AIVI recap, Finalists x 11 (03/20)

So, Brandon went home. I wish it was Sanjaya, but he’s becoming kinda funny now. It’s painful, yes, but it’s like a train wreck. You gotta watch.

This week is British Invasion Week. I think that they were trying to get Paul McCartney and do a Beatles Week, but 1) I think Paul is watching his estranged wife with the prosthetic leg try to dance (http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancingwiththestars/fantasydancing/index) and 2) doesn’t Michael Jackson own all the Beatles songs?

Anyway, Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits and Lulu are the guest mentors. I think Peter Noone looks like someone, but I can’t put a finger on whom it is. Peter Cetera? Stefan Edburg? A blond Mickey Dolenz? And one of the Herman’s Hermits pics looked oddly like “A Clockwork Orange.” Lulu on the other hand looked like a cross between Olivia Newton-John and Shirley Jones.

On to the singers…

01 – Haley, Tell Him (Billie Davis)

I understand that this song was really an American song by The Exciters, but was covered by Billie Davis in the UK but never released here. I kept thinking that I’ve heard this song in some movie and show and finally it hit me when she was done. This song was all over Ally McBeal. I’ve gone on and on about that show in previous years, so I won’t delve more into it now, but I will be getting those DVDs once they make it to the US. I’ve seen them on eBay from China, but don’t think they’ll play in my Region DVD player. Back to Haley. What the heck was she wearing tonight? A halter top/camisole? And short shorts? I thought she was doing a commercial for Jello (watch it wiggle, see it jiggle…). She was pitchy in parts and looked like she was going to give a few of the audience members lap dances. And how many shots of her back were we “treated” to? It’s like the producers wanted us to know that she wasn’t wearing a bra. I got it after the first shot, thank you. Randy called it the perfect song for her and said she was back in the competition. Paula said she has this girlish quality to her (well I hope she does!). It would’ve been funny if she said the same thing about Sanjaya. Simon called her a naughty little thing. Called the song fun, young, but a little shrieky. Others were worse tonight. I think that she could be in the bottom 3, but don’t think she’ll go tomorrow night.

02 – CRich, Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying (Gerry & The Pacemakers)

My wife’s complaint about CRich is that he’s got a boy band sound to him and can’t imagine listening to a whole CD of his (but that’s why iTunes is so great!). And he always does those darn runs all the time. But he was better about controlling that tonight. Randy said it was another great performance and every note was in tune (probably because he left out some of the runs). Paula said the arrangement and acoustics were sexy and charming. Simon called it his best performance so far, that his control was excellent but was still a little nasally at parts. I think CRich is safe at this point, but don’t put him ahead of either Blake or Sligh in this competition.

03 – Stephanie, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Dusty Springfield)

I think someone else had sung this in previous years, but don’t know who. Stephanie came out wearing a necklace and matching earrings that looked like my son Jared made in his pre-Kindergarten class. This song sounds a lot like “Hopelessly Devoted To You” in the beginning. My wife called it a very old fashioned arrangement. By the way, this is the first time this year that we’ve sat down and watched it together. Between travel for both of us and our kids and her being sick over the last several weeks, it’s been crazy. It was nice having her by my side though (and we’ll celebrate our 7^th anniversary this weekend, which is even nicer). Randy called it not her best and pitchy. Paula complimented her contemporary look. Simon said she was losing her edge, losing her soul and that she was becoming too old. Other than that she was fine. I think she’s in jeopardy tomorrow night. And Jordin Sparks has surpassed her for 3^rd best girl and is quickly moving up to challenge LaKisha for the right to go mano-a-mano with Melinda.

04 – Blake, Time Of The Season (The Zombies)

The thing that I love about Blake is that he’s just Blake. All the time. Loved his Caddyshack, Judge Smails-inspired outfit tonight. My sister-in-law mentioned that he looks stoned every time he performs. So I looked for that tonight and she’s right. My wife says that he doesn’t have the strongest voice, but he is such a good entertainer. I appreciate the fact that he really needs to know his music to constantly change the arrangements to “Blake-ize” all the songs. Randy called it cool, vibey and edgy and said he made it real current. Paula said he really raised the bar and she felt like she was at a concert. Simon called it a million times better than last week and thanked him for keeping the melody in tact. Blake “Blake-izes” everything, but it’s in a good way. I like him. He should be safe tomorrow night.

05 – LaKisha, Diamonds Are Forever (Shirley Bassey)

I thought this was a boring song, but she sings everything so well. And it allowed her to wear an elegant green dress and a ton of bling. She must’ve felt like she was at the Oscars. Randy said it wasn’t his favorite (this is getting to be a signature line for him) and it was just a’ight. Paula said she picked the right song, but then again, when has she openly disagreed with a song choice. I honestly think Paula does this just to get the audience’s applause, which is sad. Simon called it too old and it was like seeing her in 50 years. LaKisha took the criticism well. It probably should be her and Melinda in the finale, but Jordin will go kicking and screaming to the end.

06 – Phil, Tobacco Road (Nashville Teens)

Looks like Phil took a class at the Bo Bice School of Singing With the Mic Stand. My wife said his voice got lost in the music at parts. I’m very apathetic towards Phil. I don’t hate him, but I don’t like him either. That’s like the worst thing in a competition like this. Randy said it was pretty good and that he usually ends his songs with a good upper register. Paula said it was a good choice of song, although some parts were pitchy. Simon wasn’t crazy about it and that he had no grit in his voice (which is what the song needed). Then Phil catered to the crowd asking if they liked it. Were they going to boo? Points off for that maneuver. Phil could be in the bottom 3 again tomorrow.

07 – Jordin, I Who Have Nothing (Shirley Bassey)

Jordin came out with straightened hair and a very classy, slimming black dress. My wife called her voice amazing (especially for a 17 year old) and commented that she really sings with passion. And she would’ve cried if her daughter sang like that. Get ready, because our 17 month old Kacey is already singing along to some of The Wiggles’ songs! Randy said this song was a very tall order but she gave a great performance. Paula called her range great and that age didn’t matter. If you can sing, you can sing. Simon said she sang it beautifully, but that it was so gloomy. Jordin’s improvement from week to week has been astonishing. Again, I feel bad for her because she could’ve probably won previous years but is really up against it this year with Melinda and LaKisha blocking her way. So far AI has been a showcase for her obvious talent though. She’ll be fine after this is over.

08 – Sanjaya, You Really Got Me (The Kinks)

I don’t know what to say about this performance. He kinda looked like Milli. Or was it Vanilli? But they kept showing that poor girl Ashley who was crying throughout the performance. It was like a ‘60s Beatles performance where the girls were crying in the audience because they were so in awe of the music. Or who knows why they were crying. Maybe Ashley was crying because Sanjaya is so bad. Maybe she was crying because Sanjaya’s still in the competition and thinks it’s cruel because he really thinks he belongs. Maybe she was crying because Sanjaya still being in the competition is just a big joke and he’s the only one not in on it. You had to love the “Team Sanjaya” shirts that his family was wearing though. Although they were pretty tight shirts and his sister’s shirt had “Team” on it and I think “Sanjaya” was underneath that but it was kinda hidden. His mom’s shirt saying “momjaya” was pretty clever. Randy praised him for coming out of his shell. I can’t remember what Paula said. And Simon wisely deferred and only commented that the little girl’s (Ashley) face says it all. Seriously though, is there enough money out there to pay for all the therapy Ashley will need after she gets teased tomorrow at school? The sad part is that they showed her crying in Melinda’s performance too. She may have cried for every singer but the producers only chose to show us her crying for Sanjaya. He is brutal. But I’m not going to do anything irrational like I’ve heard many of you say you’re going to do (ie, quit watching the show because he’s still on). Sanjaya happens every year (Kevin Covais, John Stevens). Someone always lasts longer than he should. But usually that person doesn’t win. And usually that person lasts longer than others but those people wouldn’t have won either. So, please keep watching and either take a break when Sanjaya is singing or just laugh. He may be in the bottom 3 tomorrow, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it through again.

09 – Gina, Paint It Black (The Rolling Stones)

Gina came out in the ‘80s inspired Pat Benetar shirt tonight. And it looks like she got a haircut. I think she looks like someone. Marlo Thomas, maybe? And what was up with the cut aways to Forest Whitaker on the drums? Randy said he still likes the edge and the vibe but it was just a’ight for him. Paula called it miles better than last week. Simon crushed her by saying there were moments of complete torture and that it was style over content. My wife added that her pitch problems happened because she doesn’t have a strong enough voice to accommodate movement when she’s singing and gets out of breath at times. Gina may be on the bubble tomorrow night, but I think she should be okay. She’s reaching the point where she is going to be outclassed vocally soon though.

10 – Chris Sligh, She’s Not There (The Zombies)

Chris came out through the crowd tonight, reminiscent of when a football team enters the stadium through the student section. That’s usually a motivation thing for a big game. He didn’t really get it right because he wasn’t interacting with the crowd and that came across to the judges. But then he mentioned that he was worried about the camera and not tripping because he’s chubby. Then gave that hearty laugh, which I’m a big fan of. Liked his paisley shirt tonight and was glad he rocked the glasses again. Last week when he didn’t wear the glasses he looked like a Care Bear, with the big chubby face and tiny eyes. The direct opposite of Japanese cartoons where the eyes are so big (and so opposite of real Japanese people’s eyes!). Loved the Fro Patro signs. Randy called it like a concert. Paula wished her worked the audience more. Simon called it a good choice of song and a lot better than last week. I think Chris is safe tomorrow and should be in the final 2 guys with Blake. Where that leaves them I have no idea. Maybe 4^th and 5^th?

11- Melinda, As Long As He Needs Me (Shirley Bassey)

A third Shirley Bassey song. I’m embarrassed to admit that I have no idea who Shirley Bassey is. I Googled her and found out that she had two James Bond songs (Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker). And was born to a Nigerian father (a seaman) and English mother. And she’s a Dame. They showed Ashley crying again during this performance. Nice work, FOX. Randy said they saved the best vocal for last. Paula called her in her own league. Simon said it was very boring to start but the second part was absolutely sensational with impeccable vocals. And he asked if she’s really this nice. I haven’t hidden my feelings for Melinda. She’s my American Idol 6. I’ll be very surprised if she doesn’t win.

All in all, probably the best night yet, with some very strong performances and no real stinkers (well, my wife reminded me of Sanjaya, but I think I’ve blocked it out from my memory already). I voted for Blake, Jordin, Sligh and Melinda tonight.