. . . And Then There Were Four

I have a theory that the producers secretly insert a clue each results show about the contestant who got the highest number of votes. The idea came to me last week, when Adam was the only one NOT wearing shades during the group sing. I thought at first he had dropped them, but he didn’t have them on at the beginning of the song, either. I wish then that I had kept all the shows banked on my DVR, so I could go back and refer to them, but, alas there are TOO many other shows that take precedence on our DVR.

However, I think I may have glimpsed this week’s clue at the beginning of the show. I’ll let you know when the show’s over whether I am correct.

Taylor Hicks, Natalie Cole and Jamie Foxx will both perform on tonight’s show. Although I adored Taylor, I’m more excited about seeing Jamie than Taylor!

Cute Ford video --- at what point did they stop being annoying to me? Group sing was also less offensive than normal --- maybe I’m just in a good mood tonight?!?

All five are asked to come to center stage. Matt looks resigned, as if he knows he’s going home.

Tonight will be one of those "which of these groups is the bottom two" shows. Matt is asked to stand aside, and Ryan moves to Danny. He is asked to stand at the opposite side of the stage from Matt. Allison is asked to stand next to Danny. Kris is asked to stand next to Matt.

Hmmmm. . . this could go either way. After all, I predicted Matt and Allison to be in the bottom three. Either Allison got lucky, or Danny got jacked.

Adam is asked to predict which group he thinks he belongs in. Adam goes down in AI history as probably the first person who actually made a choice at that point. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen another contestant actually make a choice, but Adam says (out loud) that he thinks he belongs with Allison and Danny.

Ryan pulls Adam back over to Matt and Kris and tells them THEY are the bottom three and Allison and Danny are safe.

Although I’m a little nervous for Kris, I’m still convinced at this point that Matt will go home.

Natalie Cole sings "Something’s Gotta Give" from her newest album. She looks great, but I’ve heard her sounding better. I’m glad she’s healthy again.

Taylor Hicks sings "Seven Mile Breakdown" from HIS newest album. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed watching him sing --- and because his music isn’t featured on the radio station I usually listen to, it only seems like he became one of the "forgotten" winners.

Matt, Kris and Adam are invited back to center stage. Ryan sends Kris back to safety.

Jamie Foxx was on next, singing "Blame It", the #1 song in America. I liked the way he sounded, but I had trouble watching him onstage doing that song. I kept thinking he was going to break into some shtick.

47 million voted and Adam is safe, Matt is going home.

SO, I predicted correctly who was going home, but I was VERY surprised that Adam was in the bottom two.

. . . and then there were four.

So, about my theory. Last week, Adam was NOT in the bottom, and although they don’t say who got the most votes, he was the only person NOT wearing shades during the group sing.

And tonight, Allison was NOT in the bottom three and she was the only one featured in the beginning of the show mixed in with the audience members.

So, the theory is: each week someone does something that none of the other contestants does, they’re featured specially in SOME way, indicating that they were the top vote getters.

I’ll be watching to see if my theory pans out.

Fab Five

Okay, so we’re down to five contestants!! I was really excited about tonight’s show!

How many times this season will Paula make me think "What the hell are you wearing?" I swear, that woman has more money than God. I’m hoping she’s spending it on therapy, because it’s OBVIOUS she isn’t spending it on her clothes.

Tonight’s theme: Rat Pack Era and the mentor is none other than Jamie Foxx. I love this guy and think he is one of the most fascinating people in Hollywood at this moment. Comedian, dramatic actor, classically trained musician --- this guy can do it all and is so quiet about his talents. I’d kill to have an hour with him.

Kris’ choice was "The Way You Look Tonight". Jamie said Kris was his "number one". I’ve got to say, his performance tonight was flawless. He put his own mark on the song, sang directly from his heart and really, really made us feel what he was singing.

For her performance, Allison chose "Someone to Watch Over Me". Jamie seems to adore her, and rightly so. Another flawless performance!! This little 17-year old girl brought some totally grown-up emotion into this song and actually brought tears to my eyes. I don’t think I’ve even heard this song sung better.

"My Funny Valentine" was Matt’s choice. Jamie had some good advice for Matt; we’ll have to see if he follows it. Although I liked some of the things Matt did to this song, he had some pitchy spots, which is something you just can’t afford to have at this point in the competition.

Danny’s choice for his performance was "Come Rain or Come Shine". I was a little scared for him when he commented he wasn’t going to make many changes, but as it turns out I had nothing to worry about! I thought the show had already hit the highest peak it could have, but I was totally wrong. Danny blew everyone OUT of their seats!! Hands down the best performance of the night.

Adam chose "Feeling Good". This is going to be tough, because nobody does this song better than Michael Bublé. Adam seems to have traded the "Broadway Baby" vocals for the 80’s punk rock Freddy Mercury vocals. Although Adam has grown on me the past several weeks, it seems like when he as a success singing a song in a certain way, he gloms onto it and repeats that style the next couple of weeks.

Bottom two: Matt and possibly Allison. (Allison only because none of the other guys deserves to be at the bottom.) Matt should be sent home.

And Now There are Five

Even though I was convinced that Lil and Matt would be sent home this week, I had to tune in, because THIS is American Idol. . . and you never know what kind of shizzy be happenin’.

David Archuleta was announced as the guest artist as well as the news that 45 million votes were received this week.

Ooooo. . . Paula Abdul did group performance choreography this week!! All the way through the group sing I couldn’t help but wonder why everyone but Adam was wearing shades.

Cute Ford video --- can’t decide whether they’re better this year or they’ve just grown on me.

Lil: is in the bottom three, and Ryan quickly tells her she is going home. So far, tonight’s show is going as predicted. But, I can’t believe they asked her to sing again.

Freda Payne sang "Band of Gold", making me wonder why the young contestants are allowed to lip sync their group song each week, yet they allow the former stars sing live. . . when they have no business doing so?? Let us die with the sounds of young Freda Payne ringing in our ears, not the sad, sad sounds of someone who should NOT be singing live anymore.

Thelma Houston came out next --- between worrying whether her tatas were going to spill out of the top of her dress to wondering how the front row felt about catching a glimpse of her hoo-hoo, I barely heard what she was singing. I think her dress was an original, quite possibly one she actually wore in the 70’s. . . WHEN SHE WAS 30 POUNDS LIGHTER!!!

KC from KC and the Sunshine Band came out next, singing that oldie but goodie "Get Down Tonight". His voice actually sounded great, but more than a little weird coming out of the guy who looked straight out of The Sopranos! KC, where’d you go??

Kris: safe.

Adam: safe.

Danny: safe.

Anoop: bottom three.

Matt and Allison – Matt is safe, Allison is in the bottom three. That’s a bit of a shocker!!

So, it will be either Anoop or Allison. I don’t think either deserves to go home this week, but I have a feeling America is basing the whole thing on Anoop’s final (bad) note from his performance last night.
David Archuleta sang "Touch My Hand". I totally loved this song --- it suited him perfectly and I really enjoyed hearing him again.

Anoop has a look of resignation on his face, Allison looks just a little nervous. It’s announced that Anoop is going home. It had to be Anoop between the two of them.

Anoop is also asked to sing again.

Of the five remaining, three have NEVER been in the bottom three. They are Adam, Danny, and Kris. Allison has been in the bottom four times, Matt has been there three times.

I’m predicting that Adam, Danny, and Kris will be the Final Three. It’s anyone’s guess what will happen!

Seven Sing (Again)

Tonight’s show started with a dramatic recap of last week’s results show, where Matt was saved by the judges so that TWO contestants could be sent home this week. OR so that everyone, including Matt, could sing again this week before sending Matt, and most probably Lil, home this week.

Oh, but I forgot, this is Disco Week, which promises to be a potential train wreck for every contestant on the stage.

Lil started out the show with "I’m Every Woman". As always, Lil looked like she was having a great time, and she does control the stage, but her rendition of this Chaka Kahn classic was pitchy and spotty. I’m hoping Lil turns out to be this season’s Jennifer Hudson. Lil’s been led astray by this panel of judges. They’ve consistently turned her one direction one week, then spun her around the next week and pointed her in another direction. They’ve gotten her so dizzy with their "helpful advice" that she doesn’t know which direction is up. It was sad to see the disappointment in her eyes; you could tell that she’s just given up.

Kris came out next and sang "She Works Hard for the Money". I’m excited when I see him with his acoustic guitar, because I’m thinking this might be an American Idol "moment". Although not as dramatic as Daughtry’s "Walk the Line" moment, this was indeed a turning point for Kris. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but watch out Danny Gokey! Kris is nipping at your heels!

Danny chose "September". His performance is strong, and he has never failed to give each performance his own stamp. Nothing off or weird about Danny's rendition, but nothing original either. I’ve got to say, I appreciated the originality of Kris’ rendition.

"Hot Stuff" was Allison’s choice for Disco Week. Interesting outfit, there were pieces of it that I liked, but others that were just not right. I loved the arrangement, and didn’t get Randy’s "indulgent" comment. Another killer performance from little Allison!

Adam’s choice was "If I Can’t Have You". Adam went the mainline route, choosing a suit (albeit with almost wing-like shoulders) and doing an Elvis-like thing with his hair. Dang! He did it again! Just when I think he can’t do anything else to get me to like him, he does it. He gave it just enough emotion, without going over the edge.

"Stayin’ Alive" was Matt’s choice tonight. Seriously, every once in a while the lyrics in certain contestants’ song choices are just eerily prophetic. I didn’t care for his rendition at all, I felt like it bordered on manic. Matt can sing, but there was a desperate edge to his performance.

Anoop wrapped up tonight’s show singing "Dim All the Lights". I didn’t hate this performance; I thought it was solid, until the last note, which even Anoop realized he blew. I don’t think it was his best, but he is a strong singer.

My choices for bottom two: Lil and Matt. I’ll be surprised if America votes any differently.

Really Lucky Seven

Ooooo. . . Quentin Tarantino thinks he knows who’s going home. . . suspense!

Better yet, Miley Cyrus is performing. . . she should be honored to be on the same stage as Jennifer Hudson.

Good news!! I didn’t totally hate the group sing tonight. It was the least offensive, to me, of the whole season.

Zac Efron was featured in the audience after a video clip of the Top 7 attending the premiere of his new movie.

Allison: safe.

Adam: safe.

Anoop: bottom three.

Jennifer Hudson sang a song from her new album. Fitting that Jennifer should appear on this particular show. Jennifer was in the Top 7 in Season 3, and was voted off at this very point in her season. So, whoever goes home should NOT feel bad, or like they’re never going to realize their dream. Jennifer’s got an Oscar AND a Grammy at home now. Not too bad for being #7 on AI!!

Kris and Lil: Kris is safe, Lil is in the bottom three.

Danny and Matt: Danny is safe, Matt is again in the bottom three.

Anoop, Lil and Matt are in the bottom three exactly as I predicted. (And, don’t forget, I only chose Anoop because there still has to be three in the bottom.)

Anoop is safe and sent back to the couch and Miley Cyrus takes the stage.

I heard a rumor that the judges might use their save option on tonight’s show, but I’m surprised to hear Simon say he would consider using that option and that the person he would consider saving might be surprised. That leads me to think they might consider saving Matt, because Lil has always seemed like more of a judges’ favorite than Matt has. Hmmm. . .

Lil is safe and Matt is going to sing for his life. I can’t say I’m really surprised. In my humble opinion, either one could go home tonight. They’ve both been SO inconsistent at this stage of the game.
Amazingly, the judges vote to save Matt. But, it only puts off the inevitable because next week TWO contestants go home, and it will probably be Matt AND Lil.

Simon repeats that information and adds that next week is disco week. Wow. . . that’s gonna be a tough show to watch. And, maybe I’m not absolutely sure now that Matt and Lil will go home. I don’t picture any of the contestants doing well with disco with the exception of Adam. Well, it might be his week to shine!!

Lucky Seven

Big time. . . music from the movies. Mentor: Quentin Tarantino?!?!? Hmmm. . . because he’s a singer? Songwriter? Music arranger? Music producer?

No, he’s famous, he MAKES movies (and they’re singing music from the MOVIES) and he’s famous (oh, did I already say that?). Makes NO sense at all!

An historic evening? Only because the mentor has NOTHING professionally to do with the music world except that there is music in his movies.

Allison chose "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing" from Armageddon. I don’t know how much of her performance was influenced by QT, but it was outstanding. I’ve gotta say it again: I can’t believe this chick is only 16. She makes it look SO easy!

Anoop’s choice was "Everything I Do, I Do for You" from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. I think Anoop wanted to deliver another ballad, but QT advised him to really belt it out. However, he sang it as a ballad, and I think it sounded much better than it would have had he followed the "mentor’s" advice.

Adam chose "Born to Be Wild" from Easy Rider. Q was "interested" and Adam channeled his inner Elvis/Freddy Mercury. I like Adam, and thankfully he’s finally lost his "stage-iness" sound, but now he’s gone into his 80’s punk band sound. I’d be happier if he could his OWN voice. Admittedly, though, he IS a showman.

Matt was next singing "To Really Love a Woman" from Don Juan DeMarco (worst movie EVER!!). QT advised him to stay away from the gravelly thing he does sometimes. He had a few shaky moments during his performance. This is the thing that KILLS me about Matt ---- he is SO unpredictable. It will be the thing that takes him out of the competition because he can’t be counted on to deliver a solid performance week after week. It’s always hit or miss with him. Too bad, too, because he’s basically a really talented guy.

Danny picked "Endless Love" from Endless Love. Q advised him to kill the hand motions. I was looking forward to that, but Danny ended up using his hands, but I think if he hadn’t he wouldn’t have been able to contain his emotions. Danny Gokey has such a distinctive voice, he’s going to make albums even if something happens and he doesn’t win.

Kris chose "Falling Slowly" from Once. I wish Danny had done what Kris chose to do --- stand at the mike and just sing, just let the song come out. As much as I enjoyed Danny’s performance, I LOVED Kris’s. Did NOT agree with Randy’s opinion about pitchiness (what was HE listening to??) but totally agreed with Kara that this was his best performance to date. I’ve never seen the movie, but his performance made me want to add it to my Netflix queue.

Lil picked "The Rose" from the movie by the same name. Lil had more than a few pitchy moments during her rendition. Although I liked that she started it soft and slow, then built into a gospel-like version, there were more troubled spots in this performance than bright ones. I think Lil’s in trouble tonight.

My choice for bottom three: Matt, Lil, and Anoop (but only because there has to be three). Lil should be sent home, but America might choose Matt.

Seven. . .

Flo Rida, Kelly Pickler and the results. . . thank God for DVRs because I can fast-forward through the worst of this show!!

Please, someone tell me the last time you saw someone wearing baggy opera length white gloves who wasn’t playing dress-up in pre-school??? Paula, just because you can buy them at Claire’s doesn’t mean you SHOULD buy them!!

Under the guise of kidding with Simon about the year he was born, out comes Frankie Avalon, who didn’t lip sync, but should have.

Group song from the year Idol was "born", 2002, was "Can’t Get You Out of My Head". Dreadful.
Behind the scenes of the Ford video --- much better than the video itself.

Adam’s attempt at humility failed miserably, as he couldn’t help but mention that he had never seen anyone get a standing ovation from Simon in the history of the show. Adam, perhaps you should have let someone else mention that.

Adam, Kris, Anoop --- Adam is safe, Kris is safe, Anoop is in the bottom three.

Flo Rida --- not impressed. I listened for 30 seconds and fast-forwarded.

Danny is safe. Matt is safe. Scott is in the bottom three.

Allison and Lil: Allison is safe and Lil is in the bottom three.

Kelly Pickler sang her latest hit --- such a cutie, but she sounds just as mediocre as she did when she was on the show. She looked great, killer outfit, but, oh my, she should NOT sing live at all. Probably sounds much better after smoothing things out in the studio.

Lil gets sent back to safety, leaving Anoop and Scott center stage. Anoop looks a little shell-shocked; this could be the first big turnover of the season.

Anoop is sent back to safety, which means that Scott has the lowest number of votes. Scott sings again and is not much better than his performance last night.

Simon announces that two judges think he should stay and two think he should go. It’s not hard to figure out how the judge’s panel is split.

Simon decides that he needs to make a decision for the judges, says "goodbye" and Scott is sent home.

Megan Gets the Boot AND Another Performance Show

First, my apologies for not blogging last week’s show. My mom is celebrating her 90th birthday today, and I was extremely busy last week, helping my sister with preparations for a birthday party she threw for our mother this past Sunday.

I kept thinking I was going to be able to get some time to watch the show, even after I knew who got the boot. But it really was no surprise to anyone that Megan was sent home.

I thought there was no need to watch the show --- Megan had been sent home, I wasn’t surprised, and that’s that. However, guilt took over, and after watching tonight’s show, I spun through last week’s "boot" show very quickly. After all, I didn’t know who had been at the bottom with her!

Already it looks like I didn’t miss much. Ford video was just ‘iight, and the group sing was atrocious. I did enjoy the impersonations!! Likewise I enjoyed seeing and hearing David Cook. I could have done without seeing his slightly creepy mom in the audience. . . still.

I was more than a little surprised that Allison and Anoop were in the bottom three with Megan, but again, no shock that Megan was sent home.

Now, on to tonight’s Performance Show and songs from the year the contestants were born.

Danny - 1980, Stand by Me
Flawless. I loved every moment of this performance. I loved the way it started, and then he jazzed it out at the end. Amazing!

Kris – 1985, All She Wants to Do is Dance
Kris took an over-played 80’s hit and put a 70’s vibe on it. I thoroughly enjoyed the arrangement and the way he delivered it.

Lil – 1985, What’s Love Got to Do With It
I adore Lil, but she started out pitchy and it didn’t get much better. I was very disappointed in her tonight. I’m scared for her this week.

Anoop – 1986, True Colors
I really liked the arrangement for this song, and I think his performance was nearly perfect. This kid is very much an architect of music --- he knows the methods and techniques, but also has the ability to put some real emotion into it when he sings.

So, I’m going to digress for a moment. Kara is absolutely driving me NUTS!! Kris turning an 80’s anthem into a jazz-toned number was straight from music theory class, but Anoop taking Cyndy Lauper’s hit and giving it a soulful delivery was right. Hmmm. . . c’mon Kara, make up your mind!!

Scott – 1985, The Search is Over
Please send Scott home. He’s a great pianist, he’s a talented musical arranger, he’s a very brave kid, but he is just NOT good enough to be out on that stage at this time. Don’t turn him into a joke by keeping him on another week. And especially since Paula can’t stop talking to him like he’s developmentally disabled.

Allison – 1992, I Can’t Make You Love Me
Only Allison could take on a Bonnie Raitt classic --- she’s got just the right edge to her voice to pull off a song like this. I hated her ensemble, but loved her rendition of this song.

Matt – 1985, Part-time Lovers
This is what makes me so nervous when Matt comes out on stage --- he’s either fabulous or not. And tonight he was fabulous. I just wish he’d even out his performances and show us some consistency for a couple of weeks.

Adam – 1982, Mad World
This is actually one of the few songs from the 80’s that I will still listen to. And Adam did an outstanding job. I really want to NOT like this kid, but I find myself being won over a little more each week by him. This was an Idol moment.

My choice for bottom three: Lil, Scott and Matt. Lil, because I think she’s lost her confidence, Scott because he’s just not good enough and Matt because he’s not consistent enough.

Although I think Scott should go home, I’m afraid that it might be Lil.