Wow. Chris is gone. He got “Tamyra-ed,” as AI lingo goes. It’s not surprising though. Every season (except for Season 2, when it really should’ve been Ruben and Clay in the Finals) someone goes home earlier than expected. In Season 1, it was Tamyra (who came in fourth). I would’ve loved to see a Kelly-Tamyra finale. In Season 3, LaToya London went home way too early (she too, came in fourth). That was the most disappointing finale yet. I couldn’t (and still can’t) stand either Fantasia or Diana DiGarmo. Last season, some would think that Constantine went home too early (he actually came in sixth, behind Scott Savol and Anthony Federov, and of course Vonzell, Bo and Carrie).
Chris was honestly shocked when his name was called. I didn’t take it as arrogance, like when Constantine was shocked when he got voted off. In Chris’ exit interview with Ty Treadway on AI Extra (yes, I tape it and watch it), he was very gracious and a pretty good interview. I erased Paris’ half way through because I really can’t stand her voice. Chris mentioned, among other things, that he’d love to do a duet with Elton John. And they did mention that a band member from Fuel asked Chris if he wanted to be their new lead singer after he did their song “Hemorrhage” earlier in the season. Chris kinda blew that off though, by downplaying and saying they’ve talked a bit and have an open dialogue, but maybe they could write a song for his CD (assuming he gets a contract). Personally, I think if he became Fuel’s lead singer, it would be a win-win. Chris would be able to tour and be a part of a rock band and they’d get instant cross-over recognition for having an American Idol finalist in their band. They’d gain millions of “fans” overnight. But then maybe they’d have to dumb down their tunes and sell out like Smashmouth. But hey, writing for soundtracks is pretty lucrative.
If you’ve seen AI Extra, Ty Treadway looks a lot like a young Fisher Stevens. You know, he was in that great movie “Short Circuit” and dated Michelle Pfieffer before she got married to David E. Kelley. He was also in “The Marrying Man.” Not many people saw that movie, but it was a guilty pleasure movie for me. It was just a funny little movie that starred Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger and Paul Reiser. Again, not a great movie, but one that I liked. I also liked “Hudson Hawk,” with Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello and Andie MacDowell. I’m sure a lot of you have those movies that, if you catch it on A&E or AMC on the weekends, you just keep watching it. No matter how many times you’ve seen it. I’m that way with “That Thing You Do” too.
Okay, I’m finally going to put in print my problem with American Idol and why I think none of the previous winners (except for Kelly Clarkson) have done well. The inherent problem with the show is that the contestants need to do covers of songs. They have to do this because America doesn’t want to listen to songs that they don’t recognize. To further this problem, we have no idea how the contestants will do with original songs. The format of the show also pigeon-holes them into singing certain genres of songs. This may not present what type of singer the eventual winner will be. Luckily for Kelly Clarkson, she is able to sing pop songs. Ruben’s first album was too R&B and his second was too gospel. Why didn’t he just sing Luther Vandross or Teddy Pendergrass songs?
On to tonight, where the contestants will sing three songs. One chosen by Clive Davis, one chosen by one of the judges and lastly one that they choose.
01 – Elliott, Open Arms (Journey)
Looked kinda cool in his light colored suit and ‘70s shirt. Man his ears are pointy though. I think that they had him grow his goatee out too, to take the attention away from his teeth that look “like a mouthful of peanuts” (nice description, Hanzo). I didn’t think this was a good song. First off, you’re so used to hearing Steve Perry sing it in his distinct voice. Anything else is destined to fall flat. And it was a boring ballad. Nice work Clive. You could’ve cost Elliott the finals with that choice. Choose a different Journey song. Faithfully. Send Her My Love. Who’s Crying Now. Only The Young. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart). There were so many other choices if you were going to pick a Journey song. As expected, Randy did his name dropping and mentioned that he was in the band for awhile (but was he on the Atari game?). He said the song was near and dear to his heart, and even though he had a problem with the chorus, he worked it out. Paula said he did a great job. Simon called it a good song choice, but not a great performance. His advice was to loosen up because he can do better and he needs to believe that he can be in the finals. My wife noticed that Elliott is closed mouth smiling. I wonder if he’s being coached not to show his Chicklets?
02 – Katharine, I Believe I Can Fly (R. Kelly)
When I hear this song, I think of two things. Space Jam and Glen Rice. Obviously because it was in the movie, but Glen Rice because when he has his best season (96-97) he was interviewed once and he said he would sing that song out loud before every game. He averaged 26 pts a game that year and was the MVP of the All-Star game. Katharine wore a green/aqua dress that made her look like one of Ariel’s singing sisters in “The Little Mermaid.” My wife thought it sounded like a rendition from a musical, but I kinda liked the arrangement. It was definitely not like R. Kelly’s version. Randy said she looked amazing, but doesn’t believe that she’s THAT singer yet. Paula called her gorgeous and incredible. Simon thought Randy was being a bit unfair and thought that she actually created a bit of a moment. I was thinking, is this a bad sign that he is complimenting her? Usually when he skewers someone, he does it on purpose so that they will get the sympathy vote.
03 – Taylor, Dancing In The Dark (Bruce Springsteen)
We found out in the intro that Clive personally made the call to The Boss to get his okay to use the song and it is the first Springsteen song to be done on AI. Taylor had the “Gotta Go Potty” face going early on tonight. And he did a little finger gun, complete with the blow and holster to the words “gun for hire.” A little annoying, but it’s Taylor we’re talking about. I love the guy. Was wearing a bowling shirt under a grey blazer and jeans. Speaking of bowling shirts, have you seen “Two And A Half Men” with Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer? I say that because Sheen’s complete wardrobe on the show is bowling shirts and shorts. The show is hilarious. I laugh out loud so much during the show. “Two And A Half Men” following “How I Met Your Mother” is a great thing for CBS on Monday nights. This song was appropriate for Taylor and some TAP people (Robin) probably hoped he was more literal in his interpretation of this song (meaning actually dancing in the pitch black dark so that no one could see him). He went out by the judges and had Paula pull a Courteney Cox cameo, which is quite funny because when Courteney Cox was in the video, she was like 14. And Paula is 43. Actually, I looked at Cox’s bio on IMDB.com and found out she was 20 when she was in that video. That totally blows me away. She looked so young in that video. Anyway, after this performance, my wife claimed that Taylor won round one, hands down. Randy said that he knows how to have a good time. Paula called him incredible (I think she used that word for all of them). Simon said it was okay and gave Paula a dig by saying that for her age, she looks fantastic. Taylor Hicks will be your next American Idol.
04 – Elliott, What You Won’t Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
This was Paula’s choice. She chose it because it would show the funky white boy who has soul. I knew this song more because Go West did it. Go West had that wonderful song “King of Wishful Thinking” on the “Pretty Woman” soundtrack. This should’ve been a great song for Elliott, but he kinda butchered it. Randy said it wasn’t his best performance and that he was sharp for most of the song. Paula said something about piercing through the heart. Simon said it was NOT the best song choice (which was more a dig on Paula), but the song suited him and he did well. Elliott is a sinking ship at this point.
05 – Katharine, Over The Rainbow (various artists, but most notably from “The Wizard of Oz” and thus, Judy Garland)
This was Simon’s choice and on the outside chance Katharine wins this thing, she should send him a royalty check for choosing this song for her. She absolutely nailed it. Like Kerri Strug on the vault in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Sat the whole song again. I’m beginning to think she needs to sing all of her songs on the floor. That portion was very “Fantasia-esqe,” but I’ll excuse it because I’ve got the McPheever. This song really allowed her to showcase her big voice. Randy proclaimed that finally this is what he’s been waiting for. And called it the best vocal all season (but he didn’t specify for her or for the whole show). Paula called it in her element, especially when she just sings and doesn’t go overboard. Simon was very happy for her, called her a very special talent and called it the best performance of the competition to date. This song may have put her into the finale.
06 – Taylor, You Are So Beautiful (Joe Cocker)
This was Randy’s choice because he wanted him to do his Joe Cocker-thing. Looked like he was distraught and wanted to cry during this song. It was pretty obvious that he didn’t relieve himself backstage in between songs because he still had the “Potty Face” going. Wore a nice three-piece suit though. Randy called it a tender moment and did the song proud. Paula called him a star. Simon said it was far and away his best performance. Taylor is bulletproof at this point. But I’m wondering how his CD would be. He’s a bit like the Taiko drums. Watching him sing is 90% of his performance. The actual singing is fine, but watching his movements are the most enjoyable (or annoying, depending on whom you talk to) part of his performance. Taiko drums are the same way. The music is great, but it’s the presentation of how they bang ‘em that draws the audience. My wife took our son Jared to see the San Jose Taiko group perform the other day and they had a CD, but were sold out on the DVD. She ended up buying the CD because Jared didn’t want the VHS (kids nowadays). Maybe Taylor can put out a DVD instead of a CD. Just a thought.
07 – Elliott, I Believe To My Soul (Ray Charles, but Donny Hathaway’s version)
At least he gave credit to Donny Hathaway (got that Chris?). I think Elliott’s a nice guy, but I’m just not a fan of his style. I don’t know who Donny Hathaway is and he keeps singing his songs. There was a Zac Efron sighting though. For those of you who have kids, Zac stars in a Disney movie called “High School Musical.” It’s like a modern day “Grease.” My son loves it and sings along with the songs. The CD is out and the DVD comes out on May 23. Mark your calendar. Randy said it wasn’t the perfect song, but that he can sing. Paula said it was hard because people couldn’t connect with it. Simon said his song choices will not carry him to next week’s finale, but he’s a great guy and has made his mother proud. I think Elliott is gone tomorrow. He’s definitely bottom 3. Actually, he’s in the top 3 too. I guess it’s a glass half empty or half full situation. Personally, I ask if you are drinking or pouring into the glass. If you’re drinking, it’s half empty. If you’re pouring, it’s half full.
08 – Katharine, I Ain’t Got Nothing Out The Blues (Ella Fitzgerald, among others)
Wore an interesting black Go-Go outfit, complete with knee high boots. She was okay with this one. Not as great as her second song, but hopefully she did enough to get through to the finale (to finish second to Taylor, it looks like). Randy said it was okay and mentioned that she didn’t want to be compared to a contemporary, but he also didn’t want her compared to Ella. Paula said her magic was in her previous song. Simon said overall, she had a good night, but took 5 steps forward and 1 back with that last song. She’ll probably be in the bottom two with Elliott, which will be amazing because then Taylor will have never been in the bottom 3 or 2. Dialidol.com as it ranked Taylor, Katharine, then Elliott being eliminated (http://www.dialidol.com/asp/predictions/Predictions.asp). But it’s real close between Katharine and Elliott.
09 – Taylor, Try A Little Tenderness (Otis Redding)
This is an interesting song choice because Taylor wanted to do this song during the Andrea Bocelli Love Song week but the producers vetoed it, saying it was not a “classic love song.” This was a typical Taylor outing. Started out soft and slow, then it kicked up to classic Taylor. The Flashdance song would work for him too. I remember this song mostly from Duckie’s (Jon Cryer, mentioned twice tonight) lip sync version in “Pretty In Pink.” Randy renamed Taylor, “Have A Good Time Funky Taylor.” Will that fit on a business card? Would Taylor then be his last name? And “A Good Time Funky” his middle name? Paula said she has been waiting all season for him to sing that song. Simon called it a smart choice, and although the ending was hideous, he’ll see him next week in the finale.
It’s amazing that Taylor is going to win. If you would’ve told me at the start that a guy who is the oldest you can be and, with his grey hair, looks like he’s pushing 40 would be the next American Idol, I’d have laughed in your face.
I think Elliott will go tomorrow, but Katharine is not safe either. I welcome a Taylor-Katharine finale.
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