Honestly, I have no idea who is going to win this year's American Idol.And neither does Simon Cowell. Mr. Opinionated was uncharacteristically at a loss for a definitive prediction, telling reporters: "I can't call it at this stage. For Blake, he's a brilliant entertainer, but the negative is he's not a fantastic singer. The advantage for Jordin is she is a great singer and the negative is she hasn't done one performance yet which I can remember as a 'wow."'
Several weeks ago, I decided that Jordin Sparks was definitely a shoo-in as this year's winner. And both Ryan Seacrest and the odds makers agreed with me, making me that much more confident in my pick. But after last week's results, I'm no longer so sure.
I never thought we'd be looking at a Jordin vs. Blake finale. But now that we are, I'm afraid that the best singer isn't going to win this alleged "singing" competition. With Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones gone, two of the year's best singers have already been eliminated. And I'm beginning to think that beatboxing Blake Lewis -- with his average vocals, but unique arrangements, performances, and style -- might just snag this year's title.
I guess the final results hinge on the commitment and perseverance of those "Blaker Girls." I think it already says something that Jordin Sparks' fans don't have their own cutesy name. It was, after all, Taylor's fanatic "Soul Patrol" which brought him to victory last year. Sure, some viewers will wait to make their final decision until after tomorrow night's final performances. But, Idol will most likely be won by the contestant who has already established the most solidly committed fanbase. I honestly don't see Blake's fans suddenly jumping ship and voting for Jordin, and vice versa.And based on your comments, I think Blake won EVEN more support as a direct result of Melinda Doolittle's elimination. Which is odd, because I initially assumed that Jordin would pick up Melinda's fanbase. Not so, according to many of you. Melinda's fans are so angry, they either declared A) They're not watching the final or voting or B) They're switching their support to Blake because they hate Jordin.
While I was initially upset about Melinda's ouster, I'm now looking forward to the final match-up. I can't wait to hear the "winning song" as interpreted by Blake (the entertainer) vs. Jordin (the singer). Not that I expect much from the winning song. As I've already said, the songs submitted were predictably generic and sappy, and I cannot imagine Blake singing any of them. However, I expect Jordin will belt out the lyrics to the song (no matter how sappy) in a strong and emotional (and predictable) manner. But Blake? Who knows what Blake will do with this song? It's this uncertainty that makes Blake the interesting wildcard contestant.
And if beatboxing Blake does make the winning song sound non-generic and non-sappy? He might just win me over to his side.
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
5-21-2007 @ 1:55PM
PB said...
I think I'll end up taking my Melinda votes over to Blake ... Jordin's personality is just a smidge fake for me. I thought that throughout her entire "back home" trip. I thought Blake was really more genuine. Not that personality should totally decide this contest. It should also be singing and while Jordin can belt it out, I don't think she can much else BUT belt it out. (I felt Lakisha was the same way.) Yes, we've all seen Jordin "emote" but it looks somehow false, pageant-y. I think Blake is unique and my Melinda backlash votes now go to him. :-)
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 2:12PM
David said...
http://www.bestweekever.tv/2007/05/18/bwe-sneak-preview-pop-culture-debate-team-weighs-in-on-american-idol/
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 3:13PM
RG said...
Oh, you are trying to make this look closer than it actually. Jordan won this show with "I have nothing" weeks ago. Simon just seems to have missed this years wow moments.
As you said none of the possible Idol songs will work for Blake. I think he'll have a flat show just like Bo Bice did and Jordin will win. Most sites I've read can't say Melinda's going was a surprise. Jordin not winning would be one.
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 3:30PM
Carol said...
I hope Jordin wins but I will say in response to #3 that Blake doesn't hold a candle in the talent contest with Bo Bice. Bo's semi-final performance was brilliant but he was very sick for the final and didn't do as well because of it. It was nothing short of miraculous that he could even stand up and sing. Besides that, I don't think anyone could have beaten Carrie Underwood in Season 4. And she has proven that she has what it takes to succeed. One thing that has surprised me for the past two years is the lack of enthusiasm shown for Carrie by the judges. Of all the contestants on AI, she has been the most appreciative in all her comments about AI giving her the opportunity to accomplish everything since then. But when she comes on the show, they barely acknowledge her presence. However, when Fantasia comes on the show, they gush like they are all starstruck. I think Fantasia is talented and has done well but Carrie has really come on strong and is very clear about how she got her start. What gives? As for who will win this season, I think many Melinda voters will go over to Jordin when they really think about it. At least Jordin is a SINGER and I think she has been entertaining this year. If Blake wins, it will be sad for all the really good singers who made it to Hollywood because he is definitely not a good singer. Of course, with the endless texting, these Blakers or whatever they are called could put Blake over. These kids must have parents with very deep pockets to afford all this texting. I guess we will see in a couple of days.
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 3:44PM
DC said...
Simon, when Jordin finished singing, "You'll Never Walk Alone," said that she had taken a very old song, made it new, and that she could record that today and have a #1 hit. He has even told her once when she finished that he now believed she could be the next American Idol. Funny, it seems that Simon placed all his eggs in one basket with Melinda. Jordin is the best singer, has never been in the bottom 3, and she will win American Idol!
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 3:44PM
Jim said...
It's a "no-brainer."
Jordin will win it, hands down. If she doesn't, the voters clearly have "no brains."
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 3:52PM
emily. said...
Unless something stunning happens in the finale, I'm voting based on the album I'm most looking forward to: Blake's.
Blake may not be a fantastic singer, but he's more than competent vocally and has the ability to shine in arrangement and production (as long as he doesn't over-do it). I'm truly excited about what he'll do, as I expect it to be original, fun, and dance-friendly.
Jordan will be a fantastic artist . . . in about 4 years. With some vocal training and experience, I think she will be fantastic, but at this moment she's a bit too raw. Plus her teen romanticism has her choosing "I Who Have Nothing" (great performance, but a really melodramatic song) rather than more fun songs ("Hey, Baby" was great).
This year I really loved every member of the top 3, so I'll be happy with either Blake or Jordan as winner as long as they both put out albums. I'm also excited for Melinda's album. I guess what really matters now is in what order they'll come out.
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 3:59PM
PB said...
Anyone else a little tired of robby's supposed links to racy photos? Sheesh ... comment on the article and post the useless links somewhere else ...
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 4:06PM
Carol said...
#11 - I agree with you completely. If that is all he is interested in, there are many "racy" sights out there, I'm sure.
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 4:24PM
Carol said...
Sorry, got the number wrong #9 but I still agree with you 100%.
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 5:18PM
Liza said...
Blake is so original! He has look and talent. So my heart and vote definetly goes to Blake Lewis! SING YOUR HEART OUT BLAKE LEWIS!!!!
Reply
5-21-2007 @ 6:29PM
Pinwiz said...
If I vote, I'm voting for Blake... if I don't boycott the vote at all because Melinda is no longer in the running.
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 6:42AM
Phish said...
I NEED SLEEP! pls help.
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 12:17PM
Elizabeth said...
If anyone should win it should be Jordin, however Melinda was the best singer and I feel that voters are voting on stage present(Looks) and not talent. Blake is a try to be hip hopper. This contest is turning out to be a popularity contest not talent. Good luck to Melinda because she was awesome.
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 3:14PM
DanceFanShary said...
Melinda was the best Unfortunately it now becomes who you are voting against, not for. Too bad!!!!!!!
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 3:56PM
chitchit11 said...
Im a BIG Jordin fan but you know by lookin' at the result...i think BLAKE will win!!!,,,
If u want Jordin to win VOTE people!!!!
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 3:34PM
Donna said...
As a fan of Melinda who is disgusted that the show has been taken over by asinine teens and preteens who dial a couple of hundred times, I can tell you that I, and all those I know who were Melinda fans, would slit our wrists before we'd vote for Jordin Sparks. She missed notes, wore stupid old dresses and sang boring ballads. On any other season whe would have been eliminated by week six. While Blake isn't fabulous, at least he's original.
Here's hoping AI gets on track for next season and comes up with a system more fair for the voting public or a LOT of us will tune out - leaving the show to the kids, who wouldn't know talent if they tripped over it and are more concerned with voting for the youngest, "cool" contestant.
Reply
5-25-2007 @ 7:22PM
Jo said...
Well i think they want the kind of music teens will buy so Blake get's my vote.
And i'm not a teen.
Blake sings more younger songs like what's out there now.Sing louder Blake let us all hear your voice and Talent. Make tonight Count.
Good Luck in all you do.
Massachusetts- Fans.
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 4:14PM
former songbird said...
Latest news is Jordin was a "plant" by AI. It's been in the works for a while. Kind of makes you want to cast your vote for Blake - or anyone else for that matter - in order to send AI a message not to mess with the loyal AI viewers. Don't waste our time!
Reply
5-22-2007 @ 5:17PM
Ellen said...
I agree with #17, the voting is done by asinine kids and pre-teens who wouldn't know talent if it hit them in the face. How could they when they listen mostly to hip-hop or rap. Songs and tunes that have no range, memorable melody, or recognizable words. I am in my twenties, have an active social life and would like to hear music that actually is music. Therefore, those voting do not know or cannot hear true voice or tonal music. Squirmming around on the floor, jumping all over the place, singing jazz phrases in the middle of a song, (makes me think they forgot the words) does not enhance their performance for me. Look at me when you sing, walk around and move your body to the beat, smile, look emotional, good or sad, and sing in tune and on key. When you can determine that all these parts are working vote for the one who has it. Looks, dress, jumpiness, does not count when voting. The professionals will take care of all that - you vote for their talent and then the really true one wins. Jordin may be young, but remember Lee Ann Rhimes, she was only 14 when she began, and Charlotte Church was 12 or 13. They had talent to begin with and then went on to become stars.
Reply