American Idol's 11 conquer the British Invasion

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By Stone Martindale Mar 21, 2007, 6:11 GMT

So, yo dog, check it out, check it out...to quote the big dog Randy, this week saw some amazing performances from the 11 American Idol contestants with the songs from the British Invasion of four decades past. Lulu and Peter Noone coached the contestants on Tuesday’s show. There were some interesting moments, especially when Noone was overly chatty on the mic with Seacrest, and camera cuts to a pained Cowell spoke novels of his discontent. Englishman Noone was in total "stick it to the rich ex pat Brit in America mode" alluding the ones that come to the USA get all sour like Cowell, who, by the way, looked totally sour while Noone was yammering.Let's discuss:Haley Scarnato sings "Tell him"
Randy said it was a perfect choice for her, and her best performance yet. Paula liked seeing her have fun. Simon called her a "naughty little girl." He added it was a bit shrieky in the middle. She still bothers me.Chris Richardson sings "Don't let sun catch you crying"
Randy thought it was great, best vocal yet. Paula thought the acoustic arrangement was "charming and sexy". Simon agreed it was his best ever, kudos for his vocal control. He did good.

Stephanie Edwards sings "You don't have to say you love me"
Randy thought it was pitchy, but a great song choice. Paula commented she loved her outfit, which is code for "I have nothing good to say," Simon told her she is losing her edge and it was a bit "nightclubby." Her boots with that dress didn't work for me. Strapless cocktail dresses and boots together should be outlawed.Blake Lewis sings "Time of the season"
Randy liked it, "cool and vibey" and had the "yo factor," Paula felt like she was at a concert and told him that he could release the song on an album. Simon said it was a million times better than last week. He has redeemed himself from last weeks atrocious electronica MoTown performance.Lakisha Jones sings "Diamonds are forever"
Randy said it wasn't his favorite, he didn't feel enough LaKisha, Paula told her she was smart, as when you sing about diamonds they give you diamonds to wear as if that meant anything, Simon didn't like the song, as it felt like watching a geriatric Lakisha. Dress was better, but she still is being styled too matronly and green is a tough color, despite the diamonds.Phil Stacey sings "Tobacco road"
Randy thought it was pitchy but pretty good. Paula agreed, said emotion was there and he had fun. Simon no likey so much. He didn't hear any grit in Phil's voice and that song requires grit. He was a less happy Klaus Kinski hearing this news.Jordin Sparks sings "I who have nothing"
Randy said the song is very difficult and controlled, Paula said that being 17 doesn't matter, as she's a good singer, Simon said she sang beautifully, but he felt like jumping off a bridge, it was too gloomy. Tough song, she did it very well, looked amazing as always, but the lyrics are slit your wrists-ville.

Sanjaya Malakar sings "You really got me"
Randy says he came out of his shell, best performance to date. Paula said it was fun. Simon thought the little crying girl (no tears though) the camera kept cutting too said it all.

Gina Glocksen sings "Paint it black"
Randy said it was pitchy in areas, Paula thought it was better than last week. Paula told her to keep being loose and doing her own thing which made no sense because she was doing exactly that onstage, Simon said there were moments of the song that were complete torture. I like Gina's personality onstage, her hair was kick-ass.Chris Sligh sings "She's not there"
Randy thought it was like a concert, liked him, Paula wanted him to be more free with the audience, after he came through the audience (?) Simon wondered how "more free" Sligh could have been with the audience. He like it, and said showed personality. I will no longer refer to him as the guy who looks like Jack Osbourne. He sang very well.

Melinda Doolittle sings "As long as he needs me"
Randy said it was a stunning performance, they saved the best vocal for last. Paula says Melinda tells a story with every song,Simon wondered if she is as nice as she seems, Simon agreed with Randy, but said it started a bit boring, then went sensational with the second part. Holy crap, the girl nailed it again. Who will beat her? She is radiant and gifted.

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AntMar 21st, 2007 - 08:32:22

Really liked Chris Richardson and Melinda Doolittle.

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MattMar 21st, 2007 - 15:50:23

I really liked the performances this week....much better than last week. The theme had a universal appeal that almost anyone on the show could tackle to their own ability. There was something there for everyone. It's not the contestants' fault that last week was such a bomb. Come on: what kind of guy do you see running around belting out Diana Ross songs? Certainly none I've ever seen.....and then the judges had the nerve to trash them. This is why I liked last week's performances; there was something there for all and performed rather well. Let's hope more of these types of episodes are yet to come in AI's future.

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HumpyMar 21st, 2007 - 15:58:05

Who was that crying girl? And why did the camera keep finding her? Should've left her alone ... obviously mentally disturbed.

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DBMar 21st, 2007 - 16:17:33

Melinda was great once again. Chris Richardson was also very good last night. And Blake Lewis is always fresh and entertaining and the guy can sing. I'm getting just a little tired of Lakisha. I think she's getting a little too full of herself, and that might take her down in the end. In her mind, she's already the winner and she thinks she's already a star. She needs to step back and be a little humble and quit with the long diva gowns and the diamonds. Please! And I've had just about enough of her YOOGE gross cleavage. Cover em up honey. Go Melinda and Blake!!!

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BrianMar 21st, 2007 - 17:14:33

Peter Noone and Lulu were the highlights for me. OK - Haley's halter top also impressed. Glad Peter still performs over here in the States, he can still put on a good show. I like Englishman Noone much better than Englishman Cowell, one's Scrooge, the other's Bob Cratchit.

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