The Top 9 Finalists

April 3rd, 2007, 8:27 pm · 1 Comment · posted by bgarcia

How did the Top 9 contestants fare with songs 40 years older than they are? See what the Idol Chat judges thought as American Idol takes a blast from the past … wait, that’s every week, isn’t it?

BRANDON GARCIA: The very thought of Standards Week made me drowsy. How these crusty pop tunes are supposed to bring out the best in the superstar of 2007 is beyond me. Since it’s an obligation every season, I’m just glad we’re getting it out of the way early.

MARITZA HAMILL: BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE!! Paula…. why are we wearing this?? Do we WANT people to make fun? DO we Do we? Well in a wonderful world of criticism-less folk that we are not, she may have been looking to receive a back lashing from the American Idol voters she calls fans. (Lets tune into Talk Soup this week to find out what they have to say about this vile excuse for attire.) And Oh Sanjaya! I long to hear you sing…..(with a crescendoing voice) {{{{muahA! HA! HA! HA!}}}}

“Mack The Knife”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: Smooth and great start. Was a cute performance. Who thought Blake could be a little crooner. Very fashionable and love the moves as he sings. The big band sound helped very much. He hasn’t done the beat box thing the past couple of weeks, but hasn’t needed it. Keep it out until it is useful. Blake will be ok this week. SCORE: 6 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: Right out of the box, Blake exemplified why Standards Week is such a drag — for American Idol contestants, singing standards is like playing dress-up. Tony Bennett reminded Blake that “Mack The Knife” is “pre-rap” i.e. no beat-boxing. Blake obliged, and while Simon, Paula and Randy raved about how cool he was, all I gleaned from this performance was more wobbly, vaguely pitched vocals and handicapped robot dance moves. SCORE: 4.5

CHRIS BENITEZ: I get sick of the camera stares. It started off strong because well the beginning was not that demanding. I don’t know if his persona is strong enough to cover his mediocre vocals. Blake Lewis has not impressed me lately SCORE: 6

GLORIA CHEEVER: I really liked this…He sang this genre beautifully, and even added a little of his own personality with it. The song fit into his range really well, too! I like the outfit, too. Score: 7

MARITZA HAMILL: Tonight he looked super cute. Very fun to watch and I would buy his music. Personality was great. And this guy is definelty a finalist. Like I’ve said, voice, eh?!?.. But he can put on a show! (Now is it just me, or does he kinda look like a rugged version of our local broadcaster Will Ripley?) SCORE: 8 out of 10

“Night And Day”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: Phil, Phil, Phil…..very bad song choice. This song didn’t even make you sound like yourself. Very weak. ONE good note at the end. BORING! He had the Omar Guerrero look in the court room after he was caught the first time. We have seen him do alot better. This is going to cost you dearly Phil. You are going home. Both Amanda and I believe this is the end of the line for you. WE dearly hope it is Sanjaya, but you know how that goes..by Phil. SCORE: 3 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: After taking a week off, Phil headed back to the undead in both sound and appearance. While his voice was more or less in tune, it was like listening to a lounge singer on a ferry to the afterlife. Pretty much a dead-on-arrival song. I’m glad Tony Bennett gave Phil his proper props, because voters won’t. SCORE: 3.5

CHRIS BENITEZ: Man that felt short. Did it sound like he was changing his voice too much to sing this style of music? Paula is crazy again comparing him to Frank Sinatra, just like she compared him to Steve Perry a few weeks back. Not very impressive at all. SCORE: 5

GLORIA CHEEVER: I know the judges hated it, but Phil has to be one of my favorite voices. He probably should’ve picked a song that was a little more up tempo. I do agree that it was a little “disconnected,” but the wife dedication thing might score him some points with the ladies. Score: 7

MARITZA HAMILL: MY PRECIOUS!!!! AHHHHHH! Fill Stay c, now that singing was a kinda good, but just a teeny bit distracted with his look. He needed to smile and snap like the old man told him to. A stiff board or a funeral director telling the people, riGhT this way my pRETty, is not going to win American Idol. “I want to zuck jour vlood.” SCORE: 7 out of 10

“I Got Rhythm”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: Again, it is Melinda…then everyone else. A little sexy start…then the explosion, but a controlled explosion. Melinda could just about sing anything she wants, but she doesn’t, she sings the perfect song every week. Love the way she changes the look according to the song. She is a bang. SCORE: 8 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: Melinda finally approached sexy in a silky Japanese dress and a gel-soaked mop of hair. At this point, she could’ve skipped the show entirely and still made it to the next round. A slightly rough start turned into a dynamic circus of a performance. It’s nothing that new for Melinda, but thank God she kept it lively. Still seems more Ziegfield Follies than MTV. SCORE: 8

CHRIS BENITEZ: She sang perfect!! I’m giving her a ten because she was strong in her performance as well. Very Strong!!! No need to find anything wrong with her since there is more than enough greatness. SCORE: 1 GLORIA CHEEVER: She looks really beautiful, but that dress is distracting. That being said, time and time again, she picks the right song! She sings with passion, power, yet grace! I don’t think anyone can touch this girl..She’s soaring high! Score: 9MARITZA HAMILL: I KNEW SHE HAD A FIGURE UNDER THOSE FEW POUNDS! So cute and meant to sing. I like the hair and dress, shoes….. song was a good choice also. Tina Turners daughter is beginning to shine. She’s so good that she could totally be a back up singer! Oh wait…. SCORE: 9 out of 10

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: He came out a little different this time. Not shaking his hands would be different. A little different look for Chris. Was a bit suprising this week with some vocals on the line. We guess he actually spent time over the week practicing how to sing, not imitating Justin Timberlake. WE finally saw some of the real Chris, and it was NOT a letdown. Chris is being held by the little teen girls…you are safe. SCORE: 6 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: The Moonwalker hat makes another appearance. It’d be kind of cool if everyone were required to wear it one night. More of the Lambertlake drivel from Chris — a performance made better with the mute button. Again, I’m seeing nothing “modern” here. He’s becoming the new Stephanie Edwards — a reliable imitator. SCORE: 5 CHRIS BENITEZ : He was pretty good tonight. First time I actually liked Chris. The vocal runs were cut out which works way better. This is going to help him become the front-runner in the males. I don’t count Sanjaya by the way. SCORE : 8

GLORIA CHEEVER: I love Duke Ellington! This was downright exciting! He brought his own personality in, especially with his outfit. I think he should’ve brought it up at least a 1/2 step or so. I felt like he struggled a little in his chest voice. This was definitely better than the last couple of weeks. Score: 9

MARITZA HAMILL:MICKEY!!!! MOUSE!!! PUB!!!! “You know, you know, you know what was cool about you?”…. Said the dawg, “Nothing.” Said Maritza. Wow, this guy is cheese rolled up into a ball. Making him a cheeseball. Don’t get me wrong, he did a good job, just not feeling it. SCORE:7ish out of 10, and only because know my comrades will vote well for him (I think?)

“On A Clear Day”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: Was a happy go lucky song. We waited for the birds to be chirping, the flowers blooming, following the yellow brick road. She stepped it up at the end and had a fantastic ending. She has learned some ULTRA-voice control and she is displaying it this week. Great recovery from last week. SCORE: 7 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: Jordin looked like a waitress at Olive Garden. Tony says she’s “very much in tune, which is rare these days.” A nice big torch song for her. A solid performance, though that last note was extended beyond all reason. SCORE: 7

CHRIS BENITEZ : Very pitchy tonight, and her wardrobe was a little strange. I didn’t like it the way Paula liked it, but it was decent. Being likable can only go so far right now, with the Sanjaya mania and Doolittle schooling everyone. She either needs to bring it talent wise or go on stage and do something nuts like Sanjaya. Her choice SCORE : 7 GLORIA CHEEVER: Thank goodness! She brought her cute, fun self back to the show! And you can really hear how she’s grown vocally in the last several weeks. This is definitely the best vocal so far. Simon, sometimes old-fashioned is fun! Score: 10

MARITZA HAMILL: Oldie but a goodie. This gal can sing. Makes it look so easy. Contrary to Simons comment on Chris, I think she did sing with personality. Not her fun bubbly typical song, but she did well. Yawn, I’m tired of seeing her do well. ZZZZzzzzz…. Darlin’ you won already. SCORE: 8 ½ out of 10

“Smile”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: We have seen another side of Gina…and we liked it! We were tired of the rock Gina every week, and this has finally proven to us, she REALLY can sing. Way to go Gina. We know she is the the belter, but Gina is holding her own. We liked the softer side of Gina. She is the sleeper in this competition. SCORE: 6 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: I had no idea Charlie Chaplin wrote songs. Gina kept her grin wide and her eyes bright, but it definitely looked like a chore for her. A tender-ish performance by a non-tender sing a la Chris Daughtry’s “What A Wonderful World” last season. I wasn’t moved, but it was a passable Gina job. She now wears the “Most Ridiculously Dressed” sash. SCORE: 6

CHRIS BENITEZ : As long as Gina Glockson sings in key and picks a good song, I usually like her performances. Might I mention that if Simon wants Sanjaya out of the competition he needs to not be so harsh on the contestants who are singing pretty all right. I liked this performance and thought it was a little safe, but the song didn’t require a massive vocal anyways. Pretty good. SCORE : 7 GLORIA CHEEVER: This was a different side of Gina. Soft, sensitive, and gentle…She has a beautiful voice, but I wasn’t really excited after hearing this. However, I think she sang the song appropriately. I think she will go through to the next round. Score: 6

MARITZA HAMILL: Yawn… go home …. I agree with Simon… not her best The song is a good choice but I guess I am not a Gina fan. I don’t long to see her, I don’t care if she does good or bad, and I am not going to text vote for her anytime soon. I think America may feel the same too. Gina, you’re a nice gal, in a I want to sing about nails that are nine inches kinda way. But not Americas Idol. SCORE: 7 out of 10

“Cheek To Cheek”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: Sanjaya was ready to host Fantasy Island, not only because of his look, but that is his hometown. The hair looked better than ever. The cowlick look. NOT and entertainer…well, if a clown counts as an entertainer…then by golly, he is an entertainer. We just can’t write anything more. What curandero is it going to take for this guy to go home? SCORE: -2 ouf of 10 and does it really matter?

BRANDON GARCIA: Aw, fun Sanjaya is gone. Now all we have is Ellen DeGeneres with a deep tan. He doomed himself right from the start in the pre-performance clips saying he wanted to prove his mettle as a true singer. Fake facial hair aside, it’s more in tune than usual, but not as outlandishly enjoyable. Even back in low-key mode, he stood out more than some of his competitors i.e. Phil, Blake. I liked how Tony had his back, too. SCORE: 5

CHRIS BENITEZ : Hmm, he is becoming cocky. Get him out of here. Or please get it over with and release your record under a major label now. Big sales for one record!!!! That’s the industry for you. SCORE : 4 GLORIA CHEEVER: He sang this in a very old-fashioned manner. It was OK, but I still think he should’ve gone home a long time ago! He doesn’t sing with power or passion. This poor, poor guy. Those heading that one website I won’t dare mention are really doing an injustice for everyone, including Sanjaya. Score: 5

MARITZA HAMILL: Better today, but hey, it’s still Sanjaya. I want to buy a Sanjaya doll. Eat a Sanjaya cookie. Hear Sanjaya music. Buy Sanjaya pajamas. Put a Sanjaya poster on my wall. Drink Sanjaya soda. Chew Sanjaya gum. Read Sanjaya teen magazine. Put Sanjaya cut outs in my binder. Draw Sanjaya hearts on my wrists. Wear a Sanjaya t-shirt. Make Sanjaya shaped macaroni. Tattoo Sanjayas name on you. Wear Sanjaya pony hawks. Name my kids Sanjaya. Put a Sanjaya bumper sticker on my pinto. Cry annoyingly for Sanjaya in a crowded elevator. Stand on a street corner with a sign that reads, ” WILL WORK FOR SANJAYA.” Turn in my idol reviews feeling odd that Sanjaya was a big topic for me. SCORE: Sanjaya out of 10

“Ain’t Misbehavin’”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: Her vocals did not improve, but the stripper moves did! She is REALLY trying to make the sexiness work for her. She is very pretty but she is really pushing it now. She could win a talent competition, but for Miss USA, not Idol. Maybe she would sound a little better if she would practice on her vocals as much as she practices on a pole. SCORE: 5 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: After so many weeks of loathing Haley, I now like how she’s embracing her role as this season’s hooker with a heart of gold, perfectly embodied when Tony had to remind Haley not to address her love song to every man in sight. And while the judges basically called her a tramp who can’t sing, I thought Haley worked it with what she’s got: killer legs and flirty moves. She sounded like any 35^th place pageant queen, but it was the only performance tonight with a sense of humor. SCORE: 6 out of 10

CHRIS BENITEZ : Wow the judges didn’t really know what to say, I do, she should go home. Pageant voice, not much of a performer, I can’t believe she is still around. SCORE : 5 out of 10 GLORIA CHEEVER: Wow, she looks beautiful! I think she sang her absolute best. This song is kinda meant for someone with a strong belt, and Haley has more of a pretty sound without all the power behind it. She did ok, though. I thought Simon’s comment was really out of line. I could see how she could’ve been offended by it. Score: 7 out of 10

MARITZA HAMILL: She is finally taking my advice, the little Mermaid outfit is prepping her for Disney. Come on American, vote Disney for Haley! It was nice knowing you doll. Here’s looking at you kid. Bu-bye! SCORE: 5 out of 10

“Stormy Weather”

J CANTU AND AMANDA: We just don’t know about Lakisha. She has a great voice, if not the best voice, but her look and her delivery has been the same since she started. She sings the same way, comes out with the same look, demeanor, etc and does not change it. That is what Melinda has over her. Something different Lakisha, maybe you set the bar so far up, that is as high as she can go. We will see. SCORE: 7 out of 10

BRANDON GARCIA: I was hoping LaKisha would finish the show with something unique, like Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” but alas, it is LaKisha. She went back into Broadway mama mode and brought back the sass that’s been missing the past few weeks, but nothing new. I want to like her, but I’m coming to accept that it’s just not meant to be. SCORE: 6.5

CHRIS BENITEZ : The low notes in the beginning sounded hilarious. Her power is intimidating, and I’m hoping she can stay on track. Today she did what she does well and that’s sing big notes. My second favorite of the night. SCORE 8.5 GLORIA CHEEVER: I knew this week would be a good one for Lakisha. I definitely don’t like the dress, though. It’s too busy! She sang this beautifully and with lots of passion. Another great performance from Lakisha! Score: 9

MARITZA HAMILL: It isn’t over till…… Beauty sings. I did like this song….. the attitude was what made it. MMMM, giiiiiiiirl! Yep, I like!!!! Nice and went well with the show….the dress did sorta remind me of Ursula, but a pretty version of her. Even though she didn’t hold the note like Tony suggested, she did a great job. SCORE: 9 out of 10 sASSy! A cha-cha-cha-cha-cha!

BRANDON GARCIA: It’s only been two hours, and I’ve already forgotten everything about tonight’s show. Dull, dull, dull. It was Exhibit A in the drop in the ratings. BRANDON GARCIA: Melinda by default. She did little more than usual to deserve it. Then Haley. Then Sanjaya. Wow.