(S06E19) The show begins tonight with the group song, "Stuck in the Middle," reminding me of that infamous ear-torture scene in Reservoir Dogs. Because of that connection, the song seems inappropriate to me at first. Then again, with SANJAYA and HALEY inexplicably advancing to the finals, Idol is going to keep providing its own form of weekly "ear-torture," making the song oddly fitting. The contestants received almost 37 million votes this week, but unfortunately SABRINA did not receive enough of them. And I'm shocked that Haley advances. I really didn't think she was popular enough to survive after three truly weak performances. Not surprisingly, JARED, ANTONELLA, and SUNDANCE also receive their walking papers tonight. I'm not sad to see any of them go. But I do think that things might get a bit duller without Sundance and Antonella in the competition. They certainly kept us buzzing, didn't they?
Whether we like it or not, the Top 12 finalists are: LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh, Jordin Sparks, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle, Brandon Rogers, Gina Glocksen, Chris Richardson, Stephanie Edwards, Haley Scarnato, and Sanjaya Malakar.
And I still cannot successfully predict how America will vote. Once again, I'm 50/50 after predicting Antonella, Haley, Jared, and Phil would go home. The AOL Top 24 Ranking Poll also got it half right once again. Sanjaya and Haley are both safe for another week! Who is voting for Sanjaya anyway? Certainly, not the people who take these polls or leave comments here at TVS.
On April 24 and 25, Idol will host "A Very Special Event." The theme will be "Inspirational Songs." Quincy Jones is already writing a song for the Top 6 finalists to sing. For every vote cast Tuesday night, Idol's sponsors (Coke, AT&T, etc) will donate money. On Wednesday, the people at home will have a chance to make individual donations, as well.
Wednesday night's show will include special guest appearances by Borat, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, and more. According to Idol's press release, Bono said, "We'll see worlds collide when Africa appears on America's most-watched TV show. This is a big deal, a little bit of pop history . . . I wouldn't underestimate the reach of this show or the impact its audience can have."
Also on tonight's show:
- Season Four's Idol, Carrie Underwood, performed her song "Wasted." Unlike Kellie Pickler, she still looks young and hasn't spent her money on new "shoes." However, I wasn't sure if her top was a shirt or a dress. It seemed a little short for a whole dress. She's not my favorite Idol, but is was ahright. I found it a bit odd that Ryan didn't ask her one question and she didn't speak at all. (Way to keep the show moving, Ryan).
- The American Idol Challenge question was once again super-easy and lame, so I won't bother to transcribe it here.
- Paula told Jared to continue his dream. Randy suggested he needs originality. Simon advised him to work on his vocals.
- Stephanie tried to comfort Antonella after she was voted off, but Ryan cut the lovefest short, telling Stephanie to take her seat. Ryan is certainly the best at keeping things moving briskly. He doesn't EVER let emotion get in the way of "doing his job." Perhaps he is a robot?
- It was Idol's 200th Episode, and Ryan called it "the most intense episode" they've had.
- Randy said America got it wrong, "Sabrina should be in the Top 12, dog. She definitely put it down."
- Paula was speechless when Sanjaya advanced. She told Sundance he's "one of our finest." Ryan asked Simon what he thinks happened, and Simon responded, "The sound was turned down?"
- Sundance DIDN'T CRY, but he did ask America for a job!
- Ryan made us laugh (and cringe a little too) with a joke about Randy wanting to wrestle Borat in the nude.
So what'd you think? Are you happy with the Top 12? Or deeply disappointed?
Next Week: Tuesday is a TWO-HOUR show celebrating the music of Diana Ross. The Top 12 Boys AND Girls will perform together on the same night. On Wednesday, it's the Live Results Show #4.
For more Idol coverage, check out People.com.
Vote for your favorite Idol in AOL's latest poll.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
3-08-2007 @ 11:23PM
Hannah said...
Sanjaya...there are no words.
Sad to see Sabrina go, I didn't expect that at all. Oh well.
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3-08-2007 @ 11:24PM
Shawn said...
SANJAYA Has to GO and go fast.... Didn't we see Simon Randy and Paula react to that pathetic singer. 'No disrespect to you Sanjaya' ... that's crap ... your horrible Sanjaya. Take yourself out of the competition NOW please.
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3-08-2007 @ 11:27PM
David said...
I loved the part where Sanjaya stayed because Paula is going on and on about how the other gu ywas better and then to cover her ass "This was meant for all of you". I loved it.
That said because I'm a bitch here is Sanjaya's MySpace if anyone wants to spam "him" to death.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=21329856
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3-08-2007 @ 11:34PM
DeadWrong said...
I can't wait for Sanjaya to put on his hat and hit the stage again. Even thou every time the little fellow trys to sing my dog runs head first into a wall, till either Sanjaya is done or he knocks himself out.
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3-09-2007 @ 9:38AM
Debbie said...
I can't believe that Sundance and Sabrina were sent home. I have been a true fan of American Idol but refuse to watch anymore. It's not a singing competition when you can let 2 really good one's go and keep 2 that can hardly perform at all (Sanjaya and Haley????)
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3-08-2007 @ 11:47PM
Bilan said...
Le sigh
Let me first say that Im agnostic and yet when they results were announced that Antonella was heading home.. or to a playboy photo shoot I sat up and said, "Thank you Jesus!" Im not sure what I meant but I know Im relieved.
On to the bad news. Ive had to struggle with which I were more upset about: Sabrina not advancing or Sanjaya doing so.
I think Im more pissed that Sanjaya got through because honestly, I would have rather to seen Lakisha go home than Sabrina. I really felt she had a nice shot at being the next American Idol. Im telling you its something phenomenal in the DNA of mixed raced girls. Mariah and that chick that won X Factor.
I tried voting for both Jordin and Sabrina because they were the two I was most worried about making it through. I never got through.. always an error message. Can you vote from cell phones by calling or only texting?
Im waiting for Sanjaya to get booed off the stage. I love that not once did I see the other contestants give him a hug or acknowledge that he made it through. They were not pleased.
As much as I enjoy Melinda Im done. Im tired of the oldies. I need her to show me modern Melinda not old-soul-could-have-been-topping-the-charts-in-Chakas-day Melinda.
Point blank: Sabrina should have been in the top 12, Sanjaya should not. Antonella finally can go back to her wet tee-shirt days and well, Sundance has been wearing more makeup recently. Thats all I have to say about that.
Oh, and Im very excited about Idol Giving Back!
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3-09-2007 @ 12:06PM
David said...
And the effeminate Indian lives to destroy another life.
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3-09-2007 @ 12:06AM
David said...
Early in the season, a poster here indicated Sanjaya would get a strong vote turnout because of his ethnicity. The post said something about him being from India (?) and with a strong population in the U.S., he would be the beneficiary of a lot of "he's one of us!" voting. I didn't know if the assertion was true (or just bunk) at the time, but with each passing week, I think that poster here might have had a point.
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3-09-2007 @ 12:08AM
LYNN said...
I am truly surprised that Sanjaya and Haley are in the top 12. There is no way that Sanjaya was better then Sundance, and Haley was better then Sabrina. I can't understand how those two made it. Then I realized with over 1.2 billion Hindu/Muslim's in the world, that is how Sanjaya made it. As far as Haley, well let's just say Texas is a very large state. I am hoping that Sanjaya and Haley are the first two to go. I wish both Sundance and Sabrina lots of luck. They deserved to stick around a little while longer.
I agree with you Liz, everytime I hear Stuck In The Middle reminds me of Reservoir Dogs and thought it was an odd choice.
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3-09-2007 @ 12:10AM
David said...
I said early in the season that Sanjaya would make it because of his age like last year with Chicken Little.
I believe it's a mix of his race, age and even the fact he is so bad and that dumb website "Vote for the Worst" or whatever it is called is why he is still there. He's obvious not there because he can sing.
I too enjoy the fact that the judges don't like Sanjaya, that the other 11 don't like Sanjaya, and that everyone here hates him.
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3-09-2007 @ 12:14AM
Samsara said...
I can't help but agree on the ethnic vote.
It's really sad when people go with the 'he's one of us mind frame instead of the talent. Sundnce had plenty of talent, Sanjaya does not. He reminds me of Michael Jackson and that's creepy.
And my six year old thought Carrie Underwood looked like a 'BRATZ Doll'
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3-09-2007 @ 12:51AM
randy said...
okay, mixed emotions here. Sanjaya by talent alone doesn't deserve to go any further. I would strongly side with others here that he is the beneficiary of an ethnicity vote. Has anyone seen the demographics for who watches American Idol? How many of the Indian population watch here in the states, or how popular the show might be in India? You can bet it will be even bigger now. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins the whole thing- unless the producers play God here and overrule the vote. I thought this show was headed for trouble when Hicks won last year, but this pretty much seals the deal. It's all about ratings. I'm doing my part by DVR'ing the show and skipping all the commercials anyway. What a shame.
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3-09-2007 @ 1:23AM
Scott K said...
Well all ethnicities aside, I think Sanjaya is just about as creepy as Michael Jackson, but unfortunately without even half of the singing talent. I couldn't agree with Simon more when he commented on the weirdness of Sanjaya's performances.
While I think that Sabrina and Sundance are more talented than Sanjaya and Haley, in the end none of them stands a chance of out singing the front runners in the competition.
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3-09-2007 @ 2:05AM
Drew said...
I am surprised that both Haley and Sanjaya got into the top 12 like many people, but now that the real competition is on, both of them are going to be eaten alive by the better singers because both of them lack the charisma, talent, and stage presence that you really need to get ahead on this show. But look on the bright side, at least Brenna, er, I mean Antonella's gone......
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3-09-2007 @ 2:04AM
BRS said...
Sabrina should've stayed. She was right after Melinda and Lakisha in my book. As for Sundance, he was no better than Sanjaya. So, who cares???????
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3-09-2007 @ 2:11AM
BRS said...
Heck, Melinda could sing any song and make it sound good. She is going to win, Bilan. She-will-be-topping-the-charts-all-day-everyday!!! DEAL!!
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3-09-2007 @ 2:44AM
Tia said...
Well I'm done with American Idol this year... I'll just go back to watching Gilmore Girls on Tuesday nights @ 8. (I have a lot of catching up to do with that show since I've been watching American Idol for the past couple of weeks.) American Idol is really a joke this year and I rather not wait and see the best singers in the Top 12 get voted off early either... what kind of competition is this really if Sanjaya is still there and someone like Sabrina is gone? Please there are just too many American Idol voters who don't give a f*** about talent.
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3-09-2007 @ 3:24AM
Patti said...
The sad thing here is that getting into the top 12 is such a major advancement. The fact that talented singers are losing that opportunity because of "my people" votes or "Vote For The Worst" votes, is sickening. We finally had a great show that all could watch and enjoy. When was the last time you were able to sit and watch a program with the entire family? Once again, childish, immature people ruin it for everyone. I just can't invest anymore time in this show just to watch more of the same thing on TV which is people hurting other people for a thrill.
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3-09-2007 @ 4:09AM
Alicia said...
Recently I spent an hour complaining about a recent purchase with a nice agent in --INDIA! Since outsourcing the "undesirable" jobs to India by the big corporations, how many 1-800-numbers do you think are available, and how much does it contribute to Sanjaya's vote?
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3-09-2007 @ 4:14AM
caiuslupus said...
I'm sick and stunned that Sundance went home and Sanjaya and Yoda, er, Phil are still in the competition.
As for the women, I was pleased to see Haley go on. I don't like the R&B "Howling" style of singing. Lakisha couldn't carry a note at anything short of foghorn level, and Melinda and Stephanie aren't much better. Jordin, Gina and Haley can actually sing, so we're at least at 50% there.
Should be a fun season...
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