Greg's American Idol recap...
Wow. Three songs in one night by each remaining contestant. I'm still trying to sort it all out. I took some notes as I watched just to keep track and I found Melinda Doolittle to be the real standout and the most likely contestant to remain unitl next week. When she was singing Whitney Houston's "I Believe In You and Me," what was coming through was that she was feeling the song, not just belting it out. I watched her do that number and thought, "She deserves to win." The judges were back on form last night after being ridiculous last week and were unanimous in their praise of Melinda who followed her first song with the rowdier "Nutbush City Limits" which was solid and rocking then she changed it up again with the third number 'I'm A Woman." The three numbers showed her range and skill and why she should absolutely win this competition.
Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis are worthy of being in the top three but are not in Melinda's league I think. Last night, Jordin did quite well with "Wish Upon a Star" but next, was so-so on the so-so song "She Works Hard for the Money." I think she could have done a little more with it although I'm sure she was not pleased that the producers chose it for her. And her final song, "I Who Have Nothing," was beautiful and, I think the best of the three.
But I think Blake has a good chance of edging Jordin out of the second finalist spot because of how well he did with his three songs. Paula Abdul selected the Police's "Roseanne" (UPDATE: oops, I meant "Roxanne") for Blake to open with and he brought energy to it with his dancing and comfort on stage. This guy is such a good performer and such an individual. I love it! Then my favorite Blake performance came second with Marron 5's "This Love" which included a little beat boxing at very appropriate times. I loved this. Randy Jackson suggested that when Blake cuts a record, he include a song like that. I agree totally.
Blake wrapped up with Robin Thicke's "When I Get You Alone." It was interesting but not something I'd buy. But Simon paid Blake a great compliment when he said: "You don't play it safe, you take a risk and you actually look like you're having fun."
In the end, I didn't see Jordin taking any risks last night. I think Blake deserves to be in that final next week.
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in Hollywood
Greg Hernandez, Page 2 "News Lite" columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News, gives you a fly-on-the-wall account of the Oscars and other awards show, movie premieres, film festivals and various star-studded events. He also shares his celebrity interviews as well as specially-selected videos and photos. He writes about all things pop culture through a gay man's eyes ...
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"Roseanne"?:)