American Idol—- 04.03.07 (aka The Universe Of Sanjaya)

Posted Apr 3, 2007 by Chris Kuhn

Updated Apr 4, 2007 at 11:19 AM

It’s time for this week’s competition on American Idol (FOX) and of course, everyone is wondering how Sanjaya will wear his hair tonight. Oh and how will the contestants do singing standards. Tony Bennett is the guest mentor this week and says he likes them all. (Are you sure about that, Tony? Have you hard Haley and Sanjaya?)

As usual, I’ll be blogging away and offering my take on the performances as well as the comments and craziness of judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. Remember to chime in with your thoughts here or at the American Idol Forum. We can agree to disagree –and I certainly don’t mind hearing from those who agree, too!

So let’s enjoy the smooth sounds of the classics (maybe) and get this show on the road…

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Blake Lewis
“Mack the Knife”

I Say – He’s off key fresh out of the gate. I give him credit for not adding his own beat-box routine but unfortunately he never finds the right melody and is off the whole time. I think he could have sung this really well, too, but he just doesn’t do it. Still, the audience seems to like it despite the key troubles.

Randy – Calls him a funky, jazzy kind of guy and he liked it.
Paula –  Says he personified pizzazz and is a hip cat.
Simon – Tells him it was a good song choice and he did it well. (How did they miss the key struggles?)
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Phil Stacey
“Night and Day”

I Say – It’s a bit drowsy and a quiet performance. He gets a bit drowned out by the music. The tone is nice and when he hits the middle, he sounds really good. I know this guy won’t win but he’s refreshing compared to the other guys. What a wonderful finish! I hope he receives the props he deserves.

Randy – Says he didn’t feel any connection but the big notes sounded good.
Paula – Tells him he’s reminiscent of a young Sinatra but she wants him to have more warmth in his voice.
Simon – Calls it gloomy and dark, with all of the joy of singing it in a funeral parlor. HUH? Are these people nuts?!
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Melinda Doolittle
“I’ve Got Rhythm”

I Say – I completely don’t recognize the song by the opening but it is nice to hear her singing something upbeat and fast. Even her voice sounds younger. It’s probably my favorite performance by her so far – much lighter on the vocals, almost like a Natalie Cole. I really liked this performance.

Randy – Tells her she comes out every week and does it.
Paula – Says it’s like a master class and calls the performance flawless.
Simon – Tells her he liked the last half of the song but found the first half dull.
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Chris Richardson
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”

I Say – Unfortunately, the song is too low for him but as he moves into the higher register, he sounds better. It’s not his best performance but he’s a lot less nasal than previous weeks. Definitely a weak start but a very nice finish. I hope the judges are kind. I really like this kid.

Randy – Says it’s one of his best performances of the season.
Paula – Tells him that he didn’t compromise and kept it young and hip.
Simon – Calls it a very believable, very good performance that he made it hip.
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Jordin Sparks
“On a Clear Day You Can See Forever”

I Say – She looks so comfortable on stage and is a real natural. It’s a bit breathy a performance but she nails it. I like how she kept her young, fresh look and sound and still did an old standard. She has such control and power and then you remember that she’s only 17 and it simply blows your mind.

Randy – Says she’s like a pro and she created some real heat.
Paula – Tells her she exudes joy and is so frickin’ proud of her (yes, she really said that)
Simon – Says she sang it very well but she sang it very old-fashioned and not as fresh and young as Chris Richardson did.
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Gina Glocksen
“Smile”

I Say – It’s a really slow version of the song but she sounds nice. What I don’t like is that it doesn’t capitalize on her rock edge that I love so much. I think she could have chosen a better standard that might have still highlighted this element of her performance style. She sounds nice but it’s not her strongest.

Randy – Calls it a nice, controlled performance from the rocker girl.
Paula – Tells her it was flawless, understated and beautiful.
Simon – Says he can’t rave about the vocals because the other girls before her out-sang her.
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Sanjaya Malakar
“Cheek to Cheek”

I Say – He’s back in his rare form of being dull and has even slicked back his hair. He goes out into the audience, even dances with kooky Paula and he definitely is a confident kid. Still, he is one truly boring performer but I don’t think the rendition is bad enough to get him knocked out of the competition.

Randy – Says he’s become an entertainer.
Paula – Thanks him for the dance.
Simon – Tells him he’s going to try a different tactic and calls it incredible (with rolled eyes of course).
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Haley Scarnato
“Ain’t Misbehavin’”

I Say – Every week I say the same thing. She’s okay but she has no soul. This is just another demonstration of that. Imagine Olivia Newton-John performing this jazzy, soulful classic. You get the point. Lately, it’s become all about the dresses and how short they’ll be each week. Pretty forgettable.

Randy – Says absolutely nothing and defers to Paula.
Paula – Says absolutely nothing and defers to Simon.
Simon – Tells her she has great legs and that while it was a good style of music for her, it was a bit too “pageanty.” And I thought I made up too many words.
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LaKisha Jones
“Stormy Weather”

I Say –.This song should be a good choice for her but it sounds really awkward. I’m sure Melinda or prematurely ousted Sabrina would have performed it beautifully – heck, even Jordin probably. She gets better as she gets going but I’m still not convinced she’s as good as the judges think.

Randy –  Says it started rough and pitchy but he loved it at the end.
Paula –  Applauds her performance and tells her she is the most beautiful she’s been all season.
Simon –  Tells her it was a sassy, great performance and she’s back in form.
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So that’s it for now, folks. What did you think of tonight’s performances? I’ve vowed to finally vote. I figure if people like me who’ve always voted every season yet haven’t this year finally hit those phones and vote for our favorites, maybe we’ll have a greater chance knocking out the no-talents like Sanjaya and Haley. Let’s call this a wrap because I have many calls to make. Don’t worry Phil, Chris, Jordin and Gina – I’ll save you. Stay tuned…