Well, after Tuesday night’s performance, and everyone’s chance to sleep on what transpired, a couple things are obvious from all the email I have received:
1. MYchael lost some steam last night. So he’d better either step it up next week, or adopt the Haley Scarnato approach and perform half naked if he wants to survive.
2. Jason Yeager is NOT Elvis Presley.
And God help us all should he survive another week...
3. David Hernandez is now a FORCE to be reckoned with.
4. People would rather see Paula’s head squeezed off, not poor Puppy Love Archuleta’s. You would not, however, like to see her body hanging from your rearview mirror.
So how will the ladies fare with a menu of 70’s tunes from which to choose? Let’s put on our dancin’ shoes and see who came ready to Get Down Tonight, and who might be left asking, How Do You Mend A Broken Heart?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With a brief warning that "The fate of ten girls hangs in the balance tonight," Ryan, dressed in JEANS and a black dress shirt, got things underway...
T.I.A.I. (But NO, THIS is NOT LIVE.)
As he intro'd the ladies, and they ran through the Howdy-do Arch, only one thing stood out among the sea of blond hair and brunette hair extensions:
Amanda looked like Madeline Khan in Young Frankenstein.
Actually, that’s an insult to the late, great Ms. Khan. I DO take it back. Madeline looked hysterically funny. Amanda just looked hysterical.
A quick hello to the judges revealed Randy in a colorblocked sweater, the highlight of which was the egg yolk yellow around the front – bright and cheery, Randy. And it matched the beach jewelry still on your wrist, you little ray of sunshine, you..
Paula, her hair still tame, was dressed for the Junior League. She looked positively modest, not a cleave in sight. But that highnecked satin number? She must have been shopping where Ricky Minor gets his clothes: 1-800-FLOWERS.
Simon kept things overcast in a gray sweater that forecast, "possibly cloudy, chance of pain." Which young lady would get caught in a torrential downpour of criticism, and who might find her talents and song choice "hailed" tonight?
First up to enlighten the public to some facet of her personality, and somehow try to become more interesting (I swear it’s like handicapping a horse. Well, this one has sturdy legs from gymnastics, but this one can do crossword puzzles without breaking a sweat...), was Carly Smithson.
As she said in her clip, we already know that she and her hubby own a tattoo parlor (although he owns way more tattoos than Carly – just a personal opinion here, but when you have to move to the real estate of your scalp to continue your epidermal Crayola efforts, perhaps you’ve jumped the shark a tad. Then again, if you really like sharks, truly want one on your body, and all that remains unpolluted on your ocean of skin is your pate?). But Carly also works around the corner in an Irish Pub.
I must admit, I liked seeing her in that element. She seems like the kind of bartender you’d like to hang with. And then seeing that she is just a domestic goddess at heart? Cooking, cleaning, making the bed – in a kerchief, no less? Mission Accomplished, Nigel. You managed to humanize her a tad tonight. I mean, hey, I cook, I clean (sometimes), and I make the bed too! I can finally relate to her on some level!
She took the stage to sing Crazy On You in a sleeveless, black, empire waisted tunic over black leggings, and boots. And the stylists are earning their keep – her hair was sleek, her make-up miles removed from that hideous jaundice shadow she favored when we first met.
Of course her singing was great – she’s got serious vocal game. But I have to ask. What was she looking at on the ceiling the whole time? At one point she looked almost concerned – was there satellite debris falling from the sky? Slightly distracting.
(And some double sided tape might have been in order on that bodice. Every bounce was, well, way toodangerously bouncy.)
Randy noted some "sharp pitch problems", but that it was "good towards the end"; Paula called her an "amazing singer" who did an "amazing job"; Simon lauded it as a "much better performance than last week", then went on to say, "I don’t think any of these girls can touch you vocally, but what you haven’t done is chosen that ONE song that will give you ‘the moment’."
Which is absolutely true. Hopefully she can stick around long enough to nail a song that will push her past gifted vocalist, to A Star Is Born.
(Oh, and yes, as you all pointed out – Simon’s new signature hand gesture. He needs to get his elbow off Paula’s chair, or they simply need to superimpose a circle around him as he does his sign language for the tone deaf.)
The first break brought us back to the lovely Syesha Mercado talking about how she is an actress who has done many commercials. They highlighted one where she is on the beach with her "husband and child" and nails the line, "DU-wayne, find me a big, beautiful shell."
Not exactly the stuff of Clio awards, but that impression she did of a baby crying earned her the coveted trophy for Riding Linda’s Last Nerve. Yikes.
On stage she began singing the gender altered Me and MR. Jones. I cringed just a tad because switching up a song as well known as that only serves to make it distracting each time the singer gets to the switch. Maybe it’s because we sinisterly watch and secretly hope they botch it? Me -ee a-and Mrs, er, oops, I mean MR, not that there's anything wrong with MRS...
I have to say – again - Syesha is stunning. With her hair on full poof, tied back with a retro print scarf, a black minidress, and golden bird perches in her ears, she looked amazing. And girlfriend has some serious tone to those arms – not a Bingo wing in sight.
Her voice was strong and confident, but there was one moment when it seemed like she slid off the lyrics (I’d hate to think Ricky arranged such an awkward lapse) – she looked panicked, but then continued on, slipping easily in and out of soft and strong notes.
Randy, however, was not impressed. He called it "not a good song choice"; Paula "liked the interpretation", but noted that on the "soft notes you tend to fall off pitch"; Simon said it was a song "not designed for your voice", and that it was a "bit indulgent" to change the song from Mrs. Jones to Mr.
WEATHER WARNING: Clouds gathering. Possible severe thunderstorms, take cover.
As Syesha sought shelter, we learned that Brooke White once attended beauty school, enjoying the art of cutting and styling hair. But then this music thing got in the way and she became – are you ready? – wait ... for ... it – a ... beauty school dropout!
I’ll pause whilst you collect yourself.
Ready to continue? Good.
Sitting on a stool, strumming her guitar, Brooke looked pretty with her hair wavy, still very prim in her short sleeved, but turtlenecked orange top, JEANS, and boots.
Interesting song choice – You’re So Vain. I started to roll my eyes, but the more she sang, I actually started to like it. Plus anyone who can glide so smoothly over "your scarf it was apricot" and "watched yourself gavotte"? Props. Even Warren Beatty was impressed.
Her voice is enjoyable, although it does tend to go AWOL on her lower notes. Other than that, my only other criticism is that she was too smiley and chipper for a song that is essentially an F.U. to a man.
(Loved that before Randy started to speak, Simon could be heard asking "Was she looking at me?" during the choruses.)
Randy called it a "great song choice"; Paula saw his ‘great’ and raised it a "perfect"; Simon said, "I absolutely loved it. It was an absolute perfect song choice for you."
(Oh look! The sun just came back out – grab the Coppertone!)
Another break and we returned to Ramiele Malubay demonstrating her hidden talent: hula dancing. Loved the photos of her as a little girl in full hula garb. (And for the record? I’ve lived in Hawaii, and given it a try. It is much more leg muscle intensive that you would ever imagine. And those coconut bras? Well, they tend to want to come off your ... coconuts.)
(Note: Anyone else notice the deal Idol must have gotten on wholesale pashminas? Every girl AND boy has one wrapped around their throats in these interview clips. Yes, yes, I know, protect the "instrument"...)
Ramiele took the stage dressed like season three contestant, Camile Velasco. (That’s not a good thing.) Tight skinny JEANS, heels (I know she is short, but this is not a flattering look on her), and a couple cheap looking tank tops. Camile never appeared polished or put together, and tonight, Ramiele just looked like she was heading to the mall right after she performed to meet Camile for Sbarro and some Orange Julius.
And what was with the Altoid dangling from her ear? Curiously distracting.
Singing Don’t Leave Me This Way, she started off slow and opened up at the chorus, but knowing how big her voice is, I was truly left with a feeling of ‘don’t leave me this way’ – blow the damned doors off, girl. She just seemed to "sing" it, not feel it or sell it tonight.
Randy called it "just ok"; Paula chose to ignore the performance (a theme she followed tonight), instead blathering on about knowing her vocals "are truly amazing" and calling her, based on the past, "one to beat"; Simon called her performance "one I’m not going to remember so well" and that even though he considers her to be in "the top 3 best singers in the competition ... it wasn’t one of your best."
Kristy Lee Cook was up next highlighting all her tomboy ways. Kristy is a beautiful girl, and I like that she enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing, softball, her horses – doesn’t mind getting dirty.
Strutting out in glimmering black velvet pants, a shiny silver top (that’s where Paula’s cleavage went tonight), her hair on full "hot mess" (in a good way), Kristy tore into You’re No Good – she had some solid throaty growls, seemed much more into it than last week, but she needs to drop that wide legged I’ve-been-riding-horses-all-day stance of hers.
It was a good performance, but not truly being her kind of music, it never really galloped, just cantered to the finish.
Randy said it was a "100% improvement over last week"; Paula yelled, "You're back, You’re back, you’re back!" and then that phrase she likes about being "in the pocket"; Simon warned her that while she has "real potential", he still doesn’t know "how to label" her and steered her towards what seems natural – country.
Another break to insure Nigel and Company’s great-great-great grandchildren never have to work and we returned to our rocker nurse, riding her Harley, and confessing to being another closet "word nerd" like David Cook. Amanda truly enjoys reading and has a "knowledge is power" mindset. Good for her.
And I have to say, that with her hair pulled back and covered with a scarf, she is a truly beautiful girl.
A fact which was completely obliterated by her Halloween-esque get-up tonight. My first note when she slammed onto the stage?
OH. MY. GOD. Her hair matches her pants.
Seriously, all apologies to Madeline Khan for my previous statement. Amanda’s look was complete overkill – way beyond the reaches of Dr. Frankenstein’s reanimating powers.
The hair was frightening, like she had woven fifteen skunk pelts into the front. And those pants? Were they white with black flames? Or black with white blotches?
Singing Carry On My Wayward Son, she flipped the bird to changing the gender of the lyrics a la Syesha, and referred to herself as "man" throughout the song.
Look, I’m not going to argue with someone who looks that scary.
You know, I liked the video of her. She seems like a grounded, decent, intelligent person. But these performances of hers, especially this one, seem so forced, so intent on proving some rock n roll point, they are almost caricatures.
And thank God they dimmed the spot on the musical interlude when she began to spasm, er, sorry – dance.
Yes, she has a big throaty voice, but she is simply not my cup of T – quila.
Randy called it "pitchy" and said it "wasn’t the right song, wasn’t the right look"; Paula agreed it wasn’t the right song, but Paula being Paula, also had to add a layer of saccharine with "you can dance" and "you are special"; Simon said "everything felt contrived from what you are wearing, to this terrible hair, to the indulgent song choice. None of it felt natural, real – I couldn’t wait for it to finish."
TORNADO WARNING: TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY (perhaps in Amanda’s hair. It did look pretty sturdy tonight.)
Another break and we came back to find that Alaina Whitaker doesn’t like her food to touch on her plate. OCD much, Alaina? I know this was supposed to be cute on some level, but all it did was make my emotions push apart like all those starches on her plate.
Choosing to sing Hopelessly Devoted To You, Alaina wore a sapphire blue strapless dress, heels, her hair soft over her shoulders. She looked lovely.
For a Homecoming dance.
The performance was OK till she opened up and then it seemed like the only audience she was courting was the feral cat demographic – I swear they were singing along in the lot next door.
Randy called it "really pitchy" and said she "over shot it"; Paula ignored the actual performance and bestowed a basket of kitties, puppies, sunshine, Prozac, and rainbows on the girl; Simon called it "a bit pageanty" and said it looked like her "grandmother had prepared" her for the audition.
My note? She is just "one of the many blonds."
Next, AlexandRAYa (get it right, people) Lushington, who spoke of once planning on trying to become a member of the Atlanta Fire Department. Moving moment – she spontaneously sang at Ground Zero a few months after 9-11 while visiting the site.
Choosing to sing Chicago’s If You Leave Me Now (for those who predict ousters based on song titles – double ugh?), AlexandRAYa was dressed pretty cool actually – khaki long shorts, gray long sleeved T, hoodie, puffy vest, and ankle boots.
The problem was, while the look was breaking and entering the fashion scene, the vocals seemed to be under a restraining order. There was no moment when she was even able to make it memorable. That song is simply one big Lunesta tablet, complete with dippy butterfly.
Randy called it "so safe for you" and cautioned her to "always challenge yourself"; Paula piled on the BS with "stretched it", "made it your own", "very impressed" and this season’s already overkilled watchword: "relevant"; Simon said she is "struggling" and that she constantly went "in tune, out of tune."
A low front moving in as storm clouds gathered over AlexandRAYa’s eyes...
Would Kady Malloy experience gentle breezes of praise, or would Typoon Simon sweep through?
Her revelation is that she has been singing opera since she was a child. (Um, isn’t she still a child? Never mind.) She actually sounded pretty good, but then I am constantly amazed at how set of bathroom tiles can transform me from Rosanne Barr into Pat Benatar, too...
Dressed in sheer black leggings and a minidress covered in Easter eggs (she even had one on her finger), Kady strutted down the stairs and began singing Magic Man, and I actually felt my spleen run and hide behind my gall bladder – the inward cringing was that bad.
Magic Man is a sexual, hard charging, lustful song. None of those things are truly (or should be) within the realm of experience of a teenage girl. But oh, how she tried, obviously equating eye schtuping (all credit to Madeline Khan in Blazing Saddles) and dropping the last sound from most words, with maturity and sexy story telling. "try ta understa---".
Randy said she "never quite found the notes" and that it "didn’t work"; Paula said that on the low notes she "lost a little"; and Simon declared it "never went anywhere" and that while her personality is working on her interview tapes, it is "not in person". Oh, and "one million percent the wrong song."
For her part, Kady looked like she could give emotional meteorologist Cowell a run for his barometer – she was practically shooting lightening from her eyes again.
Finally, Asis’H Epperson was up to close the show. A former cheerleader, she spoke of how she learned to "give it her all" and feels it has prepared her for the Idol stage.
She decided that giving it her all could best be facilitated by dressing like a school librarian. High waisted houndstooth skirt, white, puffed short sleeved blouse, and a couple new feet of straightened hair.
She came out and launched into the slow opening of All By Myself – the song which is routinely trotted out at this stage each season by some female Celineabe. The best it has ever been done on that stage is by LaToya London when she hit a vocal homerun that sent chills (the good kind) down our spines.
I imagine the Idol PTB asked for the lyric change? Surely, if she had botched the lines, at least one of the judges would have called her on it, wouldn’t they?
She sang "And even though the nights are young" instead of "And making love was just for fun."
Can’t give those puberty laden teens any ideas now...
It was just bad. From getting lost in her lower register, to not being able to fully scale the notes, or hold them as long as is needed to impress – my spleen stayed firmly hidden.
As for the money note? Let’s just say LaToya London can sleep well tonight.
Randy and Paula, obviously drinking the Happy Koolaid again, heard it differently, I guess.
Randy told her she did a "really good job"; Paula said that while there were "some problems in the low points", "it was great"; Simon decided to let the tsunami wash over poor Asia’h beginning by lecturing her about All By Myself being "one of THE diva songs of all time" and that "you have to be one heck of a singer to pull it off – unfortunately, you’re not." OUCH. He sent another wave of disdain with "You’re not that good a singer" and "the song was too big for you."
He ended with "know your limitations" which he then applied to our carefully coiffed host, "something you’ve managed to do in your career, Ryan."
Sucker punch.
A quick video recap of the performances – and here is my prediction: Asia’h, who completely squandered the money spot; Kady, who needs a swift kick in her spoiled Britney-esque rear; and/or Alaina (insert "who is she again??) Whitaker.
And that’s it for Ladies’ Night. Overall, I don’t think there were many high spots to choose from. I certainly can’t Imagine that David Archuleta is feeling threatened.
(Oh, and yes, I am a little over Ryan ending every show by pointedly thank Randy and Paula and not Simon. That bit has gotten so old, so fast, it has mold spores and is growing "eyes" like a potato.)
So, what do you think? Feel any warmer towards Carly? Any colder towards the blond contingent? Can you tell them apart yet? Chime in, and tune in tonight to see who is told You’re No Good and You Don’t Have To Be A Star, Baby.
As usual, you are spot on!!
I hope Asia'h and Kady will be heading home.
And please tell your spleen it is safe to come out of hiding now!!!
Posted by: Diane | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I really hope Kady Annoy goes home tonight. I can't take her little attitude one more week. She really thinks an awful lot of herself. The guys definitely outdid the girls this week. No one even compared. Well, I guess we see what happens tonight.
Posted by: Kelly in PA | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:49 AM
When I heard that an Olivia Newton-John song was going to be sung and WHO was going to sing it, I looked at my husband and said She better not screw it up. Well, she did. Alot of the ladies last night really did horrible. I was impressed with Brooke and Carly. I agree about the ones that need to be concerned. Also, not sure if anyone else has heard this but apparently the website who's name is forbidden has decided to back Amanda. I really hope that ALL of the singers step it up because so far this is NOT the best AI has offered.
Posted by: Shanna | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I am hoping it's Asia'h and Amanda. Amanda just doesn't do it for me and I just don't see the potential. So far, I haven't heard a voice beneath all that screaming. Asia'h just should not have tried to sing that song. I KNEW it was going to be a mess as soon as she sang the 1st note. Its too early to bring out a song like that.
On a positive note, I really liked both Brooke and Kristy this week! I do think however that the blondies need to bring it a little more because there are too many of them. At least 2 of them need to go!
Posted by: Lisa in TN | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Okay, was it just my TV, or did Ryan looked stoned last night? His eyes seemed rather red and glassy. And I thought Randy looked like Mr. Rogers in that sweater.
Kady has gotten on my last nerve. "Easter Eggs" on her dress? LMAO! I was thinking giant jelly bellies.
My votes went to Carly & Brooke. I don't mind the shameless pimping of Carly and David A. by the producers/judges. They are excellent vocalists, after all, and how is it THEIR fault that the producers have decided to showcase them as the frontrunners? I want to like Amanda and Alexandréa, but Amanda was just way off last night, and although Alexandréa's outfit was very cool, I felt it was inappropriate for her song choice. But, she seems like a really sweet, genuine and humble girl.
One thing that's bothered me for a few seasons now...the judges really need to make up their minds. People get verbally skewered for playing it safe, but then get the same tongue-lashing when they take the risks. "Knowing your limitations" is apparently a VERY thin line.
Posted by: Jessica | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:09 AM
When Asia'h started to sing - I said "big Song" she better bring it. Then I heard the first few notes & was like - Oh NO! I knew she couldnt pull it off. And when it came time for the huge power note - her voice CRACKED! She couldnt even finish the note. Now I realize she has been ill, fine. But I agree with Simon - know your limitations. You cannot sing a song that huge with a voice that is not 100%. That was a big mistake on her part. It may cost her.
I think Pepe Le Ewww / Bride of Frankenstein/Cruella DeVille will go home & Kady Annoy as well.
Posted by: Haileysmom/Jamie | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I thought Amanda looked like Cruella DeVille. I was just waiting for her to screemch out "Where are those puppies! Bring me those puppies!!!" And yeah, I get it already: She's a tough biker chick and a rocker. But to me, it seems like she's trying too hard to aesthetically convince people what image she wants to be defined as, and there's nothing really natural about it. Entire visual overkill w/ so-so vocals.
I actually thought Syesha was good. When I decided to forget I knew the song already, and pretended I was hearing it for the 1st time ever, it helped overlook the reassignment of Mr. from Mrs. She sounded like a young Miki Howard to me, and I thought she commanded the stage well.
I don't think any of the girls knocked it out of the park though. And this is when I wish Idol wouldn't dwindle it down to an even amount of boys and girls for the top 12. Let it be the best singers in the final group... and let the votes decide, not someone's sex. Of course, that would prob'ly screw up the typically contrived group numbers and those hideous vommercials.
Posted by: MPolo | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:23 AM
My Ratings:
Carly- 8
Syesha- 5
Brooke- 7
Ramile- 6
Kristy- 6
Amanda- 6
Alaina- 6
Alexandraea- 6
Kady-4
Asia'h- 6
Overall, a very dismal night. Kady will be gone and probably Syesha. I truly hope they will get out of their funk and SING next week. Oh, and my wife said she thought Amanda looked like Mortica Adams.
Posted by: Tom | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Please Please Please AI stylists, Leave Amanda alone!!! Let her go back to the look she had before. It's like they are trying to SELL HER(and shove down our throats) as a rocker when she already has it. It's called gilding the lily, people.
Overall, the girls were disappointing. Even though Asia'h did a wretched job, her early strong performances may keep her in the game. I hate adding all this extra hair on the girl performers - it distracts them. Did you see how Asia'h kept playing with it? Keep the hair on Paula.
I believe that Alaina, Kady, and Alexandrea are on the block.
Posted by: Bobbsey | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Just a thought; if these shows are filmed on Saturday and Sunday, why hasn't an audience member spoken publicly about that?
Posted by: Angela | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I was so underwhelmed last night. Carly, Brooke, and Syesha were about the only ones who delivered at all.
Having grown up in the 70s, it was nice to hear-- no, be reminded of-- some of those songs. That's what last night did, made me pine for the originals. Ann Wilson and the guy from Kansas, what amazing singers.
Going home? Yeager, Kady, and a toss up of middlers-to-awful.
Posted by: angenian | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Because Idol is very careful to NOT hype the shows as LIVE. Ryan is very careful to only call results night LIVE.
Posted by: Linda Sharp to Angela | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Amanda looked like something out of Beetlejuice last night. I agree that on her video she looked so much prettier and YOUNGER. That hair and make-up is so aging on her, and with the deep voice she seems more like 35 than 23.
Kady singing her way down the stairs brought to mind the old saying, "can't walk and chew gum at the same time." She was having a horrible time singing and walking down the stairs - I was sure she was going to take a tumble.
Great recap as always Linda!
Posted by: ginger | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Was I the only one who noticed the remarkable improvement of Carly's teeth?
Posted by: Patricia | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:45 AM
We think it's pretty cool Carly's the Irish bartender. That did help to like her a little. We have a favorite Irish pub in San Francisco we go to every year. She did seem like if would be fun to hang with her there. Great voice, but scared to look at the camera?
Well it’s better than Miss Kady I'm-so-hot Annoy trying to give the sex eyes to the camera...GAG! Bu-BYE!
We just yelled "NOOOO" when Asia'h started, we were kinda singing along (come on admit it, you all did too) and when that first big note was suppose to happen....OUCH! Honey just run off the stage.
Amanduh has got to go, so over her OVERLY pushing "I'm a rocker/biker" fine, be yourself whatever, you are 23 and if you already look that road, oh I'm mean worn. Good luck when you turn 33.
Syesha beautiful should make it far in this.
Other blondes?? not really caring too much. They won't last.
No voting from my house last night.
The guys are getting our votes. Ok getting my 14 yr. olds votes. OK David A. getting her votes.
Posted by: Valerie | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Once again, thank you for a great review!
After the scuttlebut(t?) last week about Garrett having his song chosen for him (he didn't get any of his 3 choices), I really wonder about Alex&rea's song. I have a really hard time believing a 17 year old girl would clamor to sing an old dreary Chicago tune without being forced to. /tinfoil
That said, considering what she had to work with, I liked her vocal performance. It wasn't perfect but it was a'ight. She tried to change up the ending and didn't get enough credit from the judges. I'd rather listen her sing than Jordin.
I loved Brooke. That was exactly the right kind of song and I like girl folksy singer/songwriter music anyway. I'd love to hear her sing some early Shawn Colvin, but I doubt that would be anywhere on the limited 80's song lists of PTB's favorites (read: cheap!).
Carly showed me something of what the judges obviously like about her. That was the second best performance of the night, so yeah I guess the PTB attempt to humanize her is paying off. A little. But not enough for me to vote for her.
Ramiele and A's'i'a'h disappointed. They were forgetable and wish-I-could-forget-able, respectively.
Syesha looked defeated and tentative and she seemed a bit listless. I think she's beautiful though.
KK&A were interchangable as ever. I guess Kristy Lee Scarnato was the best of these three other blondes but that's not really saying much, is it?
Katy's performance was slow and plodding. That song should be slow and plodding.
Alaina is this year's OCD contestant, but somehow Melinda made it funny and cute, not irritating. "Hopelessly Devoted"? Now that sounds like a song a 17 year old (drama club girl?) would want to sing.
Amanda... sigh. I want her to blow me away. I like the Joplinesque, bluesy gritty kind of music and she's really the only one doing it in this competition. But last night was... awful. I wonder if the hair and clothes were her way of saying "send me home, please!". Or, maybe she's campaigning for the Vote For The, um, you know girl of the week. She succeeded incidentally. I note this is typical judges' contradiction, after they told her in Hollywood week NOT to do the Janice, now Randy's telling her to get back in her box. She'll get one more week, I think, before she flames out like Sundancehead.
Posted by: MaryS-NJ | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I was so distracted by Amanda's hair that I couldn't even tell you what she sang....I really thought Carly did the best last night. Everyone else...meh.
Posted by: Stacey | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Kady Malloy murdered one of my favorite songs of all time... I hope she goes home just for that reason.
Posted by: Tracy | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I'm glad that Carly proved why she's there. I've liked her from the beginning and like her even more now! I was hoping you'd mention Kristy and her stance...close the barn door, girlfriend! When the camera panned to Amanda before the commercial, both my husband and I dissolved into a fit of laughter..WTF?!?!? I thought she might be singing something by Bonnie Tyler and was trying to emulate her hair, but totally agree with whomever said she looked like something out of Beetlejuice!
Hopefully Kady and Alana will be singing again tonight on their way out of town!
Posted by: Jacque | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Sorry, I forgot to add that if we're going to have the contestant mixing things up to suit their whims, we're going to be listening to Danny singing either:
1. Girls..I mean boys..no... Girls just wanna have fun; or
2. Like a virgin
next week during 80's week. I don't think I could deal with that! LOL!!
Posted by: Jacque | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Yes, an underwhelming night. (Although I have to admit I was a bit distracted through a lot of show by my teenage son, who told me that I get very odd facial expressions while watching and listening to the contestants sing. Then he spent most of the show trying to capture said odd facial expressions on his cell phone camera. Thanks, hon.) Carly was definitely the quality of the evening - but speaking of odd facial expressions, I'm annoyed by the way she scrunches up her face on her "power notes".
I thought Brooke was pleasant, but I wasn't as enamored of her as a lot of other folks seem to be. The rest - disappointing. I still like Syesha, Ramiele, AlexandRAYa and Asia'h, but this was definitely not their finest hour (and a half).
Amanda - Lily Munster on a casting call for "Hairspray"?? Well, last week I said I wanted to hear her actually sing, and this week I did, and now I regret it. She just could not reach any of the upper notes. She seems like a great person, but I don't think she's AI material.
Kady - go home.
Posted by: Susan in PA | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I can't stand Amanda. I actually had to change the channel when she started last night. I thought it was awful. She looked awful and I am not a fan of her raspy voice at all.
I do like Asia'h and was joking with my husband about one of the cardinal rules "If you are not Celine, Whitney or Myriah- do not sing thier songs!"
I am not really feeling any of the girls yet this year. Hopefully it will get better- the only thing that kept me tuned in last night was Simon's and Ryan's banter...
Posted by: Michelle | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Did anyone notice the end of show? Did AlexandRAYa get snubbed by Syesha on stage? I thought I saw some claws come out...
Posted by: Kara | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 01:01 PM
We agreed that Amanda is thusly renamed Lily lePew!
Posted by: audreyf | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Awful night, altogether. My votes went to Brooke, who deserved it, and Asia'h and Alexandrea, who deserve to stay in the competition despite a pretty bad week. I couldn't bring myself to actually vote for Carly, even though she's got a strong voice. Something about her bothers me.... everyone else, I really could care about.
What worries me is what DialIdol.com is forecasting on the girl's side. Their top 3 votegetters are: 1. Kady Malloy, 2. Amanda Overmeyer, and 3. Syesha Mercado. The top two are the one's I was predicting, based on their performances, would GO HOME!!!
Also, the three fewest were: 1. Alexandrea Lushington, 2. Asia'h Epperson, and 3. Alaina Whitaker. Furthermore, they also had the fewest # of busy signals.
I know that these numbers only reflect those who use the software to vote, but if they are in any way representative of the country in general, I seriously worry about some undeserving girls making the Top 12.
I think we are in store for a shocking results show tonight!
Posted by: Marc AKA Slumrville | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Here were my ratings:
Carly- 7
Syesha- 4
Brooke- 8
Ramile- 5
Kristy- 6
Amanda- 2
Alaina- 4
Alexandraea- 5
Kady- 3
Asia'h- 5
And Linda - Get out of my head. Last night when Kady walked down the stairs, I told my wife, "Aww, look. The Easter Bunny came early and dropped his eggs on Kady's dress."
Last night was just bad. Kady will be gone, and probably Alaina. The VFTWers will keep Amanda in for a bit, though she proved last night that if she's not screaming out a rock riff that she can't sing at all. Possibly the worst I've heard since Bobby Bennett killed Barry Manilow in season 5.
Posted by: Thomas J. | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Marc - In the DialIdol forums, the powers that be were talking about problems with the voting software that messed up the results on the boys' side. Probably happened on the girls' side too.
Posted by: Thomas J. to Marc | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 01:28 PM
I was mostly underwhelmed with the girls. Some were good, but certainly nothing outstanding. TMZ now reporting that Pepe La'Amanda was arrested for a DUI in 2006 and that Robbie has been wearing a WIG for his performances! Good grief! A wig? Was not Sanjaya enough last year with the hair?
Posted by: Margaret | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Looks like Votefortheworst.com has picked Amanda Overmyer and Danny Noriega as their poster children this season. I hope they don't succeed in getting either of these two into the final 12!
Posted by: Mary Ellen | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I actually would like to see Amanda and Danny in the top 12.
Posted by: Bobbsey | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I never really noticed Brooke much before, but last night, she really shined.
Having said that, I think that alot of the genres in the future are not going to allow for her to shine.
Her element is the folksy, unplugged style, and with other genres she may fade into the background again.
Amanda was painful.
I always thought her voice was interesting but in a good way, last night it was horrible.
I like Alaina, but Hopelessly Devoted to You IS pageanty and I can't believe she wanted to do that cheesy song.
Last night was not her night, but kind of like Michael Johns, she will be back and shine.
Sayesha, same too.
Not the best song (although I liked it more than the judges) but shes going to prove herself 10x over so no worries there.
I am not feeling Ramiele.
She has an amazing voice,
But I am just not feeling the overall package.
Carly, same thing.
Amazing voice.
But something about her I just cant get past.
It might be the teeth when she opens up her mouth for the money note. It bugs me to see her teeth.
I dont know, she is great vocally, but I just am not connecting to her.
Kristy Lee was better, but not great.
She will be around as the "cute girl who cannot sing as well as the others but shes cute type" for a little while, but she wont last very long.
Unless she shifts gears and becomes country completely.
Country singers alawys get votes bc theres a huge middle america audience.
She'd be smart to grab up that country singer spot bc no one else has.
Kady- horrible!!
You could not even hear her half the time.
Alexandrea- really like her, not best song choice but she was not bad.
And I think like Syesha shes got alot more in her in the future.
Asia'h- OK it was not her best, but people actually think it will send her HOME?
No way.
Shes a front runner still.
Posted by: Tamara | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Last night was such a letdown. The standouts, of course, were Carly and Brooke. "Crazy for You" is one of the best songs ever, and "You're So Vain" has always made me laugh! It's such a "Screw you, jerk!" song! The only problem with Brooke singing it is she's too nice to inject it with that extra bit of meanness. Oh well, that's okay. The world could always welcome another sunny-minded singer-songwriter type. I think the world of Brooke, she's just lovely, and I hope she sticks around. She's the kind of person who I would befriend, and who would inspire me to watch my language when she was around!
Kristy Lee, Kristy Lee, Kristy Lee. I really want to like you. Really. I'm even willing to forgive the Confederate flag in your music video, and that's saying something. But seriously, why are you running away from country? Just do what you do best, and you'll be fine. I haven't heard the rich, warm tone that you infuse into "Amazing Grace" since, well, your last rendition of "Amazing Grace." Bring it back, hon. We miss it.
As for Amanda, why did she look like the character from Mortal Kombat? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindel
You know, I absolutely love Amanda, but she sucked like a Hoover last night. Bluesy rock really is her thing. Couldn't she have done some Allman Brothers, or maybe some Zeppelin ("Since I've Been Lovin' You" comes to mind)? Sigh. That would have been great.
I can't even be moved to comment much on anyone else. Alexandrea's rendition of the song wasn't that bad, it was just too boring. Syesha didn't sing poorly, but I also get creeped out by gender-based lyric switches. "Can't let anyone think I'm a big ol' lez!" If you're that worried about it, pick another song. And then there was Ramiele. As a brilliant snarkmaster pointed out, it was weird hearing her sing disco -- after all, there were piles of coke taller than her at Studio 54! Kady and Alaina are equally forgettable once they get onstage. As'iah's lower register notes were awful. I'm so glad that Simon burst her bubble. No more Celine-like efforts for you! "Know your limitations" is excellent advice. Madonna has been following it for years, and see how well she turned out?
God, I almost don't even CARE about the results tonight. What a dreary week.
Posted by: Tiffany | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I REALLY dont like Kady- she reminds me of those girls in High School, where I wanted to "pinch off their heads"- you know the ones that think they are better than everybody else. Amanda is the rocker chick for this season- BUT i think she screams alot of the songs. Last thing, I'm just wondering when will Ramiele, change her hair style - her left side pulled behind her and just her right side hair down. She has been like that for a couple of shows.
Posted by: marlo | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Hey, Linda....great recap, with one exception. I'm a school librarian and I don't think I've ever worn an outfit as awful as
A. Epperson's was last night!
Posted by: S-J | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Ok. I know who went home but I'm not going to say it. I agree with everything you've said. Why does Ryan do that every week? The first time was funny, not it's just stupid. While I think they are all much better then last season's Idol, I still can't wait to get rid of the extra baggage, so we can get on with the show!
Posted by: Cagney | Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
I liked the Carly Simon cover. Thought it was good except for the part where she kept yelling "DON'T CHEW! DON'T CHEW!" Did she think if we choked on our food we might overlook it if she choked on the song?
Posted by: MaryAn | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Cann't wait until Amanda and Carly get voted off - I wouldn't vote for them if someone paid me to!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Cheryl | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 09:13 PM