NoFace for Film

Ah, the Top 6. It’s getting down to the wire people. In a few weeks, one lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) girl or guy will be crowned your next! American! Idol!

(cue Idol theme music)

Tuesday night kicked off the much advertised “Idol Gives Back” charity show. As Ryan has been telling us for the past 2 months or so, this week is one big fund raiser for various needy groups - starving kids in Africa, illiterate children in America, etc. There was so much footage of these unfortunate children on the show that for a second I thought I was watching a March of Dimes telethon or something like that.

One thing has bugged me every time I watched Ryan pandering for money. He encourages the television audience to vote as often as possible because a percentage will go to charity. Every week he begs corporations to participate and donate. Not once have I heard him mention how much 19 Entertainment, or anyone else connected with the show, is donating. I’d like to know how much of their fat checkbooks Nigel Lythgoe, Simon Fuller, and Simon Cowell himself are donating.

Before I continue, please correct me if I’m wrong, but I could have sworn that Bono was supposed to appear last night because he was the contestants’ mentor. I know he’s showing up tonight, but was I mistaken in hearing Ryan say that he would appear on Tuesday?

Anywho, keeping with the concept of charity, this week’s theme is “Inspirational”. The contestants picked a song that inspired them. And without further ado, here’s my grading of the final 6.

A

Melinda chose Faith Hill’s “There Will Come a Day”, and in typical Melinda fashion, it was excellent and flawless. Paula said that she was magical. Simon laughed at Paula’s choice of words, but agreed with her, saying that it wasn’t a copycat performance and that it was a vocal master class.

Jordin ended the evening with an oldie but a goodie, singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. I love the musical Carousel, and every time I watch the ending where Shirley Jones is singing it to her daughter during graduation, I’m reduced to tears. Jordin did the song justice, performing it in a melancholy but powerful manner. Randy said that it was one of the best vocals this season, while Simon said that she could have a hit record with the song. I won’t be surprised if she wins the competition.

B+

For the third time, LaKisha chose a song that was sung by a former AI contestant. I’m willing to bet that what “inspired” her to pick this song was the hope that in singing AI winners’ songs, some of that magic or what have you may rub off on her. This time it’s Fantasia’s “I Believe”, and personally I thought it was better than the original. Then again, I can’t stand Fantasia. The judges, who adore Fantasia, didn’t appreciate LaKisha singing her song. I forsee LaKisha taking her second trip to the Bottom 3 tonight.

After revealing last week that country is really his thing, Phil does well again this week with Garth Brooks’ “The Change”. Although it was kind of slow, I rather enjoyed it. Paula said that it was fantastic and was his best. Simon said it was a good choice of song, but wished he sounded a little more “country”. Guess it wasn’t twangy enough for Simon.

B-

Once the judges’ favorite, Blake’s stock is slipping down fast. He chose John Lennon’s “Imagine”, which is a really terrific choice, but like last week’s performance, it felt unemotional and flat. Randy said it was just an okay performance, while Simon said that it felt sincere, but it didn’t really go anywhere. I’ve got a bad feeling that Blake may wind up on the bottom this week.

I don’t know what the judges were thinking when they praised Chris’ performance of Eric Clapton’s “Change the World”. It was nasally as usual (no Chris, “nasally” is NOT a form of singing!), not to mention that he just can’t keep away from unnecessary runs. Randy said that for the first time, he felt that Chris was in it to win it. Simon said that it was a good vocal with a lot of soul in it.

My thoughts: It’s tough to predict who will be going home this week. I’d normally say Phil, but since he did so well last week and last night, I’m not sure. Besides, the Vote for the Worst clowns have made him their new whipping boy, since what’s-his-name has left. Then again, I still think that Chris has more fans than Phil, no matter how much he sucks.

Then there’s LaKisha. At such a late stage in the competition, she hasn’t really been improving, while Melinda just keeps turning in one awesome performance after the other. Since they’re splitting the R&B votes, one will cancel out the other - and considering that LaKisha has already seen the Bottom 3 once, she may end up leaving sooner than she expected. Perhaps not tonight, but possibly next week.

Who will go: Phil

Who should go: Sanj - er I mean, Chris. Sorry, force of habit.