mandisa sang. He said something to the effect that Mandisa's was the only good performance of the night when Katherine had just finished a fantastic performance before that. I just did not understand Simon's comment on this (I am usually with Simon 99% of the time)and also wondering about his comment thinking he liked Kellie better than Carrie. What was that all about, probably in the moment about outgoing personality. After all, Simon was with Carrie ALL THE WAY last year. I feel Simon can make or break a performer and I sure hope he does not say anything tonight bad about Taylor Hicks, Taylor Hicks is the true epitome of our American Idol, and here's to Taylor, our next American Idol......Some people are soooo dense they just don't get it, his tobaggan is his own version of (top of the head and noggin), great thinking.
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3-08-2006 @ 1:29PM
niccomm said...
"I once hurt a transvestite's feelings by making an ill-timed joke about a breakfast burrito."
I'm probably sounding ignorant here, but can you tell me how a breakfast burrito joke would offend a transvestite? I'm not sure I get it.
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3-08-2006 @ 2:49PM
Romeo said...
I'm in love with Katharine. It's the whole package!!! Wow, she's got quite the booty!!! I love her. She's my "Every Woman"!!! Please send her to Toronto, Canada.
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3-08-2006 @ 2:51PM
Jill said...
I know that Mandisa can sing but the last two weeks I feel like she is just screaming her songs. Personally I really enjoyed Melissa and she has my vote.
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3-08-2006 @ 2:57PM
play games said...
I thought Simon's comment to Kelly Pickler about him liking her better than Carrie Underwood was very telling of her appeal to the audience. She's probably been the top vote getter so far amongst the girls. Mandisa was the best last night though, she can belt them out!
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3-08-2006 @ 3:25PM
NECOLE JARRETT said...
I have always been an Idol fan since day one,and these singers are ok.Mandisa definitely has my vote,but with the image,how far will America allow her to go? Kinnik is sweet,but she really messed up that Alicia Keys song,Paris is talented,reminds me a lot of a young Lauryn Hill,but she reminds me of a little old lady.The rest are just ok
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3-08-2006 @ 3:26PM
NECOLE JARRETT said...
I have always been an Idol fan since day one,and these singers are ok.Mandisa definitely has my vote,but with the image,how far will America allow her to go? Kinnik is sweet,but she really messed up that Alicia Keys song,Paris is talented,reminds me a lot of a young Lauryn Hill,but she reminds me of a little old lady.The rest are just ok
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3-08-2006 @ 6:35PM
Donna Wolosin said...
I really wish that we could vote for our choice on the internet. I can never get through on the phone lines. I think MANY more people would vote if they could just go to the website after the show. Does anyone else agree?
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3-08-2006 @ 8:26PM
shelley said...
I beg to differ with Brent. I believe Mandisa can sell records. Look at Kelli Price & Vesta. They were the bomb. I think that Mandisa is the next American Idol. If your wondering, no i'm not large. See me on blackplanet at Kllyshl.
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3-08-2006 @ 8:32PM
sarah said...
that katherine mcphee should win win americaN IDOL BECAUSE SHE PICKS THE WRITE SONGS AND SHE HAS A GOOD VOICE AND SHE IS REALLY BEUTIFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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3-08-2006 @ 9:29PM
DEBB said...
My daughter has been studying voice for 15 years and is now at a Consdervatory of Music ..I have been listening to amatuer singing competitions for every bit that long. Is everyone here deaf? I don't care how beautiful or cute Kelly Pickles is...and she is a pretty girl. Listen to her the next time instead of WATCHING her. The girl can carry a tune..and that is it. She can not sing. SHE CAN NOT SING. She is really playing up the dumb blonde act and it gets more annoying every week. I can not wait until she is sent home..and she will go home. Once the competition gets to where she can't PICKLER her own songs..she will go back to the country and eat "SOW-MAN AND CAL-A-MARI....puhleeez. The only real voice in the competition for the females truly is Mandesa. Her voice is flawless. She never misses a note and she is never flat. But alas, will America vote for one of their own...meaning an overweight woman? I hope so. Because she is awesome. Everyone else falls somewhere in between.
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3-08-2006 @ 11:32PM
casey said...
I have tried for the past three weeks to vote for both the guys and ladies with no luck. So...I'll place my votes here. Mandisa for the girls and this week, Chris for the guys. Overall I think the guys are stronger than the girls. Katherine did a great job tonight, but Mandisa has such power she just overwhelmed everyone else vocally. Mandisa..put out a recording..I'll buy it right now. Katherine has the "look" and when she's on she does well. And I agree with Debb about Kellie. I can't stand the "dumb" act...and hopefully it's an act! As far as the guys go..Ace needs to find another song like "Father Figure." He's been off for the past two weeks in my opinion and needs to find himself again. Between his voice when he's on and his appearance, he has a real good chance of winning it all. Chris has it rockin'. He really nailed it last week..right from the heart. Elliot's song didn't do his voice justice tonight but he is excellent. Taylor can belt it out...his movements are distracting to his performance. I'd love to hear him do some Bob Seger. Who goes this week? Kinnek and Melissa. Kevin and the kid that looks like Donny Osmond. (It's bad when you can't even remember their names!) Has anyone else noticed that Gedeon seems to have improved from week to week? Overall, as Simon mentioned, this is supposed to be a voice competition. If so, then so far Mandisa has it won. We'll all have to wait and see. And one more thing. Simon may be caustic, but he is right on when it comes to evaluating voice quality and star potential. As long as he is not cruelly derogatory, his criticism is valid. It is difficult to listen to the constant cheerleading from Paula and Randy. It seems that the contestants all wait for the "final word" and that comes from Simon. His flaw...he appears to have a "crush" on Kellie! Thank you for letting me "vote" with my opinion.
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