By Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat editor
American Idol voters unceremoniously dispensed with two of the final six contestants Wednesday night. Unable to capitalize on his recent momentum, Phil went out in a “Blaze of Glory,” giving what was widely considered his best performance. Chris gave a passable rendition of “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” but viewers didn’t seem to want him in either fashion. Let’s take a look at what they had going for and against them:
FOR: Crystal-clear tone of voice, Navy background, self-deprecating humor
AGAINST: Resemblance to Dracula, ill ease on stage
WHY HE LOST: After weeks of hanging around on pure luck, Phil found some last-minute confidence and tried to make strides toward becoming a country singer, but it was simply too late to really find him a following.
CHANCES OF POST-IDOL STARDOM: Low. He’ll cut a record, but sales are already looking dismal.
BEST PERFORMANCE: “Every Breath You Take” (Top 9)
FOR: Boyish good looks, sense of rhythm, decent dance skills, Justin Timberlake resemblance
AGAINST: Justin Timberlake resemblance, loathsome nasal tone to voice
WHY HE LOST: Chris was never at the bottom of the barrel, but he never showed any improvement either. Plus, no matter what genre he attempted, it always ended up sounding like the exact same song.
CHANCE FOR POST-IDOL STARDOM: Little to none … or so it would seem. He has turned up in the pages of Us Weekly, having been linked romantically to various starlets. Maybe he can be the male Sienna Miller.
BEST PERFORMANCE: “Geek In The Pink” (Top 20)
Sometimes, things work out the way they maybe should.
Adios, Super Sweet Bald Crooner.
C Ya, Hip-Cute-Reedy-Voiced Heartthrob.
I must say I got a little misty-eyed when Phil made his goodbyes. He’s just so darn … sincere.
Next Round Wish List:
Buh-bye, Blake.
LaKiki, give us more o’ that good ol’ sum’un sum’un!
Brandon, you’re dead on with those post-Idol assessments. Geek really was Chris’ best, too. Turned me on to Mraz, oh yeah.