Wow, Tony Bennett is old. Okay, so maybe I’m stating the obvious, but to me, it just seemed that he wasn’t that old all this time, until I got a good look at him last night. But I will say this; for a man who’s been singing for as long as he has….he looks damn good.
So the contestants this week were coached by Mr.Bennett, and though I thought he offered some good advice, some contestants amazingly chose to ignore it. (Haley!?)
Overall, though, most contestants did well, because of the fact that these are classic songs that need no work really. The only ones that truly stood out for me this week are Melinda and Chris. That’s not to say the others didn’t do well either, just that those two are the two that stood out for me.
So the contestants this week were coached by Mr.Bennett, and though I thought he offered some good advice, some contestants amazingly chose to ignore it. (Haley!?)
Overall, though, most contestants did well, because of the fact that these are classic songs that need no work really. The only ones that truly stood out for me this week are Melinda and Chris. That’s not to say the others didn’t do well either, just that those two are the two that stood out for me.
I know, I know, you heard enough from me. You want me to move onto the contestants’ performances. Here ya go:
1. BLAKE LEWIS – sung “Mack The Knife” – Not a bad way to start out the night. I felt it proved once again that Blake does have a great voice, if he refrains from beat-boxing. I’m very happy he pulled back on doing that, because now people can see what a talented singer he is. His fashion choices, however, have a lot to be desired.
Who dressed him last night? Rodney Dangerfield’s ex-stylist? Ugly tie and ensemble aside, though I didn’t think it was his best performance, it was still good enough to keep him safe this week.
2. PHIL STACY - sung “Night and Day” – Simon nailed old Gollum’s performance last night with the exact word I was thinking; gloomy. What a depressing performance, Phil sung it with almost no life whatsoever. With the exception of a few big notes in the middle and towards the end, the song was just sung badly. I love the classic original, and it definitely is sung a bit more…romantically…then Phil’s twist on it. Whether he intended to sing it that way or not, it came off the complete opposite of romantic. I could daresay it sounded creepy, almost as if it was sung by those tragedy loving Goth singers of the 90s. Sorry, but once again, Phil has earned a spot in my Bottom Three picks.
3. MELINDA DOOLITTLE – sung “I've Got Rhythm” – Mindy Doo really was in her element last night, and honestly there is no way she could have done badly. I agree with Simon when he said the beginning of the song sounded cabaret, but the rest of the song was completely out of this world. I have to say, I’ve heard this song a dozen times in my life, and this is the first time I actually listened to the lyrics (so sue me, I was young and didn’t know better), thanks to Melinda’s style of performance. I tend to agree with Simon’s assessment that they really can’t criticize Melinda. Why? Not because she is a sensitive person that can’t take it, but she has given them no reason thus far in the competition to do so. You better believe she is safe this week.
4. CHRIS RICHARDSON – sung “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – My personal opinion aside about Chris, you have to admit, that was a great performance. I mean, this is a song that was relatively unknown to me, and though it did have that old classic tone to it, he made it hip and new, just like the judges said. I was truly impressed with his performance, and not just because he’s easy on the eyes. I do not in any way think Chris has the talent (compared to some contestants) to win the entire competition, but I see him lasting at least another 3-4 weeks. Total side note here, but has anyone else noticed that for the past 3 weeks, (including this week) ALL of Chris’ song choices began with the word “Don’t”? Two weeks ago he sung “Don’t let the sun catch you crying”, last week he sung “Don’t Speak”, and this week, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”.
I have no theory about it, just figured it was interesting. Anyway, I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be safe this week.
3. MELINDA DOOLITTLE – sung “I've Got Rhythm” – Mindy Doo really was in her element last night, and honestly there is no way she could have done badly. I agree with Simon when he said the beginning of the song sounded cabaret, but the rest of the song was completely out of this world. I have to say, I’ve heard this song a dozen times in my life, and this is the first time I actually listened to the lyrics (so sue me, I was young and didn’t know better), thanks to Melinda’s style of performance. I tend to agree with Simon’s assessment that they really can’t criticize Melinda. Why? Not because she is a sensitive person that can’t take it, but she has given them no reason thus far in the competition to do so. You better believe she is safe this week.
4. CHRIS RICHARDSON – sung “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – My personal opinion aside about Chris, you have to admit, that was a great performance. I mean, this is a song that was relatively unknown to me, and though it did have that old classic tone to it, he made it hip and new, just like the judges said. I was truly impressed with his performance, and not just because he’s easy on the eyes. I do not in any way think Chris has the talent (compared to some contestants) to win the entire competition, but I see him lasting at least another 3-4 weeks. Total side note here, but has anyone else noticed that for the past 3 weeks, (including this week) ALL of Chris’ song choices began with the word “Don’t”? Two weeks ago he sung “Don’t let the sun catch you crying”, last week he sung “Don’t Speak”, and this week, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”.
I have no theory about it, just figured it was interesting. Anyway, I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be safe this week.
5. JORDIN SPARKS – sung “On A Clear Day” – I love Jordin, but I don’t think this was her best performance. That’s not to say it wasn’t good. But just compared to her past performances, this wasn’t up there. She looked great though! (geez, do I sound like Paula or what?) Honestly though, Jordin’s performance was “aight” as Randy would say. Simon was right when he said that Chris’ performance made a classic sound like a hip new song. Jordin’s performance seemed like a regular performance of a classic song. I don’t think she’s in danger however, so count her safe this week.
6. GINA GLOCKSON – sung “Smile” - As I said last week, Gina won me over as a fan last week, so I was rooting for her to do well this week. She definitely chose the right song, but I thought it was a little boring. (Tony Bennett offered her NO advice, and just went on about what he thinks about when he sings the song. Thanks there, Tony) Anyway, even though Gina sung it perfectly, it did come off a bit yawny (is that a word?). But I have to sympathize with her; what else is a rocker girl supposed to do when her choices are the classics? It wasn’t a stand out performance, and though I hate to do this to one of my burgeoning favorites, I have to put her in the second spot of my Bottom three picks.
7. SANJAYA MALAKAR – sung “Dancing Cheek To Cheek” - Okay, don’t start the hate mail for this, but I didn’t think he sounded that badly tonight. Compared to the other performances, Sanjaya definitely didn’t measure up, but compared to his ridiculous past performances so far, this was a nice change of pace. I really resent both Tony Bennett’s and Randy’s comment on how Sanjaya is an “entertainer”. He doesn’t entertain, and I don’t think he’s as talented as he likes to think he is. Anyone can scream lyrics, or use eye-catching hairstyles to entertain. I’ve given up trying to explain why Sanjaya is still around, and unfortunately because of the somewhat positive comments he got this week, expect him to stick around yet another week. Plus, he's getting cocky, and that will definately get on more people's nerves. Heck, maybe Simon’s tactic will work; “Incredible!” (That’s right Simon, use the old opposite of what you think trick!)
8. HALEY SCARNATO – sung “Ain't Misbehavin” – I can already guess what one of my readers is going to say about Haley’s performance. (I’m looking at YOU, tigue). He is going to say how he rewound Haley’s performance over and over again to watch those legs walk around on stage. Too bad it’s supposed to be a singing competition. Why in the world would you not take Tony Bennett’s advice and not change the song as he suggested? The results speak for themselves, as her performance was one of the worst of the evening. Even the judges had nothing to say, though I think they were being a bit pithy because of Haley’s prior comments on how she values Simon’s good critiques more then the other two. Honestly though, at this point, I think Haley knows she’s out-classed by better singers, so she’s relying on her looks to get her by. (Katherine McPhee you are not missy). Her outfit was trashy, and the only think missing from her “come hither” looks to the camera was a stripper pole to dance around. Was Haley’s clothed striptease enough to save her this week? Probably not, which is why I choose her to be the last candidate in my Bottom Three picks.
9. LaKISHA JONES – sung “Stormy Weather” – Just like Haley, Kiki opted to ignore Tony Bennett’s advice, and not hold the note at the end of the song. I tend to agree with Mr. Bennett, that if Kiki did hold that note at the end, it would have made for an amazing ending. It still was a fine performance, and there were really no problems with her singing…it just irks me that it could have been such a bigger ending, and quite possibly the best of the evening. I don’t think LaKisha is in danger, but I’ve been noticing she’s been losing steam a little. I hope we don’t find ourselves in a Mandisa situation this year, whereas we become fans with great expectations, only to find ourselves disappointed when she’s voted off before other less talented singers. (glaring at YOU, Sanjaya)
My Bottom Three Picks: Phil Stacy, Haley Scarnato and Gina Glockson.
My Pick to be Eliminated Tonight: Gina did well enough to stay in, so I think it comes down to Phil and Haley. I think Haley’s legs saved her another week, which means Gollum must go seeking his ring at home.
So what do you guys think? Agree? Disagree? Comments?
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2 comments:
Gollum is right. he is a horror to behold and sang much like him too. he should go!
As a Gina fan I was a little pissed that they didn't give her more credit. I thought she did well. Granted she did not do as great as she did last week, but I still think she's one of the best singers in the competition and has a lot of personality. That being said, I do think she is at risk for being in the bottom 3. But I think she is safe because to me it's pretty clear that Phil, Haley and of course Sanjaya all deserve to go home first.
I think there's going to be a shocker in the bottom 3 tonight. I could see Lakisha-I just don't think she's getting the votes. And maybe Sanjaya will actually get back in the bottom 3.
I see Phil picking up a lot of Chris Slighs votes so I think Haleys legs will be walking out tonight.
My bottom three prediction is Phil, Haley and Lakisha with Gina at risk.
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