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We’re finally where we wanted to be folks. It’s down to the Final 12 for Season 6 of American Idol. This is my preferred portion of the show because I like each singer having the opportunity to have a little bit more stage time. I also like the theme nights and the special guest judges that usually bring in. Quick introductions of the Final 12 and our judges and their brief intros. Tonight the theme and celebration is for Diana Ross. I believe this choice will directly benefit a couple of the contestants specifically.
Brandon Rogers
Singing “You Can’t Hurry Love”, his rhythm seems off already to me. Is it just me? My first introduction to this song was with Phil Collins and don’t think I realized Diana Ross sung it initially. I’m not a big fan of Brandon’s interpretation of the lyrical style. Again, the rhythm just seems off to me. DID HE FORGET HIS WORDS? I didn’t think Brandon would be along very long in the competition at this stage, if Sanjaya does a good job tonight may be his night.
- Randy: came out like he reverted to a background singer. It’s got to be a lot better.
- Paula: nerves play a big part, it’s not easy to do what they’re doing.
- Simon: “complete let down”. Very predictable version and arrangement. Terrible dancing. Forgot the words.
Simon telling it like it is and the audience is booing. It’s really too bad he knows what he’s talking about, I’m still amazed at the people who think Simon is some loser that’s just mean and doesn’t give anyone a break.
— Commercial Break —
Melinda Doolittle
“What do you consider the hardest part of this contest?” is a viewer question. Melinda says the high heels and dresses. Simon and Ryan are taking jabbs at each other and Simon makes a comment about Ryan knowing more about high heels. Ryan tells Simon to stay out of his closet and Simon responds with come out of it. Getting back to Melinda, Diana Ross said she gets goose-bumps when she hears Melinda sing. She’s singing “Home” from the musical “The Wiz” starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. My wife and I think that Melinda is probably the best singer in the competition, but the more I think about it, I’m not sure if the best singer is the one that’s going to win this contest. It may take a little bit more to push someone out in front of the other contestants. She totally is rocking this song!!!
- Randy: Maybe not his favorite performance, but super strong!
- Paula: has broken down in tears, she is so excited for her. Both are crying
- Simon: she made a very boring song, fantastic. Reminds him of a young Gladys Knight
Chris Sligh
Putting a little bit of a personal touch to “Endless Love”. He’s trying to modernize it. Diana says he needs to listen to the melody more and find the “hook” that makes it his own. He’s onstage without his glasses and that’s taking a little getting used to for him. Performance is starting off a little boring, but seems to be picking up. A little pitchy in areas I believe. He has absolutely modernized the tempo and rhythm of the song. His arrangement is showing off his range and that’s good.
- Randy: sounded like Cold Play, don’t worry about the song, just sing his heart out
- Paula: so recognizable, it’s a challenge, don’t try so hard and just let his talent come out
- Simon: murdered the arrangement, unemotional and uninspiring and keep his glasses on
This didn’t do it for me, it’s going to hurt him. I think he’ll make it past Sanjaya and Brandon, but it will be on personality and fan support, maybe not vocal talent this week.
Join us after the break for the next contestant’s performances
— Commercial Break —
Gina Glocksen
Meeting Diana and she’s a little star struck. She’s singing “Love Child”, which is another one that I’m not sure I recognized that Diana Ross was the original performer, or I didn’t realize it was Diana singing it when I heard it. I think this is a great choice of a song for Gina. The story of the song lends itself well to an edgy performance, which always fits Gina better than average. It seems like she’s screaming a little bit, but it still works for me because of the song and arrangement.
- Randy: wasn’t his favorite performance. Pitchy in spots and no excitement. Boring
- Paula: such an exciting song, much better than how she did tonight. Shouting, enunciation and pitch
- Simon: wasn’t terrible, wasn’t fantastic. Chose the right song for her. Staying in an image that suits her
Sanjaya Malakar
Diana says Sanjaya is “love” to her. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is his choice for performance. Diana is trying to get him to move around a bit more and just have fun with it. This was Diana’s first #1 as a solo artist. His hairstyle is a mess tonight, not sure what he was trying to do with it tonight. I think the song was a good choice for him, but I don’t think he’s really performing it even close to as well as he needs to be. It’s a high energy song, but I’m getting absolutely nothing close to that feeling from him. Judges are going to rip him apart. If he makes it through another week I’m going to be really surprised.
- Randy: stuttering, he’s just speechless. “Dude. It wasn’t very good”. “Thank God for the background singers.”
- Paula: sweetest soul and the smile [I think he's this year's Kevin Covais maybe]
- Simon: says Diana is “wailing” in Beverly Hills when she hears this. The positive comment was that he’s very brave for a 17-year old.
Again, if he makes it through another week, whomever is voting for him have completely lost their mind. I believe that’s agreed on our poll as he is by FAR the number one vote getter to go home this week.
— Commercial Break —
Haley Scarnato
Another viewer question, “Where is the craziest place you’ve ever sung?”. Haley says it’s here, right here right now tonight on American Idol. It’s so intense tonight! Haley has picked “Missin’ You” for her song. Diana is trying to get her to project her voice more and really come out with it. Diana recorded the song following Marvin Gaye’s death as a remembrance of him. Showing a wee bit of cleavage this evening with her dress choice. Get those votes any way you can, but I don’t think she’s got anything to really worry about this week. I don’t like her arrangement and performance of the song. It’s, as Simon would say, “forgettable”.
- Randy: gave it a valiant effort. forget some words, pitchy in places, nerves
- Paula: looks lovely tonight, forgot words, pitch issues, still adorable
- Simon: didn’t think it was that bad. Wow! She had real presence up there and “we will remember you”
It’s amazing to me how Simon can sometimes pull a complete twist out of the hat and shock you with his opinion of something, but that’s one of the reasons I like him.