I’m two for two in predicting the finalists so far. I knew Stephanie would be the “SHOCKING” elimination last week. It did shock me a little bit that Chris Richardson was in the bottom two with her. That WAS shocking. Lets see if the fans actually start to vote, and NOT for the worst singer in the compeition, Sanjaya. It’s time for the “Top 10″….
**NOTE** I’m writing this as I watch it, so some of the song names will be missing since I can’t look them up until later**
Tonight’s guest music mentor is Gwen Stefani. Tonight’s theme “Songs by No Doubt or Songs That Inspired Gwen’s Music”. That sounds like an easy out there as she could be inspired by a number of songs.
Lakisha Jones started us off by singing “Dance the Last Dance” by Donna Summers. This was a disco song, which wasn’t that good. She sang it alright, though. Randy liked the song. He liked the upbeatness to it. Paula agreed. Simon loved her boots. He also thinks he is 30 years younger this week. He loved it really. He says she is back with that great vocal.
Chris Sligh sang “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police I believe. It was good, but not great. He didn’t blow me away like he could have. Randy liked the song choice, but thought he was off the beat a lot. Paula says that the audience couldn’t “groove with him”. Simon thought it was a mess. It was all over the place. He just didn’t think the song felt right and didn’t respresent Chris properly.
Gina Glocksen cried when she met Gwen, then she sang “Stand By Me” by some chick I should know, but don’t. This was actually a great song for Gina to sing. She pulled it off near flawlessly as well. Randy, Paula, and Simon all agreed that this was her best performance. He even says it was the best so far tonight. Simon saying that she was better than Lakisha is saying something, but I agree.
Sanjaya Malakar has a lame hairstyle. He is trying so hard to be cool, but my god, what the hell is that? Is that a skunk on his head? It’s actually his hair shaped in a mohawk, but please. He sang “My Kind of Girl” by The Cure maybe? But yeah, he still sucked. Lets see if his hair can save him again this week! Randy and Paula think he “didn’t go for it” like he should have. Simon thinks that he is in his own universe and he can’t say anything anymore. He says “if people like him, then good luck”. Stop the pain please!
Haley Scarnato sang “True Colors” by someone. This was a pretty good song for her, but nothing special. Still decent enough. Randy thought it was just “aight”. A litle too pitchy for him. Paula didn’t like either. Simon thought it was “sweet but forgettable”. I might have to agree there. It was “too safe”.
Phil Stacey sang “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. That’s the stalker song we all know and love. This may have been one of his best performances. That song fit his voice. Randy liked it. So did Paula. And Simon did too. Simon thought he was finally taking this competition seriously and trying to win.
Melinda Doolittle sang “Heaven Knows” by Donna Summers. Another disco song. Kill me now! She sang this song better than Lakisha sang hers. Randy still thinks she is a professional singer. He says that was “Da Bomb”. Paula is drunk and mumbles. Simon didn’t like her outfit. He says it wasn’t her best performance, but still a solid vocal for her.
Blake Lewis sang “Love Song” by The Cure. This was a pretty good song for him. He didn’t do too much besides singing, which is always good to see since this is a SINGING compeition. Randy didn’t like the song choice, but he liked it. Paula LOVED it and thinks he could make the finals! Simon says Blake is the strongest song in the competition. He warns him to not fall into the “Chris Daughtry trap” and do his own thing and become boring. Still he is the best guy and I agree.
Jordin Sparks sang “Hey Baby” by No Doubt. Oh no, this could be bad. Honestly this is not a good song to sing. The best parts are left to the backup singers. Oh well, I didn’t like it but I’m sure the judges will like it. Randy thought it was good and she can sing anything. Paula blabs about something. Simon thought she was young and fresh again and she is the most improved singer in the competition. He says it was a “copycat performance” but still gushes over her as I throw up in my mouth a little!
Chris Richardson finished us off as he sang “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt. I like this song choice. Maybe it’s because I’m biased but this was better. No the best of the night, but still good. Randy wasn’t sure about it, but liked the way he sung it. Paula doesnt say anything. Honestly, she doesnt say anything! Except for good. Simon liked the song choice, but didn’t like the song choice.
This night was pretty good as no one did HORRIBLE, but there were a few that stuck out like sore thumbs. You should know who I’m talking about, but I will break it down for you if you don’t…
My Standings
(Platinum Records)
1. Melinda Doolittle
2. Blake Lewis
3. Phil Stacey
4. Gina Glocksen
(Gold Hits)
5. Lakisha Jones
6. Chris Sligh
7. Chris Richardson
8. Jordin Sparks
(One-Hit Wonders)
9. Haley Scarnato
10. Sanjaya Malakar
Okay, Melinda and Blake are safe for sure. Lakisha is probably as well. Gina and Phil should be safe as they stepped up their games tonight. Chis and Chris could be a toss-up, but I think they are safe as well. I would honestly LOVE to see Jordin be the shocking elimination this week. Don’t think it will happen, but it could. That leaves Sanjaya and Haley. Both didn’t do that great, but both have other things going for them besides their singing. Haley has the looks, while Sanjaya has the annoying niceness and hair that the young girlies love. It’s going to be tough to predict this week as I can easily see Haley and Sanjaya last another week and have another “SHOCKING” elimination. But I have to do it sooner or later, so why not now. I think looks overcomes hair and Haley is afe. That means Sanjaya is going home!
