Okay, American Idol first. So….who is dressing these children? Yikes. Most notably Carly, who once again made her dress out some fabric she got from…oh, the curtains or something. Syesha is sporting a floor length handkerchief. I have no idea what Ramiele thinks she’s doing, but the hat definitely didn’t pull the look together. I mean, come on, these are pretty decent looking kids here, what’s up with the outfits? The guys are doing a much better job, but then, how hard is it to dress the guys? Well, now that Danny’s gone?
It’s Beatles night. Again. And while I’m glad we get another shot at their extensive songbook, I still wish we’d broken up the two weeks instead of singing them back to back.
Amanda gets the first spot, which….yikes. Tough spot, opening. With 11 singers still in the competition, you tend to get forgotten. She’s chosen Back in the USSR - which I think is a great way to open the show, so let’s see what she does. She’s doing a very Amanda job with it. I reiterate that I wish the band was on the stage behind her instead of up in the penthouse balcony suite. It’s too disjointed having them split apart like that and i don’t think the sound is as good. But she belts it out, so we’ll see what the judges think. Judges? Randy gives her a 7 out of 10 (so now he’s Uncle Lenny?) Paula says she was a little off the beat, but pulled it together. Simon says it was predictable. One thing I liked is that she’s smiling a lot more, which definitely is an improvement. The debate with Simon was…interesting. Cute, mostly. And I think he enjoyed it. Wonder how that might affect her votes… It will make her more memorable on the night.
Kristy Lee is up next, singing a Lennon song, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away. Could be a good choice for her. Let’s see…. Well, not bad until she hit the refrain. Sounded off key to me, but, regardless, it was just another okay-didn’t-blow-me-away performance. She’s a good singer and cute, but I think this might finally be her week to go. She simply doesn’t stand out - and not going country this week might have taken away her one distinctive factor. Judges - Randy wanted more emotion. Paula likes her dress. Simon Says she’s musical wallpaper. You notice it, then forget it. Unfortunately, I think he’s right.
David Archuleta is next and…his cute naive-ness is starting to wear thin with me and I’m not entirely sure why. I think it’s because Jason and David Cook are doing such far more interesting things now, that David A is sliding into the “cute puppy” Steve Gutenburg slot. Cute enough to keep around, but not enough to win. He has chosen The Long and Winding Road, which I imagine he’ll do far better with than the one he forgot last week. It’s more his “thing” anyway. It definitel showcases his voice better. And he does a great David A job with it, but still, overall…cute puppy. Judges - Randy and Paula are all over it, much love. Simon Says he was amazing. Okay, I’ll confess, he’s a realllllly cute puppy.
Next, it’s Micheal Johns who has chosen A Day In The Life . Hey, he washed his hair! And dried it! This is the sexiest he’s ever looked, and while he didn’t exactly nail it, he did a good job with it. Most memorable from him since the top 24 was chosen. Judges - Randy didn’t think this was a good one. Paula thinks he’s a bit off because of wearing ear monitors. Simon thought it was a mess. Well, I guess I’m still in the shallow end of the pool because he sure looked damn good while making a mess of it. But Simon does have a point that he needs to sort things out and belt it out better on the night in question and not just dress rehearsal. Not his turn to go yet, though, so there is still time.
Brooke White is up next with Here Comes The Sun, and you know, she’s really a great singer, but I kind of don’t really look forward to sitting through her songs. Go figure. But she does show how weak Kristy Lee is as a singer/performer, as she’s very professional in her stage presence. And yet, I don’t enjoy her. I just want to fast forward. But I’ve never been a folk singer-y type fan. (And yet, Jason keeps me there. Who knows?) She was certainly having a great time up there. And I shrug. Judges - Randy thought it was awkward. Paula smiles when Brooke sings. Simon Says it was terrible. (So maybe it’s not just me!) And she apologizes all over the place.
Yay, David Cook. Can’t wait to see what he chooses and how he handles it. Day Tripper. He’s doing the White Snake version. Ookay. I bet he does it. I totally love this. First note on. Best of the night. I’ll download this. Dayum. I am officially on the David Cook Train. I could even watch him tonight. Loved the jacket. And the voice box? Dang! Wonder if the judges will go for that - but it suited the song. That? All kinds of rocked. Judges? Randy is already chuckling. He’s rocking. Paula says he’s ready to go pro. Simon Says he doesn’t think it was as good as David thought it was, he thinks he looked to smug while singing it. (And we all know Simon hates it when you actually get any kind of handle on how good you actually are, so time to knock Cook down a peg.) But, you know, that’s okay. It will make people vote for him because they’ll be worried now. And it keeps him humble, too, not a bad thing. Still…for me? Performance of the night. By a mile. No cute puppy this guy.
Carly Smithson is next, singing Blackbird. She does a fine job, a great Carly job, she can sing, but it feels….safe to me. Not a showstopper. I actually enjoyed Michael’s mashed up performance far more. But what do I know. Judges? Randy loved it. Paula gushes. Simon Says it was indulgent. Carly explains. Simon gets it. Kinda. Me? Not sure I care. (I do, however, wish she’d get a better wardrobe person! That, I find myself caring about. Go figure.)
Jason’s turn! Yay! He’s singing Michelle. Hunh. Not sure this is a good idea. When he goes on to totally admit he has no clue about the French phrases in the song…um, yeah. You should make us feel that you’ve chosen songs for the same reason Michael did, and Carly did. This? Does not inspire confidence, Jason! Sigh. Here we go anyway. Meeeeee-shell. All those really hard eeeeeeeee’s. Yeah, this is my least favorite Jason performance so far. By far. It was bound to happen. I know this. (Why, why Beatles two weeks running?) And it also, for me, points out how much better Cook was tonight. He rocked both weeks, y’all. This? Is painful a little bit. I still love him, our adorable woodland creature, and he tries hard to charm his way through it, but wow, I hope next week finds him singing something, anything, that actually has meaning to him. This? Clearly did not. And stay away from foreign languages while you’re at it. Just…ouch. Judges? Randy says he thinks it was a good choice. (Rilly???) But he wasn’t into it, which, right. Paula says he’s charming but uncomfortable and polka-ish. Ha! But true. Simon Says it’s a weird night and agrees with me that two weeks running with the Beatles, not a good idea. Last week had some profound performances that this week they can’t really duplicate. I couldn’t agree more.
And then my sat dish apparently fritzed out with the rain we had….and that’s all she wrote! I’ll have to go dig up the rest on You Tube. Rrrrrrrrrr. Ever since I had them put in the new dvr upgrade, the rain knocks my system out all the time. Old one made it through hail storms and hurricanes without losing a bleep. Rrrrrr squared. Guess I know what service department I’ll be calling tomorrow….
Okay, found Syesha singing Yesterday. Yeah, not happening for me. Randy loved it. Paula loved it. Simon Says it was her best performance so far and says that was the song Brooke should have chosen. He thinks that should keep her around. I think it will, too, by default. But she’s not stepping forward into the spotlight for me. I don’t think she’s long for this show, big picture-wise.
Also found Ramiele singing Should Have Known Better. Yep, weird night. She can sing, but she also isn’t there for me as a performer. Ever. Cute, but just absent in getting me engaged. Bottom Two with Kristy this week for me. Judges? Randy says she brought more confidence this week. Paula says better than last week. Simon Says he likes her a lot and hated the track and chose a mediocre song.
Finally - Chikezie gets the pimp spot, which, after last week was deserved. God, given the train wreck that most of tonight was, I hope he doesn’t blow it. He sings I’ve Just Seen A Face. Oh god, he’s going to pick this week to play a harmonica. For the first time. WHY?? WHY??? What is wrong with these people? Jeez. I’m not liking it from the beginning. It seems off key or something to me. Just think it was a bad song choice. he goes on and on about loving John Lennon, then picks a McCartney song. Another wtf from me. Anyway - sorry Chikezie. He does pull it up toward the end, but the beginning was off enough that I think he lost too much. Still, I am liking that he did pull it out. And admittedly the harmonica wasn’t horrific. Judges? Randy says good and bad parts. Slow = bad. Fast = good. Paula liked the range. Simon Says it started okay then went downhill with the harmonica then turned achy breaky, but then we all know he doesn’t like country. He says it was gimmicky. Possibly a point, but the part he hated was the only part I liked, so whatever.
And? There you have it. Best? For me, David Cook, by a very long mile. David A next. And then the rest are harder to sort out. In terms of straight enjoyment, for whatever variety of factors, I enjoyed Michael, then just not much after that. Carly was good, if not particularly riveting to me. Jason, Brooke, Chikezie and Amanda are in a group of meh for me. Kristy Lee, Ramiele, Syesha are in my “danger, danger” category.
So, what did you think? Mostly, I think I’m just grateful we won’t have the Beatles songbook again next week. Definitely time to move on.
Okay, so it’s Dancin’ time! 6 women…and given the length of today’s blog, we’ll just get right to it.
First up is Shanon Elizabeth & Derek do the cha cha cha. I think she’s cute and I like her tomboy personality - helps to balance the fact that she’s got a runway body. Since we all know how runway bodies tend to fair in this competition, unless you’re Edyta. She was a bit clompy in the routine, but Derek’s choreo was great, as always, and I thought they were cute together. I think she has tons of potential and hope she doesn’t get sent out early. Judges - Lenny loved her, loved the legs, told her to work on the extensions so she can keep those shorty-short costumes. Bruno says she’s sexy minx and just needs to learn how to use those long legs of hers. Carrie Ann says she nailed it. Scores - 7, 7, 7 = 21. Which is a good score and pretty much on target given last nights score to my mind.
Next we get a glimpse of all the upcoming women, who all ham it up for the camera. Except Priscilla, who looks notably vacant and totally clueless about her surroundings. Okay, so now I’m starting to feel sorry for her a little. I’m not sure what all is going on with her, but she seems to be a bit naive about what she’s taken on, perhaps, and you don’t want to see anyone make any kind of fool out of themselves. I find myself hoping she pulls it together enough to do something with her moment. But, if anyone can do that, it’s Louis!! So, here’s putting allllll the pressure on him.
Monica and Jonathan are up next with the fox trot. Okay, so right off the bat, we see that for a top notch athlete with maximum control in moving her body around, say, a tennis court…yeah, that’s not translating so much to the dance floor really. Like, at all. My tennis lovers heart clutches a little. But she’s got a long road, I fear. She needs to loosen up - alot -but, just taking in her structured physique and total lack of natural rhythm, I’m thinking that’s going to be a really tough assignment for her. And she’s such a fierce competitor, this has to be supremely frustrating for her. I was feeling that for her, just watching. Poor Monica! I hate that for her. I so wanted her to do well. Thank goodness she has loving, kind Jonathan as a partner. If anyone can do it, he can. Aaaand here we go - She looks lovely, so there’s that. Still really stiff, but she’s doing it. Kudos to Jonathan for the choreo, and the ultra feminine outfit and hair, it did help a lot. I would love to see her grow in this competition, but I’m worried. At least she got her prom dance. And you could feel the audeince really rooting her on. And, by the end, she’s fighting tears. Awww. Hugs for Monica! I hope the judges are kind. Judges? Bruno tries to be kind in his Bruno-ish kinda way. Not entirely successful, but not cruel. Lenny, on the other hand, is very kind and I heart him for his gentle critique. As I do Carrie Ann. Nicely done. Scores -5, 5, 5 = 15 Which, really they had no other choice on that one.
We find out that scores for each night this week and next will be combined, and that next week’s elimination night will feature both one man, and one woman, going home. Yikes! The Jonas Brothers are the musical guest next week.
Marissa is up next as we get another camera peek and someone has clearly clued in Priscilla who does her best to appear animated. Wow. It just feels like piling on now, so I’ll stop. But…someone, keep an eye on her, okay? Finding a designated driver might not be totally out of line. Just in case.
Marissa gets another Tony trophy, and this one comes in very nice tanned flesh. I absolutely adore her spirit and spunk in a way I never did with Sabrina. She can sit by me anytime. Love. Her. I want her to just tear that floor up. Of course, I have to be honest and say I wish she had someone other than Tony. He does feel for his partners and I think he does try his best, but I don’t always think he’s showcased them well with his choreo, which concerns me with Marissa. I hope he does right by his partner this season. People talk about her not being a lithe, tiny size two, but I think the only limitation she’s going to face is her height (she’s not even five feet tall) so we’ll see how he compensates for that. They get the cha cha cha, which, perfect! I love how, rather than make him crazy with her sprightly personality, she seems to consistently be totally cracking him up. I hope that is a good sign for their chemistry, because I don’t see anyone containing her energy. Hopefully, he’ll channel it right - can’t wait to see them on the floor. Aaaaand, here we go — Oh and they so totally go for it, it’s adorable. I mean, I get no actual chemistry between them, it’s total production time, but it’s a helluva fun production. She messed up all over the place and who cares? She was obviously having SUCH a blast, it was infectious. I loved it. I can also see, if she progresses in this, that she will start to really get serious about it and I’m thinking, quite competitive, and that would also be fun to see. Judges? Carrie Ann loved her, wants more content. Bruno loved her, wants more content. Lenny thinks she deserved more content given her obvious talent. (And, need I point out? They loved her, didn’t think the choreo lived up to her potential. Tony.) My biggest fear, coming true. Wish she’d gotten a different partner, but we’ll see! Scores -6, 6, 6 = 18 She’s thrilled. Really. I love her. She’s so sincerely thrilled to be there.
Now, it’s time for Priscilla Presley. Thank god she has Louis!! So, first meeting, can I say, unkind lighting! Wow. Risen-from-the-dead comment, not a far off as it happens. Only now I’m rooting for her and I have no idea why, so I’m wishing kind things. Her face is so…..scary. It makes me wonder about the fragility of someone who feels that compelled to chase youth. So I worry she’s too vulnerable to tackle something this hard. But she seems to be really wanting the challenge, and asks to not be treated gently, so here we go. Come on, Louis, work magic here! She does seem a hard worker in her video clip package, so my expectations are rising a little here! Aaaaaand, here we go, with the fox trot…. wow, Louis has worked his magic! They look really lovely. Very nicely done. Surprise of the night for sure. Wow. Judges - Lenny thought it was a lovely fox trot. Bruno also gave good criticism and gush, as does Carrie Ann. Well done, judges, tonight! Scores -8, 8, 8 = 24 I think that was generous, I’d have gone with 7’s, but okay.
Kristi Yamaguchi is up next, with Mark Ballas get the fox trot. Married mom of two now, she’s looking for a new challenge. I think she’s found it. But she clearly has the grace of movement and the desire to train hard, so I think she’s going to be a big contender. Here we go…and wow, she’s a pure solid gold entertainer. All those years on the ice totally pay off here, in grace, style and knowing how to play to the crowd. Here’s are ringer for the women, but I find her absolutely as charming to watch here as I always did on the ice. I hope she goes far. Great choreo as well, and she and Mark make a great couple. The crowd was all over that and so was I. Fun stuff!! Judges- Bruno loses his collective stuff. Carrie Ann said she made it look effortless when she knew it wasn’t. Lenny says the ice maiden melted his heart. Awwwww. Scores - 9, 9, 9 = 27 So, they bust out the 9’s week one, but….hard to quibble, it was pretty damn impressive.
Marlee Matlin gets the final spot. Cannot wait to see her dance, and also see her teacher, since he’s the new guy! Fabian, the world mambo champion. Who is not lacking in confidence. This could be fun, y’all! They get the cha cha cha. And wow, I’m just so damn impressed already, I can’t stand it. With both her and with her instructor, who is not only new to this program and doing anything like this, but is faced with also doing choreo to take her deafness into consideration. Equally impressive, both of them, tackling this. I think she’s going to be fantastic, and just…wow, what a great thing to show people. There are no limits. Here we go - and wow, first thing, that man can move those mambo hips. Dayum. I’m all riveted to that and then it’s like, oh yeah, Marlee, look at her dance and she just makes it look effortless that you forget how much is going in to her actually keeping time with the beat, and therefore how much cueing he’s using as well. Incredibly impressive, across the board, and even more so, all things considered. And it had great content, too! Judges - Carrie Ann said it was inspiring and impressive. Lenny loved the choreo, gave constructive criticism, and was great. Bruno says music runs through her. Lovely. Scores -7, 7, 8 = 22 I think her scores and Priscilla’s should be switched, but it’s all so close, it probably doesn’t matter.
So, wow…what a night! I kind of hate that we have to let anyone go already. I am glad they get two weeks before the first eliminations, so we get so see a little bit more from all of them. Now I am really hoping Shannon doesn’t get the Josie and Paulina exit and that they give her a much more prime spot next week. She deserves it. As to who should go home for the women, well, probably Monica, sad to say. For the men, either Adam or Penn, but I’m hoping we get Penn a little while longer.
What did you all think? Who will go on American Idol tonight? My bottom three would be Ramiele, Syesha, and Kristy Lee, with Kristy going home. We’ll see!
Don’t forget to play this week’s SHaQ Attack contest. See Monday’s post for details!
Now…DISH!
Tags: Writing by Donna
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