(S06E15) Ryan tells us that the guys had an "incredible show" Tuesday night. Hold on a minute, Ryan, back up. Sure the boys were better than the week before, but I certainly wouldn't call their show "incredible." To quote Randy Jackson, "It was just ahright."Besides, after tonight's Top 10 Ladies show, I'm more convinced than ever that this year's American Idol will be one of our fine ladies. I also think that it's going to be a tight race to the top between our lovely divas -- Lakisha, Melinda, Jordin, Stephanie, and Sabrina.
But tomorrow two unlucky ladies will be going home. Who will it be?
ANTONELLA, ALAINA, LESLIE, AND HALEY. I think these four are all vulnerable after tonight's performances. Listen, they're all gorgeous (as Paula keeps pointing out) and seem like nice people. And they have decent voices. Unfortunately, they're simply not in the same league as Lakisha, Melinda, Jordin, Stephanie, and Sabrina. And we could speed this competition up and send all four of them home right now as far as I'm concerned. Because I have my Top 6.
1. GINA dedicates her song to her boyfriend, Joe. She sings Heart's "Alone," in a tight, shiny red dress that matches the red highlights in her hair. It's a POSITIVE REVIEW from all. They agree it's a good song choice for Gina, although Simon thought the vocals were forced at the end. Simon also is confused about Gina's identity. He says she seemed edgier when they first put her through. I agree and I didn't think this song was all that rocking or edgy. I thought it was another safe, slow song like last week's choice. I also thought the background singer was too loud, and overpowering. But I think Gina is popular and will most likely stick around for the Top 6.
2. ALAINA sings the Dixie Chicks, "Not Ready To Make Nice," and dedicates it to her mom. It's a NEGATIVE REVIEW. Randy says it started good, but it was a mess. Paula agrees the pitch was off, but not as bad as Randy says. Simon says: "It was like Randy taking part in a 100 meter sprint, i.e. three-quarters of the way through the race he would run out of steam." Paula and Randy tell her she looks amazing. But cute ain't gonna cut it at this point. To me, she did better than I thought she'd do. But that's only because I had low expectations going in.
3. LAKISHA dedicates her song to her grandmother, who LUVs Ryan Seacrest. Lakisha sings Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia," in a short skirt, and bright orange top. It's a POSITIVE REVIEW from all. Randy calls it hot, Paula loves it and loves Lakisha. Simon calls her "a phenomenally good singer" but doesn't think it was as good as last week. He tells her that she has to start acting "like a big star." Fashion-wise, Simon also didn't like Lakisha's outfit, finding it too colorful and distracting. I agree Lakisha wasn't as good as last week, but that's only because she's set the bar so darn high.
4. MELINDA sings a classic, "My Funny Valentine" and dedicates it to her two closest friends, a stylist and vocal coach, whom she calls "Gayles to her Oprah." She gets a POSITIVE REVIEW (the best of the night). Randy calls it "unbelievable...the one to beat." Simon says, "THAT was incredible...without question, the best vocal we've had throughout the competition...you don't know how good you are." I like Melinda too, but was surprised that Simon didn't call her performance "old-fashioned." You can't find one thing wrong with her vocals. But is she hip enough to connect with the younger viewers?
5. ANTONELLA dedicates her song to her brother, Vincenzo, a musician who inspires her. She picks the Celine Dion song, "Because You Loved Me," and right off you have to wonder "what the hell is she thinking?" There's no way she's going to come close to Celine's vocals, and Randy is going to hate her for even trying to sing a song written by Diane Warren. As expected she gets a NEGATIVE REVIEW. Randy says the song was "way too big" for her. Paula says Antonella made leaps and bounds from last week, but doesn't give any real comments about tonight's performance. Simon thought she was even "worst than last week."
Antonella snaps back, that she isn't going to listen to Simon because he was "wrong about Jennifer Hudson." Simon corrects Antonella, pointing out once again that the judges picked Jennifer for American Idol, and America DIDN'T VOTE for her. Simon says the public could disagree with him again, and vote to keep Antonella on Idol. With a little help from Vote for the Worst, I'm sure she'll be back (along with more wet T-shirt photos on the internet).
6. JORDIN also dedicates her song to her brother. She sings "Reflection," the Christina Aquilera song from the movie, Mulan. The piece makes her very emotional and she cries afterwards. She gets a POSITIVE REVIEW. Randy said it had some pitchy problems, but was "really good." Paula calls her "infectious...a brilliant, talented girl" who will be around a long time. Simon agrees it wasn't her best, but compared to other people, it was "excellent." He thinks she has "massive potential."
Hey, Ryan looks like a munchkin standing next to Jordin. How tall is she? Or how short is he?
7. STEPHANIE sings Beyonce's "Dangerously in Love" and dedicates her performance to her mom and dad who encouraged her to audition for Idol. It's a MIXED REVIEW. Randy says she looks hot, but thinks it was too "Beyonce-like." Paula disagrees, calling Stephanie "fantastic," and "brilliant." Simon agrees with Paula, calling it a "terrific performance." I actually thought she did sound a lot like Beyonce, but in a good way. Still, I get what Randy is saying about the contestants being themselves, and not copying other singers. Either way, I like Stephanie and think she's one of the best.
8. LESLIE dedicates her song to her deceased Grandpa Bob. She sings "Feeling Good." I think it's an odd song choice considering we just heard AJ sing it Tuesday night. She does her own thing with it, even throwing in some scatting. It's a MIXED REVIEW. Randy thought it was pitchy, but liked her a cappella beginning. Paula loved it. Simon says the "bit at the end" (the scatting) sounded like Paula talking. But joking aside, Simon thinks that Leslie is doing her best, but is getting lost in the competition. I thought she showed some originality, and I definitely liked her better than last week. But I agree, she's probably in the bottom two or three.
9. HALEY sings a more upbeat song this week, Whitney Houston's "Queen of the Night," dedicated to her fiance. She gets a NEGATIVE REVIEW. Randy says it wasn't great. Paula calls it "leaps and bounds better than last week," but doesn't say anything specific about tonight's performance. Simon gives her an "A for effort," but called it a bit manic. He also thinks she's one of the vulnerable girls tonight. And I have to agree. I think this might be the end of the line for Haley.
10. SABRINA dedicates her performance to her 86-year-old Grammy. She sings "All the Man That I Need," also a Whitney Houston song. And she shows Haley how it's done. It's a MIXED REVIEW, mostly positive with some minor complaints. Randy loves her big voice, but thought she had pitch problems. Paula loves her, calls her a "big contender." Simon says "very good" but accuses her of shouting and says he preferred her last week. Still he thinks she's good enough to be back next week. I think she'll be back for several weeks.
Tomorrow: LIVE RESULTS SHOW (8- 9 PM ET) -- Kellie Pickler performs live. And two guys and two ladies say goodbye.
Leave a comment and tell me who you think is safe and who's going home. And don't forget to go over to AOL TV, and Rank the Girls.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
2-28-2007 @ 11:19PM
Jon said...
Who's Melissa?
Reply
2-28-2007 @ 11:40PM
Lindsey D said...
My mom said I could post tonight! Were'nt the girls awesome!!! I thikn Jordin is my favorite. To read more about them follow the yellow brick link to Linda Sharp's recap! http://dontgetmestarted-lindasharp.typepad.com/
GO JORDIN!!!!!
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2-28-2007 @ 11:41PM
Liz Finn-Arnold said...
Thanks Jon for the pointing out my mistake. I've gone ahead and already corrected it. These things happen when you rush to get lengthy recaps published ASAP without proofreaders.
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2-28-2007 @ 11:49PM
Jim said...
We all know six guys will be in the final 12. Two weeks into the competition, though, it's hard to imagine just one guy making the final six. The black women are dominating this competition.
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2-28-2007 @ 11:52PM
Susan said...
Am I the only one who thinks that Antonella sings with a Jersey accent? It's hideous!
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2-28-2007 @ 11:51PM
Jackie said...
I think your four chosen are the ones most likely to go. If Antonella stays in it, it'll be the Internet photos votes. In my review, I suggested that the other 18 contestants in the show should give up now and we should have Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones entertain us for the next several weeks.
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3-01-2007 @ 12:21AM
Miranda said...
To answer the recapper's question, Ryan Seacrest is 5'8". Which means Sundance, who stands a full head shorter than Ryan, has to be like 5'2".
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3-01-2007 @ 12:50AM
Pam said...
Hey there - last year Ryan ran a live chat on AIM during every American Idol show. Ryan's was fun...everyone just having a nice time watching together. Does anyone know if there is a similar live chat during Idol this year? (one that isnt a chat room full of rude people - Ryan's was great.) Thanks!
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3-01-2007 @ 1:01AM
Nalgae said...
The best part of the show was Ryan calling Simon a sorbet. He called Simon a fruit on live television. Jerk that he is, I laughed out loud at that.
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3-01-2007 @ 2:57AM
ADELE said...
Great show tonight ! I totally agree with your choices for the bottom four...however I think that it is time for leslie and Alaina to leave - they are just not as talented or entertaining as the other 8 women are.....also add Sabrina to that list of the final three because she can really SING ...WOW !
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3-01-2007 @ 12:05PM
Jeff N. said...
Why did the judges pick Antonella to be in the top 24? I haven't heard sing well yet? Melinda Dolittle was really good tonight. She sang like a Pro.
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3-01-2007 @ 4:52AM
justThinking said...
you know who else was old fashion? taylor hicks.
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3-01-2007 @ 6:55AM
Atncgirl said...
I thought the girls did great last night but I'm already becoming bored with the "I can sing the highest note or hold it the longest" competition that seems to be going on. It's great they have shown us they can do that but I'm ready to hear some good ole' singing and entertaining now. I think Simon was right....They are really hitting the borderline of screaming.
Melinda was my favorite tonight. As for her not appealing to the "young" crowd, please keep in mind that the "older" crowd is watching and voting too. We still buy music also. As a matter of fact...I really think they should raise the age limit on AI. They are missing out on some great new talent out there.
I really enjoyed Haley's performance of "Queen Of The Night". Was shocked when she got such negative comments from the judges. Hope she gets through this week. I didn't think Lakisha was as good this week as last week...she was really all over the place in the beginning of the song but straightened it out nicely.
I think you are right with the top 6 girls but I wouldn't be surprised to see Antonella make it. Even local news is picking up her story so she's getting loads of publicity. Sad but true.
Will be interesting to see who goes home this week.
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3-01-2007 @ 7:50AM
melinda (not that one) said...
This was the first time I'd seen the girls sing . . the boys were so boring and uninspired last week that I didn't even bother watching the girls. In fact I figured this was one Idol season that was going to go on without me. But this week I was back in front of the TV to give the guys a second chance, and since they picked it up I decided to give the girls a chance too. So here's the deal: I had (of course) heard all the hype about Lakisha and had really high expectations for her performance last night. Guess what . . I was disappointed. Yeah, she was pretty good, but not the phenom everyone was making her out to be. Melinda on the other hand was amazing. Based on last night's performances I think she's far and away the best performer in the competition this year, definitely the one to beat, and I don't think there's a soul here this year who has an ice cube's chance of coming even close. As she was singing I thought she was so professional that I couldn't believe she wasn't already a signed and successful singer. I have a top six picked out for the guys (actually a top four--Chris, Chris, Blake, and Sundance--I don't care who the other two wind up being) and I agree that Stephanie, Jordin, and I guess Sabrina and Gina are the ones who will probably join Melinda and Lakisha in the top six girls . . but as far as I am concerned, this competition is already over.
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3-01-2007 @ 8:18AM
Kevin said...
2007 Idol A Ladies Year for sure.. I think it will come down to my top six picks in no particular order. Doolittle, Jones, Sparks, Edwards, Glocksen and Sloan. The guys should already know they have no chance this year.. so just have some fun being there. By the way, Randy is so caught up with this "Pitch" thing and Simon is right about every singer. Paula is the buffer in between, she likes everybody..except Simon!
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3-01-2007 @ 8:30AM
Jennifer said...
I still cant believe Antonella is even there.That is not a role model for our children regardless of her voice(aweful voice).Just look at the snobby looks she was giving while Randy was talking.I dont think she is a nice person at all.Does anyone remember what they did to Bailey?I think she put the pictures on herself for people to feel sorry for her and vote for her god knows her singing wont get her anywhere.Melinda,Lakisha and sabrina are amazing!!!
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3-01-2007 @ 8:35AM
jadasmom said...
No doubt about it, Lakeisha and Melinda are favorites on mine. The remaing four are Stephanie, Sabrina, Jordin and Gina...... I know there will have to be 6 guys; however not any of them are standing out to me right now. For sure we will have a girl idol.
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3-01-2007 @ 8:34AM
Sonny said...
It's funny how things change from week to week. It seems that many viewers think the singers are only as good as their last performance. Last week most people said Lakisha was the front-runner, and now Melinda's stolen the crown. Well, I love Melinda too and for sure she's the most professional, but this show isn't about professionalism. If it was, Antonella and Sanjaya (and several others) wouldn't be there. If there was a singer that combined Antonella's looks with Melinda's voice and humility, now THAT would be a lock. All in all, it's a better contest precisely because nobody truly has it all, in terms of voice + looks + personality.
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3-01-2007 @ 8:46AM
Preston said...
The performances from the girls were just as good as last week. I loved Stephanie's version of Beyonce's Dangerously In Love. And LaKisha's take of the Gladys Knight and the Pips hit was wonderful. Melinda still sounds great. Jordin was another surprise. I don't think that Antonella will last longer than one week. Haley's take of Whitney Houston's Queen of the Night wasn't as good. Alaina's version of the Dixie Chicks song was flat despite the group's multiple Grammy wins recently. Those last two that I mentioned will possibly be eliminated.
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3-01-2007 @ 8:38AM
hockey_diva said...
I am peeved because I heard on the radio that Antonella Barba will not be thrown off the show because of her racy pics on the internet. That's just not fair to Frenchie from the 2nd season of AL. She had topless pics on the internet and was cast off by the AI producers. I guess this shows how easily shows can compromise their moral standards as time goes by. Maybe they figure keeping her on will boost ratings. Hopefully, the voting public will think otherwise and trash this skank.
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