It’s the moment of truth for Blake, Melinda and Jordin. They’ve each got three chances to win our hearts and a place in the finals. Who’s bound for the crown? Who’s left with the bronze? Find out as the Idol Chat judges take one step closer to the edge.
We’re glad to welcome back British Invasion week judge Miriam Ramirez! Her sly wit and music savvy are always a privilege here on Idol Chat. Welcome home, Miriam!
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: Three, oh, it’s the magic number…Yeah it is, it’s the magic number…Tonight were song selections from producers, judges and contestants. Although some were a suitable choice, others just put me to sleep. It’s do or die-well, maybe not so dramatic-in Idoland with the remaining trio of potential winners. Who will it be? There’s Jordin Sparks and her cute-as-a-button persona, and then there’s Blake who managed to beat-box his way into the hearts of many. And how could we forget Melinda D., who gave a new meaning to modesty (ad-naseum). It’s been a long, Sanjaya’d journey folks, with plenty of lounge acts, great hair and this peculiar teenager from Federal Way. Without droppin’ names-jordin-I told you kids who would make it to the finish line. Although we’re not quite there yet, this end result was a bit predictable. Jordin and Melinda…who will walk away with the golden ticket?
MARITZA HAMILL: Nervous for my 3 of whom I love… and have always. Blake, after some collagen injections your ratings will soar. Uh more! Jordin my vote has always been for you, but honey YOUS up against (echoing deep voice) {{{{MELINDA}}}}} Good luck my child; I will light a candle for you. Melinda… daling, I didn’t want to be the one to tell you this, but the audience is composed of puberty and scribbles of I LOVE BLAKE in juniorhigh/highschool notebooks. You may be going home regardless of how immaculate you performance (as we already know) will be.
“Wishing On A Star” (Rose Royce)
BRANDON GARCIA: Oh, wait, the show started? Laffy Taffy has more shape and substance than this pointless tune; I’m baffled as to why Daddy picked it for his little girl. I saw the performance 10 minutes ago, and I can’t remember anything about it — not a blip on the radar. SCORE: 4.5. Minus a half-point for Jordin’s pantomimes at the end: Heart sign! IDOLS-01! Poopy face! Silly me! Bang bang.
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: I was nervous when Miss Jordin came out the gate. Her falsetto wasn’t quite on point as I would’ve like and frankly I could feel the nerves twirling down her spiral locks. So I gave her a break. Interesting song choice, as many of us channeled our inner Cover Girls (who covered the song back in the 80’s originally recorded by Rose Royce). As the song progressed Jordin got into her groove a bit and really got comfortable with the performance. That’s my girl!
MARITZA HAMILL: Not a bad choice, but oh so ordinary. C’mon Jordin! Aren’t we in it to win it! Hope the next song blows us away. I really want her to win and be the youngest A.I. ever!
GLORIA CHEEVER: Wow, she looks beautiful! I love this song! She’s so fun! I don’t think it was her absolute best, but she was right on vocally. I think she will definitely be in the finals! SCORE: 8
BRANDON GARCIA: Why does the stage turn into a cave whenever Blake sings? The echo only served to highlight some wrenching pitch problems — at one point, he sounded like a Muslim monk chanting in the mountains of Algeria. The Roxanne of the song’s title is actually a whore, but Blake may as well have been singing about his mom or his shopping BFF. Zero angst, zero rock ‘n’ roll, too much doughnut mouth. SCORE: 4
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: This guy came out fightin’. Anytime you can execute Sting’s vocal range you’re a force to be reckoned with. I don’t think Blake was trying to copy The Police to the tee and he did well on this particular attempt to incorporate his own flavor with such a classic tune. On a side note, I could seriously do without the backup singers and their decibel-breaking mic’s. So back to Blake. It was decent, not earth-shattering is correct but enough to hold people’s attention. So far the show was a bit anticlimactic.
MARITZA HAMILL: I said he resembled Sting and now he is singing a Sting song. Suits him well. Will he win A.I. or will he win a 12 million dollar contract from VIRGIN? Hmm??? What do you think? It’s all good for Blake Lewis.
GLORIA CHEEVER: This was a great song choice! It felt a little shouted at times, but it was still a good performance. I didn’t have a problem with anything he was doing vocally. I would definitely like to see him live- I think he’d put on a good show. SCORE: 8
“I Believe In You And Me” (Whitney Houston)
BRANDON GARCIA: Randy tried to sabotage Melinda with one of Whitney Houston’s duller but needlessly difficult songs. Even Melinda stumbled under the weight of this monstrosity — she sang like she had wedgie throughout the whole performance. Her weakness with higher notes (as Chris Benitez noted some time back) was laid bare tonight, and even her nostrils looked frightened. At least Melinda got to chill with her governor rather than some yokel mayors. SCORE: 6
MARITZA HAMILL: She can sing…… BACKUP! He he, just kidding.. no really im not, ok I am….. (not) Melinda Doolittle reminds me of Ruben Studdard.. Great singer, but not going to make record breaking sales at Wal-Mart or “other.” Come on guys really, can you imagine driving down Trenton with a Melinda song blasting from you vehicle? What about a Blake song? Or for that matter JordIn, MMMBOP, chaca-chaca? Really
GLORIA CHEEVER: How could she NOT sound awesome on this? It’s an amazing song! She had a beautiful, rich vocal. It didn’t sound anything like Whitney, so that was a plus. I think she could work on her high notes, and I don’t love the key she sang it in , but it certainly suited her. SCORE: 8
“She Works Hard For The Money” (Donna Summer)
BRANDON GARCIA: Yay, more prostitute references! To her credit, Jordin totally works it in the kinky Soul-Glo hair and Tex-Mex-style platform stilettos, and her voice is pretty appealing on sassier pop fare like this. Then I remember this is the girl whose favorite song is “Mmmm Bop.” How old are you again, Jordin? I didn’t catch it the first 49,305,723,194 times you told us. SCORE: 6.5
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: I felt the producers hand-picked this one from an Idol Cruise Line (which I know is in the works) and it just wasn’t convincing. Why Jordin, why? The lyrics kinda trickled out of her mouth as she dare keep up. I kept my fingers crossed for her to make it to the end. Again, I agree with Simon, it was all just a bit old fashioned.
MARITZA HAMILL: Definitely a Jordin song. Very cute and spunky like she is. She enjoyed the song, which made us enjoy her performance. Twiddle my hair doop-de-doop cute …. But will she score with the fans? GLORIA CHEEVER: I can’t believe how tall she is, and then she wears those platforms! I agreed with Simon, the arrangement was a little dated, but still a fantastic performance. What I like the most about her is that she always looks so cool, calm and collected- total superstar attitude! SCORE: 9
BRANDON GARCIA: Hey everybody!!! Who wants advance tickets to Organized Chaos: The Blake Lewis Story starring Jim Carrey? Anyone? Anyone? This song was right up Blake’s alley, so I don’t understand why he looked so disoriented, like someone slapped him with a 2×4 right before he took the stage. Maybe he was having second thoughts about that formal-wear hoodie. Either way, it was vocally a step up from “Roxanne”’s side of the tracks. SCORE: 6
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: Now that’s more like it. Something more contemporary and of this generation. (and those darn backup singers come back to ruin the song…ugh make them stop). Ok, so the beat-box FINALLY worked!!! Overall a strong performance, and like Simon says much better than the first. I’m liking Blake tonight, thus far.
MARITZA HAMILL: Back up singers sounded louder than he did in this song. Nothing special in this performance. I wanted some true singing but oh well, this is Blake.
GLORIA CHEEVER: This was an awesome choice for Blake! I love Maroon 5! What a great performance. I love that he can make these songs his own without imitating the actual artists. SCORE: 9
“Nutbush City Limits” (Ike & Tina Turner)
BRANDON GARCIA: “Nutbush City Limits” … wow. Sounds like a Primus album. Melinda’s charcoal was a little delayed in catching fire, but the BBQ was up and running by the end. I didn’t dig the skunk wig straight from the Abdul Collection, and the blouse made her breasts look weird again, but it was nice to see that Melinda’s grandparents could make a stop on the way to their funeral. SCORE: 7.5
MARITZA HAMILL: Now all she needs is to work out her legs….. nuff said yo.
GLORIA CHEEVER: Whoa. This was out there for her, but I really liked it! I just love the attitude she can put into her sound- and then the gentleness she can give us in the ballads. Another solid performance for Melinda! SCORE: 10
“I (Who Have Nothing)” (Shirley Bassey)
BRANDON GARCIA: Glendale gave her a star in their mall, and all Jordin can say is “Wow, now people can walk all over me.” I mean, yeah, it ain’t La Plaza, but you don’t have to be a … moving on, Jordin played her hand from British Invasion week, going through the theatrics and the erstwhile emotions with well-rehearsed flair. It was a lovely vocal, except not as moving as the first time, maybe because she looked like McDonald’s Grimace after a sex change. SCORE: 8
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: For her final performance Jordin selected, “I Who Have Nothing,” a rerun of the British invasion episode. Rubbish. Good song, maybe in the Broadway circuit. Still, very nicely done. In a rare occurrence I did have to disagree with Simon who said it was old-fashioned. Jordin did great and hopefully good enough to get her to the final round. Keeping my fingers crossed. OVERALL SCORE: 8.5
MARITZA HAMILL: Now when she sang this sing in one of the first shows she blew us all away. And though she did GREAT again, the fact that she had done it before was eh? But I still love you Jordin. You’re so young, so good at what you do. SCORE overall: 7.9, sorry darlin…
GLORIA CHEEVER: Whew! This was amazing! She looks beautiful! This was definitely her best performance of the night. I love this much more than the first time she did this. I’m ok with her singing this, even if it is a little adult and she’s not quite one yet. I’d have a problem if she were 9. SCORE: 10
“When I Get You Alone” (Robin Thicke)
BRANDON GARCIA: Maybe Sir Mix-A-Lot could co-star in Organized Chaos II: Life Is A Fairy Tale After All. The “new king of Sea-town” has a long way to go before earning back any cred after tonight. On the plus side, a much more relaxed Blake took this song by the horns, seasoning it with just the right amount of beatboxing. When you go home tomorrow Blake, please do something for me: Buy a pair of jeans and stay out of the cleaning crew’s wardrobe. SCORE: 7
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: Unfortunately, Blake ended the night with a real sleeper. As a matter of fact, Robin Thicke has said in past interviews he didn’t even like the tracks on his first album, where listeners can find “When I Get You Alone.” Not a wise choice for Mr. Lewis. To his defense, Blake challenges himself unlike a lot of other contestants and does take baby steps out of his comfort zone…so kudos to him. Bummer, he really grew on me. Not sure if he’ll see it to the end. He has a career ahead of him regardless. OVERALL SCORE: 8
MARITZA HAMILL: Woah, this song was tough. Lots of stuff to memorize im sure. He did a really “COOL cat DaddY O” Job. He sounded like he did it all in one breath. Good job buddy. SCORE: 8.1, oh and just barely my dear…
GLORIA CHEEVER: What an exciting performance! I love this! He said he is having a blast, and you can totally see that! His vocal was great, and you can tell he knew the song very well. SCORE: 9
“I Am Woman” (Peggy Lee)
BRANDON GARCIA: They need to ban the contestants from singing songs twice on the show. That said, this was a stellar performance. The growl and gravel voice. The interplay with the sexy background singers. The jacket striptease. And Melinda’s steely radiance. Beyond a slight choke at the start of the song, this was first-rate Doolittle. No one has ever deserved to win like she does. SCORE: 9.5
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: (Combined review) Right away, I’m thinking this girl hasn’t been challenged really. She’s amazing, a real gem, no one compares…but, she’s really not what I would sit down and play over and over again. (Ok, maybe after a really sour break up…) Would people under a certain age pay money to see her live? Maybe, would it be a sit down, smoky bar type of show, indeed. I’m no spring chicken folks and I can tell you I prefer something more upbeat, youthful and a little more exciting. Judges said there was “difficulty” involved in her performance and I certainly beg to differ. Melinda’s a genius and don’t know what occasion she rose to? Give her a Gwen Stefani song, Pink for goodness sakes…force her to step out of the bluesy; my mama can whoop your mama renditions. I would just like to see her in a different genre. I know she has it in her. Although I do have to say I truly enjoyed the Ike and Tina jam…that was smokin’!!! Her outfit could’ve used some help maybe sported a mini dress and some shiny gams, but we’ll leave that to Tina. Melinda’s going to win this anyway, so who am I kidding? OVERALL SCORE: 8.5 out of 10
MARITZA HAMILL: Another grrrrrr8! Performance by Melinda Doolittle. Wamp~wamp~ waaaaamp. She flat out is the best. But will the teeny babies vote for her? My sources say no. And Paula’s drunk again. SCORE overall: 8ish ahhhhh ZZzzzzz…… 7
GLORIA CHEEVER: This was so cool! I really liked it! A really cute touch with the 3 ladies in the background! I agree with Simon. I don’t think I’ve heard one terrible performance from her. She is very consistent; a wonderful role model for our kids! SCORE: 10 
BRANDON GARCIA: Melinda
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: Do we really have to ask anymore…Melinda Doolittle
GLORIA CHEEVER: Jordin
BRANDON GARCIA: Jordin
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: Blake Lewis
GLORIA CHEEVER: None of them
BRANDON GARCIA: Very tough call. I’m not totally convinced there won’t be a shocker this season … and yet, it just seems impossible for Melinda not to win, or for Spawn of Hell — uh, ahem, I mean Jordin — to lose. So I guess that leaves Blake out in the cold. I’ll be the first one in line at the Civic
Center for the Blake/Sir Mix-A-Lot Tour, buddy.
MIRIAM RAMIREZ: Blake Lewis
MARITZA HAMILL: Who’s going homies?? Oh Melinda, I think? Can’t really tell to be honest. She is BY A LANDSLIDE the best. But im thinking, 13 years old, pimples on my chin from talking on the phone for 7 hours a night, mosquito bite sized boobs, and braces that make my lips look EXACTLY like Angelina’s OMG I swear! So my vote would embrace the “OH IM SO UGLY NO ONE LOVES ME JORDIN,” and the I’m too sexy for my lips so I just wont wear them, Blake. Yep, Melinda is going home. Sniffle sniffle…. Grap the hanky, im upset. No I’m not.
GLORIA CHEEVER: They all deserve a contract…but since someone has to go home, it’ll be Blake.
I. Am. So. Bored. LaKiki is gone, and so is my emotional connection to AI. We knew from about week two who would Win and Place. Show was the only spot really up for grabs, and now it goes to Blake’s musical freak show. Sorry, he leaves me worse than cold — he annoys the heck out of me!
So, yes, Miss Privileged Priss will win this. I’m not a violent person, but I could slap her, if need be. Just to wipe away that smugly beaming smile. I guess she annoys me, too.
Melinda doesn’t annoy me. She just leaves me cold, in the same way Meryl Streep leaves me cold. I see the technical brilliance — and can’t get PAST it. I say, ooh, listen to that fabulous riff; wow, she held that note forever; hmmmm she ran out her entire range on that one; yipes, can she phrase a song or what! But I THINK about her music, I don’t FEEL it.
Same with Meryl. Brilliant. I just don’t feel her.
Still, if I were being paid to pick one, I’d go with Melinda because she is such a great technician.
Jordin I’d send on vacation, swimming with sharks.
Blake … which one is Blake again?
I hope Blake leaves today. I can’t stand him. Yes, he is original, but he can’t sing. sorry. It should have been Chris Richardson in the top three, not Blake. I really hope the top two will be Melinda and Jordin. The last thing I want is for Jordin to leave. It will be just like last year when Chris Daughtry left and dumb Katharine McPhee was safe. Gosh, I can’t stand Katharine.