American Idol
Jordin -
Wish on a Star - I don’t know the song. I actually did like the jazzy arrangement. However, she had a lot of her typical problems - phrasing and breathing problems, especially. It was an acceptable performance, but not a particularly good one.
She Works Hard for the Money - I was a little shocked the producers had her sing a song about a prostitute. The performance was the same hot mess all of her performances on fast/upbeat songs are. She was off key through over half the song, her breathing and phrasing were horrible, she had hardly any stage presence and overall it was a performance that should have gotten her tossed out of this competition.
I Who Have Nothing - I’m not sure what she’s planning for next week now that she’s pulled that one trick out of her bag for the semifinals. Her previous rendition was her sole outstanding performance this season. She didn’t top it last night, and she really needed to. It was good, but shouldn’t have been considered good enough.
Overall - The smugness and smarting off at Simon should have been disastrous to her hopes for making it to the final 2. Unfortunately, Randy “The Tool” Jackson and Princess Poo’s handlers have so much of American so mislead that they voted for her anyway. And Simon was correct, this kid can’t be contemporary or pop to save her life. Grandmas only buy CDs at Christmastime for their grandkids, and their grandkids won’t have Jordin Sparks CDs on their wishlists. She may get votes when the voting is free, but she’s a big ol’ money loser for this franchise.
Blake
Roxanne - He rearranged it to fit the required time and thank goodness removed Sting’s horrible screetches. Randy had a backwards point about comparing it to the original, because Sting loses that one hands down. Blake sounded terrific on this.
This Love - I love Maroon 5. I love this Maroon 5 song a whole lot. Like a whole, whole, whole lot. Like it was one of my favorite songs ever before last night. Now? The Blake Lewis version is my favorite song, period. That was fabulous. He was just all kinds of awesome and wonderful.
When I Get You Alone - I heard this song for the first time Monday night when I read rumors Blake might sing it. For a Robin Thicke song, it’s pretty okay. For a Blake song, it’s great. I preferred his second performance, but that’s like saying I liked the chocolate truffle with almonds a little better than the chocolate truffle with caramel. It’s all yummy.
Overall - Blake did the best job performing all season and especially last night. He should be in the final two, beyond question. He’s paid his dues, and he has the maturity, self-confidence, and skills to prove it.
Melinda
I Believe in You and Me - I watched some of this, but I can’t remember it. It’s not a style I like, and I’ve read here and there she had a few off notes, but I doubt it matters.
Nutbush City Limits - I really, really, really did not like this song, but that is not in any way Melinda Doolittle’s fault. I thought she did a great job with it and really proved that she can rock out when she wants to. With better materials, she could be awesome with real rock music.
I’m a Woman - ZOMG Melinda flubbed the lyrics! And actually, that only served to highlight the fact that Melinda almost never flubs anything. This wasn’t her best performance of the whole competition, but it was pretty darned good, and moreover, it was fun with (as Simon pointed out) the little “striptease” and the backup singers backing up our former backup singer. It was a good enough note to go out on for the night
Overall - Melinda’s safe as kittens until next Tuesday.
Bonuses!!! Horoscopes for today, followed by my commentary:
Me:
You are insightful by nature, ELIZABETH, and today you might feel especially inspired, as though by forces on the higher planes. Your imagination is flying high, and your artistic sense more acute than usual. This might bother you a little, and it could put you into a more contemplative mood than you're used to. However, it might be a good idea to make the most of these energies while you have them. They could eventually be of benefit.
Hahahaha I think my horoscope is advising me to write Cake fic!
Blake:
Surround yourself with people you love today, even if it's something you normally enjoy doing. Being with your family, friends or a group of like-minded people now can set the social stage for the next few weeks. You are moving through powerful changes and it's crucial that you don't get lost in the sweeping currents that accompany this storm.
No matter whether you win, or even make it to the finals, you’re going to be the chart-topper/real winner from this season and your life’s going to do a 180. Welcome to the top, baby!!!
Melinda:
The New Moon in your 6th House of Routine presents opportunities to make changes in your exercise program and your diet. Oftentimes you are so intent on understanding the big picture that you forgetfully brush over the details. Use today to bring the little things into focus. Once you can see clearly, use your larger-than-life Sagittarian vision to carry out your plan.
You are going to be one of the final two, and now that you’ve reached the top the tabloids are probably going to turn on you, so you might as well either start dieting or get used to them being worthless pricks to you. It’s stupid and cruel, and I hate them for it, but that is what they do. Either way, it pretty much means you’re front and center and on the cover of about a jillion magazines.
Jordin:
The New Moon today occurs in your 5th House of Creativity and Children. You may be more playful and light-hearted than usual, yet this won't totally override your serious outlook on life. Although you may become preoccupied with how important play is to your overall mental health, just take it in stride with your other responsibilities. Give yourself the permission you need to loosen up just enough to enjoy what is close to your heart.
Yes, please, please go back to the playground, little girl. You simply do not have the maturity to hang out with the adults.
Good Lord, I am agreeing with Slezak, but then he’s correct, for a change!
I’m not willing to make any attempt at calling the F2 other than Melinda will be there, for sure. I really think it is too close. Of course I want Blake there, but I can accept that the producers’ and Randy Jackson’s ridiculous over-pimping over Jordin (even though it abruptly ended last night) may have been too much to overcome. Still, I hope and pray that is not the case.
Everyone, think happy Blake thoughts for tonight!!!
