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American Idol Top 12 Perform Diana Ross Classic
American Idol is down to its final dozen and on Tuesday night those twelve contestants had the tough task of performing a song from the legendary Diana Ross. Perhaps coming out of the gate with Diana songs was a good idea for the AI 12 as it truly showed who had talent and who belonged on the next flight out.
While Antonella Barba was voted off American Idol last week she very well could have done a better job than a few of the ‘Idol’ hopefuls.
If America is truly weeding out the “singers” who don’t belong then Tuesday may have been the last of Sanjaya Malakar. When a judge laughs at your performance at this stage of the competition it’s a good sign you don’t belong. Singing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is no easy task, but listening to it sung by Malakar is just as daunting.
Malakar has been extremely fortunate up to this point and that good fortune may extend through Wednesday’s vote due to an abundance of marginal singers. Haley Scarnato forgot words to “Missing You,” is that ironic? Brandon Rogers sang “Can’t Hurry Love” and was told he sounded like a backup to a backup singer.
Tuesday’s performances once again highlighted the weakness of the males in this year’s competition. While Malakar and Rogers are bad the other four are in no way competing for the top prize either. Chris Sligh has received the highest praise on the guy’s side but he probably wouldn’t have made it this far in seasons past. His rendition of “Endless Love” was eternally boring and changing the arrangement didn’t help him any. Phil Stacey was probably the strongest male performer of the night after hearing his version of “I’m Going to Make You Love Me,” unfortunately, winning an ugly contest doesn’t mean you’re pretty. Chris Richardson sang “The Boss” and like the other guys in the competition just didn’t do anything with the song. Blake Lewis would be better off honing his craft as a club dj instead of covering Diana Ross songs. This guy belongs in a booth spinning beats for three-day parties rather than on stage trying to get a singing contract, and that’s a compliment.
Gina Glocksen is playing it cool right now and flying under the radar. Tat approach could keep her around for a bit but it won’t land her the title. The truth is that unlike the guy’s side there are two singers on the ladies side. The shadow cast by LaKisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle will probably keep Glocksen as well as Jordin Sparks and Stephanie Edwards from receiving much praise. But these five ladies should be the last ones standing.
