idoltainment
Apparently Ryan forgot where he put his razor. Looks rather scraggly.
Chris Richardson
Song: Change the World
My thoughts: Doing the acoustic version, good choice, except now we'll see how warbly and nasal he really is without the background music covering it up. Indeed, he's rather nasal, although it could be worse. Outfit is still Timberfake at karaoke after work, which seems to be Chris's usual style. He's not horrible, but he's pitchy in places, throughs in runs in places they don't belong, and sings more through his nose than anything else. Very off-pitch at the end. Low purple.
Judges say: Randy says tonight he's in it to win it, great, fly jacket. Paula says did fantastic, great song choice, well done, proud of him. Simon says feels that the competition starts tonight, reminds him of when they first saw him, good vocal, more soul, more sexy, did really well.
Why is it that the judges and I never hear the same thing on Chris R.?
Melinda Doolittle
Song: There Will Come a Day
My thoughts: Not a good dress choice for her - the color completely washes her out. Her hair still looks good though. I don't really know the song, but her vocals are spectacular, as always. Girl can PREACH. Ending was simple and beautiful.
Judges say: Randy says resident pro, dope, has it all together, great, she has arrived. Paula says there's no one like her, she's magical. Simon says not a copycat performance, owned the song, second half was incredible, vocal master class.
Blake Lewis
Song: Imagine
My thoughts: When they said Lennon I just went ahead and typed in the song title, because it was obvious what John Lennon song fits best with "Inspirational" night. Outfit is fine, appropriate for Lennon. Sitting, which is good. His vocals are starting a bit flat. He picks up a bit in the second verse though. He struggles a bit with the lower register. Not his best performance, but okay.
Judges say: Randy says great choice of song, just okay, wanted him to do a bit more with it, didn't really move him. Paula says beautiful/simple song, sensitive/emotional performance, really enjoyed it. Simon says one of the big songs of all time, not a belting song, felt sincere, didn't go anywhere, little flat.
Lakisha Jones
Song: I Believe
My thoughts: Have I mentioned how much I don't like Faketasia? Dress is not particularly flattering. She's doing okay with the song, but I think she's oversinging a bit. Much better than her performance from last week though. Overall pretty good. Low blue.
Judges say: Randy says great song choice, couple pitch problems, not her best, liked it, hard song to sing. Paula says powerhouse vocalist, took on a monster song, hard to get past it being a Fantasia song. Simon says very emotional, bit shouty in places.
Phil Stacey
Song: The Change
My thoughts: Outfit is lounge singer all the way. Now that Phil has decided that he's "country," he naturally picks a country song. His emotionality is pretty good. Definitely a bit on the cheese factor, but his focal is fairly strong. I don't really know the original, so it's hard to give a comparison. Pretty good. And he's the VFTW candidate, so he should be fine.
Judges say: Randy says strong song, good vocal. Paula says this is his comfort, this is his best, fantastic. Simon says really likes him, confident, good choice of song, would like to see more of the country tone in his voice, people like him.
Jordin Sparks
Song: You'll Never Walk Alone
My thoughts: Sexy hair, great dress. Good emotionality, beautiful vocals. Doing a great job of showing off her range. Great power notes.
Judges say: Randy says one of the best vocals of any contestant on this show ever, hottest tonight. Paula says amazing song, haunting song, great vocals, lovely job, glorious. Simon says fantastic, could have a hit record with that, brilliant.
My picks:
Best: Melinda, Phil, Jordin
Bottom three: Chris R., Blake, Lakisha
Gone: Lakisha
Over to you, dindin