Top 6: Bon Jovi night

I’m back! I’ve been into a lot of stuff lately so I never really got to sit down and write something about Idol in the past weeks. And I’m just that upset about the Sanjaya slashing a couple of weeks ago.

 Anyway, last week, our Idols sang some ballad and karaoke rock-and-roll hits that we both hate and love; some did great, some did okay and some, in a way or two, failed in the process.

1. Blake Lewis – You Give Love A Bad Name
   From the moment I saw Blake do the “Put Your Records On” mime, I knew he was up to something different and this time, not just the usual hip-ify agenda; it was something more, unlike anything we’ve seen in AI before. The beatboxing, drum solos and the stuff Blake does with his mouth were splendid. Overall, it was a bold move that almost gave me the same goosebumps I felt with Bo Bice’s a capella feat.  
2. LaKisha Jones – This Ain’t A Love Song
   Didn’t we all miss those past weeks when LaKishafied songs stun us? Am I glad that at last, after a few weeks, LaKisha’s thunder is back again. She just proved there’s still a chance for her to be in the finale with that performance. Definitely one of my favorite performances this season.
3. Melinda Doolittle – Have A Nice Day
   Contrary to what I expected, Melinda didn’t choose a ballad and still remained consistent all throughout, the prospect of rock week notwithstanding. However, her version of that song is unlistenable compared to the original. Rock still doesn’t suit her.
4. Chris Richardson – Wanted Dead or Alive
   Like Simon, I also believed that Chris has shown us all he could possibly do with all the songs we’ve seen him perform. I was only half sad when I found out he go the boot. I was half glad because at least, he’s going on a high note.
5. Jordin Sparks – Livin’ on A Prayer
   Let’s just say that Jordin and rock aren’t quite a mix. I still think she could’ve done better though. Disappointing.
6. Phil Stacey – Blaze of Glory
   I’m askew as usual and had been so tired of Phil’s singing-cum-moaning. Thank God, he’s gone.

Speculations say that the top four will be singing Bee Gees songs next week. I hope someone would sing To Love Somebody no matter how uncompetitive that song might be.  

Top 8: Latin night

The top eight tackled Latin Pop with J. Lo (who turned out to be one of the best mentors on Idol ever) and this week, more than ever, showed us how important song choices are.

1. Chris Richardson – Smooth
   Chris picked a well-known song (one of the best choices) and made a better hit out of it with his awesome vocals. For me, he owned the night.
2. Blake Lewis – I Need to Know
   I like the fact that Blake picked this song; it definitely was the perfect song choice for him. I personally think he was a bit monotonous but I understand that that was his style and being original is what sets him apart from the others. I am hopelessly hoping for a “Cake” finale.
3. Melinda Doolittle – Sway
   Dean Martin did a jazzy version of this song in 2046 and I just loved it. And I think Melinda did a hell lot better. Personally, Melinda going subtle for once is a smart move because her effortless stellar songs every single week in the past is almost tiring. This one was very controlled and I love it. She’s proven so much already and having fun with a sultry song like this didn’t pull her any lower. I expect a big bang from her next week though.
4. Sanjaya Malakar – Bésame Mucho
   Not exactly what we’ve been hankering to see Sanjaya do but indeed, this performance is, objectively, his best so far (I’m still a fan of Knocks Me Off My Feet). It definitely was not as weak as usual but it wasn’t that strong either.
5. Haley Scarnato – Turn the Beat Around
   Latin night is Haley’s night. She definitely moved around the stage better than anyone else. Her comment about Simon last week, though, is not doing her any good from Randy and Paula.
6. Jordin Sparks – Rhythm is Gonna Get You
   Jordin is so much better than this song. Latin, unfortunately, didn’t make the usual sparks fly.
7. LaKisha Jones – Conga
   Vocally and performance-wise, it was over all good. I just think other contestants did better than LaKisha.
8. Phil Stacey – Maria Maria
   Easily the worst of the night: not the best song choice for Phil and sounded more like moaning than singing.

Rumor says that next week is Country night with Martina McBride. Simon’s gonna have a feast!

Top 9: Standards night

Our Idols sang jazzy hits, was mentored by Tony Bennett and at the end of the day, it was Gina’s turn to go home with the Daughtry song. So how do I rank them this week?

1.  Melinda Doolittle – I Got Rhythm: “electrifying” performance indeed; professionally executed as usual and was almost “the moment”; Simon’s comment in the end was funny
2. Jordin Sparks – On a Clear Day: full of gasping but other than that, I can’t find any fault from the great Jordin
3. Blake Lewis – Mack the Knife: I think the performance was overall good (and loved the way the camera moved) but I’m waiting for Blake to do something that’s more showstopping than usual
4. LaKisha Jones – Stormy Weather: Vocally strong and I think the line after the high note did a better wrap-up to the whole night than what Tony Bennett suggested
5. Haley Scarnato – Ain’t Misbehavin’: a really nice performance and I sooo disagree with the judges on Haley; I think she’s doing good vocally, too, plus that shrug in the end smites as expected of naughty Ms. Hot Legs
6. Gina Glocksen – Smile: Gina sings good ballads but her version of Smile, I didn’t like
7. Chris Richardson – Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: Is it just me or do someone else thinks that Chris’ voice is just not for jazz songs like this
8. Phil Stacey – Night and Day: his big voice is really good but personally, I think he should go already
9. Sanjaya Malakar – Cheek to Cheek: is turning into a big joke, really; I like him more during the semis because back then, he really was showcasing his good vocals; still, I’m looking forward to the night he’ll prove everyone that he’s an exceptional singer; last Wednesday definitely wasn’t that night

I’m looking forward to what everyone will do on Latin night with Jenniffer Lopez. Someone’s just bound to make a fool of one’s self singing Latin (Remember John Stevens from way back season 3?). Next week, I have a feeling it’s Sanjaya. Oh, Sanjaya, prove me wrong. Haha!

Ranking the top 10

Gwen Stefani did show up to coach but this week’s theme is a confusion: No Doubt, The Police, Donna Summer. So how did our Idols fare?

1. Chris Richardson – Don’t Speak
   I love this song; I love the twist Chris put on it and he definitely closed the show with a bang with that performance. Can’t wait to hear the studio version.

2. Jordin Sparks – Hey Baby
   No one is above Jordin when it comes to vocals. However, her stage presence and outfit ruined it for her.

3. LaKisha Jones – Last Dance
   LaKisha’s performance is one of the best openers ever. Her style will always make her one of my top bets. Still, there’s this part of me that’s waiting for her to do something different.

4. Blake Lewis – Lovesong
   That wasn’t Blake’s best but his consistency is applaudable.

5. Melinda Doolittle – Heaven Knows
   Melinda’s talent is unquestionable. However, I want to see her out of her comfort zone. There are other contestants in the show that are more interesting than her and if she wins, I’ll be half okay and half disappointed.

6. Gina Glocksen – I’ll Stand By You
   Not Gina’s best (I like All By Myself and Call Me When You’re Sober better) but a breath of fresh air after two so-so performances.

7. Phil Stacey – Every Breath You Take
   Less shouting from Phil. This time, at least, he balanced his performance by making good use of his low register.

8. Haley Scarnato – True Colors
   I like Haley. She sings with class and elegance that smite.

9. Chris Sligh – Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
   Off tempo, yeah. But hey, Chris got style and his curls and great vocals will definitely be missed.

10. Sanjaya Malakar – Bathwater
    The worst thing Sanjaya can do with his situation at this point of the competition is to sing a song that made him look like he’s holding back. Like Randy and Paula, I was eagerly waiting for him to release and deliver in the end of the song, but he did not. He even sounded like he’s faltering at the end of each verse. I think the ponyhawk rocked though.

The top eleven

Okay, so Rob talks AI—the only genuine TV show that Rob watches religiously—again.

It was British Invasion night last Wednesday and our top eleven sang their hearts (and lungs) out to deliver some outstanding, some just okay performances of Brit songs from the 60’s—which I know nothing about, with The Beatles as an exception, but no one dared to sing a Beatles song (or AI still can’t get a Beatles song cleared), so…

Haley Scarnato sang Tell Him and I must commend this smart girl for her smart move: dressing up and playing to her strength which included running around the stage and the crowd in heels and really short shorts. She showed us that this competition is all about strategy and look, she earned a spot on the tour!

Watching the intro to his performance, I thought Chris Richardson abandoned his singing style and planned to sing soft to please but still, he sang Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying with that awesome, playful style he usually decorate his performances with and I loved it. I also love the whole acoustic arrangement and disagree with Simon; that performance has awesome vocals and Chris will probably make it out there: he’s an edgier version of Justin Timberlake.

I believe in Stephanie Edwards. Even if her voice can be called unoriginal, I think she made a mark of her own in the show with it. However, she really lost her thunder this past couple of weeks but still, I think, vocal-wise, Phil or Haley or Sanjaya deserved to go before her.

I love Blake Lewis’ style. He’s got good vibes and vocals, plus the fact that he makes every performance his own makes me want him to win this thing. My inclination towards electronic these days will really make me buy his record. Go Blake! Go Blake!

I was not that impressed with LaKisha during the semis but her past two performances were stellar. This girl knows how to combine her big voice with style and it is bound to earn her a spot in the finale. Her penchant for subtlety makes me look forward to what she’s gonna do each week.

Phil Stacey has the biggest voice among the guys but he shouts his songs everytime he hits the high notes. Still, I believe he should’ve gone before Stephanie. (The only thing that’s making me want to keep him in the show is his wife.)

Jordin Sparks make sparks fly with her performances. I personally think that she has the most beautiful voice among the girls. And yes, the judges were right, if this show is judged by just the vocals, it’s a Jordin-LaKisha-Melinda race and for me, Jordin’s at the top.

I didn’t like Sanjaya Malakar’s performances these last two weeks. I believe he’s got potential as long as he keeps singing soulful songs. Yeah, for a fact it was a different, livelier Sanjaya but the studio version of his take on You Really Got Me sounded more like growling than singing to me.

Gina Glocksen, the judges-proclaimed resident rocker, for me, always sounds like she’s swallowing her words. (Is it the tongue piercing or what?) She has a big voice but I’m not that impressed with her performances of late. She was better during the semis and if she doesn’t return to that form, she’ll soon be gone.

I’m not a big fan of Chris Sligh and his ballads. Personally, I like his alternative version of Endless Love better than his performance this week. However, he’s the cool guy with the cool voice so he’ll probably make it to later rounds.

Melinda Doolittle’s outstanding vocals and niceness is this season’s contender. However, based on the songs she perform each week, she’ll probably follow Fantasia’s footsteps on Broadway rather than make chart-topping records a la Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

There’s a rumor going on that next week’s theme is anything Pop from the 90’s with Gwen Stefani coaching on the sideline. At last, more familiar songs to me. Can’t wait.