By Brandon Garcia, Idol Chat Editor
Weeks ago, LaKisha sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” (”no no no NO WAY”), an imperative that held up longer than it probably should have. The magic of that first performance carried her through country week and inspirational week, but her middling take on Barry Gibb finally made LaKisha’s momentum fizzle. Let’s look at what she had going for and against her:
FOR:
Divaliciousness. She gave the voters who let Jennifer Hudson slip through the cracks a chance to rectify their mistake. She was the big black soul singer of the group whose voice (and bust) couldn’t be ignored.
Baby Mamahood. The backstory about how she was trying to provide a better life for her daughter was a tearjerker — and she never let us forget it.
AGAINST:
Personality? What personality? For all we know, LaKisha could be the life of the party, but she veiled herself so much that voters were never able to feel much of a connection to her.
Tired song choices. When you have to resort to covering Carrie Underwood or any other Idol, you know it’s time to expand your horizons. LaKisha’s taste in music was dismal.
CHANCE FOR POST-IDOL STARDOM: Iffy. I think Jennifer Hudson’s 15 minutes are about up, so where exactly does that leave Kiki? Hmmm…
BEST PERFORMANCE: “And I Am Telling You” (Top 24)
WORST PERFORMANCE: “Jesus Take The Wheel” (Country Week)
