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American Idol takes the Country Road with McBride
By Stone Martindale Apr 18, 2007, 4:02 GMT
Martina McBride - Universal City, CA © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi
Ah, 'tis Country music night on “American Idol,” and Martina McBride came by to help the contestants put the twang in sang.
The frontrunners of this competition will probably never record in this style of music, having said that, it ain't easy being country but the pros pulled it out:
Philip Stacey, Jacksonville, Fla.: Sang “Where the Black Top Ends.” This was one of Phil’s best performances, and and gave the audience a chance to connect with him. Randy liked, Paula liked, Simon mesa mesa.
Jordin Sparks, Glendale, Ariz.: Sang “Broken Wing.” She was outstanding, and the judges all loved her.
Sanjaya Malakar, Federal Way, Wash.: Sang “Let’s Give ’em Something to Talk About.” It was weak, hair was all gang-ified in a bandana. Randy: check it out dog check it out, just like karaoke, bland and boring. Paula chuckled like an assclown "loveable guy you are." Simon, said it was utterly hideous, and told Ryan to shut up.
LaKisha Jones, Flint, Mich.: Sang “Jesus Take the Wheel.” She overpowered the song. A tad screechy. Randy: Check it out, LaKisha, LaKisha, LaKisha, check it out check it out, "pitch problems", boos ensue. Paula says she agrees with Randy. Simon compares it to eating a hamburger for breakfast, and the song was shouted and was a wrong song choice.
Chris Richardson, Chesapeake, Va.: Sang “Mayberry.” Vibrato and twang galore. Pitchy. Randy says check it out dog, sang it okay but he didn't "feel" it. Paula says the joy and love didn't come through. Simon says he heard was a very non-descript nasally tinny vocal-no impact on him at all,"insignificant."
Melinda Doolittle, Brentwood, Tenn.: Sang “Trouble is a Woman.” Perfection and class, she is a knockout. A+ performance and she needs to be the Idol winner. I LOVE HER! Randy says solid performance from a pro. Paula says way to go. Simon says it was fantastic, great choice of song, "a touch of Tina Turner."
Blake Lewis, Bothell, Wash.: Sang “When Stars Go Blue.” He knows how to pick the right song for himself; best male performance of the night. Randy says yo Blake, couple things dog, arrangement and song suit him, Paula agrees, Simon thought it was okay.
I have never predicted the bottom three, but here is my wish list: LaKisha Jones, Sanjaya Malakar and Chris Richardson. Sanjaya needs to go home and begin his college studies.
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Older Talkback
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Sanjaya could be getting a boost from the over 3 million Indians living in this country (some of whom are bound to watch AI).
I am truly upset at the arrogance and juvenile nature of the judges (particularly Simon). His eye roll when Chris mentioned the Virginia Tech tragedy was abhorrent. I don't care if he doesn't feel anything for those affected; he didn't need to make such an exaggerated gesture on camera. His phony sentiment after the commercial break (during Blake's time) was equally gaudy. Even if he thought that Chris was making the statement to make up for a less-than-spectacular performance, he still should have exercised a modicum of self-control. I anticipate more damage control during tomorrow's results show.
P.
Sanjaya been entertaining some weeks on Amercan Idol but tonight you could see he doesn't care anymore about even looking the audience in the eye to sell himself, it was like he was in his own world tonight. Only nasal Chris can save him at best, with Lakasha next on the list with a another shouting contest performance.
Phil saved himself this week.
Please tell the ORBIT people to take those awful ads off prime time television.
I can't believe someone would show an ad showing how to bury someone alive in the sand--with the words 'dont do this' below. Do you think kids 7 years old can read this disclaimer.
I for one will never buy their product.
TAKE THE ADS OFF THE AIR.
Howard Stern is slapping the truly talented people in the show right in the face. The real performer will survive and win but in the mean time the 'Jerk-Stern' continues to show his ignorance and poor judgement in his actions. An ass is an ass no matter how much he makes, what he drives or wears. Stern is that ass.
Please, America...send Sanjaya home. I cannot bear another of his performances. Melinda is awesome, as usual. Jordan rocks. Phil was really good last night. He should be proud of himself. Bottom three: LaKisha, Sanjaya & Chris.
T
This Sanjaya has GOT TO GO!! the people who keep voting for him are perverting a show that supposed to be about talent. Their kicking off talented singers to keep exploiting this kid. If Sanjaya continues on, this will be my last season of American Idol...It used to be a great show.
Melinda Doolittle proved once again that she is already an American Idol. If she doesn't win, the show must be rigged. What a star!!!
I agree with Walt Cape Cod. Howard Stern is a loo-hoo-zer. Sanjaya was horrible. Hopefully he will be leaving this time! At this point I think that Howard Stern and the rest of the yah-hoos that encourage votefortheworst are embarrassing an innocent kid--Sanjaya--not to mention his family.
If he is voted to stay, maybe Paula should speak up and 'give it to them' instead of Simon who everyone is expecting negative remarks from anyway.
I'll attempt to be objective...
The country music market is huge, but virtually untapped this season. Any contestant that can capture their attention should experience quite a boost. This will significantly affect the contestant popularity ratios. Whether or not you like Sanjaya, most should agree that he probably didn't gain any votes from the country market, which should result in Sanjaya in the bottom 3 for this week.
He didn't actually sing a country song, and his manner isn't reflective of a typical male country artist.
In spite of the judges, Chris will probably garner significant favor with country fans, as well as Phil. 'Nasal' can work in country.
Sanjaya may survive and even bounce back next week, depending upon the theme. But remember that it's gonna get especially tougher for him with less & less contestants each succeeding week.
Stephanie Edwards suffered a reverse effect of what's occurring with Sanjaya, because of demographics and voting ratios. If this were decided by the judges alone, Sanjaya would have been gone long ago, but Stephanie might still remain. Regardless of what anyone thinks of the judges, most should agree that demographics can alter the balance, variation and equilibrium of the results.
Regardless of what happens, the influx of the country voting market is sure to change the face of the contest. I'm not personally representing the country voting market, but just because none of this season's contestants embrace that genre, doesn't temporarily remove that voting segment from the planet.
Any contestant who retains a little 'twang' in the weeks to come stands to gain a significant vote portion which until now has been largely ignored this season.
It would be foolish to underrate the 'Underwood Wave'.
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Grannie FrannieApr 18th, 2007 - 04:56:17
Sanjaya has got to go home. This is also teenage abuse. The boy is being exploited and he is just too young and naive to know it. How irresponsible of his parents to let their son be used by this VotefortheWorst.com site. They need to make a statement. Jordan is doing great. Melinda still my favorite. And Phil finally broke his shell!!!!! Let's all hope the votes come in right and Sanjaya is sent home. This year has been the worst Idol of all.
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