'American Idol': 12 attempt Diana Ross standards

Now it is down to business as American Idol had its 12 finalists perform Diana Ross standards. Diana Ross - © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi

Diana Ross - © Glenn Harris / PhotorazziThe show began with a powerful opening showing the realized success of the past contestants. Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson, double-platinum rocker Chris Daughtry, CMA and Grammy winner Carrie Underwood, Broadway star Fantasia Barrino and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. No props given for Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard. In a nutshell, the women were once again divine, notably Jordin, Melinda and LaKisha. Let's discuss:Brandon: sings "Can't Hurry Love." Randy says he "reverted back to a background singer, Paula says it's not easy to do what he's doing, and Simon says it was "a complete letdown, a very predictable version, predictable arrangement, the dancing was terrible, you forgot the words, you came over as a background singer for a background singer. ... Absolutely not good enough. Sorry.Melinda: sings "Home." Holy crap she did it again, amazing. Paula is reduced to tears, Randy says it wasn't his favorite performance of hers, but she still did an amazing job. "I give the girls 1, the boys 0," Simon says she made a very boring song fantastic. He says she reminds him of a young Gladys Knight.Chris S.: sings "Endless Love." Randy compares it to Coldplay's "Speed of Sound." He tells him to not worry about the style and just sing his heart out. Paula is Switzerland again, neutral and bland, and Simon says he murdered the arrangement, added it was unemotional and uninspiring, and I would keep your glasses on, it's you." He was less Jack Osbourne-ish tonight.Gina: sings "Lovechild." Randy says it wasn't his favorite performance from her, Paula says it's a feel-good song and says she is better than she did tonight, and that she was shouting a bit. Simon says it was OK, and it's one of those performances you can't say much about it. Sanjaya: sings "Ain't No Mountain High." Randy is laughing a bit and says he doesn't know what to say. elicits the patented "Dude, it wasn't very good." Paula says his smile warms people's hearts. "You look adorable, though." A tortured Simon tells him he is very brave. Haley: sings "Missing You." Randy says she already knows what he's going to say. He says forgetting the lyrics is bad and that her pitch was off. Paula tells her she looks beautiful but that that probably was not what she wants to hear. Simon says he doesn't think it wasn't that bad. He says people will remember her and she had presence and if she can hold it together. I still don't get her, she reminds me of Karen Black.Phil: sings "I'm Going to Make You Love Me." Randy says the performance was boring, but he had the best male vocals of the night. Paula says it would have been better up-tempo. Simon says it was OK, but that he needs to not shout his big notes. He reminded me of a happy Klaus Kinski. LaKisha: sings "God Bless the Child." Randy says it was the perfect song choice, great outfit and an unbelievable vocal, especially because she didn't overdo it. "That was sensational," Paula says she is a beautiful performer and a beautiful girl and her heart comes through when she sings. Simon says you either have it or you don't don't, and she does. He goes on to say that she and Melinda "are in a different league. ... It was a very, very controlled performance, but you didn't look intimidated by this big stage, or the big orchestra; you were very much in control, performed like a star, outstanding." She has so much talent, she scares me. So does white satin, I disagreed with Randy on the dress thing.Blake: sings "You Keep Me Hanging On." Randy says he's a big fan, that there were some good parts, Paula says there is a difference between what Blake did and what Chris Sligh did. Simon says he didn't get it at all. Personally I think he should be flogged for trying to electronica-ize and techno out Motown. Bad Blake. Hate the dancing moves too.Stephanie: sings "Love Hangover." Randy says she forgot a few words and it wasn't her best vocal, but it was good, Paula asks why she didn't do the uptempo part. She says there wasn't enough time. Simon says it was a strange arrangement, that she teased everyone for the good part of the song and then didn't deliver, so she basically sang an "intro." He says she was outsung by LaKisha and Melinda tonight, I agree. She still is a class act, though.Chris: sings "The Boss." Randy says it wasn't his best performance but that he liked it though it was a bit oversung, Paula says he nailed the blend of contemporary and classic, Simon says he thought the vocals were dreadful. The kid owns a stage though, he is the most comfortable "in his skin" male performer.Jordin: sings "If We Hold on Together." Randy says he is impressed with her at age 17, and she just made it a three-girl race. Paula says she drew her in right away. Simon says it was a bit gooey, but having said that, he thought it was a very, very good vocal and "absolutely you have put yourself in with a shot of being in the finals of this competition." She is a stunner and another example of the gorgeous Black/White interracial mix that seems to produce the most beautiful children in the world, and I think she will have an acting career as well.

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David Nudelman (Rock Star)Mar 14th, 2007 - 07:52:42

Terrible top 12. this year is such a dissapointment compared to other years. I mean what the hell, want a B Justins, donny osmonds, terrible. Not that those guys are any good either.
I cant believe I waist my time watching this junk. Ruining Diana Ross songs is not great entertainment.

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KA from TexasMar 14th, 2007 - 14:48:23

I can't believe Chris butchered a great song like Endless Love which was the song I chose for my wedding way back 25 years ago. I believe that makes the song a classic and should be left alone and sung the way it was written! That was a horific rendition!

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Paula C.Mar 14th, 2007 - 16:50:12

This is the worse group of top 12 in American Idol. I have no one I really care about.
The 'IT' factor does count, and the judges are the ones that forgot this. So they can keep their mouths closed about any of the 'top' 12 Idol contestants. forgetting their lyrics. This includes the ones eliminated for doing this in the Hollywood try outs, some of which DID have the 'IT' factor and were much better than their top 12 selections. Bottem line...The judges are truly lacking this year!

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StimpygatoMar 14th, 2007 - 18:22:28

True, this season's top 12 are weaker than previous seasons. But truthfully, I can't believe the unrefined star-power that resides in both Melinda and LaKisha! I got goosebumps from both of their performances last night!

For two different AI performers to give a jaded old punk-rocker like myself the chills in a single Idol evening is still a pretty good feat for a show in it's 6th season.

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TerryMar 14th, 2007 - 21:13:20

The only reason they are are ignoring Taylor is because Taylor refused to sign with Simon Cowell's label and be a puppet to the label that he did sign with. In the end....when Simon, Paula and Randy are doing infomercials years down the road....Taylor will be the only former idol with a music career.

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robMar 14th, 2007 - 22:00:44

what are u talking about?? Taylor Hicks is signed with Arista Records in conjunction with 19 Recordings Unlimited, the label managed by American Idol creator Simon Fuller. and kelly clarkson will be around as long as taylor hicks will be; America loves her.

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Nette T.Mar 15th, 2007 - 04:48:20

The judges picked these contestants and now they want to say they lack the
skills of singing. They had so many talented singers auditioning for this
season. I think they need to take a look at themselves internally and evaluate
what am I doing wrong when choosing a contestant for American Idol. I only have heard two good singers and that is Malinda and Lakiesha.

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'American Idol': 12 attempt Diana Ross standards

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