May 2, 2007

arrow American Idol: Top 6 Thoughts & Predictions (Again)

lakisha.jpgWhich two "Idols" are going home tonight? Who was great last night? Who wasn't? Beehivers Mike and Felicia are here to break all that down. Let them know what you think -- leave a comment about who you think will be eliminated.

Felicia says:
More than an entertaining rock show Tuesday night, "American Idol" showed why LaKisha Jones is really the most gifted of this season's performers. She's not a seasoned professional backup singer (i.e. Melinda Doolittle), isn't a struggling performer on a local scene (i.e. Blake Lewis), or comes from a family familiar with the spotlight (i.e. Jordin Sparks and her previous professional contests). Though LaKisha has some musical background, she is the true raw talent in this field.

She reminded us of her majesty one more time last night ... and I will miss her.

Tonight, AI will kick off two contestants, based on votes from last week's charity show and this week's tallies. On Tuesday, rocker Jon Bon Jovi was the coach, and his group's songs proved more challenging than you'd think. Here's how it stacked up from my vantage point:

The Best: LaKisha! What an awesome way to say goodbye. She actually searched for a song -- "This Ain't A Love Song" -- that would best showcase that beautiful, powerhouse voice. Her tendency to be fierce in facial expression suited this tune. And, once again, I got goose bumps (which I still haven't yet gotten from Melinda, for all her precision and showmanship) when Kiki reached for those moments in a song where you either sail or drown. Simon Cowell, obviously excited that the real Kiki had reappeared after a few weeks of wandering in the desert, even asked to kiss her. Heck, I'd bet a lot of us all wanted to wrap our arms around her.

The Worst: Speaking of either sailing or drowning, what happened to Jordin Sparks? Your mom raises you on Bon Jovi music and you sputter? Trying to look like a rocker with that big, black and red hair style didn't cover up the fact that you were really struggling with the lower ranges. Just wasn't your night, kid.

Biggest Surprise: Blake Lewis, with his beatbox-tinged take on Bon Jovi's classic "Shot Through The Heart." He's the one contestant who takes risks and stays true to his inner voice. I give him big points for innovation. And I'm sure that younger viewers not familiar with Bon Jovi thought that Blake's rendition was oh so cool. But, for someone like me who's of Bon Jovi's generation, it didn't seem right, even though I've liked Blake's earlier styling-ups of other older songs. "Do I like this?" I jotted down last night. "I keep hearing the original in my head -- It's OK, but I'm not lovin' it." Oh, and dying your hair black to look more like a bad-boy rocker is such an obvious ploy. You know better.

So which two go home? My money is on Chris Richardson, for one. He's run out of steam, and Phil Stacey has suddenly hit his stride at the most opportune time. Also, unlike the judges, I thought Chris' singing on "Wanted Dead Or Alive" was more like yelling.

Unfortunately, my second pick is LaKisha. She was hurt by too often picking songs of other AI winners or contestants that forced you to compare her to singers such as Carrie Underwood. Not smart. With more imagination on her part, she could have gone deeper into this competition. I can only hope a producer who understands her takes her on ... Remember, you don't have to win AI to have a successful career. Just ask Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry.

Mike says:
Best: Ummmm, I dunno. Nobody blew my mind. Melinda and LaKisha were both pretty good. As per usual for Melinda. A return to form for LaKisha? Don't know, and we might not ever know.

Worst: Blake Lewis. Oh, where do I begin? The hair? What was that? Fall Out Blake? My Chemical Blakemance? Or him just taking a break from singing to make fart noises with his mouth? Ohhhhh, he was beat-boxing. Ohhh, excuse me. I'm used to good beat-boxers like Rahzel. My apologies. It's just that Blake gives beat-boxing a bad name.

Most surprising: Jordin. Now that she's the one a lot of people (like Felicia) are pulling for, you'd figure young Jordin would have some Spark last night. Nope. Not at all. It was pretty painful, in all honestly. The good news is that I doubt she's going anywhere.

Going home?
I'll agree with Felicia that Chris Richardson is done for. It was fun while it lasted, Timberfake. While I think that LaKisha has a very good chance of going, too -- let's recall that she did OK last week and last week's votes still count this week. Now, Blake Lewis sucked last week and was strange enough this week that he might have alienated some people. I'm crossing my fingers that's enough to get him off my TV.

10:13 AM | | Comments (12)



Comments:

I agree -- Jordin had an awful week, but I think her performance from last week will keep her in the running (I hope). My faves last night were Phil, Blake and Melinda. Even Lakisha didn't really do it for me. Who I think may end up leaving tonight: Chris and Lakisha.

Posted by: Lisa Boyles at May 2, 2007 10:52 AM

*****

Free your mind....and Blake will follow.

I thought his rendition brave, smart, and QUITE good. What cojones it takes to walk up to Jon BJ and say "Hey, I want to sing your classic hit, I really like your stuff, now can you help teach me to sing it my way?"

Obviously Jordin stunk, but how gracious was she to the judges?!! She deserves the final 3 still. Blake beatboxed his way into the final 3 (Oz, you beatbox elitist). Melinda didn't screw up, so she goes too.

That leaves three to go, and I don't care at this point which order they leave, but I'll pick Timberfake and LiKissya also.

I voted once (which is huge) for Jordin. Just in case.

Posted by: StephEN at May 2, 2007 11:59 AM

*****

Oh, pardon Blake for dying his hair! You two just can't stand a contestant who tries anything new and is obviously kicking major ass doing it. He is hands down the most talented performer on that show. Even if you didn't like his rendition of "You Give Love..." you've got to recognize the talent and hard work he put in to Blaking that song out. Oh no I didn't!!

Posted by: Erin at May 2, 2007 12:49 PM

*****

Two words: WHO CARES

Posted by: Missy T at May 2, 2007 7:32 PM

*****

BLAKE ROCKS! SO DO MELINDA AND JORDIN!!! But Jordin will win because she is young and "Fresh".

Posted by: Prailey at May 10, 2007 4:15 PM

*****

People these days can be so cruel. It's just not fair for us to judge any of the people on American Idol when we ourselves have NO idea how much pressure is put on their shoulders. Imagine getting up there and singing in front of million of people. And especially if you mess up one bit people start complaining. Saying you've lost your edge. It aint right.

My personal opinion:

Blake is very talented and a good multi-tasker. My votes go to him every week. Jordin has an amazing voice for her age and it's more pop oriented so I can understand why she had a hard time singing Bon Jovi. And Melinda is a power house. Amazing voice and very likable. You just can't hate her. I give mad props for them doing what they do every week. It's not as easy as it looks.

Megan out~~

Posted by: That Chick Who You Dig at May 10, 2007 7:39 PM

*****

It's not fair to judge the contestants on "American Idol?"
A show where people compete for America's vote?
Critiquing them is cruel?
So says a girl who's myspace url is americanidollover?
This is why I hate "American Idol."

Posted by: Mike Oz at May 10, 2007 10:22 PM

*****

not only is blake HOT and have great style,he has a great voice and is totally good at beatboxing

oh, and praily, the show says, EVERY WEEK, its up to you america, and you be the judge, and your vote counts,

how is it not fair to be on american idol?!?!?
oh youre right i sooooooooo wouldnt want to be on that show
NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: jjmarie58 at May 11, 2007 7:22 PM

*****

I think Jordin will win and doolittle will come in 2nd but what will she put out you know? their just voting for her cuz shes a good singer and the show is trying to have a yound audience. i think doolittle will be just another taylor hicks. which is not good. shes too much into the older stuff soo now i think its a tie between blake and doolittle to go home.
Blake

Posted by: Emilyy... at May 16, 2007 6:47 AM

*****

blake is the SEXIEST gut eva! and is good at dancing singing and beatboxinnnnnnnnnggggg. dont hate.

Posted by: alemac at May 16, 2007 10:51 AM

*****

blake is the SEXIEST gut eva! and is good at dancing singing and beatboxinnnnnnnnnggggg. dont hate.

Posted by: alemac at May 16, 2007 10:51 AM

*****

listen...blake lewis is the best one on that competition.
he is the only one that has shown any originality america should have a singer like blake lewis. He is amazing in both singing and beatboxing. I dont care what you really think that he cant sing or he cant beatbox because he can and obviously more people agree with me because he made it to the top three. America likes him...dont be so negative.

Posted by: tabitha at May 16, 2007 12:27 PM

*****

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