Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2007, Fox Broadcasting

This week on American Idol, the 10 finalists tackled songs that were either recorded by or inspired No Doubt lead singer and solo artist Gwen Stefani.

She also worked with them and provided advice, which many of them would have been wise to follow.

Kicking off the night, LaKisha Jones performed the Donna Summer song, "Last Dance". She was sultry in a silk flowered shirt dress with knee-high black boots. In keeping with the music, she started slow and then boogied, showing off her rich voice and more personality than she's shown for weeks.

Judge Randy Jackson said that he likes it when she sings up tempo and that he loved her boots. He called her a true fly diva. Nice judge Paula Abdul said that she'd done Donna Summer proud. Tough just Simon Cowell also loved the boots and, referring to his comments last week, when he said she was acting too old, he said she seemed 30 years younger this week. He told her he loved the big note at the end and that this was the LaKisha he loved.

Next up, Chris Sligh did a rushed version of the Police song "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic". Sadly, he failed to listen to Gwen Stefani's advice to watch the tempo. This has been a chronic problem for him, and this week it was worse than ever, overshadowing his honeyed tones. I just think he's thinking too hard.

Randy called it a good song but noted teh tempo problem and said that made it a train wreck. Paula talked about the importance of staying "in the pocket" but said that vocally it was a good match for his voice. Simon called it a mess for this stage of the competition, saying it was all over the place and didn't feel right.

Pulling a surprise performance out of pocket, Gina Glocksen sang the Pretenders song, "I'll Stand By You". Her voice was smokey and pleasing to the ear. Too bad the poor enunciation distracted from my enjoyment of it, along with her ridiculous short mini skirt and spaghetti tank with tons of necklaces that made her look like a 13-year-old in about 1984.

Randy called it one of her best and said the song was perfect for her. Paula said that she looked fantastic (what did I say? when Paula compliments your fashion, it means you should rethink it). She said the song showed vulnerability and that it was her best so far. Simon agreed that it was her best and complimented her for knowing who she is and choosing the best song for her.

I've got a theory. My theory is this. Sanjaya Malakar knew that he had no chance of winning, but he wanted to at get into the top 10 so he could go on the summer "Idols" tour. Now that he's done that, he'd much rather go home and party rather than work so hard every week. Therefore, this week he did everything possible to ensure he'd be sent home.

He performed the No Doubt song "Bathwater", which even Gwen said was a difficult song that didn't suit him. He destroyed his iconic long wavy hair with a strange ponytail Mohawk. The beginning of the song was weak, the middle toneless, he forgot some of the lyrics and thsoe he remembered, such as "diving into my own destruction" and "why do you want me" seemed to tell the audience to please, please let this end.

Randy said he was speechless and called the hairdo interesting. He said that he can sing if he puts it out there, but this week didn't deliver. Paula agreed that the song needed more "gumption." Simon joked, "I presume there was no mirror in your dressing room." To which, Sanjay smarted off: "You're just jealous you couldn't pull it off." Simon threw up his hands and said, "If people like you, good luck."

Haley Scarnato murdered one of my favorite songs, Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors", by turning it into some sort of a weak lounge version. Even Gwen commented that the song is best when you just sing the melody the way it's written. She wore a super short dress which was otherwise shapeless. It's a race for the bottom, people.

Randy said that it started rough and that it was just all right. He said it didn't grab him. Paula called it a beautiful song but agreed with Gwen that Haley's adult contemporary version of it didn't feel right. She did, however, call her a pretty girl. Simon called it sweet but forgettable and said that she'd played it too safe.

Phil Stacey turned in a respectable version of Police's "Every Breath You Take", but he started too quiet and then seemed like a second rate Sting impersonator. The man's a jukebox that's running low on batteries.

Randy said that he actually kind of liked it. Paula called it a good choice and said he'd showed his personality in the chorus but played it safe in the verses. Simon said he actually thought it was very good and that this was the only time he'd felt like Phil was taking it seriously.

Taking on the Donna Summer song "Heaven Knows", Melinda Doolittle started strong, really got into it in the middle of the song, and finished with a power ending. No complaints there. Her outfit, however, a belted blue psychedelic dress with black leggings and pumps, looked way too costumey and, what's more, made her look chubby.

Randy called her a pro and complimented her for interpreting the song and singing it with feeling. He said, "That was the bomb." Paula said that she has kismet and that the performance was fun and joyful. Simon said the performance was not one that people would look back on but that it was vocally outstanding. He hated her outfit. (So funny that Simon, who always wears black or gray V-necks and T-shirts, has better taste than Paula with all her fashion experimentation.)

When Blake Lewis sang "Lovesong" by the Cure, I finally realized who he reminds me of. His voice has the same sweet, haunting quality of Morrissey. But unlike Morrissey, the songs he sings are generally more interesting. Despite the fact that the arrangement was too slow, his vocals, especially on the chorus, were very sweet. He eschewed the golf pants this week in favor of an updated gray and black striped sporty top and jeans.

Randy called his performance tender and said that he liked it but wasn't jumping up and down about it. Paula said she loved it and complimented him for being original, hip and cool. Simon called him the strongest guy in the competition. He complimented him for doing his own thing but cautioned him not to make Chris Daughtry's mistake and be indulgent about his song choices.

Looking very much like an overgrown, chubby schoolgirl in a gray pleated miniskirt, dove gray boots and orange plaid hoodie, Jordin Sparks failed to impress me with her lifeless version of Gwen Stefani's "Hey Baby". She just didn't have the attitude needed for that song.

Randy, however, said that she can sing anything, while Paula called her adorable and said she loves seeing her in this kind of mode. Simon called her the most improved contestant but said that song was a bit "copycat-ish."

Finishing off the night, Chris Richardson sang the No Doubt song "Don't Speak", which was a good choice for his vocal talents. Wearing a gray Member's Only jacket with white shirt, skinny tie and jeans, he looked like an office worker bopping during his lunch break. I enjoyed his song but think he could have sold it more through his performance.

Randy said he liked his flavor and that he can sing the runs. Paula said that he's good. Simon said the song choice got him in trouble. He wasn't crazy about the vocal and noted that he'd struggled in the middle.

Kudos go to Melinda, Blake, and LaKisha. Gina and Phil are beginning to show their vocal talents, though I'm not overly fond of both of them. Jordin can probably skate by one more week on her previous performance, but she needs to bring it next week.

In danger this week are Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, Sanjaya and Haley. If Sanjaya has succefully alienated his teen fans, it will be his time to go. Otherwise, I'm guessing that it will be a member of the Chris Collective.

More on American Idol:

Musings on American Idol Season 6 (2007)

Musings on American Idol Season 5 (2006)

Musings on American Idol Season 4 (2005)

Musings on American Idol Season 3 (2004)

Copyright 2006 by Alyce Wilson

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