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March 30, 2007

People who need People

If you're not just an "Idol" fan, but a fan of celebrity news, as well, run out and grab the latest issue of People magazine. The cover story is titled "Idol Secrets: The Finalists Tell All." (That would be: Love Lives! Feuds! Makeovers! You name it, they've apparently got it.)

People shot two versions of the cover (shown above). I'm not sure which one you get if you subscribe or just buy off the rack. In any case, the contestants look like they're having a blast in both. All smiles (especially Sanjaya Malakar), plus beaucoup de gam (Haley Scarnato) and argyle (Blake Lewis).

In an eight-page profile of the Top 10 finalists (including the just-eliminated Chris Sligh), People touches on the above-mentioned topics, plus gets these notable quotes:

* Chris Sligh: "I tried out two years in a row with short hair and didn't make it. I try out with long hair and suddenly I make it."

* Jordin Sparks: "My dad (a former NFL player) was always in the spotlight, so I'm very comfortable with being in the spotlight, too."

* Melinda Doolittle: "I love to be silly. Everybody thinks I'm shy, but I'm not shy."

* Chris Richardson: "I'm my own worst critic. I see my performances and go, 'Oh, that's horrible.' "
(On l'amour: Chris apparently has been spotted cozying up to ousted Top 24 contestant Alaina Alexander. Hope she's not giving him musical advice.)

* Blake Lewis: "I broke up with my girlfriend right before Hollywood Week, which was sad."

* Sanjaya Malakar: "As soon as I get onstage, I have to pee. It never fails." (Now that's something I didn't know.)

* Lakisha Jones: "I am a great cook! I do oxtails, collard greens, some gravy, crab salad. But I don't bake."

* Gina Glocksen: (On the Antonella Barba fiasco) "I always think, 'That could be me.' That's why they have you tell what you've done in the past."

* Haley Scarnato: "I got recognized recently, which was weird. They said something about my mole!"

* Phil Stacey: "I have this nervous habit where I cough before I go onstage."

For more from People and to see behind-the-scenes footage from the magazine's photo shoot, go here.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 05:02 PM | Comments

March 29, 2007

The end of a class act

So Chris Sligh won't be singing next week on "American Idol," but hire this guy if you need a motivational speaker!

In a conference call today with journalists, Chris fielded questions like a pro. He was polished, professional - and extremely self-deprecating, which is why he'll be missed by his fans. And anyone else with a sense of humor.

Says the curly-haired crooner, 28, from Greenville, S.C., of his elimination Wednesday night: "It's no big deal at all."

Here's a bit more of what he had to say about his "Idol" experience and what he sees for himself down the road:

Q: What did you think about your song choice, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic?

A: Actually, I had another song in mind, which probably would have gone well with the competition, but it just wasn't me. I picked this song (last) Friday afternoon and actually sang it with Gwen (Stefani) on Saturday. I never really looked at the music and didn't realize it would be that much of a challenge. However, after listening to the performance myself 10 or 15 times, I don't think it was as bad as the judges said.

Q: Last night, you had the look of someone who knew he was going home. Was that the case? And are you disappointed that maybe America didn't get you?

A: After getting spanked by the judges, I knew it. It wasn't a great performance, but it wasn't terrible. For me, I never came into this (competition) wanting to win it. I come from an indie/alternative music background. Winning actually would have hurt what I want to do. ...

Obviously, I did want to do well. The competitive side of me kicks in. But, honestly, after I got trashed for my arrangement of "Endless Love" (Diana Ross week), I almost dropped out. I asked if I could still go on the ("Idol") tour and they told me I had to get voted off to go. So, I'm excited to be going!

Q: Do you think there's room on "American Idol" for a contestant to do well and be funny?

A: I wondered that myself. I love the show and, yes, there are some cheesy aspects (of it) that I poked fun at. But once you say something bad like I did about Simon (Cowell), you get screwed for that with the fans.

Q: Which comment was that?

A: When I told him I didn't sound like Teletubbies. It was very tongue-in-cheek. But fans took it very seriously because I received a ton of hate mail on my blog, which I had to take down. People told me they hoped I would die, get kicked off the show. Honestly, it really scared me. From that point, I toned down on the clowning.

Q: So, how do you assess this season's talent pool?

A: I really think it's getting a bum rap. If you take me out of the equation, almost every one could have won on another season. The worst thing for me is not realizing the potential that I think I had. I could have, should have done better. But I have tons of respect for the other nine.

Q: What do think of Sanjaya Malakar? And how close did you get to the other contestants?

A: I think people underestimate Sanjaya. If you download his songs (at www.americanidol.com), he's a very good vocalist. He's 17. When I was 17, I don't think I could sing in this situation. I have a lot of respect for him. He's a sweet kid. But I don't envy his position. Most 17-year-olds would be having an identity crisis.

The friendships were the best. Phil (Stacey) and I got close, Blake (Lewis) and Chris (Richardson). Gina (Glocksen) and I were very close. Phil and his wife, Kendra, come over (Wednesday night) and gave my wife and I a round of applause. They said, "You guys are soooo lucky."

Q: Lucky to leave?

A: Lucky to get to go home and take a much-needed vacation. I have to be back here a week before the finale, so I'm looking forward to a normal life for a few weeks.

Q: Did you get your 50 bucks from Phil after Wednesday night's shout-out?

A: I did! After my performance (Tuesday), I told Phil I was going home. He said, "There's no way you're going home before me," so we bet $50. It was spur of the moment. Honestly, after seeing that Brandon (Rogers) and Stephanie's (Edwards) goodbye songs didn't air, I didn't know my song was airing. So when I shouted out, "You owe me 50 bucks!," I didn't know it was going out to 30 million people.

Q: Did you think the judges gave you fair critiques, and how did things end with them?

A: Randy, Paula and Simon are the stars of the show. Simon is the most outrageous, but he's also pretty honest. I valued his opinion the most. Randy has been tough this season. What I tried to do is listen to what they said. But when you're up on that stage you can't hear what the judges are saying. We're straining really hard to hear. After last night's show, Simon came up and told me the reason I was gone is because I lost my sparkle. He said, "Get it back, because you're a star." Randy gave me hug.

Q: What's next, besides the vacation?

A: Once I get back home, I want to hook up with my band, Half Past Forever; they put out a CD. I lost 30 pounds during the show, and I'm planning on losing some more. When I come back for the finale, the audience will be surprised that it's the same Chris Sligh.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 01:42 PM | Comments

Goodbye 'Curly'

Frank Micelotta/Fox

The one thing that stands out for me about Wednesday's show is that eliminated contestant Chris Sligh had enough air time to not only sing "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," but he got time to hug the remaining nine competitors farewell, too.

"American Idol" finally cut the fat from its results show. Brandon Rogers and Stephanie Edwards had to sing off-air because medleys, required commercials, promotions, etc., took all the time. (In defense of Stephanie, she told reporters last week that she began to cry and was actually glad the song wasn't televised.)

(Programming note: Did you miss the commercial? Chris Richardson playing like Clint Eastwood in the ubiquitous weekly Ford commercial? The "Idol" Top 10 sang "I Fought the Law" and, of all the contestants, Chris best represented the "cowboy" genre.)

Anyway. Back to the show - I absolutely believe that Chris S. (shown above next to a visibly nervous Haley Scarnato) knew he was getting the boot. He just had the look.

And poor Gina Glocksen had to sit next to Chris S. through mentor-of-the-week Gwen Stefani's "Sweet Escape" performance (which I thoroughly appreciated more than her mentoring of the contestants), to find out which of the two would join Phil Stacey (best Sting on Tuesday) and Haley (best Antonella on Tuesday) in the bottom three.

Props to host Ryan Seacrest for opening the show wearing his own version of Sanjaya Malakar's faux hawk hairdo from Tuesday night. After an ample round of applause, he threw the "wig" in judge Simon Cowell's lap.

At the end, Ryan asked the judges their opinions on Haley and Chris S. (Phil is safe by now - again):

Randy Jackson: "It's a hard call."

Paula Abdul: "It's never a fun time. They deserve warmth." (Huh?)

Simon: "It's bye bye, Curly."

With that, the contestant who professed to "bringing back Chubby" was gone.
Chris Sligh fans can take solace that he'll be on the "Idol" tour and likely get some sort of recording contract.

Stay glued to this space - my Q&A with Sligh will be posted soon.

Next week's mentor? Tony Bennett. Look for more hair-raising moments.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 08:34 AM | Comments

March 28, 2007

A hair-raising night

Fox/Frank Micelotta

I watched "American Idol" twice last night because I was so distracted by the contestants' appearances that I missed some of the judges' comments.

What the heck? Where have all the Hollywood stylists gone, because they certainly weren't around to help the Top 10. With the exception of Blake Lewis, who pretty much looks natty in a sweater and pants each week, the rest either looked like they were ready for trick or treat seven months early or just rolled out of bed and grabbed whatever was on the floor.

Of course, after preaching Tuesday about how I thought folks (i.e., the nation) should quit picking on Sanjaya Malakar, the 17-year-old goes ahead and "performs" sporting what can only be described as a pompadour mohawk (shown above). He even got a little cocky with judge Simon Cowell. I'm more than ready for this goofy guy to go, but I'm sure his antics will keep him around another week.

Gina Glocksen looked like she was going to burst out of her dress, Haley
Scarnato was waaay too leggy for the second week in a row, and some of the guys (I'm talking to you, Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh) sported "I pulled an all-nighter-studying" garb.

And, sorry to all you Gwen Stefani fans for this: Musician, yes. Mentor, no. She really didn't offer much in the way of advice to the Top 10, and it showed in a couple of their performances. She sounded at times like she would rather have been at the dentist than coaching the contestants, though at one point she did say, "I'm nervous, and I'm not you." Profound.

I don't know the complete list of artists that inspired Gwen. That's where the song choices came from. But, for sure, it included Donna Summer, the Police, the Cure and - without a doubt - her own former band No Doubt.

That said, here are the high and - as always - low notes from Tuesday night's competition.

* Lakisha Jones: She sang Donna's "Last Dance." Gwen said she should be taking advice from Lakisha instead of giving it. Uh-huh. It was as good as Donna singing it herself last summer at Cache Creek Casino. (I know; I was there.) That is, until the disco smoke forced her to cancel the show.

Randy Jackson: "You know what's good about that? You made a change. You rocked it. You did that like a true-fly diva."

Paula Abdul: "Donna Summer isn't an easy artist to start out with. You did her proud."

Simon: "Now you're 30 years younger this week. I loved the big note at the end. A great vocal. You're putting your mark on this competition."

Fashion note: Both Randy and Simon loved Lakisha's tall boots, but I thought the graphic print dress was a bit, er, too graphic.

* Chris Sligh: He sang "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by the Police. Gwen said he had a strong voice, but that he needed to work on the tempo. "Maybe it will be easier with the band." Nope. That didn't help, either.

Randy: "Good song choice. The biggest problem was that, rhythmically, you were way ahead (of the band) and rushing. It was a train wreck for me."

Paula: "You need to feel the beat."

Simon: "I thought it was a mess. All over the place."

Fashion note: Chris' big jacket looked like he was ready for a monsoon. In his own defense of the lackluster performance, he said he picked his song a day late. "I don't know if it was necessarily a risk. It's a great song. But either you get it or you don't get it. I was off. It was my bad."

* Gina Glocksen: She sang Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." Gwen said she picked the perfect song for her voice. "It's all about the lyrics and keeping your voice under control." Gina did all of that and more. But next time, buy a dress that fits!

Randy: "Yo Gina! I thought this was one of your best performances ever. This was the perfect song for you."

Paula: "You're improving each week. The song really was great, and you showed your vulnerability."

Simon: "It was not one of your best performances. It was your best performance. This is all about knowing who you are. The transformation in three to four weeks is chalk to cheese."

Culinary note: Chalk to cheese?

* Sanjaya Malakar: He sang "Bath Water" by No Doubt. Gwen said Sanjaya got nervous and forgot some of the lyrics. (Guess she would know.) "It's a hard song. I think it will be difficult for him. I feel for him." Come on, Gwen. You had a few minutes with him; we've had months! This is nothing new. And I don't know what to make of the hair. It was truly awful.

Randy: "Dude, I'm speechless every time. The hairdo is definitely interesting. You can sing if you just put it out there."

Paula: "If you have the gumption and the ability to go for it, you can do it."

Simon: "I presume there was no mirror in your dressing room tonight. (This prompts Sanjaya to retort, "You're just jealous you can't do this" - or something to that effect.) I don't think it matters what we say anymore. You're in your own universe. If people like you, good luck."

Programming note: I finally caught the "Saturday Night Live" parody of Sanjaya - after watching "Idol." In retrospect, he deserved it. Hilarious stuff.

* Haley Scarnato: She sang Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." Gwen said it was one of her favorite songs of all time, but that Haley was drifting into another melody. "Tone it down, and people will like it." It just wasn't happening for me.

Randy: "It started a little rough for me, but it got better toward the end. You didn't really grab me with that. There were some pitchy moments."

Paula: "It requires nothing other than singing the melody - and being vulnerable. (That makes two vulnerable references tonight.) You also need to be more contemporary."

Simon: "It think it was sweet, but forgettable. I've heard thousands and thousands of girls all over the country who sing like that. You will have to do better than that. Too safe."

Fashion note: What was not forgettable about this performance is that it had "legs," so to speak. Is Haley becoming the new Antonella? Just asking.

* Phil Stacey: He sang another Police song, "Every Breath You Take." Gwen said she was pleasantly surprised. "I didn't know it would be that good." Phil's was my favorite performance of the night. I closed my eyes and swore Sting himself was in the (my) house.

Randy: "A really solid performance. You could have pushed it more, but you didn't. I liked that, dawg!"

Paula: "There's so much color and personality to your voice." She went on to say something about "living in the chorus, not the verses." I think.

Simon: "This may surprise you, Phil, but I actually thought that was very good. Great choice of song. You're actually trying to do well in this competition. You're taking it seriously."

Fashion note: Phil sports a newsboy-type cap this week. Dude works it better with a chapeau.

* Melinda Doolittle: She sang another Donna Summer song, "Heaven Knows." Gwen said, "She blew me away. It was an amazing performance. Mind-blowing." All that? OK, I'll bite. It was like having Donna in my living room, too.

Randy: "A pro singer does what you do every week. You are living the words. That was the bomb - again!"

Paula: "Charisma from the word go. It's fun. I love when people tell stories when they're singing."

Simon: "I don't think it was your best performance - vocally. And I hate the outfit."

Fashion note: Again, the graphic print with leggings was a bit much, but I suppose Melinda and Lakisha both were going for disco-diva chic.

* Blake Lewis: He sang "Lovesong" by the Cure. Gwen said, "I'll be interested to see how he does with the live music." She muttered something about the beat boxing interfering but, best I could tell, Blake never beat-boxed.
But that's just me.

Randy: "I'm not sure it was my favorite performance, but you made the most of it. You left it in a tender spot."

Paula: "I loved what you did. It was cool. You're taking risks, being original. You're the dark horse, and I would love to see you in the finale."

Simon: "You're definitely the strongest guy in the competition. Be careful, though, getting into the Chris Daughtry zone. Don't be too indulgent."

Language note: Host Ryan Seacrest noted that Paula might have been the first judge to drop the "F" bomb - as in finale.

* Jordin Sparks: She sang No Doubt's "Hey Baby." Gwen said she was really shocked at first. "She made it sound so much more than it was." Would that be more than when Gwen sang it herself? It was just OK for me.

Randy: "That was a very, very risky thing to do. It's hard to do stylized songs, but you can sing anything. You would make a great recording artist."

Paula: "It was hip, young, adorable. Celebrate it. I love seeing you in this mode."

Simon: "You're the most-improved contestant in the last few weeks. More confident. (This performance) was a bit copycat-ish."

Fashion note: OK, so what was up with Jordin's picnic-tablecloth shirt paired with a parochial elementary school pleated skirt and hula hoop-size earrings?

* Chris Richardson: He sang another No Doubt song, "Don't Speak." Gwen said she was hoping he would stick to the melody. For some reason, I kept hearing Gwen singing this song instead of Chris.

Randy: "I liked the little R&B/skye kind of thing with that - and the flavor. And I liked your twist on it."

Paula: "You're good, Chris, you're good." (At this point, Paula had flat run out of words.)

Simon: "That was a much better choice of song, and I liked the arrangement. I wasn't crazy about the vocal. You've got to pay more attention to that."

Program note: As I had posted earlier, the show did indeed run seven minutes long. If you switched over to "Dancing With the Stars" at 9, you would have missed Chris R's performance.

Finally, some predictions: DialIdol.com has Melinda, Lakisha, Chris R. and - of course - Sanjaya as being safe; the rest are on their own. I'm going to say that America picks fashion sense over common sense and eliminates Sanjaya. One more week of him, and I might go crazy with a flat iron.

But, if we're keeping it real - and I have to - Sanjaya will be safe. Chris Sligh has the most to worry about.

Tonight's elimination show (at 9 on Fox) will feature the music - not the mentoring - of Gwen Stefani.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 11:05 AM | Comments

March 27, 2007

Sanjaya backlash!

Fox

While "American Idol" continues to pull in big ratings (see below), the nationwide obsession with contestant Sanjaya Malakar has officially slayed me. It's taken on a life of its own!

This just in from the Detroit Free Press: It seems a young woman in New York is so upset that he's still on the show that she "claims" to be on a hunger strike until he's voted off. And, just like anyone else with a point to prove, she's got her own Web site - www.myspace.com/starvationforsanjaya - to chronicle her progress.

Yes, I never thought Sanjaya should have made it to the Top 24, much less the Top 10. But I'm uncomfortable with the notion that hating this young man, who is only 17, is something a lot of folks love to do.

Meanwhile, think about this (note to Votefortheworst.com): All those "Idol" fans voting for Sanjaya out of some weird loyalty to so-called underdogs aren't doing the young man any favors. He's been the first to admit he's not the most talented contestant, but what happens when he is mercifully eliminated and finds out about all this foolishness?

Lest you think he probably already knows, last week's eliminated contestant, Stephanie Edwards, said in a conference call with "Idol" reporters (including me) that neither she nor the other contestants have had much contact with the outside world. And she had never even heard of Votefortheworst.com.

My take? Get off his back. As the Detroit Free Press put it so eloquently: "He's not a human punch line." But he is fast becoming a national joke. And, as a mom with two teens, I'm starting to feel for Sanjaya.

Ok, so maybe I'm just going soft in my old age.

Moving on: Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of "Idol" and also "So You Think You Can Dance," did a phone interview the other day and had some interesting thoughts about Season 6 - and other stuff:

* On a dip in the ratings: "Even if we lost 50 percent of our audience, we'd still be in the top programs in the country, so I'm not really that worried."

Note: Here are the Nielsen ratings for last week's shows, which did indeed take the top two spots:

“American Idol” (Tuesday competition): 29.96 million viewers
“American Idol” (Wednesday results show): 27.08 million viewers

* On this season's talent level: "People are saying this is not our greatest year for talent - I don't necessarily agree with them. I think we've got five or six of probably the best singers we've ever had."

* On who is surprising him the most: "Jordin (Sparks) continues to surprise me, to be frank. From this 17-year-old that I saw a number of years ago when she auditioned for 'American Juniors,' I'm watching a young lady come to fruition and a huge talent."

* On the Sanjaya mocking on "Saturday Night Live": "Well, to be honest, I don't need the thick skin. Sanjaya needs the thick skin. 'SNL' has often had potshots at us. It's all part of the mixture of it. I think we're going to have this thing called the 'Sanjaya Effect,' and I feel as though last week I was myself 'Sanjayaed' purely and simply because he's got guts, this kid, and you have to applaud that. ... If half the people with more talent than him had his guts, we'd get better talent all around."

* On listening to previous contestants' CDs: "Kelly Clarkson's I like. I've heard Carrie Underwood's. I haven't heard Fantasia's, haven't heard Ruben's, haven't heard Taylor's and haven't heard an awful lot of the other releases. It's not my type of music, to be frank."

* On "Idol's" relevance to TV: "Is it the most important show? No, of course it's not. It's a talent show, a television talent show. Let's not lose perspective on what this is. It's phenomenal in its own area. Outside of that, it doesn't really mean anything in real life."

* On which musical genres he'd love to see on the show: "I would love to do the Eagles. I would love to do the music of the Beatles. And then there are a number of songwriters I would love to do (Hal David, Carole King)."

FYI: The Top 10 (shown above) will perform a collection of pop songs from 8 to 9:07 p.m. tonight. Gwen Stefani is the musical mentor. And, to clarify something: The contestants can't pick just any song. It has to be artists that have inspired Gwen, so she came up with the list.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 03:20 PM | Comments

March 26, 2007

'Idol' overtime

ABC

I have to give Fox kudos for having the guts/brains/glory to go after ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." Why? Even though I agree that watching Heather Mills (pictured above with partner Jonathan Roberts) dance can be painful, dipping into another reality show's results episode takes all of the above.

Here's the deal: On Tuesday night's edition of "American Idol," which kicks off at 8 p.m., the Top 10 will compete in a pop-song marathon led by Gwen Stefani. Instead of the show ending at 9, though, it will be on the air until 9:07.

What does this mean for "Dancing" fans? It means you'll have to decide to either stick with "Idol" or switch to ABC, which means you might miss an "Idol" performance or - as 99.9 percent of TV addicts will do - TiVo "Dancing" and call it a night.

However, in the world of the Nielsens, those seven minutes constitute a full ratings block of time, which could impact advertising and so forth and so on. This from my colleague, TV Columnist Rick Kushman.

Fortunately, I don't have to choose: "Idol" is my life!

What I do find interesting is that Fox must smell a little competition from "Dancing," even though those first seven minutes will be filled mostly with hosts Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris prattling on about how great the teams did with the mambo and quickstep. The booted contestants won't be announced until at least 9:58.

Oh, and if you're wondering about "House," which follows "Idol?" It will be shown in its entirety, ending at 10:07 p.m. That means only 53 minutes for Fox40 News' evening edition. Well, someone's gotta eat those seven precious minutes. Might as well be Jim Crandell, the sports guy.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 04:27 PM | Comments

March 22, 2007

Woulda, coulda, shoulda

I know the last thing an eliminated "American Idol" contestant wants to do the day after is spend half an hour fielding questions from media types like me. But it's part of the deal. You must bare your soul and tell why you think you got the boot!

Last week, it was a very gracious Brandon Rogers. Today, it was Stephanie Edwards, 19, who absolutely "had a feeling she would be in the bottom," she says.

And, like Brandon, Stephanie was pretty clear about why she thought she was voted off: "I should have tried to please myself (instead of the judges) and America."

That said, here were some of her parting thoughts during a phone conference:

Q: Would you have done anything differently?

A: This week, I definitely would have chosen a more upbeat, faster song. But when I heard ("You Don't Have To Say You Love Me"), it was the only one I wanted. I fell in love with it.

Q: What about the mix of contestants? Did you tire of being compared to, say, Lakisha (Jones) and Melinda (Doolittle)?

A: I just felt that I kind of lost myself in the mix, especially when the judges were comparing me to other contestants. I tried to sing ballads and show off my vocals. Instead, I should have put on a show. I never found myself before America voted me off.

Q: What's the most encouraging advice you received?

A: Randy (Jackson) told me to "find Stephanie." I get a lot of comparisons to Beyonce and Fantasia. And Simon (Cowell), he's just very honest. He's blunt, but I respect that.

Q: Was there added pressure this week because it was getting down to the Top 10 (who will go on the "Idol" tour)?

A: It was definitely added pressure and a lot more focused this week. It's a bummer, but maybe I'll catch up with them. Maybe I'll go on tour one day myself!

Q: What did you think of the mentors you got to work with?

A: I loved working with Diana Ross and Lulu. They're both very fun and personable. Ms. Ross told me to be more sexy on my song; Lulu thought the song I did this week was great, which, now, is kind of weird.

Q: For two weeks in a row, the TV audience hasn't seen the eliminated contestant sing at the end of the show. Do you miss that?

A: Actually, I did sing, but it wasn't on camera. I wasn't disappointed that it didn't air because I started crying toward the end of the song.

Q: What are you looking forward to? How about a track on the compilation CD?

A: I love going into the studio and singing - and really be in that moment. It's just you and a mike. It's better than a live stage. I haven't picked a song yet. It possibly could be 'Love Hangover,' which I sang last week.

Q: Parting shot?

A: Thanks to everyone for their love and support!

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 12:33 PM | Comments

So long, Stephanie

Frank Micelotta/Fox

One thing's for sure about Wednesday night's show: The remaining 10 were happy to be, well, still standing. That's because making the Top 10 means, among other things, that you go on next summer's road tour, racking up even more fans from city to city.

Of the 30 million votes cast Tuesday night, there weren't enough to keep Stephanie Edwards, 19 (pictured above), in the competition.

Host Ryan Seacrest had the tough task of not only breaking the bad news but keeping the half-hour show moving along. Here's what he had to fit in:

* Mentor Peter Noone singing the Herman's Hermits hit "There's a Kind of Hush."

* Another Ford commercial featuring the Top 11 at "Another Saturday Night" laundromat. At first, I thought I was watching a Target ad.

* " 'Til Death" star Brad Garrett found himself sitting with the contestants and then being told "You're out." His Fox sitcom came on right afterward (natch).

Then, the reading of those who were safe. Ryan did it in groups of three:

Phil Stacey (shocked and ecstatic)
Melinda Doolittle (no surprise)
Blake Lewis (again, no surprise)
Chris Sligh (modicum of relief)
Lakisha Jones (no surprise)
Jordin Sparks (no surprise)
Sanjaya Malakar (the 13-year-old girl's tears saved him)
Haley Scarnato (shocked and delighted)
Gina Glocksen (visibly shaken)

That left Chris Richardson and Stephanie in the bottom two. I knew at that point that it probably was going to be Stephanie going home because Chris got such rave reviews for his rendition of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying."

(My spouse did offer this theory: "I think Blake is pulling some of the votes away from Chris because they have a similar sound." I'll buy that. Although I agree with the judges when they said that Stephanie was losing her spirit.)

Before the boot, this week's other mentor, Lulu, belted out "To Sir, With Love," looking very bewitching and sultry in all black. You gotta know it was tough for Chris R. and Stephanie to hold it together through another song, knowing their fate was soon to follow.

By the time Stephanie's "journey" montage was over, so was the show. That's two weeks in a row that the eliminated contestant didn't get to sing one more time. On air, that is. Apparently, Fox is letting them sing off-camera because I found a wire photo of Stephanie performing. My thoughts? The show is too short and/or the "Idol" producers don't want to take a chance that a contestant will have an Alaina Alexander moment. Remember, she was eliminated and couldn't sing her Dixie Chicks song? The backup singers had to take over.

Now that we're down to the Top 10, it's going to require a heavy-hitting celebrity to mentor them. And next week, Grammy winner Gwen Stefani assumes that role. It will be a pop-themed week, as contestants pick their favorite songs from that genre. Gwen will perform on next Wednesday's show.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 08:52 AM | Comments

March 21, 2007

Ace is in the house!

See Acoustic Ace

This just in: Ace Young rocked the Citrus Heights home (make that backyard) of Charlene Oliver and about 25 of her best friends and family members tonight. It was all part of a 10-city Dreyer's ice cream tour/acoustic guitar concert (check out our video), which Charlene won by voting online for her favorite "American Idol"-inspired ice cream flavor.

"When they called to say I won, I was speechless," Charlene tells me. "I actually had forgotten that I had entered!"

Charlene, who is an office manager currently on maternity leave (she has an infant son and a son age 3), called her dad and then her network of "Idol" friends, who were eager to get on the invite list.

The group gathered around 6 p.m., with Dreyer's festooning the house with "Idol" balloons and setting up a table loaded with - what else? - ice cream.

But it was Ace who got the sweetest reception. Once he walked through the door, I'd never seen more cell-phone/digital cameras go off so fast, including The Bee's Andy Alfaro (see his shot above), who was right in the thick of things. There were big smiles all around from the mostly female audience. I believe there was even a bit of swooning!

Ace sat with guitarist Paul Trudeau on kitchen chairs and chatted up the group before launching into "Father Figure," a song he performed in Season 5. And, in anticipation of his own CD launch in a couple of months, he also wowed with a song called "Scattered" (on the video), his own compilation.

I got the chance to also meet Ace's older brother, Ryan, who's along for the tour and is handling Ace's entertainment ventures. (You wouldn't believe how much they look alike!)

Crowd conversation covered such hot topics as who would be eliminated this week - the consensus was Sanjaya Malakar. And which photo of Ace would be proudly gracing screensavers across Sacramento this morning.

Ace had a special affinity for getting the kids in the Citrus Heights audience to participate. Charlene's 3-year-old son even brought his favorite blanket and toy guitar.

After singing, Ace dished up bowls of ice cream. He even ended up signing the inside and bottoms of the bowls as souvenirs.

Ace and Ryan planned to take flight right after the concert, heading back to L.A., where they share a home. I asked Ryan if Ace still carried his famous beanie in his back pocket, like he did when he performed last season.

"I don't know if he brought one tonight," Ryan said. Moments later, however, Ace pulled out a black one for one last photo session before his security guy (who looked straight out of "The Sopranos") told him it was time to go.

"Thanks for having me tonight," Ace said. With that, the "Idol" left the house.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 08:10 PM | Comments

The British are coming!

Frank Micelotta/Fox

So much for my prediction that this was the girls' competition to lose. The guys discovered their voices just in time for the British Invasion and wowed the crowd as well as the judges.

Even Sanjaya Malakar, who I'm now 100 percent sure will make the Top 10, was, well, not bad. And that's saying a lot.

And, hey, no one forgot their lyrics this week!

For mentoring purposes, the six girls worked with British pop star Lulu; the guys with Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits. They admitted that, even though the contestants weren't even born when this music was popular, they found them all to be enthusiastic and eager to perform.

Oh, and by the way, I only picked two of the songs that ended up being chosen by the contestants. There was no Petula Clark, no Beatles (!) - not even songs from the aforementioned mentors. What's up with that?

The girls were all over the place with their picks, and I thought some of the choices were too obscure, given the wealth of more well-known music to pick from. Heck, I wanted to be able to sing along. Fortunately, host Ryan Seacrest kept viewers informed of who the artists were.

That said, here are the high - and a few minor low - notes from Tuesday night's competition. And at the end - a few predictions.

* Haley Scarnato: She sang "Tell Him" by Billie Davis. Lulu advised Haley to put more staccato in her phrasing and to stay grounded. But Haley was anything but close to the ground, sporting high, high heels, short shorts and a slinky halter top. Her performance was just OK for me.

Randy Jackson: "Haley's back in the competition! That was your best performance to date, and it definitely had the 'Yo' factor."

Paula Abdul: "It was the perfect song for you. You showed your flirtatious side, which was great."

Simon Cowell: "It was fun, young and a bit shrieky in the middle. However, I believe (viewers) will be talking about a lot more than your singing tonight." (An obvious reference to Haley's wardrobe choice.)

* Chris Richardson: He sang "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" by Gerry and the Pacemakers. Said Peter: "He looks like a star to me." Chris' was one of my favorite performances of the night, especially when he opened it accompanied by an acoustic guitarist (pictured above).

Randy: "Check it out, dawg. I'm excited. It was another great performance that showed a different side to you. Beautiful. Every note was in tune."

Paula: "You're smart with your (song) choices. It was sexy, charming. You're playing the game to win."

Simon: "Your best performance ever. Your control was excellent, and you didn't make it sound old-fashioned."

* Stephanie Edwards: She sang "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield. Said Lulu: "She's so grounded because she looked right into my eyes when she was singing." She even went so far as to compare Stephanie to Beyonce, which might have been more than the young performer could handle. I was looking forward to Stephanie's performance. Alas, I found myself looking more at her stretchy blue dress and black boots. Again, another distracting outfit.

Randy: "It wasn't the best performance for me. You need to have a good time and just be you. Where's the edge?"

Paula: "I love what you're wearing (natch), and you picked the right song. However, the notes fell off. Somehow, I feel your spirit is drifting."

Simon: "I think you are losing your edge. It was missing the passion and the rawness. It was a bit night-clubby. I think you're becoming too old for yourself."

* Blake Lewis: He sang "Time of the Season" by the Zombies. Yikes, I forgot all about them. Said Peter: "I like Blake. He could become a big star, and the youngsters will be voting for him." Blake threw in a little beat boxing and upped the arrangement. Loved it, loved it, loved it! My uber favorite of the night.

Randy: "I'm a huge Blake fan. You put together a cool, edgy version of a song that's 45 years old, and that's hard to do. Props for a brilliant performance."

Paula: "You really raised the bar. I think you could release that (song) today!"

Simon: "A million times better than last week. You chose the right song, and you controlled it without messing with the melody. The strongest performance so far."

* Lakisha Jones: She sang "Diamonds Are Forever" by Shirley Bassey. For Lakisha, it was a choice between this song and "You're My World" by British star Cilla Black. Lulu actually liked the second choice for Lakisha because it's more soulful. But once I saw all that bling dripping from her ears, neck and arms, I knew she was going with the title song from the James Bond flick, which came out in 1971 - a little past the traditional years for the British Invasion scene. Anyway, I thought it was an odd choice - and a risky one.

Randy: "James Bond, huh? It was just all right. You've got that big ol' voice, but I didn't feel enough Lakisha in it."

Paula: "You picked the right song. You're a very smart girl, and you're wearing a million dollars worth of diamonds!"

Simon: "No, she's not (retort on the jewelry). We know you're a fantastic singer. But this was Lakisha in 50 years' time. The hair, the dress, the mannerisms. It was too old-fashioned. I didn't get it."

Note: Lakisha's response to Simon's comments: "I think I look good. And if I sound like this in 45 years from now, great."

* Phil Stacey: He sang "Tobacco Road" by the Nashville Teens. Peter said he had the song "right in his pocket." "It's a song with life in it, and he should go for it." I didn't get this song selection at all! Again, it seemed obscure for a night when the possibilities were unlimited.

Randy: "You were having a good time up there! There were a couple of pitchy spots. You had the whole falsetto and stuff. It was pretty good for me."

Paula: "Good song choice (natch - again). I like the ranges of your voice, but some parts were pitchy."

Simon: "I wasn't crazy about it. It was like a third-division bar band performance (an obvious reference to Phil's military status). I didn't hear any grit in your voice. I don't know what advice to give you because you're being outsung by the other singers."

* Jordin Sparks: She sang "I (Who Have Nothing)," a Ben E. King song that was covered by Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. Lulu told Jordin she was amazing at age 17. "It's a huge song and so dramatic. There's so much pleading, but she can't drag it out too long." Again, not my favorite performance, but there's no doubting Jordin's capabilities. I just wish she would have picked a more, shall we say, upbeat song.

Randy: "That was a very tall order for you. It was very controlled and one of the best we'll see tonight."

Paula: "We see how great your range is. No matter the age, a good singer is a good singer."

Simon: "I feel like jumping off a bridge! It was soooo gloomy, I just want the sun to shine! It was a bit depressing, but you sang it beautifully."

* Sanjaya Malakar: He, too, was on the fence with song selection, trying to decide between a Kinks song and one by Herman's Hermits. Said Peter: "He's a cute-looking guy, but I don't think he's got enough experience." Even Sanjaya finally admitted he didn't think he was the best singer in the competition. Cue the pity votes. But, in his defense, I was pleasantly surprised by his performance, which, by the way, was the Kinks' "You Really Got Me."

Randy: "You shocked me tonight! You've been this reserved, meek guy, but that was your best performance to date."

Paula: "It's what we've been waiting for. I hope you had fun."

Simon: "I think the little girl's face says it all."

Note: Explanation needed here. There was a young girl in the audience with pig tails and blue nail polish who cried the entire time Sanjaya was singing. He even went into the crowd to hug her as he was performing. So either it was tears of joy (which is probably right), or she was saddened by his voice (which I think is what Simon was referring to).

* Gina Glocksen: She sang "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones. Lulu thought it was the perfect song for Gina. "She needs to devour it because she's got the look and the voice to lose herself in it." If only looks could kill. Gina did the whole goth/rocker thing again and, if I'm keeping it real, it was pretty horrific. I never liked this Stones song much anyway.

Randy: "So, you're our resident rocker. It wasn't my favorite song. You've got the edgy vibe, but it was a little pitchy in spots."

Paula: "It was miles better than last week. Don't abandon who you are. Do your own thing."

Simon: "There were moments of complete torture in that vocal. It was off the melody and more style over content. You're going to have to sing better because, vocally, it was not good enough, sweetheart."

* Chris Sligh: He sang another Zombies song, "She's Not There." Chris told Peter he had done his research before making the selection and that his father often sang the Herman's Hermits hit "I'm Henry the VIII, I Am" when Chris was a kid, but he didn't want to attempt it. Peter told him: "Make people think you're sexy." A new twist for Chris: He started his performance from deep within the audience, mike stand in hand.

Randy: "So, you're coming out of the crowd. It was a great song for you, just a little rough and you got ahead of the beat."

Paula: "You're dressing much nicer. Working the audience. The vocals were really good."

Simon: "You did your thing. I thought it was fun. Not the best vocal, but it was better than last week."

Note: Trivia alert! Chris' official fan club is called the "Fro Patrol."

* Melinda Doolittle: She sang "As Long As He Needs Me" from the movie "Oliver!" Said Lulu: "We love a torch song! Melinda has found herself. She is the ultimate firecracker." For herself, Melinda admitted the genre was out of her comfort zone, but she worked it. And I loved the hair. I know it might have been styled for the 1960s, but on Melinda, it was fresh and modern. More so than the way she's been wearing her coif.

Randy: "You know what, I guess we could say we saved the best vocal for last. It was great pitch. You are a pro."

Paula: "You are in your own league. That (performance) had a beginning, a middle and an end. You told a story."

Simon: "Are you really as nice as you sing? It was a boring song, but you made the second part of it work with an impeccable vocal."

FYI: A quick check of the predictions at DialIdol.com shows that Melinda, Phil, Blake, Lakisha and Sanjaya will be safe. As for the rest of the contestants, it looks like it's waaaay too close to call. Tonight's elimination show (at 9 on Fox) will reveal all.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 11:32 AM | Comments

March 20, 2007

News and (music) notes

This just in: We just got word that Charlene Oliver of Citrus Heights is the winner of a private show in her home by Season 5's Ace Young. As you may recall, Dreyer's ice cream sponsored a contest, asking fans to vote for their favorite "Idol'-inspired ice cream. The added incentive to vote? Ace!

Charlene was picked at random earlier today, and Ace is to show up at her home Wednesday.

Now for the rest of you not privy to a private show....

* Don't forget that Ace will be signing autographs and dishing Dreyer's ice cream from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Bel Air supermarket in Natomas, 3250 Arena Blvd.

Meanwhile, we're staring down the road at Week 2 of intense competition. Tonight's British Invasion repertoire should be interesting - especially when it comes to song selection. I'm sure fans will either be wowing or wincing.

But if it's contestants from past seasons that you crave - and based on your
e-mails, a lot of you do - pick up Elliott Yamin's (also of Season 5) self-titled debut CD (pictured above), which went on sale today. It features the single "Movin' On," which is soooo Elliott. I like the curly coif but almost wish he had a bigger smile, especially now that he has such pearly whites.

I believe the next former "Idol" with a debut CD is country crooner Bucky Covington, whose album is due in stores on April 17.

Other "Idol" notes:

* In addition to the weekly Nielsen ratings, which also came out today, Nielsen Product Placement Service notes that Fox's "American Idol" has the highest number of product placements of any show on television, with 4,086 - many of them for the show-sponsoring Coca-Cola. Next on the list? CBS' "The Amazing Race," with 2,790.

* And, speaking of ratings, here they are from last week's shows: "American Idol" was No. 1 and 2, respectively, with 29.83 million viewers for the Tuesday competition and 26.18 million for Wednesday's half-hour elimination show.

* Finally, "Idol" Judge Paula Abdul graces the cover of this week's TV Guide, with an inside interview that tackles such hot-button issues as Simon Cowell's "look," her occasional slurred speech, and what's really in the giant cups that sit before the judges. (Answer: "Sugar-free Red Bull or Diet Coke.")

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 04:05 PM | Comments

March 19, 2007

'Idol' feedback

Associated Press

I had asked you to let me know your thoughts about Season 6 - is it as good as ever? - and you sang like canaries.

Much was made of seasons past, and, surprisingly, several folks remain very attached to contestants who didn't even win, including Season 4's Bo Bice (pictured above).

Even so, there seems to be some of you who are getting attached to the latest crop of contestants, especially Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha Jones.

Here are some excerpts from your e-mails, which, incidentally, came in from all over the country:

* From Sarah Anne Edwards, Pine Mountain Club, Calif.: I am disappointed in this season's "American Idol." I miss the tremendous talent like what we saw when Bo Bice hit the stage in Season 4. All I could think about during last night (the guys' competition) - as one singer after another tried to make a splash and with a few exceptions didn't even make any waves - was the huge gap between these struggling contestants and Bo Bice's performance of "Drift Away" during the first of the Top 12 show in Season 4.

I haven't given up on watching yet though, but I sure hope these contestants get over their nerves and can sing!

* From Krista Schuler, Hamilton, Ohio: I am sorry to say that this "AI" group in Season 6 is just not good. I’ve heard many say this is the worst season since Season 3, and they are right on track. In fact, if things don’t get better, it may be the worst ever.

I can’t say any of these contestants have struck my fancy at all. I liked Chris Sligh’s audition but haven’t seen anything since to get excited about, although I do like his band’s music. As good as Melinda and Lakisha are, I can’t imagine either as a “pop” star. They may have potential on Broadway or in Vegas maybe, but I’m not seeing them being able to compete with the likes of Mary J. or Beyonce. Although I have to be honest, R&B isn’t my cup of tea, nor are the hip-hop styles (I guess that’s what you’d call it) of Blake Lewis and Chris Richardson – maybe I’m just too old to get those guys.

I’m a more traditional country/pop/rock lover, so I’m really missing Carrie (Underwood), Bo and Chris Daughtry right now. ... Anyway, I’m quickly losing interest this year, and can guarantee I won’t be picking up the phone to vote, nor will I be shelling out any money to see this group on tour, as I have the last two seasons.

* From Deana Vladic, Rancho Cordova: My "Idol" thought: (The show) just hasn't been the same since Constantine Maruolis got voted off (Season 4). This season is kind of boring compared to past seasons.

* From Susan Silvis, Granite Bay: I used to look forward to each season of "Idol." In fact, I looked forward to this season with much
anticipation. ... (However), when the voting public started
eliminating, I was very much discouraged with the outcome.
Some of the contestants I can't believe got as far as they did. ... I turned the TV off (last) Tuesday night after it was half over. I will continue to watch, but I just might turn it off early again.

* From Pat Muth, Grand Island, Neb.: This season of "Idol" is a two-woman contest - Melinda and Lakisha. The rest are mediocre. There is no one who just wows us like Bo Bice did. Very disappointing.

*From Kat Fox, Davis: I must say this is the worse talent pool this show has ever produced. The guys are horrible! Clearly a woman will win this competition. My pick hands down is Melinda Doolittle, who ironically reminds me of J Hud (Jennifer Hudson).

Simon Cowell is awesome. He agrees with me 99.9 percent of the time. But, this is a singing contest, and when Sanjaya (Malakar) and Haley (Scarnato) made it into the Top 12, I have to ask America, what the ...? I love the show, but this year the only reason I am watching is to see Melinda Doo-ING IT-little win the competition.

* From Linda Kosoff, Chico: I've turned on "Idol" a couple of times, had the proverbial fingernails on blackboard reaction, and turned it off. Is Fox so enamored of ratings that they can pull off junk like this on the American public? Apparantly so, considering the ratings. I appreciate talent and good music, and it's not on this season's "Idol."

* From Jeanne Dansby, Portola: I have not been a regular viewer since Kelly Clarkson won the game, and was about to pass on it this season when, as I was channel-surfing, heard Lakisha belt out a tune. I came for Lakisha; I’m staying for Melinda. As far as I’m concerned, the other contestants should just call it a wash and let these two amazing artists do all the singing for the duration of the show.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 05:27 PM | Comments

March 15, 2007

Parting thoughts

I must say that Brandon Rogers, the first contestant eliminated from the Top 12, was about as gracious as it gets. No one likes to be the first to go, but in a phone conference earlier today, he didn't place the blame for his departure on anyone but himself.

"I absolutely knew it was coming, and I really felt at peace with the decision," he said from Los Angeles. "Sure, I messed up the words. But I also think I hadn't created enough momentum to keep it going. I didn't lose to anybody. I just got the least amount of votes."

That said, here were some of the questions posed to Brandon by media types from across the country:

Q: OK, so what would you have done differently?

A: I probably would have picked better songs that showed the range of my voice. People were waiting for me to do that. But I chose songs that I love and love to sing.

Q: Sanjaya (Malakar) looked mortified when he was told he was safe. Did you sense that?

A: I have no idea. I love the kid. He's a sweet guy. Make no mistake, it's hard to see anybody go.

Q: What happened when you forgot the lyrics during Tuesday night's competition?

A: It's funny. I wish I could chalk it up to nerves or the pressure of going first. But honestly, it was me having too good of a time. I did my little shimmy dance, the crowd screamed - really, really - loud. And I'm thinking, 'This is awesome, what the heck are my words?' My mind went blank.

Q: Do you think performing first affects the voting?

A: Going first is a double-edge sword. If I had knocked it out of the park and received good comments from the judges, great. You need to have a huge fan base as your parachute. That's why I was so at peace being cut.

Q: How intense is performance night?

A: It's fun and no fun at the same time. We all love to sing, and none of us likes to stand there and be judged immediately afterward. It's a mixed bag of excitement and anxiety. There's some meditating, some jokes to lighten the mood, some pacing.

Q: Did you and the other contestants have enough rehearsal time, especially with mentor Diana Ross? And what was it like working with her?

A: I prepared as best as I could. We all had the same amount of time. We met with Ms. Ross, but what viewers saw was edited down. We sang our song - sometimes more than once - listened to her comments, got a hug and left. She's an absolute sweetheart. It's not what she says or does, it's just being in her presense.

Q: So how do you think the whole background-singer role played out for you in the end?

A: It's definitely given me the confidence to seek a solo career. I always wanted to be on that big stage. Once you get a taste of it, it's sweet. The background singing helped me give some perspective to the other contestants about not beating yourself up. Look at Melinda (Doolittle). She's a backup singer, and she's stepped up to the occasion. That's what the judges and a lot of people thought I was capable of. It was a failure on my part, but I don't know if it worked against me. Picking the wrong songs was the worst.

Q: Who were your roommates on the show?

A: We change locations, and I've roomed with Phil (Stacey) and Chris (Sligh). The thing is, we're all friends, all really close, living in this "Idol" bubble. It's like trying to pick your favorite sibling.

Q: Do you think all Top 12 contestants should go on this summer's road tour, not just the Top 10?

A: I think making the Top 12 is a big deal, just the fact that we got this far. It would be great if we all could go. But rules are rules.

Q: How did the judges comments influence you - or not?

A: I love the idea of there being three individual opinions. But I do wish they would stay on point. They should critique the performances and stay away from appearances. Body type is something that can't easily be changed and shouldn't be commented on. Afterward, they all told me it was my song choice, not my ability. In retrospect, I know that to be true.

Q: What's next for you? What did you learn?

A: Hopefully my slow but sure takeover of the world! The sky's the limit for what's upcoming. This show can be such a good vehicle to kick-start my career in music. But then, I've always been a career musician. No matter what people say in the press or what the judges say, I'm good enough to be out there. But every time I step onto the stage, I need to bring it like it needs to be brought.

Q: Which mentor will you miss meeting?

A: I was really looking forward to working with Tony Bennett. I was a jazz major in college. He's just been around so long. And he's got great stories and great advice.

Q: You won't be here next week for the British pop music theme. If you were, what would you have performed?

A: I think it's going to be fantastic. I would have sung "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (Procol Harem).

Q: What would have been your swan song?

A: Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You."

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 03:11 PM | Comments

Bye to Brandon

Frank Micelotta/Fox

For the first time since Season 6 started, an "American Idol" show was cut short - really short - as in 30 minutes. Wednesday night's elimination show saw only one contestant ousted from the Top 12. Brandon Rogers received the lowest number of votes from the more than 28 million cast and was sent home.

This was no big shock to either me or to Brandon. He even admitted he committed the "cardinal 'Idol' sin of forgetting the words" to his song, "You Can't Hurry Love."

But speaking of hurrying, the fast-paced show tried to jam in so much material that poor Brandon didn't even get to sing on air before the show ended.

Wedged in between was a Top 12 tribute to this week's celebrity mentor, Diana Ross. I don't know about you, but I thought the singers should have performed some of these songs - "Where Did Our Love Go?" "Baby Love" and Stop! In the Name of Love" - during the competition instead of some of the choices they made.

What truly messed up the half-hour show (and it does every season) was the totally stupid Ford commercial with the contestants dressing goofy and singing something called "Float On." That's where Brandon's so-called 15 minutes of fame went.

Ten of the contestants heard their fate before Diana performed, as announced by host Ryan Seacrest:

* Lakisha Jones: safe
* Gina Glocksen: safe
* Brandon Rogers: bottom three
* Jordin Sparks: safe
* Chris Richardson: safe
* Melinda Doolittle: safe
* Phil Stacey: bottom three
* Chris Sligh: safe
* Stephanie Edwards: safe
* Blake Lewis: safe

Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato, both really on the bubble this week, had to wait until Diana - resplendent in a red gown and ginormous platform shoes - belted out "More Today Than Yesterday" from her "I Love You" album.

After her performance, which had Judge Paula Abdul prancing in the aisle, Ryan asked Diana who she thought would go home.

"The entire show is such an inspiration," she said. "All the talent. I'm so happy to be here."

So, who's going home?

"Me!" she exclaimed. Nice dodge. I applaud that and pooh-pooh to Ryan for trying to put her on the spot.

With that, Haley learns she's safe (big sigh of relief) and Sanjaya joins Brandon and Phil on stage. One contestant gets a free pass, and that's Phil, who is now breathing again. That leaves Brandon and Sanjaya (pictured above with Ryan), who I think was confident his stint as a make-believe singer had finally come to an end.

Not happening. The missed lyrics proved to be Brandon's undoing.

What to fix on this first Top 12 elimination show? "Idol" needs to figure out how not to jam so much into half an hour. Either scale back on the tribute medley or the guest performance because I know they won't dump the silly commercials. The ousted contestant should be allowed to perform one last time for the TV audience.

Next week, the Top 11 will be picking from the British pop music genre. You know, the song stylings of Herman's Hermits. Should be interesting.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 09:07 AM | Comments

March 14, 2007

Supermarket Ace

This just in: In addition to Ace Young giving a private concert to some lucky Sacramento gathering next Wednesday, March 21, he'll also be making a public appearance for fans who want to see him and, of course, get in on some of that Dreyer's "American Idol" ice cream (part of a contest thatI blogged about earlier this week.)

Ace will be dishing out autographs and scooping up plenty of Dreyer's when he appears from 2 to 4 p.m., also next Wednesday, at the Bel Air supermarket in Natomas, 3250 Arena Blvd. Get there early. You can get the ice cream until August, but Ace will only be at the store for, as they say, a limited time!

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 03:51 PM | Comments

Tough call tonight

Frank Micelotta/Fox

After seeing the Top 12 contestants perform Tuesday night, I'm not even close to predicting who will go home tonight.

Up to this point, the girls have blown the guys out of the singing waters, but even they were a little off their vocal game.

I still say that it was never going to be easy performing Diana Ross songs, and some of the choices were befuddling. For example, Chris Richardson sang "The Boss." I don't even have that one on any of my LPs! And then there were multiple attempts at rearranging the melodies to - as the judges often request -"make it their own." Most of those attempts, especially Chris Sligh's version of "Endless Love," fell flat. And why, for goodness sake, didn't anyone attempt the theme song from "Mahogany" - "Do You Know Where You're Going To?"

At the show's beginning, host Ryan Seacrest asked the trio of judges what they thought of the guys' chances now that the competition is heating up:

Randy Jackson: "I hope the guys bring their game because the girls are ahead."

Paula Abdul: "The guys are ready to come into their own - now."

Simon Cowell: "This stage changes everything. It can make you or break you."

And so forth and so on.

Meanwhile, Ross, dubbed the "female entertainer of the century," called her role on the show as that of a "trusting, supporting voice."

"I am not a critic. I'd like to see them (the contestants) have longevity after this show," she said. "Mentoring is part of parenting."

"Idol" stuck with its usual theme of having the singers pick a song and meet with "Coach" Diana to get some pointers before performing.

That said, here are some high - and low - notes:

* Brandon Rogers (pictured above): He said: "I've been exposed to a lot of celebrities, but she (Diana) is a different breed." Said Diana: "You need to go to your center." Brandon sang: "You Can't Hurry Love," the Supremes classic from 1966. And, maybe it was nerves and/or going first, but at one point Brandon forgot the words - an "Idol" catastrophe.

Randy: "You reverted back to being a backup singer, and you forgot the words. You got the last two notes, but it just didn't work for me."

Paula: "It's not easy. Nerves play a big part of it."

Simon: "That was a complete letdown. Very predictable version, very predictable arrangement. The dancing was terrible. Absolutely not good enough, sorry."

* Melinda Doolittle: She said: "I'm an old-school Motown girl at heart, so this is huge for me." Said Diana: "I got goosebumps when I heard you sing."
Melinda sang: "Home," from the movie "The Wiz." OK, so I never saw the film, and the song went right over my head.

Randy: "I don't know if it was my favorite performance, but I'm still scoring the girls 1, the boys 0."

Paula: "You're just feeling so much joy. I'm so excited for you." (Break to Paula shedding copious tears.)

Simon (Sneezing attack ensues): "You made a very boring song fantastic. You remind me of a young Gladys Knight."

* Chris Sligh: He said: "I don't have a nervous bone in my body." Said Diana: "This song goes to the heart, so you need to find a melody, a hook that will sell it." Chris sang: "Endless Love." Now, if you remember, this was the song Diana sang with Lionel Richie for that sappy 1981 movie of the same title (starring Brooke Shields). Chris did about as big a 180 as you could do on his version, turning it into a 2007 pop song.

Randy: "So this is the new Top 12 Chris. The bad part is it sounded like Coldplay. It was a weird thing to do with that song, and it was a mess for me."

Paula: "That song is so recognizable because it's a love song. I worry you're trying to be ultra-hip and cool. It needed some kind of melody."

Simon: "I think you murdered the arrangement. You turned a beautiful song into a complete and utter drone."

Note: Chris sang for the first time sans glasses. Simon told him to keep them on. Chris agreed the arrangement stunk, but that he went with his gut.

* Gina Glocksen: She said: "It was so crazy. I was a little star-struck." Said Diana: "Gina has incredible vocal ability. Just work on your pronounciation because you're telling a story. Don't leave any words out." Gina sang: "Love Child." She didn't botch it, but it just didn't have that "Yo" factor. Too rocker.

Randy: "I'm a Gina fan, but it wasn't my favorite performance. It was pitchy in spots, and it felt very boring to me."

Paula: "That's a feel-good song. You're better than you did tonight. It felt like you were shouting."

Simon: "I can't say much about it. It wasn't terrible, and it wasn't fantastic. It was just a middle-of-the-pack performance."

* Sanjaya Malakar: He said: "Working with (Diana) is like having Van Gogh teach you how to paint." Said Diana: "He is love. You care about him. Get your soul in there. This is not about his hair." Sanjaya sang: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." The background singers were terrific!

Randy: "Wow, I don't even know what to say. It wasn't very good, but the hair was rocking."

Paula: "You are the sweetest soul. But you've got to grab the audience. Let go. Explode with your vocals."

Simon: "Look, when you hear a wail (not a whale) in Beverly Hills, that's where Diana Ross is watching this show. She'll freak when she hears that. You're very brave, I'll give you that."

Note: Sanjaya went with a very Greg Brady, late-in-the-series look - super curly hair and striped shirt. But, here's the thing, despite the critical comments, I believe he has a steadfast fan base and will get by this week. Stranger things have happened on this show.

* Haley Scarnato: She said: "The lyrics to this song are beautiful." Said Diana: "Haley has a recording-studio voice, not so much a performing voice. She needs to show some emotion with this song." Haley sang: "Missing You," which Diana recorded after her dear friend Marvin Gaye's death. This performance - or better yet Simon's comments afterward - might keep Haley, who has been on the bubble from the get-go, around another week.

Randy: "You already know what I'm going to say. You gave it a valiant effort, but it was pitchy and all over the place."

Paula: "You look lovely (natch). Probably forgetting the words isn't great." (Unlike Brandon, I didn't catch Haley messing up. Did you?)

Simon (who last week said he didn't know her name): "Haley, I didn't think it was that bad. We will remember you now. You look like a star. You did better than I thought you would do."

* Phil Stacey: He said: "I didn't have a game plan. I just want to get the song right." Said Diana: "Look at the audience (when you're singing). They're real people, just like you and me." Phil sang: "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me." I liked it. I absolutely have no sense, however, of what Phil's fan base is, but I'm going to say this performance keeps him around.

Randy: "Are you glad that's over? A positive is that you get the voice of the night. You were hot."

Paula: "The vocals sound really good, but I thought it needed to be more up-tempo."

Simon: "I disagree. He chose the right tempo, and it was a very good song choice. However, when you try to hit the big note, it's like you shout in my ear."

* Lakisha Jones: She said: "It's not every day you get to meet a superstar like Diana Ross." Said Diana: "You picked a Billie Holiday song that I sang in 'Lady Sings the Blues.' I would wear something long and simple and hold the microphone." Diana also called Lakisha by her nickname, "Kiki." Lakisha sang: "God Bless the Child." Wow. That's all I can say, "Wow!"

Randy: "Kiki's in the house! It was the perfect song choice. I love the outfit. It was an unbelievable vocal."

Paula: "Your heart comes through. You're a beautiful girl and a beautiful performer."

Simon: "Either you've got it or you haven't got it. You've got it. It was a controlled performance. You weren't intimidated by the stage or the orchestra. You performed like a star."

* Blake Lewis: He said: "To get prepared, I went on the computer and tried to make (the arrangement) my own." Said Diana: "The song has been covered a lot, but you're bringing it from the '60s to today." Blake sang: "You Keep Me Hanging On." I honestly think Blake could actually sing with the Supremes if the group was still around.

Randy: "I'm a huge fan. There were some good things about it. But you don't have to 'Blake-ize' every song. Let classics be classics."

Paula: "The difference between what Blake did and what Chris (Sligh) did is that you (Blake) could have a hit with that."

Simon: "I didn't get it at all. You put your own take on it, but if you were isolated and heard it on the radio, you wouldn't have liked it. But, you'll be fine."

* Stephanie Edwards: She said: "This is the biggest mentor season for me." Said Diana: "She's a tiny little thing, but she has star quality. The key is to deliver the song with a sexy quality, then build out." Stephanie sang: "Love Hangover."

Randy: "It's an interesting night for forgetting the words. It was a good vocal with a strong finish. I was waiting for the up-tempo part to start."

Paula: "Keep striving for better. That's what arranging (a song) is for."

Simon: "It was a strange arrangement. Basically, you sang an intro and no end. You chose the wrong song. And you need to make a much bigger impact in the competition."

Note: For those disco divas in the "Idol" fan club, the Diana Ross version of "Love Hangover" starts slow - like Stephanie did - and builds to an amazingly fast song. She essentially didn't have "time" to get to the fast part. But that's not her fault.

* Chris Richardson: He said: "I didn't want to get star-struck, but I was. I asked myself if I was butchering her song." Said Diana: "I'm not different from you, I'm just older. Define the hook in the song, and then work the audience." Chris sang: "The Boss," which was an Ashford and Simpson composition from the late 1970s. For me, it was definitely a risk.

Randy: "You're holding the line for the boys. But it was kind of half good/half bad. I think you overdid it a bit."

Paula: "You nailed the blend between great dance and vocals. It was contemporary."

Simon: "It was dreadful. If I isolated you (like Blake) and had you listen to it on the radio, you would switch to the nearest channel."

Note: Chris R. was the first contestant to come out into the audience and sing on the platform behind the judges. Will that get him through? Maybe, just maybe.

* Jordin Sparks: She said: Nothing. She just smiled and gave Diana a huge hug. Said Diana: "You're absolutely gorgeous. You see the inner light in her. With this song, you must project. Don't lose your way." Jordin sang: "If We Hold On Together," from the film "The Land Before Time." Loved the dress, not so sure about the song. I never watched this movie with my kids because I wasn't into dinosaurs.

Randy: "At age 17, I'm so very impressed. We thought it was a two-girl race (Melinda and Lakisha), but tonight, you made it a three-girl race."

Paula: "You are a natural gift and a breath of fresh air. I wasn't familiar with the song, but it doesn't matter."

Simon: "It was a little bit gooey, but a very, very, very good vocal. Absolutely you have put yourself in with a shot at the finals."

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 11:11 AM | Comments

March 13, 2007

Ratings and Ross

Frank Micelotta/Fox

The Top 12 take to the stage tonight for a two-hour songfest (8 p.m. on Fox) featuring the music of Diana Ross. (One contestant will be eliminated on the show at 9 p.m. Wednesday.)

Now granted, diva Diana (shown above with the contestants and vocal coach Michael Orland) has a huge repertoire from which to choose. This includes not only the work she did as a solo artist but everything from the Supremes and duets she recorded with other singers. But, in my mind, most of her songs seem to fit those of the female persuasion when it comes to performing.

So, it will be interesting to see what the Top 6 guys pick. Let me know your thoughts after the show.

Meanwhile, the Nielsen ratings for last week's shows just landed. And "AI" swept the top three spots - again. Even the Thursday-night elimination show showed more signs of life. According to the Associated Press, with the February sweeps over, most of the other major networks "raised the white flag and put in reruns."

The "Idol" numbers?

Tuesday (the guys): 27.95 million viewers
Wednesday (the girls): 28.55 million viewers
Thursday (elimination show/naming of Top 12): 27.52 million viewers

And, speaking of the give-'em-the-boot show, I found out a possible reason as to why not as many "Idol" viewers are tuning in - at least during the drop from 24 to 12 contestants: They're getting the verdict online, when the East Coast feed is over. That's fine, but don't you want to see the shocked faces and the tears? Don't you want to hear the group medley? Don't you want to hear the Chris Daughtry parting song?

Anyway, we'll see what happens in terms of the ratings after this week's elimination show. And remember, only the Top 10 finalists get to go on next summer's nationwide tour - unless that changes this year for some reason. So it's a big deal to not be among the first two to be eliminated.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 06:14 PM | Comments

March 12, 2007

Ace is our scoop today!

"Idol" fans loved their Season 5 Top 12. And, to that end, they have scooped up the contestants' CDs in droves. (Rocker Chris Daughtry's has gone platinum.)

Now, we're waiting eagerly for the release of finalist Ace Young's (pictured above) compilation, which he's working on as I blog. It should be finished in the next two months.

In the meantime, he's still got his "Idol" connection going. He's part of the Dreyer's ice cream competition that I blogged about earlier. You know, the one where fans vote for their favorite flavor among the five Slow Churned varieties: Choc 'N Roll Caramel, Hollywood Cheesecake, Soulful Sundae Cone, Take the Cake, and Triple Talent.

I spoke with Ace, 26, by phone recently. Here's the, er, scoop:

Dreyer's decided to add some incentive to the ice cream competition by selecting 10 cities nationwide - including our own fair city! - to participate in a special way. That means that for every Sacramento vote cast for the ice cream flavors at www.slowchurned.com, voters will be entered into a separate contest to win a private concert by Ace at an "Idol" viewing party.

The deadline to vote for a flavor - and enter the Ace race - is noon on March 20. The winner will be selected at random and notified that day. Ace will perform an acoustic set the next night at the winner's home and then, hopefully, stick around for the "Idol" results show at 9 p.m.

"When Dreyer's asked me to be part of it (the ice cream contest), I thought it was a brilliant idea," Ace tells me. "It's a private concert for the winner and 20 friends or family. Plus all the Dreyer's ice cream they can eat."

Ace was in Phoenix last week for the first concert. The family had four children, ranging in age from a newborn to 8. "The kids were all running around, and one of them said he sang, too. I invited him to sing with me. Then, during the 'Idol' show, he sat next to me on the couch and asked, 'When are you going to be on?' I cracked up!"

Ace, whose favorite Dreyer's "Idol" ice cream is the Choc 'N Roll Caramel, says he still loves his connection to the hit show. He helped co-write buddy Chris Daughtry's first single, "It's Not Over," and he stays in touch with a lot of his Season 5 mates.

"I'm grateful for everything the show did for me, and to my fan base," he says, "because that's what it's all about."

In addition to his upcoming album, Ace started a charity for a children's hospital in his hometown of Denver. To raise money, he auctioned off autographed clothing he wore on last summer's "Idol" tour.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 01:47 PM | Comments

March 09, 2007

'Idol' in a giving mood

Gary Moyes/Comic Relief Ltd.

Early speculation about the groundbreaking announcement that was made on Thursday night's "American Idol" had it being some sort of "Super Idol" contest with past contestants who didn't win.

Turns out, "Idol" is, instead, in a very giving mood. Indeed, the big news is that the show, the Fox network and the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund are partnering for a huge TV event called "Idol Gives Back."

It's a two-night special that will air next month during the actual contest to raise awareness and funds for organizations that provide help to children and young people living in poverty in this country and in Africa.

Here's how it works: On Tuesday, April 24, the Top 6 finalists (whoever they might be) will sing songs that can be considered "life anthems" - anything about compassion and hope. "Hero" comes to mind.

After the show, viewers will do what they normally do - start voting via phone and text messaging. For every vote cast, "Idol" sponsors, including Coca-Cola and AT&T, will donate money to the charity. Ford Motor Co. also will be involved.

Then, on Wednesday, April 25, during a two-hour results show, mega celebrities, including Gwen Stefani, Pink, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox and Il Divo, will take to the "Idol" stage. And viewers will be able to contribute to the cause.

Thursday night, fans saw clips of host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell (pictured above) traveling to Africa to meet some of the children who will benefit from this enormous undertaking.

"Having witnessed some of the appalling conditions in Africa firsthand, I'm especially proud that our show is offering Americans the chance to help those most in need," Simon said in a statement.

Added Ryan: "Despite the extreme conditions, you feel an incredible sense of hope from the people ... especially the children."

And news of "Idol's" involvement in the charity reached U2's Bono, co-founder of the One Campaign To Make Poverty History.

"We'll see worlds collide when Africa appears on America's most-watched TV show," Bono said in a statement. "This is a big deal, a little bit of pop history ... I wouldn't underestimate the reach of this show or the impact its audience can have."

I say bravo to all the folks at "American Idol" for coming up with this plan. Besides being a really fun show to watch - and cover - it's now using its fame for a phenomenal cause. All indications are it will raise mega money.

So, mark your "Idol" calendars - not that you and I won't be watching anyway.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 04:40 PM | Comments

10 hits, two misses

Frank Micelotta/Fox
Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis congratulate each other after making the Top 12.

I'll keep this short and sweet: "American Idol" fans almost had a perfect score picking the Top 12 finalists. Almost.

Of the 37 million votes cast, enough of them went to Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato to knock out favorites Sundance Head and Sabrina Sloan, who left the show Thursday night.

This prompted judge Simon Cowell to quip, "The (TV) volume was turned down."

After a wretched sing-along ("Stuck in the Middle With You"), host Ryan Seacrest wasted no time getting to the business of the evening - seating the 12 finalists on those silly silver thrones. (Most of them stood anyway.)

Up first was Lakisha Jones and Blake Lewis, who were told they would be working with diva Diana Ross next week. Then, Chris Sligh, sporting an ill-fitting tie, had to wait through a commercial to move on. Teen singer Jordin Sparks was told "America loves you" as she became finalist No. 4.

Phil Stacey, wearing yet another goofy hat, was an obvious wreck. He moves on and is probably still in a state of shock today.

The first casualty of the evening was crooner Jared Cotter. This was sort of a surprise. I thought Brandon Rogers (and for sure Sanjaya) would be the two guys eliminated. Jared was, for lack of words, "shocked" at his dismissal but sang his parting song well. The judges offered some sage advice afterward:

Randy Jackson: "Originality. That's what you need."

Paula Abdul: "You're very talented. It's time to continue your dream."

Simon: "You're a good-looking guy. Work on your vocals."

Next to go through? Melinda Doolittle and Brandon. I knew she would and, because they were together, I figured he would, too. The backup singers are really front and center now.

Chris Richardson and Gina Glocksen held hands during their announcement. They made kind of a cute couple, but her boyfriend was in the audience. Ryan asked them how well they got along because they would be spending more time together as finalists.

And then there was Antonella Barba and Stephanie Edwards. Now, I really got sweaty palms because I feared Stephanie just didn't stand out enough to have developed a fan base. And Antonella? Well, her Internet escapades could easily have kept her in the competition. But, alas, I only had to listen to her sing one last time. In Antonella's future? I heard something about a possible deal with Playboy and also with "Girls Gone Wild."

Her parting shot: "I've got too many memories, but I've grown up a lot."

That gave us 10 finalists. A break in the action produced a lackluster performance by Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood. She looked great, but seemed a bit distant. Must be all those other awards she's picked up since 2005.

The next twosome was Haley and Sabrina. OK, so mealy-mouth Haley pulls a stunner and moves on, leaving Sabrina in total shock. Randy opines that "America got that one wrong." No kidding.

(Ryan makes the big "Idol" announcement, which I'm saving for another posting.)

The last pair left is Sanjaya and Sundance. I figured we would just have the one miss with Haley. But I've been wrong about Sanjaya from the get-go. He must have assembled one heck of a pity party because he becomes the final finalist. I agree that Sundance's Pearl Jam song earlier this week was not his best performance but, like the judges are always eager to point out, this is a singing competition.

Randy calls the decision "Wild!" Paula says "No disrespect, but ...."

Sundance says, "Somebody give me a job!"

The competition moves into fifth gear Tuesday on a two-hour show (at 8 p.m. on Fox), when the Top 12 take on the musical stylings of Diana Ross. My question: What are the guys going to sing - "I Hear a Symphony?"

So, just to recap, here are the Top 12 "Idol" finalists (in no particular order): Blake Lewis, Brandon Rogers, Chris Sligh, Chris Richardson, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, LaKisha Jones, Gina Glocksen, Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Haley Scarnato and Stephanie Edwards.

Programming note: The TV Guide Channel is airing a one-hour special at 8 p.m. Saturday to introduce the "Idol" Top 12. Hosted by former contestants Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini and also by Rosanna Tavarez, the show will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the newly announced finalists.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 09:35 AM | Comments

March 08, 2007

Girls were grrrreat!

Frank Micelotta/Fox

"24" is not just a TV show. It's also the number of hours that have elapsed between boredom and excitement. Wednesday night, the Top 8 girls performed on "American Idol." And, get this: I watched it twice! Once at 5 p.m.(neighbors' early Fox feed from the East Coast) and then again at 8 at home.

Why? Because I wanted to see the SIX really talented singers sing again. Notice I said six?

I'm not going to get too worried that "Idol" fans have formulated a plot to keep either Antonella Barba or Haley Scarnato around for the Top 12. It couldn't be more obvious who the Top 6 girls should be.

As for the guys, well, they had to just sit - or stand - and listen to the three judges rave about how much better the girls were. After the show, my neighbors and I agreed that this could be the year when maybe four or five guys get voted off before any of the girls.

Tonight's elimination show (at 8 on Fox) will be the moment of truth for four contestants. And we get a visit from Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who apparently still needs her "Idol" fix.

That said, here are the high - and the minimal low - notes from the girls' competition (including their goofy "secrets"):

* Jordin Sparks: Her secret? She's really into football. Well, duh, her father was a former NFL player. "I even wanted to play myself," she said. Jordin rocked with her rendition of Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker."

Randy Jackson: "You know what's crazy. It's a different show when the girls come in. It was pitchy in some spots, but it's better than all the guys."

Paula Abdul: "The energy! You're getting better and better and coming into your own artistry."

Simon Cowell: "I'm not quite as enthusiastic as the other two. It was a bit manic and shrieky. But 100 percent you will be back here next week."

* Sabrina Sloan: Her secret? "When I was in high school, I wanted to be the next Katie Couric. But I'm glad I had the singing thing going because I'm no Ryan Seacrest." On a fashion note: Loved Sabrina's dress. Loved the song, too: En Vogue's "Don't Let Go (Love)."

Randy: "Don't know if it was my favorite performance, but you did your thing. You've got that big voice. I wish it (song) had more melody."

Paula: "You can sing, sing, sing. Your voice soars."

Simon: "You're a great singer, but it was lacking the emotion we see from your main competitors (LaKisha, Melinda and Stephanie). This was more like a hotel resort performance. You have to inject some personality."

Note: While the judges' comments seemed a bit harsh, they all agreed Sabrina deserves to be in the Top 12.

* Antonella Barba: Her secret? "I played the violin all through high school. I'm a little rusty now. But I still give lessons." I say hook Antonella's violin up with Brandon Rogers' piano and we've got an early start on an orchestra. Get it? No more singing! Antonella gave it one more try with Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On." And, if we're keeping it real, it was a decent song choice.

Randy: "Still a little pitchy. It was a pretty good song choice but an OK performance."

Paula: "It was definitely the right song choice for you with your range. Watch the bottom notes, though, because your magic is up high."

Simon: "You've gone as far as you can go. The reality is you're surrounded by some amazing girl singers. But I will say this: You've taken a lot of stick in the media, and you took it well. I just wish you could sing better."

Note: Antonella, who always gets a few licks in, responds that she wishes the judges wouldn't compare her to the other singers. "We're all unique," she said.
To which Simon responded: "It's just a fact. This is a singing competition."

* Haley Scarnato: Her secret? She was a gymnast since the age of 5. "My body started giving out, and I turned to singing. It's my passion." Too bad Haley didn't get into something like cooking because her version of Faith Hill's "If My Heart Had Wings" did anything but soar.

Randy: "Very interesting song choice. It's who you are, right? It was in tune, but there was no pizazz. No 'Yo' in it." (FYI: Yo translates nicely into wow.)

Paula: "It may not have been our favorite song, but you did sing it well and you look good."

Simon: "I thought it was horrible, like a terribly ghastly high school musical performance. I don't even know your name. You genuinely haven't made an impression." Ouch!

Note: I'll give Haley a last say because I think she's punched her last timecard: "You (Simon) just don't like me. Every week, I clock in and I clock out."

* Stephanie Edwards: Her secret? They showed a cute clip of her singing as a child which, according to Stephanie, she was often asked to do for friends and family - even though she used to be terribly shy. Not last night. She sang "Sweet Thing." There was some issue about whether it was the Mary J. Blige version or more reminiscent of Chaka Khan when she sang it with Rufus. No matter, I liked it - and her dress, too.

Randy: "You get an 'A' for a valiant effort. But it was just OK for me. There were some pitchy problems."

Paula: "I thought you were darned near flawless. Great showmanship."

Simon: "You're one of the best we've got, but you've got a tendency to go a bit copycat. You need to find the uniqueness when you sing, but you've sung your way into the Final 12."

Note: Randy was the judge who felt it was Chaka's version. "Chaka done sung it."

* LaKisha Jones: Her secret? A terrifying fear of animals. "When I go to someone's house, I ask if they have animals because I warn them I'll be on your table or couch if you do." I knew ahead of time that LaKisha had taken Simon's fashion advice. Loved the black dress. Once again, we visit the hugely popular soundtrack from "The Bodyguard," with Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing." LaKisha, however, had everything going with this performance.

Randy: "Another great performance by the great LaKisha."

Paula: "You've already made us love you. You don't have to run anywhere. You're staying right here and working on being the next 'Idol.' "

Simon: "You've brought passion, talent and believeability. You've got the 'Yo' factor. And tonight, you look beautiful."

Note: LaKisha's mother and aunt stood out in the audience, dancing and singing in their matching T-shirts. Afterward, LaKisha said to Ryan, "I told 'em not to act up."

* Gina Glocksen: Her secret? All of her lucky charms, including a Troll in her pocket, a stuffed green pickle (her boyfriend was wearing it in the audience) and a pillow from her family. Gina really, really went rocker with "Call Me When You're Sober" by Evanescence. She suffered a slight, slight wardrobe malfunction when her hot pink bra peeked out from her top. But who's looking?

Randy: "Finally, the real Gina comes out tonight. You know what I like about you? You keep the edge alive. You were rocking out."

Paula: "It was more or less who I imagined you to be. But don't oversing because you fall flat a little bit. I know that you got excited by the band."

Simon: "It's the first time I've seen you look this comfortable. This is who we wanted in the competition. You're a breath of fresh air with a great personality."

* Melinda Doolittle: Her secret? I need help with her secret. I watched this twice and still can't figure out what Melinda's "OCD" thing is. Something about stepping on a crack with one foot and then the other. This totally threw me. But who cares? Melinda (pictured above) closed the show with a hot rendition of Peggy Lee's/KoKo Taylor's "I'm a Woman." Give this woman a recording contract already.

Randy: "The hottest one of the night. You're a consummate pro."

Paula: "Did you ever think you'd be on this stage, getting this kind of applause? You're likable and lovable."

Simon: "You little tiger! And I thought we had a pussycat. I love that you're actually enjoying every second you're having on the show and in the spotlight."

Note: Simon took one more jab at the Jennifer Hudson (Season 3) "steppingstone" comment, saying Melinda wasn't treating her "American Idol" experience the same way.

My parting shot: I'll be floored if Antonella and Haley aren't eliminated tonight. But if it doesn't happen, there will be one - or two - very talented contestants who exit the competition waaay too early.

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 11:06 AM | Comments

March 07, 2007

The boys were 'blah'

Frank Micelotta/Fox

With one last chance at becoming one of "American Idol's" Top 12 finalists, which entails singing on the "big kids" stage, you would think that the remaining eight guys would have made song selection a priority and presentation, i.e., hitting the notes and dressing like somebody, no brainers.

Well, in my eight weeks of covering Season 6, I can't recall being this disappointed. At one point during the hour, I think I was looking at how the crown molding in the living room fit together so nicely. That's how "blah" the dudes were on Tuesday night.

There was also a mishmash of song choices, from Pearl Jam to LeAnn Rimes, for goodness sakes! Throw in Rare Earth and, yikes!, Stevie Wonder (again). For host Ryan Seacrest to say that the three judges were "underwhelmed" is an understatement.

And, yes, things got off to a silly start with Ryan announcing each contestant would reveal a secret about themselves before they performed. (Can't wait to hear what Antonella Barba's hiding when the girls perform tonight.) As for the guys, the secret's already out: They are just mediocre - at best - this season. No Hicks. No Yamin. And certainly no Daughtry.

That said, here are the highs - and many lows - of Tuesday night's show:

* Blake Lewis: His secret? He loves Halloween and playing funny characters. Funny thing is, no one - not me or any of the three judges - had a clue as to the song he performed. Usually I can count on Randy Jackson for a hint, but not this time. Blake had to tell everyone it was "All Mixed Up" by one of his favorite bands, 311.

Randy: "I loved it, with the whole hip-hop/reggae thing. But I didn't recognize the song at all."

Paula Abdul: "I was interested. But I don't know the song either."

Simon Cowell: "I couldn't understand a word of it. But, you stand out in the crowd because you're making it current. You 100 percent will be here next week."

* Sanjaya Malakar: His secret? I was shocked to find out that Sanjaya, who shouldn't even be here at this point, took hula lessons when he lived in Hawaii four years ago. He sang John Mayer's "Waiting on the World To Change." OK, I officially agree with Simon: Sanjaya's hair is the only thing keeping him in the competition.

Randy: "It was a little better than last week. But you haven't returned to form since the audition."

Paula: "I think the guys around you are pushing you to be better. You need to get out of your comfort zone."

Simon: "I agree. It was not as ghastly as last week. But this is a singing competition, and that wasn't a very good vocal."

* Sundance Head: His secret? "I wear a fat suit on TV. Actually, I'm a super-sexy thin guy." Bet that's news to his spouse. But I digress. Sundance, who bawled profusely as the two guys from last week went home, was anything but weepy. Whipping the microphone around, he blasted - emphasis on "blasted" - Pearl Jam's "Jeremy." Again, I hadn't heard this song - ever.

Randy: "I like the Southern rock thing, but you lost the melody at points."

Paula: "I appreciate the try." (What does this mean?)

Simon: "You're in the 'Sundance groove.' I didn't like it as much as last week ("Mustang Sally") because it had a generic bar-singer sound, like you were shouting the whole song. But you do have a unique quality."

* Chris Richardson: His secret? "I played football in college and I got a little chunky. About 40 pounds more than I weigh now." Moving on. Chris, who is definitely an audience fave, went country (sort of) with Keith Urban's "Tonight I Wanna Cry." Finally, a decent song choice.

Randy: "Every week, you put your own twist on (the song choice). You are definitely in it to win it."

Paula: "Great song. I like the pop/country adaptation."

Simon: "Again, I'm not jumping out of my chair. It was cutesy, and you were a little nasally. I don't think we've heard what you're capable of, but you sold it."

* Jared Cotter: His secret? "I played college basketball, but I quit to be a singer." Really?!! Jared moved from Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder this week. And he dropped the weird hand gesture on "If You Really Love Me."

Randy: "I was little worried about you singing Stevie. But it was a good, solid performance."

Paula: "I think you need to work on coloring up your moments by trying different things." (I had no idea what this meant. Explanation to follow.)

Simon: "I think I know what Paula's trying to say. You're not very original. We've heard a lot of people like you. You're popular, but none of the guys is having the 'wow' factor tonight."

* Brandon Rogers: His secret? He can play classical piano - and really well. Fall-back job? Definitely. Brandon had one of the oddest song choices (for me at least) of the night - Rare Earth's "I Just Want To Celebrate."

Randy: "You brought a rock edge to it. But it got a little messed up at the end."

Paula: "Phenomenal. You're where you belong."

Simon: "I don't believe you've represented yourself well because you're one of the better singers. Think about the girls and how they've picked memorable songs. I'm nervous for you this week."

* Phil Stacey: His secret? "I haven't always been bald. I had hair once, but I shaved it. Now I'm the bald guy on 'American Idol.' " No, Phil. You're the bald guy on "American Idol" who wears cut-up jeans with a Bing Crosby-esque golf hat (pictured above). Hands down, the most bizarre outfit of the evening. Add the bad look to his rendition of a LeAnn Rimes song, "I Need You," and Phil was a total mess.

Randy: "Interesting song choice. You've got a big ol' voice, but the low part of your registry is pitchy.

Paula: "It was an odd song choice. And chancey."

Simon: "I didn't get that at all - the hat, the eyes - and it was a very strange choice of song. Not good enough, sorry."

Note: Even Phil, who said afterward that he picked the song because he loved it, admitted it was "obviously the wrong choice."

* Chris Sligh: His secret? "I used to have short hair. But I shaved my head to see what my hair would look like when it grew back. Now I look like Phil Stacey. But this is no perm." Good to know. Chris, who just might be getting on one of my five last nerves, sang "We All Want To Be Loved." Any thoughts on where this compilation comes from? I'm saying that it's DC Talk. If I'm wrong, let me know. Anyway, why not end the night on yet another weird choice?

Randy: "I'm not sure it was my favorite song. But, you get the vocal prize of the night."

Paula: "It wasn't my favorite performance. I think you need to stretch a little more vocally."

Simon: "The beginning was good. But you shouted in the middle. However, I believe you've done enough to get through."

With that, the guys' competition was mercifully over. Again, the song choices were all over the place. And I don't like the hokey "secret" thing. Some of these "performers" need to rethink the things they say they like to do - hula dancing, shooting hoops. Anything other than singing.

The Top 8 girls perform at 8 tonight. And Ryan informed us that Season 3 winner Carrie Underwood will appear on the elimination show Thursday night; I thought she was above the whole "Idol" thing. Interesting. Plus, we find out the mystery behind what Ryan calls "the biggest event in 'Idol' history."

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 09:14 AM | Comments

March 06, 2007

'Idol' is tops - again

The Associated Press calls it "escapist entertainment." I call it "I'm paid to watch." Whatever. Today's Nielsen ratings (see the list on Wednesday's Scene Page 3) have Fox dominating - certainly in the middle of the week last week.

Three editions of "American Idol," coupled with three installments of the cutesy game show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" (no, I'm not), lifted the network to the top of the ratings heap.

According to Nielsen Media Research, nothing else last week came within 5 million viewers of these two programs. Wow!

Here's the breakdown for the three nights of "American Idol”:

Tuesday: 30.65 million viewers
Wednesday: 29.78 million viewers
Thursday: 27.39 million viewers

I'm still somewhat puzzled at the numbers drop - by more than 2 million viewers - for the elimination-night show. Don't "Idol" fans want to know who gets the heave-ho? Well, you can always count on me for that scoop!

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 04:13 PM | Comments

Simon says

And I thought "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell (pictured) was holed up in some Hollywood hotel between episodes of the show.

Apparently not.

The Brit, who is never at a loss for words, is giving lots of interviews to various publications and online sources, spouting venom on everything from former contestant Jennifer Hudson to rehab resident Britney Spears.

Consider this:

* Simon chastises Jennifer (a Season 3 contestant who didn't win on "Idol," but who did nab a recent Oscar for her turn in "Dreamgirls") for not acknowleging "Idol" in her acceptance speech.

"Jennifer Hudson said 'American Idol' was a 'steppingstone' for her. Stepping stone? It was her big opportunity to become noticed and she got noticed and she got 'Dreamgirls,' " he told Ireland On-Line.

"Singers like her deliberately turn against the show that made them successful. The reason (people) come on the show is because all the doors had been slammed in their face." Ouch!

* Simon says he "couldn't care less" about Britney's alleged battle with substance abuse. According to the Voice of America, Simon told a London newspaper: "This whole thing is a total indulgence. We've allowed these people to feel sorry for themselves. I don't know what's going on in Britney's head but my attitude is, I couldn't care less. She should go back and live with her mum for six months." Double ouch!

Meanwhile, can't wait to hear what Simon has in store for the Top 8 guys tonight. And, speaking of Season 6 contestants, it seems the quaint New Jersey town of Point Pleasant is, in some ways, rallying behind one of its own - Top 8 girl contestant Antonella Barba. (You know I can't let a day go by without an Antonella update.)

According to Reuters, some businesses in the seaside city, about 45 miles south of New York City, have put up "Antonella, You Go Girl!" signs in their windows. And residents have their own opinions about the racy photos of her splashed all over the Internet.

For example, Matt Purpuro, 47, and owner of Quicky Discount Oil Change Lube and Filter, said, "She was given an unfair rap. I don't see anything wrong with topless on the beach."

However, at the Four Point Refrigeration company, employees told Reuters they felt Antonella allowed the photos to be published "because she wants a modeling career and cannot make the grade on her singing."

"She isn't getting anywhere on that voice," said Michele Wells, 27, a secretary.

Well, we'll see what happens to our Jersey Girl come Wednesday night, when the female contestants compete. If I were Antonella, I'd definitely sing a Mariah Carey song. Randy Jackson will love it!

Posted by Leigh Grogan at 03:13 PM |