We're down to three remaining challengers in this year's American Idol, and it looks like it's going to be a very tight race for second place. But according to odds makers, first place is pretty much a lock for Jordin Sparks -- the odds-on favorite to win this year's Idol.Odds makers are also predicting a final showdown between Jordin and Blake, leaving Melinda as a third place finisher. But we all know that anything can happen - and it ain't over until Seacrest is out.
Will Melinda go home this week? If so, I think it will be somewhat of a shock. As the consummate pro, Melinda has displayed flawless vocals throughout this year's competition. She's never given a bad performance, and she's never even been in the bottom three. But are excellent vocals enough to keep her in the contest?
If this was purely singing contest, I'd say yes. But popularity is obviously a big part of the American Idol package. And many people don't think Melinda has the "It" factor. Her flawless performances have been so consistent that now people are dismissing her as "too predictable." Even Paula criticized her last week, telling Melinda to throw away "technique" and try to surprise us. Melinda also has an "older" look and sound, that may hamper her appeal to the younger, more diligent voters. Then again, looking and sounding "older" didn't hinder Taylor's success on last year's Idol.
Meanwhile, Blake has given inconsistent and sometimes thin vocal performances, but has been saved by his unique beatboxing skills, slick dance moves, good looks, laid-back personality, and his rabid "Blaker Girls" fans. He also gains bonus points for his originality and willingness to mess with classic arrangements. I'm still not convinced that his arrangements are "contemporary," as they remind me of the 1980s music I grew up with. But there's no doubt that Blake possesses a talent. Like others, I believe Blake may eventually turn out to be very successful arranging and producing music.
Jordin doesn't always nail the vocals perfectly, but when she does, she is amazing. She's also charismatic, cute, and likable, and shows the most emotion during her performances. Jordin gains bonus points for her willingness to challenge herself vocally. And her youth helps her tremendously. Since she's only 17, we're willing to overlook her flaws. Many of us have enjoyed watching Jordin blossom over the course of the competition. And we feel as if we're all watching the development of a major talent -- one who's already great, and can only getter better. The sky seems to be the limit with Jordin, which is why she's my personal favorite.
I also believe that of the remaining three contestants, an album by Jordin would have the widest appeal. That doesn't make her the best. It just makes her the most "marketable" contestant. I'm not sure "kids" would line up to buy a CD from Melinda Doolittle, just as I'm not sure anyone BUT the "kids" would line up for Blake's. Not that viewers are necessarily thinking about who has the broadest market appeal when they cast their votes. They're just voting for their personal favorites. But because American Idol is primarily a reality TV show, that means that the most popular contestant isn't necessarily the best or the most marketable artist. And as Taylor Hicks can attest, receiving millions of popular votes -- doesn't automatically translate into millions of records sold.
Right now, Melinda is being given odds of 3.5 to 1 to win. They've given slightly better odds to Blake, at 3 to 1 odds. Meanwhile, Jordin is getting -1.75 to 1 odds of winning. Of course, the bookies chose Taylor as the "underdog" in last year's finale -- so they're not always right. Truth is that nobody can really predict how America will vote. And that unpredictability is part of what makes Idol so fun and addictive.
So, who do you like?
Check out AOL's blogger predictions to see what others are saying.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-14-2007 @ 5:16PM
alex said...
jordin gots it . blake is bland and beatbanging sucks. it becoming tiring. doolittle just does nothing for me.
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5-14-2007 @ 3:49PM
me said...
Can you say Clay Aiken???
Who cares who wins first place. All three will be successful.
www.TaylorBurgstahler.memory-of.com
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5-14-2007 @ 4:48PM
jake said...
Melinda has been the front runner for a long time -- and she will be in 3rd place if everyone doesn't vote for her. I think Jordin and Blake will be popular no matter where they place -- it is Melinda who really needs to win to be successful.
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5-14-2007 @ 4:31PM
jippi said...
Listening to Howard on Sirius this morn. Reports that Idol has hired a stylist, trainer, and dietician for only Jordin. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Other two contestants are miffed. The report is alleged but I for one think she is the only contestant to take the gold.
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5-14-2007 @ 4:33PM
BigTed said...
It's hard to imagine Melinda putting out a Kelly Clarkson-ish record, or even wanting to. But she would do really well with an older-skewing jazz-pop album in the style of Diana Krall.
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5-14-2007 @ 4:36PM
DB said...
They are all talented-in their own unique way. The bottom line is that whoever is crowned had the most mass appeal. Its as simple as that. I, personally, have been a Jordin fan since my no.1 fav (Haley) went home. Part of it, is because she is very talented but most importantly she is current and on the money. She has the capability to sing pop and ballads and do a heck of a good job doing both. You actually feel that she believes in the words of a slow song yet she has a awesome time giving off the fun, pop vibes when she is singing pop. Truth is, you never know the genre she would ultimately like to sing when she is off idol. Personally, i expected something different from Katherine Mcphee's cd. It was good and it delivered but not what i expected. I would have thought she would've put out more of a soulful, ballad/pop mix. Not straight up pop. Last year, we all loved both Taylor and Katherine-this year some people are actually against one of the three remaining contestants. With that said, its wide open. When it comes down to the wire on Wed. the final two will be declared soley on bigger fan base and not talent. Although they are ALL talented. And just from last years contestants, I feel that it is a safe thing to say that regardless of who wins, most of the finalists will get a record deal. Hey, even those that went home earlier had a nice amount of fan base to get them to the top 10. Any of the top 10 would be successful when putting out a album. Think about this, they had approx. 30 million people watching them and listening to their talent on Idol this year. Search through any genre on Itunes and i am willing to bet that there will probally be ALOT of artists on there that you have never heard of. Therefore, my point is that although someone is lucky enough to get a record deal without being on idol , they dont necessarily have 30 million people to advertise to. Free of charge! It has been a strange year on Idol but at the same time its still the most watched show every week. Those numbers speak for themselves. I am willing to bet that Jordin will take the crown and hope that it is Melinda coming in second place. Trying to keep my comments as completely positive and neutral as possible, as per your request!! : ) Peace out everyone.........Debbie from NY
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5-14-2007 @ 6:07PM
laclair said...
Jordin is young enough to really have quite a career in front of her. Melinda has already established herself as a backup singer. She is really good but I don't see us going out and buying her cd. Kind of like Ruben. I confess, I have Clays' and perhaps that is because he was second place. That was probably the best thing that could have happened to him. So, I think that Jordin is the real money maker for Idol. Blake is just too set in his ways and perhaps he will give us a show of some different side of him this week.
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5-14-2007 @ 8:30PM
Vocal Coach said...
If we go by prior years, it's not the "Kids that by CD's" that decide the vote. Check your Sponsors and marketing for "American Idol" - It won't be the kids that buy the Ford - It's mom and dad. Most commercials are geared to males and females 24 - 48. Look at the past winners: 2 out of 100 people who took a Harris poll picked Taylor Hicks to win. 2% ! The adult voters loved him, he got the medal. McPhee singing "Summertime" in the finale - The "kids that buy CD's" don't even know what "Summertime" is or where it's coming from. That is about 100 Years before their time - Adults did that vote. And I can go on, but you do get the point.
The only one that could possibly win this contest is Melinda D. She is solid. And .. yup.. The adults love her.
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5-14-2007 @ 9:54PM
Lane Wright said...
Of course, asking what will happen and what should happen are two different things. Whatever prognostications people may make, nobody really knows how it will turn out. In an ideal world, Blake would be eliminated this week, as he simply doesn't have the singing chops that the two women have. I think he'll have a career no matter what, but I don't think he deserves to win this competition.
Now, I'm a Melinda partisan, in part because I know her personally, but also because I think she's amazingly talented as a singer. She has been impressive all along, and as far as I'm concerned she has not given a weak performance in the entire competition. She has definitely been the most consistent of all the contestants. So again in that ideal world, I would say Melinda should win.
However, this is not an ideal world, so things may not go the way I wish. And I have to say that if Melinda were not to win, I would rather have her lose to Jordin than to anyone else. Jordin hasn't been as consistent as Melinda, but she is very talented and sings beautifully. If the final week comes down to just Melinda and Jordin, then I would be okay with either of them winning, since I have no doubt both of them will have successful recording careers.
But as far as who I think is most deserving to win "American Idol" this year, it's Melinda all the way.
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5-14-2007 @ 10:49PM
Brian said...
Lane, I couldn't agree with you more! Melinda truly is an amazing talent and a dynamo on stage. I'd buy her CD in a New York minute. I want the final two to be Melinda and Jordin and I truly want Melinda to win. Jordin is very talented and a lovely, sweet girl, but Melinda should be the winner. I intend to vote many times for Ms. Doolittle.
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5-15-2007 @ 7:24AM
Me,Ella said...
Gee, Liz, how old is Jordin? Is there anyone in the world who doesn't know that SHE'S 17 yet? I don't remember Paris Bennett and Lisa Tucker getting a mention EVERY SINGLE APPEARANCE last year that they were 16. It was mentioned once in a while.
Jordin's constant age card, not to mention the sickening cutesy-poo act, which include the on-cue waterworks is making me want to gag. I liked her well enough until AI judges and producers decided she should be the front-runner and began soft-peddling her critiques and over-praising her performances. You may think its ok that she misses the vocals BECAUSE SHE'S 17, but its an unbelievable pass to give someone in a singing competition.
I hope others feel this way. A huge Jordin backlash is not only deserved but would let the judges and the producers know that they can't shove a winner down the throats of the American people just because they would profit from her win.
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5-15-2007 @ 9:27AM
Sarah said...
I think it's going to be Jordin. Blake is my personal favorite and I've voted for him every week so far, but Jordin has the American Idol package. She can sing, she's young, she's beautiful, the viewers relate to her performances (aside from the Bon Jovi debacle), and she'll probably sell a ton of pop records. Unfortunately, I'm kind of bored with Melinda and I think others feel that way as well. I think it will be Jordin and Blake for the final two.
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5-15-2007 @ 10:23AM
Sonny said...
I hope the odds-makers are right, but I also hope they're wrong.
That is, I hope they're right about Jordin being in the final two, but I hope she's standing next to Melinda, not Blake. Although Melinda is too professional for a show like this, I'd like to keep listening to her sing till the end. Blake hasn't impressed me that much, although I admire his (sometimes misguided) attempts to be different.
I really hope it comes down to Jordin and Melinda, and I'll honestly be rooting for them both.
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5-15-2007 @ 12:09PM
jeana katz said...
Eversince Sanjaya left the stage, watching AI has been ho-hum. Not that Sanjaya was a singing virtuoso, but say what you will about the dude, he was always entertaining!
As for the final threesome-my personal favorite has always been Melinda. She is consistently classy as well as self-effacing. A throwback to the torch singers / chanteuse ladies of the '40s/'50s (my granny's day).
Blake is from my home state. His performances are very "clubby" especially with the beat-boxing. He has the most contemporary sound but not the best voice. My sister (who is not one of his fans) thinks he has a Phil Collins vibe.
Jordin is very marketable and will probably run away with the big AI prize. She would be just as deserving as Melinda if she won because she has the pipes.
We'll all find out pretty soon!
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5-15-2007 @ 11:16PM
Norm said...
If Blake win he is a Taylor Hicks no good Jordin should win & Melinda should be second & the two should be great I have a contract for sure & have CD's tha will sell Taylor just Jumps around & Blake does the same & you cannot under stand what he is sayiny when sings he just makes a lot of noise, so please vote to night so we will have another Carrie Underwood.
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5-15-2007 @ 11:09PM
Norm said...
If Blake win he is a Taylor Hicks no good Jordin should win & Melinda should be second & the two should be great I have a contract for sure & have CD's tha will sell Taylor just Jumps around & Blake does the same & you cannot under stand what he is sayiny when sings he just makes a lot of noise, so please vote to night so we will have another Carrie Underwood.
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5-15-2007 @ 11:15PM
Norm said...
If Blake win he is a Taylor Hicks no good Jordin should win & Melinda should be second & the two should be great I have a contract for sure & have CD's tha will sell Taylor just Jumps around & Blake does the same & you cannot under stand what he is sayiny when sings he just makes a lot of noise, so please vote to night so we will have another Carrie Underwood.
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5-15-2007 @ 3:38PM
Shari said...
I think Jorden is the big Winner!
She is very marketable and has the drive to be an accomplished recording star. The others are good singers. Just not quite there yet. No doubt they will get a recording contract, either win or lose
GO JORDEN
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5-15-2007 @ 4:56PM
Kim29 said...
I like them all but my favorite is Blake. He is an orignial creative entertainer, I would pay to see him and I would buy his CD, But I don't think he will win Idol because the show/judges don't really acknowledge that he is on the show. The show determined the first few weeks in to the show that they wanted LaKisha, Melinda or Jordin to win this year, so in the shows advertisements those were the three you would see. Now they have decided they want Jordin to win so you only see her face and her name mentioned in reference to the show. I'm aware of this but I still tune in to see what Blake is going to do. I know the girls are going to stand up there and belt out a song that has already been sung by a better singer and all they are going to do is copy it and it will usually be good but not as good as the origninal singer.
I also think Blake will be more successful in his music career because he can do it all, perform, write, produce and arrange music. I really like the sound of his voice it goes with his style and music arangements. I am glad I watched Idol this year because of him. I also liked Phil's voice the last few weeks he was on.
Dolittle has a great voice but that's it. I wouldn't buy her CD, or pay to see her in concert. She seems to be very nice.
Jordin is okay now but she has a lot of potential. I have heard singers in church and at school plays that sound like her and they have a lot of potential too, but come back when you have it now. Jordin will win. Big Mistake.
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5-15-2007 @ 5:55PM
Patti Stock said...
The best voice is Melinda's and you all know that. However, Jordin has definetly been the most improved! As for Blake-I cannot believe he is still on. You know, it is the younger crowd keeping him there. I really want to see the final 2 be Melinda and Jordin with Melina winning! I am ready to go out and buy a c.de. by Melina--she is an AWESOME singer!
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