The final seven contestants left on Season Six of American Idol take on Nashville, — a yee-haw for some, a hell-naw for others. Will host Martina McBride help our would-be hat acts rope their roots? Or will America take them out to pasture? But most importantly: Is Sanjaya the next Bonnie Raitt?
This week we’re welcoming Cynthia Luna as a guest judge. Cynthia is a first-grade teacher at Midkiff Elementary in Mission. She was named a 2006 semi-finalist for H-E-B Teacher of The Year. She has also judged various pageants and cheerleading competitions. Cynthia is a graduate of the University of Texas Pan-American, where she earned a Masters’ Degree in Counseling and Guidance and a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Earlychildhood and Bilingual Education.
GLORIA CHEEVER: My heart goes out to the families of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy that took place yesterday. I couldn’t possibly begin to put myself in their shoes, so I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy. May God grant you peace and comfort.
MARITZA HAMILL: Must have been difficult to begin the show with a tiny sorrow of the Virginia Tech incident. Sucks and I bet most of us are still in shock… Hmmmm…
BRANDON GARCIA: Anyone else turned off by Seacrest’s Anderson Cooper impersonation in the dedication to the Virginia Tech victims? I guess it was sort of obligatory to say something, but it felt very insincere to me. I don’t know. I have a real problem with the way the shooting has become such a media event, but that’s another story.
“Where The Blacktop Ends” (Keith Urban) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: WOW Phil, we had started to think you did not want to be in this competition, but we were wrong. Phil did a superb job today. We had not seen this side of Phil, and Randy is right, KTEX could be playing a country song from Phil sometime soon. It was a great beginning. Hopefully the whole night will be just as good. Phil looked good, relaxed and in his element. We can almost say, Phil has a country sound. He might be barking up the wrong tree here. SCORE: 7
GLORIA CHEEVER: I definitely agree with all the judges on this one! He really shined in this genre! I like that you could really see who he really is with this performance. This is what performing is all about! SCORE: 10
CHRIS BENITEZ: Obviously Phil Stacey improved a lot today. He has been in the bottom three for the last few weeks so hopefully its not to late. I hope not, for he was only 1 of three good vocals tonight. I’m happy he got it together tonight! SCORE: 7.5
CYNTHIA LUNA: Overall, I think this was one of his best performances yet. You could tell he had a lot of fun with the song tonight. I really think he finally showed up to compete this week. He looked nice and I really think country music suits his voice the best. SCORE: 8
MARITZA HAMILL: This is probably the only time that he would have been ok with wearing a cowboy hat, to keep us from being distracted by the light bulb. As much I hate country I can’t believe I’m saying this, country is too good for him. PLLLLLLTTTT!!! :P SCORE: 6
BRANDON GARCIA: Nothing about Phil ever said “country star” to me, but he gave it the go-around tonight — a hoedown on the catwalk, a trip through the audience in which he accosted several frightened men, and he even threw in a “That’s right, y’all” for good measure. It felt a little tepid to me, but in tune overall, and at least he doesn’t have to be known solely as “the bald, undead one” any longer. SCORE: 6
“Broken Wing” (Martina McBride) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: We remember Kelly Clarkson around this time in the competition, and Jordin is following the footsteps. Jordin has a heavenly voice. She has GREAT control and this is a most improved Jordin since week 1. Jordin will be in the last three if not the final 2. She has the IT factor and the whole package. She is very marketable and we would go see a Jordin Sparks concert anyday. She is going to make it. SCORE: 8
GLORIA CHEEVER: Wow, she looks beautiful! I love to hear her sing such strong songs. What a beautiful, instrument she has! She looked a little nervous tonight, but she did a phenomenal job. I love everything about this song…and I think she did this justice! SCORE: 9
CHRIS BENITEZ: She’s knocking on the door of Doolittle. Well, so I thought before Melinda preformed. It was solid though, a great recording voice. She looks good on stage as well. I think she will be in the top two. SCORE: 8 out of 10
CYNTHIA LUNA: She looked gorgeous! I loved her performance. I felt her emotions through her singing. She is so talented and deserves to be at the finale. She is a young singer that I know will go far because of her great vocals and her awesome personality. SCORE: 10
MARITZA HAMILL: Remind me that she’s 17. Nuff said, Sigh……. SCORE: 10
BRANDON GARCIA: Jordin looked terrified during the first half of her intimate country ballad moment. Relief literally poured over her face as the end came and she was free to storm through the big notes like a two-story-tall Little Orphan Annie. Sparky’s face looked stunning, but below the neck it was a mess, more of a shower curtain from Target than an actual dress. Simon drops the “you could win” bomb, but I’m seeing more and more Diana DeGarmo. SCORE: 6
“Something To Talk About” (Bonnie Raitt) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: We have heard the past several weeks we are just being to MEAN to Sanjaya. “He really does have some talent” We rest our case. My dog has more talent. How can anyone with any decent hearing still say Sanjaya has a place on American Idol after tonight’s presentation? He was more than horrible. HORRIBLE! If Sanjaya does not go home tomorrow night, then we can expect him to be in the final 3. He is almost pushing the envelope now. He is choosing the most horrible songs just to make a mockery of AI. He knows he is going through so he chooses the worse songs. All jokes aside, Sanjaya is horrible. SCORE: 1
GLORIA CHEEVER: He should’ve brought this up at least another half step. He struggled through the low notes, and the rest of the song was just unentertaining. He just shouted through the end. He’s giving us all a whole lot to talk about…and what we’re saying is not that great. SCORE: 4
CHRIS BENITEZ: If there was ever a time to boot Sanjaya it’s now. I feel his ego is now bigger than his hair, and way bigger than his voice. Please, lets get him off once and for all. SCORE: 3
CYNTHIA LUNA: I think its time he went bye-bye! I feel like his voice is not big enough to wow anyone no matter which song he sings. He’s a very interesting individual and he makes the show fun but let’s face it, the other singers are way more talented vocally. I agree with Simon, his performance was very karaoke. SCORE: 6
MARITZA HAMILL: ITS AUNT SANJY-MA!!!!! Look at him shakin his little bootie. He’s so silly. He’s ready to spring clean… Then Simon goes and makes him do his puppy face that all the wittle girls vote for. Ahhhh. He’s not goin home, or is he???? DON-DOn-don! Stay tuned to find out! SCORE: -3
BRANDON GARCIA: Sanjaya’s hair presents … The Jemimah: A tangled tuft of curls wrapped like celery in a bright-red doo-rag. Another winner for the mop — not so much for its owner. Sanjaya subversively hoped to give the viewers “something to talk about” by singing this Idol country-night standard. Simon called his drunken rendition “utterly horrendous.” It wasn’t up to the towering levels of Idoliciousness that Sanjaya has attained in the past, but it was hilarious nonetheless. I’m praying he makes it all the way to the finale. SCORE: 3
“Jesus Take The Wheel” (Carrie Underwood) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: Lakisha shouldn’t have chosen a song that is all over the radio. We want to hear Carrie Underwood’s voice. This is not the song for Lakisha. She was a duck out of water. Her vocals were very weird. She almost looked like she was not comfortable at all. There are a lot of other country/gospel songs she could have chosen. We talked about how it was getting kind of the same o same o for Lakisha with her 70s song. Now we know why, because that is the only genre she can sing. SCORE: 4
GLORIA CHEEVER: I’m getting tired of her. I don’t like her outfit tonight and she left me cold. This wasn’t very convincing. I was hoping that she would do an awesome job on this song because it’s so powerful, but she looked like she was just going through the motions. I think she is either getting tired of being on the show, or just flat out picking the wrong songs. Maybe not tonight, but she’s headed home. I don’t think she’ll win this thing. SCORE: 5
CHRIS BENITEZ: Terrible. Sharp then flat then sharp again. She couldn’t find the pitch. Her time is coming as well. It could be tomorrow, but regardless she is going home. Lakisha sounded like she was on her way up a few weeks ago. I guess not. She is just not what everyone made her out to be. SCORE: 5
CYNTHIA LUNA: I have to disagree with the judges. I thought her song choice was a good one and that she did a great job. I just don’t think country music suits her voice. She’s a GREAT singer and she deserves to stay on. SCORE: 8
MARITZA HAMILL: I thought she was going to rock this song, but she was a bit shaky…. Hmmm, she had everything going for her. Sadly, I just thought maybe she was forcing the song. Sadly. SCORE: 7
BRANDON GARCIA: Woe is she who scavenges Idols of the past. Not taking into account that there are literally trillions of better songs to pick, it’s brought nothing but misfortune when current contestants try to tackle their colleagues’ material, and Evil Carrie’s wrath was particularly vengeful toward LaKisha. She sounds like her sinuses are as swollen as raw hamburger patties. A queasy, shouted performance that might be her death knell. Somewhere Carrie is sitting on her throne of frozen tears and cackling, “Mwah-hah hah hah! Don’t **** with me, kiddies!” SCORE: 2. Free half-point for the solid gold stiletto boots.
“Mayberry” (Rascal Flatts) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: I do believe he went about the genre that best suited him. The lead singer from Rascal Flatts has the same kind of voice as Chris, just about 100 times better. He said he had some country roots, but they must have been dead. Chris did not sound country at all. How can anyone sing a country song with basketball shoes on? Chris is in real trouble this week. I do not believe I have ever seen Justin Timberlake sing a country song. This was not a good week for Chris. SCORE: 3 GLORIA CHEEVER: I’ve always thought that he could really sing country well. He had a few pitch problems, but overall, I really liked this. They keep picking on him for his voice being nasal, but I’ve commented before that the nasality is a characteristic of his voice and is the result of a small voice overcompensating. I don’t think Chris realizes that. SCORE: 7
CHRIS BENITEZ: Weak!!!!!!!! I really do not care for Chris Richardson. I don’t even like talking about him. He will go home soon. SCORE: 5
CYNTHIA LUNA: I’m not sure if I liked the song too much. However, I do think this is a good genre for him. Randy was right, he sang just ok. I felt no emotion from him. He has had way better performances. I still like him though. SCORE: 6
MARITZA HAMILL: Pitchy pitchy, boring, boring…. To me he was just as bad as Sanjaya, but much more attractive. The eye candy that keeps him getting voted for. He made the puppy dog face also… please vote for me! Riiiiiichardsoooooon, Riiiiiiiichardsooooooon, YOU SUCK!!!!!!! SCORE: 4
BRANDON GARCIA: Chris made huge strides on his journey from irritating to hate-inspiring. He cattily defended his undercooked, nasal stab at country with an idiotic yet arrogant excuse that he intended it to sound that way — always a big no-no to argue with the judges. What topped it off was his last-minute shoutout to the college shooting victims — sounded more like a last resort to me. SCORE: 0
“Trouble Is A Woman” (Julie Reeves) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: Everyone says she can sing anything, because every week, she is great. The thing is that she always chooses the right songs. So it just appears she can sing anything in the world. Every week Melinda is coming out and doing great. We know Melinda is in the final two, the race is for the other person. SCORE: 8
GLORIA CHEEVER: She really made this song her own. I love this fun, sassy side to Melinda! This made me love her in the first place. She was amazing tonight! SCORE: 10
CHRIS BENITEZ: Melinda Doolittle!!!! Man, she was on tonight. She made Jordin’s performance seem kind of second rate. She is too good for all the other contestants. SCORE: 10
CYNTHIA LUNA: I LOVE HER! She’s so REAL! Melinda had another wonderful performance. I really liked her look tonight, casual and stylish. She definitely deserves to make it to the finale and honestly to win it all. She really knows how to sing and how to WOW! us. You Go Girl! SCORE: 10
MARITZA HAMILL: Wow, this by far her best look…. SHE HAS A NECK!!! And some ~sASsyness to her~. I like the hair extensions too. She definitely proved tonight that she can sing aaaaaanything. Done matta wut it iz! HOWDAY PARTNER! SCORE: 10
BRANDON GARCIA: Ahhhh, there we go: a sultry, commanding Melinda who looks and sounds perfect for Stardom ’07. Singing, coincidentally, the most twangy song of the evening, Melinda silenced critics (yours truly included) who said she was a walking antique. That Tina Turner comparison was very much deserved. I’ve picked my horse for this race. Giddy up, Doolittle! SCORE: 9
“When The Stars Go Blue” (Tim McGraw) Watch the original
J.CANTU & AMANDA: Blake took a Tim McGraw song and Lewised it. This is what is great about Blake. He always makes all the songs his own. Reminds us of Daughtry. Daughtry did not win by doing the same, but is now to become a millionaire. Blake is in the same place. He could be very marketable as well. Blake did a great job. SCORE: 7 out of 10
GLORIA CHEEVER: I like to hear him sing songs that are a little more serious. I think he pushed a little on that note that was climaxing to the chorus, and it was a little (I can’t believe I’m going to use this word) “pitchy,” but it was still OK. SCORE: 7
CHRIS BENITEZ: Blake just continues to get worse, and worse, and worse. This guy started off as the strongest dude? I think the song was like the last type of song he should ever sing. What I was most surprised with was how the judges weren’t that hard on him, I think he was surprised. SCORE: 4
CYNTHIA LUNA: Great song choice! I really enjoy watching him perform. He has such a unique style. He’s my favorite male singer. Tonight’s performance wasn’t his best but it was still a good one. He really knows how to entertain us plus he has a great voice. SCORE: 8
MARITZA HAMILL: You know what makes this guy, he has a look like STING. This is why everyone keeps voting for him. Cause he is pretty regular singing kinda guy but has that performer look to him. He stares at the camera and then hypnotizes everyone with that twitchy lip. “Is it going to curl…. wait for it…WAIT FOR IT…… NOW!” SCORE: 7
BRANDON GARCIA: Again, all the elements were there for a winning performance — melodic song, trippy lighting, not much dancing … and again, another strikeout. Blake looked like a lost frat boy in the argyle, and there were spots in the vocal that weren’t even up to American Idol’s standards for “in tune.” The judges lapped him up like warm milk, but Blake is growing rancid to me. SCORE: 4.5
J.CANTU & AMANDA: We thought Phil was the next one in line, but after tonight’s performance this might no longer be the case. We don’t know if this is just too little to late, but he did his best. Sanjaya is now becoming the biggest joke. How can ANYONE say he has talent after tonight. Sanjaya go home. The last two standing will be Melinda and Jordin. They are the ones to beat. The guys did all right, but none better than these two girls.
MARITZA HAMILL: Notice how everyone was like, “Yea these were the songs I listen too growing up” or ” i look up to yada yada singer” and the classic ol’ “i knew country was my calling” all a bunch of liars!!!
BRANDON GARCIA: Tonight will only serve to reinforce Simon’s hatred for the genre. Interesting how the theme turned into an advantage for Phil and Melinda, and how pretty much everyone else failed.
GLORIA CHEEVER: Phil & Melinda
CHRIS BENITEZ: Melinda Doolittle by a mile.
CYNTHIA LUNA: Melinda Doolittle
MARITZA HAMILL: Jordin Sparks
BRANDON GARCIA: Melinda, easy
GLORIA CHEEVER: Sanjaya
CHRIS BENITEZ: Sanjaya Malakar of course.
CYNTHIA LUNA: Sanjaya Malakar
MARITZA HAMILL: Sanjaya
BRANDON GARCIA: Chris
J.CANTU & AMANDA: LaKisha Jones
GLORIA CHEEVER: LaKisha (but Sanjaya really needs to go)
CHRIS BENITEZ: Chris Richardson
CYNTHIA LUNA: Unfortunately, I think it will be Phil Stacey.
MARITZA HAMILL: Hmmm, I think it may be Sanjaya’s turn….. But we know I’m always wrong right??? Hmmmmm…….
BRANDON GARCIA: LaKisha. I think people will buy Chris’ smarmy “sincerity,” and Sanjayamania still has at least another week before it fizzles.
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Another week where our judges say LaKisha’s number is up. Will it come to pass? Or is it the end of the line for Sanjaya or Chris? Come back tomorrow at 8 p.m. for live results.
