American Idol’s Coming Down To The Final Four - Last Night Was The Blake and Lakisha Show
Last night’s American Idol show was a great watch. The final six contestants Phil Stacey, Lakisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, Blake Edwards and Jordin Sparks teamed up with legendary rock back Bon Jovi.
Let me set the record straight here. I am old. I grew up in the 80’s. I listened to Depeche Mode, The Smiths, New Order, OMD and XTC and all that other awesome new wave band shizzle. I did NOT listen to Journey, Foreigner, Whitesnake or Bon Jovi. Why, because I thought that music was for mullets - and mullets are unacceptable.
So, that said, last night was really cool. Jon Bon Jovi was very personable and down to earth. I didn’t “hate” him prior to the show, I just didn’t care, but now, I kind of like him.
Plus, he gave great advice: “Own the song.”Which is what each of them either did, or tried to do.
The smooth-headed military contingent Phil Stacey showed his strong vocal range by singing a Bon Jovi song he claims to have practiced in front of the mirror thousands of times in his youth: “Blaze of Glory” from Young Guns. That was a silly movie with both Kiefer Sutherland and Emilio Estevez, but I digress. Phil, as I have said all along, has gotten by on two things: his vocal chops (he’s just a really good singer) and his “aw shucks” likability. I would love to see him stay, but since two have to go, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of them - he just doesn’t fit the mold, despite being a great singer.
Jordin Sparks didn’t spark last night performing BJ’s uber-hit “Livin On A Prayer.” She tried, so gets credit for that. But that song is a raucous belter written for a male lead singer. The notes were totally out of her range. I am afraid her inability to meet the vocal range will be her undoing, but she’s still a great kid and really great performer. Bye-bye sweet Jordin, we’ll miss you!
Lakisha Jones just hit it out of the park with a soulful rendition of a lesser-known BJ song “This Ain’t A Love Song.” It was a tremendous song choice as it played well to her lower range, which is bluesy and raw. She really committed to that performance and it made me genuinely see her as a real artist who could sell a lot of records if given the right image and opportunity. Plus, Simon kissed her full on the lips and that was SOMETHING to see. Get a damn room next time. Lakisha’s going nowhere.
Blake Edwards. I just can’t even describe how talented this guy is. I thought for sure his one trick beat-box pony show was a gimmick that would get old fast when the show first started. I mean I like beat-boxing as much as the next person, but ya know, there’s a time and a place for everything. After backing off from his beat-boxing ability for several weeks, he brought his unique ability to blend contemporary elements to older style songs. He did the classic BJ hit “You Give Love A Bad Name” a treatment that could have been developed by the Chemical Brothers, Timbaland or the Neptunes. If he doesn’t win this year, he has a second career in production and remixes. The guy just has a magical ear.
Chris Richardson - I like Chris’ blue eyes. He’s a more handsome Justin Timberlake, but he’s getting old. Despite showing a bit of grit in his voice performing the BJ’s anthemic, “Wanted Dead Or Alive” he didn’t deliver it to me. I felt like he was relying too heavily on his good looks and JT comparisons, and something else insidious was showing through. A little bit of cockiness. Ewww… I do not like the cocky. Confident, yes. Secure, absolutely. Cocky? Get the F out! Maybe Chris will go instead of Phil. That would be ok with me.
And bringing up the rear, Melinda Doolittle. Yes, she is technically the most talented performer and she’s sweet, but I wasn’t all that blown away by her performance of BJ’s more recent hit “Have A Nice Day.” It was good, it was really good considering she’s no rocker (which she admitted readily) but it wasn’t great. That said, she seems to have stopped the mugging false humility shtick on camera, so that was refreshing. She’s staying, but I am not rooting for her at this stage.
I have grown to really like Blake and Lakisha. They are bold and have something unique to offer. Tune in for results tonight and to watch Bon Jovi do what old rockers do: go down in a blaze of glory.
Oh and I forgot, The Prez and His Missus gave a shout out to those who helped to raise over $70 million for charities sponsored by American Idol Gives Back. We gave $50, so I guess in reality they were thanking me and my family. I feel really special. Really.
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nice run-down - you should be a TV writer or something
Comment by EricOlsen — May 2, 2007 @ 11:49 am
Er thanks man!
Comment by dmdo1016 — May 2, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Jon Bon Jovi is actually hotter now than he was back then. Rowr.
I’m sad to see Jordin go, but last night’s performance was awful.
Comment by Kaonashi — May 2, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
Keep in mind that they’re combing votes from last week and this, and Jordin surely got quite a few of last week’s 70 million votes. Enough to see her through? Maybe.
Comment by pwinn — May 2, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
A Star is born. Melinda is a joy to watch and listen to - compelling - versatile and wide-ranging. Well prepared, professional. She has great phrasing, AND we can hear every word. Very charming and attractive Unassuming and warm. Time will say she IS one of “The all-time great singer-performersâ€
Comment by John Bostock — May 3, 2007 @ 6:44 pm