(S06E26) "Two legends collide -- Tony Bennett meets Sanjaya," Ryan says during tonight's broadcast. That's right, Sanjaya has become an Idol legend, whether we like it or not. And something tells me that Sanjaya is going to be safe no matter how he sings tonight.Tony Bennett is in the house to coach the finalists in the finer points of singing. Bennett is the "King of Swing" with a career that spans 60 years. And at 80, he looks terrific. I just wish he hadn't worn the bright yellow jacket. It makes him look like an elderly Realtor.
The good thing about singing "the old standards" is that they are great songs, with great melodies, that almost anyone can sing, and almost everyone has, as they are staples of high school productions across America. Unfortunately for our contestants, the bar has been set pretty high by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. Those are some big shoes to fill. And trying to judge the finalists against such legendary vocals, is honestly like comparing apples to raisins. So it's best to not even try.
1) BLAKE -- Tony suggests that Blake needs to understand the song's meaning (it's about a gangster), and he thinks Blake should slow down the tempo a bit. Blake sings "Mack the Knife" wearing an ugly tie and powder blue jacket that reminds me of the 1970s. Randy calls it "a very good way to start out the evening." Randy likes it, even though Blake had a couple of pitch problems. Paula says he "personified pizzazz." She calls it fun, and cool. Simon says good choice of song, good performance, and gives it a 7 out of 10. Unfortunately, he gives the band a higher score (8 out of 10). I know Blake is popular, and cute, but he is no Bobby Darin. Heck, he's not even Kevin Spacey. But he's Blake, so he's safe.
2) PHIL -- Tony believes Phil is one of the better singers he's heard. Phil sings Cole Porter's "Night and Day." And he does his best to channel Frank Sinatra. Randy likes the big notes, but didn't feel any "real connection" or "passion." He calls it disconnected. Paula calls him reminiscent of a young Frank Sinatra, but offers him some constructive criticism about having "more joy" and warming up his vocals. Simon asks Paula, "which Frank Sinatra are you referring to?" Simon thinks Phil's performance "had all the joy of somebody singing in a funeral parlor." He calls it "gloomy, and dark." What do you expect? If he put on a cape, he'd look like Vlad the Impaler's paler, creepier cousin. He's no Frank Sinatra. And I'd say he's going home, but I say it like every other week, and Philly's fans keep saving him. I just don't get the appeal.
3) MELINDA -- Tony calls her the "best singer all day." He thinks she has a lot of promise. Melinda sings "I've Got Rhythm." The dress makes her butt and stomach look huge, but it doesn't matter. She sounds terrific. The vocals are impeccable once again and she brings down the house. Randy loves that Mindy Doo gives everyone a lesson in singing, and knows how to interpret the lyrics. "This is how you do it," the Big Dawg exclaims. Paula calls Melinder a "master class" and says the performance was "flawless." Simon didn't like the first half of the song, which he thought was a bit cabaret. However, he thought the second part was great, and fun. Simon says it's a problem that he can't criticize Melinda, because "we like being mean to people occasionally." And by "we" he means "I." Melinda has secured her place in the competition.
4) CHRIS -- Tony thinks Chris will have a lot of fun with the song, once he gets the lyrics down. Chris sings "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." Randy calls it one of his best performances of the season. Randy thinks it was cool, young, and hip. Paula says Chris didn't compromise, and kept it "so hip" and cool (she basically repeats everything Randy just said). Simon agrees with Randy and Paula. He calls it "probably one of the strongest tonight." No, it wasn't bad, I'll give him that. But I just don't think it's "hip" or "cool" to dress and sing like Justin Timberlake circa 1996. Chris has to develop his own look, and one that is more updated than yesterday's boy band.
5) JORDIN -- Tony likes the way she improvised the song in rehearsal. She sings "On a Clear Day." Randy calls it "da bomb." "Yo, she's hot, America," he proclaims. Paula calls Jordin a "magnet of joy." Paula loooves her, and thinks she'll sail through to the next round. Simon didn't think Jordin made the song young or current, like Chris did before her. He thinks she sang it well, but it was "old-fashioned." Simon says he simply didn't like it as much as "Squidly and Diddly" as he calls Randy and Paula. I continue to like Jordin, and really think she has a chance at the final 2. But I did wish she picked a better, younger, more upbeat song tonight. Still, I think she's more than safe.
6) GINA -- Tony doesn't give Gina any advice, but he tears up thinking about the song she is singing, because he thinks about 9/11 or Iraq when he sings it. Gina sings "Smile" written by Charlie Chaplin. She sounds good, and I think she's gotten pretty smart at picking songs that are right for her vocal range and talent. And for once she looks happy, and not like she's about to burst into tears. Randy calls it "a very nice, controlled performance for the rocker girl." Paula calls it "flawless, understated, and sentimental." Simon "can't rave about the vocals" because he thinks Melinda and Jordin outsang her. The Glock could be in trouble, because I'm not sure how memorable her performance was tonight.
7) SANJAYA -- Tony thinks Sanjaya is terrific, and likes that Sanjy dares to be different. Sanjaya wants to prove to America that he can sing!! He sings Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek." It's not the type of performance that proves anything. But he makes up for the paper-thin vocals by getting Paula to dance with him, and you know Paula "is in heaven." Randy won't even comment on the vocals. He only says that Sanja has "turned into a great entertainer." Paula says his vocals were off, but she understands why people like him. She thinks Sanjayjay is charming, and she thanks him for the dance. Simon says, "let's try a different tactic this week -- INCREDIBLE." And I think Sanjaya says, "Welcome to Sanjaya's Universe," but I'm not sure (maybe I just imagined it). He IS starting to get a bit cocky, though, isn't he? Do you think he's starting to believe his own hype? Come on, Sanjy, stay sweet, or you might alienate some of your Fanjayas.
8) HALEY -- Tony tells Haley that she destroys the story of the song when she sings it to "you, and you, and you, and you." He tells her to sing to ONE person, and it will make it a better performance. She sings "Ain't Misbehavin" in a really flirty (IS misbehavin') way, ignoring what Tony told her about what the lyrics meant. Randy thought it would be a good week for her, but doesn't know what to say. Paula says "did I mention green is a good color for you?" They both defer to Simon, who calls them rude, but bluntly states, "I think you have great legs." He agrees it was a good style of music for Haley, but a bit pageanty (is that a word, Simon?). I think Haley Scar could be in trouble this week. She threw all the bells and whistles in (leg kicks, cleavage, short skirt, come-hither looks) and it didn't work. Are her legs good enough to save her? I don't think so.
9) LaKISHA -- Tony tells LaKisha to hit the big note at the end and hold it, and she'll be good. LaKisha sings "Stormy Weather," but she doesn't hold the note. I'm beginning to think that Kiki does not take advice from anyone (even living legends). Randy loves her performance, although it started rough. He calls it "da bomb," Paula says "this is the most gorgeous you've ever looked." She also thinks LaKisha sounded beautiful, proving that "we all love Tony Bennett." Simon calls it a "sassy, great performance." Kiki is safe another week. But I really wonder how she is going to do when she is finally challenged, or made to sing outside her comfort zone, especially if she continues to ignore the advice of her coaches.
Idol Gives Back Update: There are more confirmed celebrity guests for the big event, including: Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Helena Bonham Carter, Mr. Bean, Forest Whitaker, and Harry Potter. The show is getting so large, that they've expanded to a second venue, and tickets will go on sale Tuesday, April 10th. And Kelly Clarkson, the original American Idol, will return home to perform live!
Bottom three: I choose Phil, Haley, and Gina. Let' s just ignore Sanjaya, and assume he's safe.
Going home: Is it "Bye Bye Girly" time? I think Haley is going home.
For more Idol coverage, check out People.com.
And vote for your favorite finalist in AOL's poll.
Giveaway Monday: That '70s Show The Complete Series Stash box set
Giveaway Monday: Back to You season one DVD
Six shows that I am watching pretty regularly this season
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
4-04-2007 @ 12:05AM
David said...
I thought Tony Bennett looked TERRIBLE. The only one to look worse was Phil. Tony Bennet has aged quickly it seems because it seem like only a few years ago he still looked good.
Blake song very well.
Phil Looked like shit.
Melinda's faces piss me off.
Chris fine, but rather boring.
Jordin boring.
Gina I like.
Sanjaya, I'm with Simon! He was the best of the night! And isn't a cocky piece of crap at all!
Haley is a whore. She should hook up with Sanjaya. A gay guy and a whore, instant fun!
LaKisha was wonderful.
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4-04-2007 @ 12:23AM
LYNN said...
I used to love Tony Bennett. My husband and I fight all the time over who is better Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett. After hearing Tony Bennett say he likes Sanjaya and thinks he is terrific I am about to throw out all my Tony Bennett cds. I just can't understand how he could say that. I am so disappointed, I don't ever think I can listen to Tony Bennett in the same way again.
I thought over all the show was good, and they all performed well with the exception of you know who. Since we all know Sanjaya is safe, my guess it would be Chris or Haley going home.
A question for you Liz: Why do you have it in for Phil? He has a very nice voice, and is very pleasing to the ear, unlike Sanjaya. Perhaps next week (providing he hasn't been sent home tomorrow) you should just close your eyes and really listen to him. In my opinion he is better then Blake and Chris.
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4-04-2007 @ 12:27AM
michelle said...
I thought melinda, who is my fave, should fire her friends who help her out with her style. Phil: not good tonight, wish sanj would go home, but think phil or haley will say bye-bye. I think kiki needs to listen to advice, blake was OK, yada-yada-yada.Sanj should watch his mouth, getting cocky(WHY???), Chris, jordan, and the rest will be safe. glad you agreed that melinda looked not all right in that dress.
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4-04-2007 @ 12:30AM
Jeff Denton said...
Not a bad Tony Bennett night at all. More recap fun at http://dontgetmestarted-lindasharp.typepad.com/
The pictures alone are worth the click!
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4-04-2007 @ 12:34AM
rw said...
Hmmmm... No comments yet.
I have to say, the performers continue to underwhelm me. Of course, again, they are given horrible choices for what an American Idol should sing. Yes, Tony Bennett and Diana Ross are legends and all, but the closest they have come to being relevant is getting Gwen Stefani on the show. Of course, next week is probably Liza Minelli week, followed by Peter, Paul and Mary Week. They really need to choose better stuff.
That said, to all the people whining about "the most talent" - American Idol never has been and never will be a competition to declare the most talented singer. If it were, then pretty much none of the winners would have won. It is first and foremost a popularity contest. If I bothered to vote, I would vote for the best performance each week, not my favorite singer. If people actually did that, there may be a talent factor. However, people latch on to a contestant early and stick with them no matter what. So all that said...
Blake - good enough vocal, but can't get excited about a 22 year old singing "Mack the Knife".
Phil - yeah, wanted to sound llike Sinatra, sounded more like Shatner. Blah - farewell Nosferatu.
Melinda - once again, great vocal and great performance of a song I couldn't care to hear again. They need more current material!
Chris - vocal was pretty good this week. However, Justin already brough sexy back, now he wants his wardrobe back.
Jordin - not her best performance - of course that is because she is 17 and doesn't want to sing this stuff. She is quickly becoming my favorite, because she can sing, she is fun, she is young and most importantly for an american idol, she is the best looking female still standing.
Gina - good vocal - but they have turned your alleged rock girl look into that of a librarian. It seems as her vocals improve, her look becomes more and more boring.
Sanjaya - what can I say. Well this for starters. Once again, his vocals were not the worst - that would go to Nosferatu Phil and Pole Dancing Haley. So what else can we say - you know what, I like Sanjaya. Why, because he is one of maybe 3 contestants who actually appears to be having fun on stage. He is entertaining much more then most of the other contestants. For that reason alone, I think he actually does deserve to still be there. Let's face it, so far, nobody has been eliminated who has a chance of beating Melinda, Blake, Jordin and Lakisha yet, so as far as I am concerned there is no foul. I think people should be more upset about Haey still being there then Sanjaya. As for whether or not he is getting cocky - I actually think he has been a lot more hurt by Simon's comments then he has let on, so he is lashing back the best way a 17 year old knows how. His words may sound cocky but the look in his eyes is usually closer to tears. I hope Sanjaya makes it to the fianl 4 with Melinda, Jordin and Lakisha. (blake is boring).
Haley - if it looks like a stripper, acts like a stripper, dresses like a stripper and moves like a stripper, chances are it is probably a stripper. And not even in a talented Pussycat Doll way. (And by talent I mean attractive).
Lakisha - yeah you can sing, however, I have also noticed that every single week, she ignores the advice of the coaches. (Diana, Gwen and now Tony).
What could make this show interesting - how about some more current stuff. Since Bono has this whole thing with American Idol, why not a U2 week? And exlude any 70s soul diva songs that Bono may have in his record collection - restrict it to actual U2 songs. Make Melinda and Lakisha stretch a little (they are also forbidden performing "I still haven't found what I'm looking for"). After U2 they could do Madonna week. yeah, she's getting old, but she is still a huge american icon and only about half the age of Bennett and Ross. No more of this schmaltzy stuff - it is COMA inducing!!!!
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4-04-2007 @ 12:35AM
ethmardotcom said...
I make it a point to look away and listen to the singing only. Phil is going down, on voice alone. He's really not that good. BUT, Sanjaya is worse, which raises Phil's boat that much more.
Haley is going to wear whipped cream next week, as her bod's apparently all that's keeping her alive in the voting right now. The only thing she left out of her act was a lap dance.
Idol really is a 3 horse race this year, so whoever outside of the front runners gets voted off really comes down to inevitability anyway, much as I'd like to see Phil, Sanjaya, Haley, and Chris R make hasty exits. I'm guaranteed weeks of disappointment just the same.
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4-04-2007 @ 12:41AM
jk said...
Seriously of all the things to say, you didn't like Blake's tie and sport coat? Which actually looked good. And fanjayas or whatever there calling themselves is ridiculous. But what is even more ridiculous is a hunger strike to stop sanjaya. How bout we use that energy towards feeding africa, or paying your taxes. Or I don't know helping celebrity's stay in rehab.
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4-04-2007 @ 12:49AM
Ryan said...
"Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Helena Bonham Carter, Mr. Bean, Forest Whitaker, and Harry Potter [...] And Kelly Clarkson."
Wow! Add to that the previous confirmed guests--Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Bublé, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and Sacha Baron Cohen--and you really have to hand it to AI for trying their damndest on reaching out to every single demographic.
Who else should they get to make sure EVERYONE IN AMERICA watches? Heh.
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4-04-2007 @ 1:31AM
Sonny said...
WARNING: LAKISHA MAY BE IN DANGER! The AOL ranking has her in last place, and they're often accurate. Even more tragically, they rank Sanjaya in first place. If this reflects reality, this show truly has become a colossal farce. It wasn't long ago that most people predicted Lakisha would win, based on her initial electrifying performance. How quickly things change. I truly hope Sanjaya's obnoxious interjections alienate all his little fanjayas. Enough is enough. The contestants should be eliminated in this order:
9. Sanjaya (no explanation necessary)
8. Gina (not my cup of tea)
7. Phil (nice voice, but not watchable)
6. Chris (too boy-band for my taste)
5. Blake (good, but not great)
4. Haley (keep her around for eye candy)
3. Lakisha (blow it out da box, dawg)
2. Jordin (she's going places, but needs polish)
1. Melinda (the only one I'd pay to see)
BTW - Hey JD. Say hi to LS.
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4-04-2007 @ 1:40AM
DJV05 said...
The only one who really tried to make a "standard" stand out in 2207 was Chris Richardson...but the same people who just do not like Justin Timberlake do not like Chris, no matter what. Haley or Phil will be done this week, and the final 2 should be Chris and Melinda. Kiki is just not matching her performance in the beginning, and will probably be gone before Sanjaya...not fair, but that's what will happen.
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4-04-2007 @ 2:00AM
Sonny said...
DJV05 - I admit that Chris was one of the best this week and I truly enjoyed his performance. He gets an "A" for effort too - the song he sang was way out of his comfort zone.
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4-04-2007 @ 2:24AM
Mel said...
Sanjaya was really good tonight. Surprising but since this was the first To 12 performance I've watched this season, I'm quite surprised that people have criticised him so much when he's a decent singer. He's not the worst out of the men by far, and he's actually sorta comfortable on stage which is a mark of somebody who's truly learnt from his time on IDOL.
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4-04-2007 @ 2:47AM
Jeff N. said...
I didn't like how Kiki finished her song. She should of followed Tony Bennett's advice of holding the note. He does have a little more experience in the music industry than she does. A little lack of respect.
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4-04-2007 @ 3:36AM
ACB said...
She didn't hold the note because she's arrogant and that's why I don't like her. She looks like a serial killer for starters, and she's just not easy on the eyes - and I could handle her not being easy on the eyes if she had a pleasant personality - but she doesn't - she reminds me of someone who would flip out on anyone in a heartbeat - and when I close my eyes to listen to her sing, her arrogance is still there. I can't stand Lakisha or however you spell her serial killer name. If Melinda doesn't win, then America is just a bunch of Howard Stern followers. Melinda doesn't need to win. She's a star and I'll definitely buy anything she produces in the future. If Sanjaya wins, AI might as well pack it in and say good night Gracie, because it will be a boner of a joke that Simon just won't recover from.
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4-04-2007 @ 4:05AM
McChokey said...
I am voting for Sanjaya only to see Simon quit like he vowed he would. I'm doing my part in the undoing of the menace that is American Idol and I implore you all to join me in this noble cause.
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4-04-2007 @ 4:21AM
ACB said...
Menace? Well that Menace is giving and fundraising LOTS OF MONEY to Katrina victims and other countries that need help. So what you're doing is just destroying those efforts. Brilliant dude, just brilliant. Not to mention, lots of people enjoy that show. It's the one thing I record and enjoy watching after I work a 3rd shift. Idiot.
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4-04-2007 @ 4:26AM
Stigmata said...
uhhhh there is NOBODY good this year, and Sanjaya is defintely not the worst!!
half the professional singers out there like britney, madonna CANNOT SING, its all about image and entertainments, sanjaya deserves to stay as long as he continues to entertain and has a big fan base, that is what CELEBRITY is all about.
and ppl who think that idol is all aobut singing, are deluding themselves.
there are many ugly, boring ppl with ZERO personality who are amazing singers, but you would NEVER watch them cause they are so plain!
now having said that, i still dont think sanjaya should win, the top choice is BLAKE! he's damn good, and idol needs someone who is cut from a diff cloth, not some boring female/male diva, or country / southern bumpkins like in prvs years....
are the majority of americans really so square and boring? i mean who the hell would vote for Lakisha or melinda, jeeez have u seen them lately? FUGLY!! no personality, never do anything different, only can sing 1 genre, jesus h. christ ppl!!
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4-04-2007 @ 4:32AM
Sean said...
Why should anyone be surprised should Lakisha bow out early. Can we say Mandisa? Ace and Bucky finishing ahead of Mandisa in a singing contest is comparable to Sanjaya or Haley lasting longer than Lakisha. And Kelly Pickler, one of my all-time Idol favs, sang very badly for three weeks in a row last year. Plus Lakisha has two other singers that are very similar to her and pick better songs. So I will not be surprised if Lakisha were to get knocked out early...
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4-04-2007 @ 4:32AM
ACB said...
Ya know what McChokey? Since you think your cause is so freaking noble, if you succeed in your efforts - how 'bout you make a point to donate lots of money to those causes you're helping to
destroy, and then come up with a show that replaces the top ranking show EVER on TV for all us folks who don't give a dang about your noble cause. Think you can do that buddy? Thanks, you're a prince.
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4-04-2007 @ 5:15AM
Mel said...
ACB, did his comments get you so riled up that you had to post about it twice in 20 mins? If you're working a third shift, I suggest you just chill instead of defending a reality show. Everyone's got their own opinions on the show, some dont care for it, some love and some like me are just indifferent to it.
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