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April 25, 2007
Singing for a cause
Fox/Frank Micelotta
OK, so either you were wiping tears from your eyes - or rolling them - during Tuesday's first night of "Idol Gives Back." Cynics, you know who you are.
I happened to fall into the first category. The songs that the Top 6 sang were very moving, as were the tapes of the three judges and host Ryan Seacrest visiting impoverished areas of Africa and right here in the U.S.A. The images of starving, sick kids, the homeless, the helpless. It was wrenching and, I think, very believeable.
Ryan opened the show by saying it would be the same three judges, the same six contestants, but that the calls would not only save the performers, they would save lives.
As you already know, the "Idol Gives Back" effort is to raise money to help people who can't help themselves. Right off the bat, Ryan announced that News Corporation (which owns Fox, which broadcasts "American Idol") would donate 10 cents for the first 50 million calls made.
Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T are also sponsors.
Oh, and yes, the Top 6 contestants did perform their choice of songs that they think are inspiring, and one of them will go home tonight. And, if you think 38 million votes last week was a boatload, I can't even fathom how many were cast Tuesday night.
That said, here are the high notes - and only one low note - from Tuesday's performances:
* Chris Richardson: He sang Eric Clapton's "Change the World." Accompanied by a guitarist, Chris (shown above) said he picked the song because it says what the show is all about. "If you can imagine what one person could do to change things, imagine what millions could do."
Randy Jackson: "You know where I really love the show. This time of the season because it's the first time, dawg, that I think you're in it to win it."
Paula Abdul: "You did fantastic. Great song choice. Well done. It's exciting to see your journey from where you were to where you are now."
Simon Cowell: "It feels like the competition starts properly tonight. This reminds me of the first time we saw you. It was a good vocal, more soul, more sexy. You did very well."
On a fashion note: Chris wore a coat and tie (something was amiss with it, though) and the requisite sneakers. Even Simon gussied up for the occasion, wearing an open-collared, buttons-opened dress shirt. Ryan quipped at one point that he had "lost a button."
* Melinda Doolittle: She sang Faith Hill's "There Will Come a Day." She said the song speaks to the problems in our country and the world today. "It talks about a hope for a better tomorrow, and that's what tonight is all about."
Randy: "Every week, you're our resident pro. You've got it all together. Every performance is great. You have arrived. Melinda is home."
Paula: "It must feel great week after week, getting praised and loved. There's no one like you. You're magical."
Simon: "What I loved is it wasn't a copycat performance. You took a song and made me believe you recorded it originally. That was a vocal master class."
On a surprise note: Once again, Melinda obeyed Simon's order not to look surprised when he compliments her.
* Blake Lewis: He sang John Lennon's "Imagine." He said he was very honored to sing this particular song. "It's about coming together as one in an ideal world."
Randy: "Great choice of song. On the performance side, it was just OK for me. I'm just keeping it real."
Paula: "How beautiful and simple that song is. This is the first real emotional performance I've seen tonight. I really enjoyed it."
Simon: "That's a tricky one. You know you've chosen one of the biggest songs of all time. You can't belt it out. It felt sincere, but it didn't go anywhere. However, the most important part is that you sang it with sincerity, and that was good."
On a personal note: Blake said the biggest sacrifice being on "American Idol" was "missing my friends and family from home."
* Lakisha Jones: She sang Fantasia Barrino's "I Believe." She said the song inspired her. "If we unite together, we can make a difference to a lot of people who are struggling and suffering. It's time to make a change."
Randy: "There were some pitch problems at the beginning. It wasn't your best performance. It's hard to sing that song after Fantasia. I only hear her singing that."
Paula: "You're a powerhouse of a vocalist. But we've talked about singing Celine (Dion), Whitney (Houston) and Chaka (Kahn). Fantasia hasn't been around a long time, but she's so unique."
Simon: "What Paula is trying to say is, she preferred the Fantasia version. It was very emotional. But the issue again is with the shouting."
On a critical note: If not for Sanjaya Malakar, Lakisha might have gotten the boot last week for singing Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel." She survived, though, only to come back this week - almost defiant - and take on Fantasia. It's almost like she wants to go home.
* Phil Stacey: He sang Garth Brooks' "The Change." He said the song was recorded after the Oklahoma City bombings. "It made a profound impact on my life. All the amazing heroism. We've got the chance to be heroes if we take advantage of this amazing opportunity."
Randy: "You know what I'm happy about? Since last week, you did your thing. You're back again with a nice vocal on a very great song. Two weeks in a row. You've found your comfort zone."
Paula: "It was fantastic. Your best."
Simon: "I really like you, Phil. I'm glad you had a good week. You've got a spring in your step. You're confident. Country suits your voice. If you can connect with the two elements (song choice and vocals), you could do well because people like you."
On another fashion note: I liked Phil in his more dressed-up persona - even without a hat.
* Jordin Sparks: She sang "You'll Never Walk Alone." The song was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein for their 1945 musical, "Carousel." Jordin said the song has a great message of hope. "With all that's going on in the world and so much going on in our country, it has a comforting message."
Randy: "You know something? It's so true. That was one of the best vocals by anyone on this show in any season - and from someone who is only 17!"
Paula: "You picked an amazing song. Very haunting. Only someone with great vocals could do it. And you look lovely."
Simon: "I thought you were fantastic. That song is more than 60 years old, but you could have a hit record with that."
On another personal note: I can remember singing this song (certainly not like Jordin) in church more than 30 years ago, so it's definitely got staying power.
And, just in case you were anywhere but in front of the TV Tuesday night, the show was interspersed with footage of Simon and Ryan visiting children and adults in Africa, with Simon almost breaking down numerous times. Randy also visited his home state of Louisiana to meet folks still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Paula hooked up with Ryan to meet kids in need.
But it was Simon's visit to a place called Harold's Pantry in L.A., a few blocks from his own home, that was the clincher. There he saw volunteers filling boxes with food for those in need.
"I had no idea that places like this exist," Simon said. "Volunteers who are mothers and daughters."
He even found a couple of women who he went up to and said, "I never meet nice people. Give me a hug."
I believe "American Idol" accomplished what it set out to do and that's to raise money. We'll find out tonight just how much.
As for the predictions on who's going home? DialIdol.com has Jordin totally safe, with (in order) Phil, Lakisha, Blake, Melinda and Chris in peril. As for me, I think Lakisha will be eliminated. Two risky performances in a row? That's one too many. And Simon is right about the shouting. It hurt my ears.
Tonight's two-hour results show (at 8 on Channel 40) will feature beaucoup stars. If you've been paying attention, Ryan announced last week that there would be a duet on tonight's show that "you'll have to see to believe."
I got it from a very reliable "Idol" confidante that the duo is Celine Dion and, believe it or not, Elvis!
Posted by Leigh Grogan at April 25, 2007 10:40 AM
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