Tonight, as Ryan tells us, the Top 6 “tell the stories of Jon Bon Jovi,” the kinky-haired prince of ’80s hair metal. Who gives Jon a good name? Who’s living on a prayer? Read on to find out what the Idol Chat judges have to say as we strap on our fishnet stockings, tease our perms and wade into sex, drugs and schlock ‘n’ roll.
Tonight, Idol Chat is proud to welcome Nano Ramirez, one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most prominent figures in the music and entertainment industry, having promoted concerts and events for the past 26 years. Nano is the owner and proprietor of La Villa Real, which is preparing to re-open in a brand new facility in Pharr next fall. Nano has worked with artists as diverse as George Strait, Maná, Santana, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Metallica, Vicente Fernandez, Snoop Dogg and many more.
Coincidentally, Nano counts Bon Jovi among his favorite bands.
Q: What’s the most crucial component of a terrific concert?
NANO RAMIREZ: A sold-out show.
Q: Out of all the musicians/bands in the world, who would you LOVE to book?
NANO RAMIREZ: Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney.
Q: What are some of your big plans for the new venue?
NANO RAMIREZ: The new facility will have the same layout as the former La Villa Real [on Expressway 83], but the main room will be a lot bigger. We’re also going to have six meeting/convention rooms and a kitchen.
Q: What advice would you give American Idol contestants hoping to become
the next superstar?
NANO RAMIREZ: They have to be at the right place at the right time with the right material.
GLORIA CHEEVER: This was actually a pretty good night. I was a little worried with the whole Bon Jovi week, but it was actually not that bad.
MARITZA HAMILL: Getting ready to see what Mr. Bon Bon himself has to say about everything… to what do we owe this exciting event? Let us see what this show will bring!
BRANDON GARCIA: Before we begin … BEST NIGHT EVER. I’ve been saying “80s! 80s! 80s!” for years now, and even I wouldn’t have dreamed it’d be this delicious. So why was Paula looking like she just got out of high tea? And wasn’t Ryan his usual sensitive self ribbing Gina Glocksen in the audience with “what might’ve been” head games? And sure, Bon Jovi’s no Bob Dylan — but his bleed-it-for-what-it’s-worth approach does wonders for the tepid Top 6.
NANO RAMIREZ: I usually like to see the last six contestants on American Idol. That’s some of the best talent. I haven’t heard these six sing their other styles, but all the judges said they couldn’t be rock stars. We’ll see.
CHRIS BENITEZ: He sounded all right, a little stretched on some high notes. I think it is finally time for Phil to head on home. He is a good vocalist, but not great. SCORE: 7
GLORIA CHEEVER: WOW! This was fantastic! All this guy needed was a little confidence boost, and he got it a few weeks ago. He has shined ever since! This was a phenomenal vocal! His best yet!!!
SCORE: 10
J. CANTU AND AMANDA: Wow! Phil has really turned it up these past couple of weeks. We are on the Phil bandwagon. He looks very very relaxed and very confident of what he is doing. We thought Phil did not want to be in American Idol, but the last 3 weeks, he has really out done himself. We hope it is not too little too late. Phil has found his genre. We think Simon was wrong today. He did not give Phil his props and could cost him some votes. SCORE: 7
MARITZA HAMILL: WOW.. Stacey is not going home! Great job, this is one performance that will be remembered! Anytime they play back American Idol recaps, this will be one of the clips they use. SCORE: 8.5
BRANDON GARCIA: I still think “Wanted Dead Or Alive” might’ve worked better, but it’s a negligible difference, seeing how they’re basically the same song. The CGI Idol in the opening credits has more rock cred than Phil, but the good thing is our Season 6 baldy has some killer pipes and a real ability for 80s anthems. His performance had all the elements (Navy buddies in the audience, country stylings, opening-clip humor) to keep him safe this week — he’ll need ’em tonight. SCORE: 7.5
NANO RAMIREZ: He was the first one, and he came busting out. I liked him as a rocker. I think he gave a fantastic performance. SCORE: 9
CHRIS BENITEZ: When I found out she was singing this song I knew she was in trouble. Sure enough, it was bad. It was a crappy performance, which is her first in my opinion. It’s all right, she’s just not a rock singer. This is a hard song for a guy to sing because of the chorus, and for a girl the verses are very tough. She will be OK, next week she will bounce back. SCORE: 5
GLORIA CHEEVER: You can tell she was incredibly nervous. This was definitely out of her comfort zone (out of MY comfort zone!) This song was too low, which I’ve cautioned on before with Miss Jordin. She also sounds rather fatigued. Her voice cracked slightly at one point. I don’t think she’s in trouble as far as votes are concerned, but she needs to take care of that voice. SCORE: 7
J. CANTU AND AMANDA: What happened Jordin? We had you on top of the list last week, but these presentations can cost you the competition. Jordin did NOT shine today. Bon Jovi has a lot of ballads that could have catapulted Jordin to the next level, but she chose a rock song instead. I do believe she chose a wrong song for her. Hopefully the votes from last week will keep her in. She was NOT in her element today. SCORE: 5
MARITZA HAMILL: …!?!//!?!!!!?…. jODiN! NOOOOOO!!….. ewww!! AHHHH!!! CACAAAA!!! NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO nuaaaaa! Whaaaaa!! Please don’t go home!! Please!! SCORE: 3
BRANDON GARCIA: Now I know what Miss Piggy would have looked like had she gone through a goth phase circa 1986. Her vocal limitations stripped bare for all to see, Jordin “And You Thought Sanjaya Sucked” Sparks towered like a five-ton toddler over both guitar players performing next to her on stage. The verses were pitched too low, the chorus made her strain. I guess that very last note, admittedly decent, was enough for Simon, Paula and Randy to continue making excuses for her. America needs to wake up, spank Jordin and send her home this instant. SCORE: 3
NANO RAMIREZ: I think the key of the song just really didn’t fit. Simon said she looked like someone from the Addams family, but she’s doing rock ‘n’ roll — that’s what rock ‘n’ roll is all about. SCORE: 7
CHRIS BENITEZ: It started like the typical LaKisha performance, pitchy. After about ten seconds in things got better. It was pretty good, I think what happened after the song with Simon will earn her some fans, I don’t know why. I just think it showed some personality. See you next week Lakisha. I think. SCORE: 7
GLORIA CHEEVER: This is the most personality I’ve seen out of Lakisha. I kinda liked her tonight. She needed to have done this about 3 weeks ago. It was a great performance, but unfortunately, a little late. I think she’s going home. SCORE: 8
J. CANTU AND AMANDA: We knew LaKisha had it in her. She had inspired us in the first couple of weeks, but had fallen of the map the last couple of weeks. Today, LaKisha was back. That was a GREAT showing for her, but we do believe it might be too little to late for her. We don’t think she has last week’s votes to keep her in. It is going to be sad if she goes after a presentation like that. She really showed us a little something something. SCORE: 8
MARITZA HAMILL: No boobies hanging out? Good gal? I like the outfit. The song was a good song. Good job. Little on the predictable side, but good.
BRANDON GARCIA: It feels like the LaKisha Comeback … but is it? Beyond another hideously misguided outfit, LaKisha exhibited cool grace and her enormous range, then topped it off with a thrilling ending. The resulting hooplah made for a weird Simon makeout moment, but I’m wondering: Will it matter? One return to life may not be enough to pull LaKisha out of the woods after her recent disasters. I’m more than happy she’s back to giving us her A game, but I fear it could be too late. SCORE: 7
NANO RAMIREZ: I’d put Melinda above LaKisha, because even though LaKisha has a better overall voice, it all goes back to Melinda’s style and showmanship. SCORE: 8
CHRIS BENITEZ: I didn’t like it at all. If anything the drummer was outshining Blake. He did two really popular songs two weeks in a row. I somehow feel that he will make it to the final 3 though. SCORE: 6
GLORIA CHEEVER: This guy will have a contract even if he doesn’t win. He’s amazing and original! I love the sound, and I love how he’s so unique. This was downright cool! He always brings it. An awesome performance!!! SCORE: 10
J. CANTU AND AMANDA: I have been watching AI since its first season. I have never seen a show like Blake’s tonight. It was not only great vocals, but something different we had never seen. People had changed style of songs before, but never nailed it like Blake. We will see Blake in concert very soon. This guy is an entertainer and knows what people want. Blake rocked tonight. SCORE: 9
MARITZA HAMILL: Hmm, good time to bring back the beep-bopping. Id totally download his music…. SUPER FLY!! I liked this guy a lot today! The hair is too cute too! Encore!!!! I wanta watch Blake again.. rEwInd!!!!! SCORE: 10 for creativity!
BRANDON GARCIA: I admit I never thought Blake could be that good, but tonight, he turned in a star-making performance. For the first time, he seemed like a true original instead of just American Idol’s idea of hip and trendy. The traditional singing parts were actually pretty ragged — but when the extended beatboxing section rolled around, he transformed into someone entirely different, and the sound effects no longer felt like unnecessary sprinkles on the cake. Blake goes brunette, Blake does awesome. Coincidence? SCORE: 10. His excellent remix alone earns a 10.
NANO RAMIREZ: Man, it was unbelievable. He had such originality! My wife and I went back and listened to the videotape three times. He blew me away. Those 12 bars [of beatboxing] were probably the best part of the whole show. SCORE: 10 
CHRIS BENITEZ: Might I mention that no one here except Melinda is really able to pull off a rock song!!!!!! That is sad. Chris might be the worst at singing this genre, and that is because he sang a Rock Ballad. Not good, he is on his way out the door. SCORE: 5
GLORIA CHEEVER: How could he not know ALL the words to ANY Bon Jovi song?! This sounded a little imitated, which could be trouble for Chris. As I’ve said before, the voice is small, so he was straining an awful lot. You could see the tension in his entire upper body. I would be very concerned about his voice after this song. I think his journey is just about over on American Idol. SCORE: 7
J. CANTU AND AMANDA: Oh Chris, we do believe this is your time. Your Justin Timberfake days have come to an end. You did not reach the caliber of talent that was on the stage tonight. This was not your genre, but last week did not help you out any either. We do think you will be watching the finals from home. The same thing over and over again, each and every week, gets very old. Sorry Chris SCORE: 4
MARITZA HAMILL: You think he’s gonna do ok, then the Backstreet Boy starts coming out of him.. This guys going home….YO! ….. Nuff said! Next stop, Dancing With The Stars. SCORE: 4
BRANDON GARCIA: Chris said his last words before going on stage are “Have fun.” More like “Pleasegodpleasegodpleasegod…” There was a hue of failure to this performance even before it started — even Bon Jovi couldn’t hide his doubts. Chris’ forced rocker vocals and stalker faces under the creepy lighting didn’t do him any favors either. Passable, but that’s not enough after tonight. About time if you ask me. SCORE: 6
NANO RAMIREZ: Like all Bon Jovi songs, “Dead or Alive” is a hard song to sing — the notes of the song play almost on the same level — but it actually didn’t do him justice. But if he would have chosen another song … SCORE: 7
CHRIS BENITEZ: She Rocks, and she has rocked since the first time I saw her on this show. Bring it home Melinda. Win this for all the artists who actually have star power and talent. You deserve it!!!! By the way I hope Bon Jovi sings a Rock Song tomorrow, not some ballads. SCORE: 9
GLORIA CHEEVER: I really liked this! Not her best, but still really good. No matter what this girl is singing, she’s amazing! I’m proud to say that she and I studied with the same voice teacher (phenomenal teacher at that) and I know that she can sing anything under the sun! That is what being an artist is all about. SCORE: 7
J. CANTU AND AMANDA: Melinda must have a genius who chooses the songs for her every week. Not one week has she chosen a song that wasn’t for her. Or is it, she can just sing anything that comes in front of her. Every other contestant on AI has had a week or two that have been down for them, except for Melinda. Not ONE. She is the person to beat from the first week. Any other person mentioned in the same sentence with her is only lucky. SCORE: 8
MARITZA HAMILL: Bon Jovi: “ROCK ON… Melinda, you should be our backup singer!!!” Like I’ve said from the begging of the season, she sounds like Ms. Tina Turner herself. Goodie tissues! SCORE: 8
BRANDON GARCIA: You heard the word, Melinda. “Tina.” Take it and run with it. You’ve got the spirit, you’ve got the attitude, you’ve got the voice. That dance with the guitar player was electrifying. This was yet another terrible song you made dynamic. And to whoever has transformed you into the hottest, most gorgeous thing on TV, I have this to say: Bless you, sir or madam. You’re a saint. SCORE: 9.5
NANO RAMIREZ: There’s a little bit of Tina Turner there. I’d put in her in second place with Phil [after Blake]. Both she and LaKisha could be great R&B singers. SCORE: 9
BRANDON GARCIA: The icing on the cake was George and Laura’s thank you for the charity special. W: “I’d like to thank all the (ugh) celebrities for helping out … including … (gag) Bono.”
CHRIS BENITEZ: Melinda Doolittle
GLORIA CHEEVER: Phil & Blake
MARITZA HAMILL: Blake
BRANDON GARCIA: Blake, then Melinda.
NANO RAMIREZ: Blake, then Melinda and Phil, then LaKisha.
CHRIS BENITEZ: Jordin and Chris Richardson
GLORIA CHEEVER: Jordin
MARITZA HAMILL: Jordin
BRANDON GARCIA: Jordin
NANO RAMIREZ: Jordin and Chris
CHRIS BENITEZ: Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey
GLORIA CHEEVER: LaKisha & Chris
J. CANTU & AMANDA: Chris and LaKisha
MARITZA HAMILL: Chris, and dare I say… JORDIN…..???? No, I don’t want to say Jordan. My vote is for LaKisha and Chris. But ma’an Jordin was BAD!
BRANDON GARCIA: Even though Jordin deserves a swift exit, I think she’ll survive on sympathy votes. LaKisha is doomed. So that leaves Phil and Chris … I’ll go with Chris. NANO RAMIREZ: Jordin and Chris
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We lose two this week, and things certainly aren’t looking up for Chris. LaKisha is also going to have a tough time sleeping tonight. Will Jordin’s disastrous take on Bon Jovi destroy all the pimping the judges have done for her? And how will the votes from last week figure in? Check out Idol Chat tomorrow at 7 p.m. to find out. Many thanks to Nano Ramirez. Stay tuned to The Monitor to find out all the latest on the new La Villa Real.
