I haven’t been this excited about “American Idol” since, well, Gwen Stefani was the guest judge. I’m not even one bit ashamed of my anxiety for what’s about to happen. It’s J. Lo, people. This is like if, well, J. Lo were the guest mentor on “Idol.”
OK, time to calm down. And stop being so excited about Jenny from the Block. I can’t help it. Bring it on, J. Lo. Bring. It. On.
“I think the key to any type of Latin-themed music is the passion,” J. Lo told the finalists. First up, Melinda Doolittle.
Melinda Doolittle during last week’s show.
Melinda Doolittle
“Sway”
Could she bring the passion? I’m not sure she did. After several weeks of actually looking a bit younger, Melinda’s style tonight aged her by about 30 years. The song choice, if you ask me, was just a little to underwhelming for such a big voice. Personally, for the first time, I was a little bored with my girl Melinda.
“I’m telling you, another solid performance,” Randy said. “I’m not going to say it’s your best, but another solid performance.”
“Very, very sultry. Very smooth,” Paula said.
“Well it had to happen, Melinda,” Simon said. “I didn’t like it. … That song is all about personality. You appeared much older than you are.” See, even Simon said it.
LaKisha Jones in a much more comfortable position — standing still with a slow jam.
LaKisha Jones
“Conga”
Gloria Estefan was bound to show up in the performance tonight. I can say I didn’t expect it to come from LaKisha. But one of the contest’s favorites shook her groove thang for America during the performance. It was a different LaKisha from what we’ve seen in the past — much less power notes and more high energy. I guess that’s what we can expect from the entire Latin theme. But it certainly wasn’t a favorite for me.
“You were having the best time, having fun,” Randy said. “You made it your own. … That was hot, baby. That was hot.”
“I didn’t feel it as much as Randy did,” Paula said.
“It’s one of those songs that’s not a singer’s song,” Simon said. “… It is, actually, quite a safe song to do.”
Chris Richardson channels Justin Timberlake. This week he went for the Rob Thomas feel.
Chris Richardson
“Smooth”
Rob Thomas, not Justin Timberlake. That may be a little more attainable for Chris Richardson. The performance, though, was not so good. I’m not sure what’s happening with Latin night. I thought this would be a good night for Chris. Maybe he’s a little too focused on Lauren “L.C.” Conrad.
“You did a really good job,” Randy said. “It was very, very cool, dawg.”
“It was a hot, hot performance,” Paula said. “What am I going to say?”
“I’m not going to say it was the best vocal I’ve ever heard … but I actually prefer it to the first two (singers),” Simon said. “It was a good performance.”
Haley wearing slightly more clothes than she did this week.
Haley Scarnato
“Turn the Beat Around”
I can’t decide if Haley is trying to be the next Miss America, “America’s Next Top Model” or a go-go dancer. What she certainly isn’t trying to be is the next “American Idol.” I feel a little confused by what Haley brought to the stage. The song seemed to be way ahead of her, and I just didn’t get it.
“For me, man, … that was really karaoke for me tonight,” Randy said.
“It’s not a singer’s song, but it’s a fun song,” Paula said.
“I think you have a very good tactic at the moment, Haley,” Simon said. “Where as least amount of clothes as possible.” Ouch, Simon.
Phil Stacey, sans hat, during last week’s performance show.
Phil Stacey
“Maria, Maria”
I know I shouldn’t have liked this performance, but I kind of did. Maybe it was the hat shielding Phil’s distracting bald head and big ears. Yeah, I know that’s mean. But sometimes I can’t hear him as well as he can hear, well, everything. Would I buy it on CD? No. But I wouldn’t buy anything that’s been done tonight. At least not on purpose.
“You didn’t quite connect with the passion in that song,” Randy said.
“Vocally, I thought, with the exception of just the end there, it was a good vocal,” Paula said.
“I’m going to be honest with you, I found no originality in the performance,” Simon said. Yeah, you’re right.
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
“The Rhythm is Going to Get You”
Sure it was a little cheesy with all the dancing and bizarre facial expressions, but this is by far the best performance of the night. Jordin has come a long way in this competition, and her voice certainly proves she has “Idol” capabilities.
“You got it because you got it,” Randy said. “That was the yo factor on blast.”
“You don’t care about anything else; you’re just out there having a great time,” Paula added.
“There’s nothing stunning,” Simon said. “I haven’t seen a progression, though, tonight.”
Blake Lewis performs during last week’s show.
Blake Lewis
“I Need to Know”
Another decent performance, but this night certainly has been rough on the “Idol” finalists. Blake’s performance was OK. He showcased his voice a little, but it wasn’t the big performance that defines him as an artist.
“That was a hot song choice for you,” Randy said. “And a hot performance.”
“A very smart performance,” Paula said.
“Blake, best choice of the night, best performance so far,” Simon said.
Sanjaya Malakar
Sanjaya Malakar
“… Mucho” (Sorry, I couldn’t figure it out.)
Is that real facial hair? Or is our friend Dean Banowetz playing a trick on us? I’m not sure, but the silly factor has been taken to a new level. April Fool’s Day is over, but this joke certainly keeps on coming.
“That was actually really good,” Randy said. “It was.”
“It was nice,” Paula said. “It was very, very nice.”
“I couldn’t understand a word of it,” Simon said. “You sang like a 14-year-old, and I’m going to hate myself for this, it wasn’t horrible.”
Who should get your vote? If you’re choosing based on tonight only, Blake Lewis without a doubt. I’d encourage you to vote based on the competition thus far, though. Tonight was not a strong one for the top eight.
Who should go home? S-A-N-J-A-Y-A. No matter how you spell it, Sanjaya needs to be gone. Sure his performance wasn’t that horrible tonight, but I’m still wanting him gone. Of course, Haley could hit the streets, too. (And, yes, I mean in more than one way.)
Who deserves another chance? The power threesome — Melinda, LaKisha and Jordin. This isn’t there type of music, which is one of the downfalls of this competition. Really strong performers get thrown by a week like this.
American Idol, J. Lo, Jennifer Lopez, Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Phil Stacey, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Sanjaya Malakar
He’s been linked to everyone from fellow contestant Alaina Alexander to Lindsay Lohan. Now Chris Richardson was seen in public not too far from “The Hills” star Lauren “L.C.” Conrad. I tell you, I love this “Idol” gossip.
