News / Entertainment
Down to the Wire as ‘American Idol’ Top Three Perform
Judging by the performances from last night’s ‘American Idol’ it should be clear that Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks will advance to the finals and compete for the ‘Idol’ crown. Yet, this is ‘American Idol’ so we already know anything can happen. Don’t forget this is the same show that had Antonella Barba and Sanjaya Malakar run deep into a competition despite a vocal range about as extensive as a lawnmower.
The three Idols had a trio of songs to belt out on Tuesday with one coming form a judge, one from the producers and their final performance was a song of their choice. Once again proving that nothing seems to faze her, Melinda Doolittle put out the best vocals of the night while Jordin Sparks demonstrated why fans have rallied around her. As for Blake, it was another night of admirable performances yet he doesn’t hold a candle to his female counterparts.
Sparks had to handle Simon Cowell’s selection of “Wishing on a Star” to begin the show and she really demonstrated that she has the presence and voice to win the competition. Before her second song Jordin revealed that one of her favorite songs was the Hanson debacle “MMMBop.” While it takes a lot to forgive somebody for admitting such a heresy she made up for it with a near perfect rendition of “She Works hard for her Money,” which has nothing to do with a prostitute but rather a bathroom attendant Donna Summers noticed while dining at a Chinese restaurant one night. Sparks saved her best for last and nailed “I Who Have Nothing” and almost certainly cemented her spot in the finals.
Blake Lewis followed Jordin’s first song with Paula Abdul’s selection of “Roxanne” which really put him in a bind. For as popular of a song as it is, it can really only be done by Sting, otherwise you just want to turn the sound down and wait for the next track. Lewis has really done a phenomenal job of making songs his own and displaying an originality and authenticity behind his performances yet it just doesn’t seem to fit the ‘American Idol’ image, that of a disposable talent that can be replaced the next year. Blake’s second song was “This Love” from Maroon 5 and in case you’re wondering the tune is just as annoying now as it was a few years back. Lewis did what he could with the song and shook it up a bit but really, how many people would buy this stuff if it was placed on an album. Closing out his three-song set, Lewis tackled “When I Get You Alone” and it could be the tune he chooses when he sings his farewell song tonight.
Melinda Doolittle had to come out strong and with Randy Jackson selecting Whitney Houston for her there was little room for error. Of course Doolittle owned “I Believe in You and Me” and earned the highest praise from the judges with Simon telling her that she had won round one. Doolittle’s second song “Nutbush City Limits” showed her range as a singer with some rock and attitude and she lit the judges up again. Closing out the night Doolittle saved the best for last with “I’m a Woman” where she really displayed a comfort with being on stage and making a performance fun. Simon told her that if consistency has anything to do with the competition she will be in the finals.
So it’s really Blake that’s in the hot seat tonight. He managed to get by LaKisha Jones despite the fact she was a better singer. The problem Blake runs into is not only are Melinda and Jordin better singers but they have just as many fans as he does. Blake deserves a round of applause for what he brought the show. Without him the final few weeks would have been a bit stale with each singer carrying the same type of sound into the night. But that’s what ‘American Idol’ is and always will be. ‘American Idol’ is not about originality its about whose going to make the show the most money in the long run. That said Blake goes home tonight.
