AI Recaps-May 1st
The Top 6 Perform
Last week we got the shock of the century. Not a single Idol hopeful was booted off on results night. And on performance night the top 6 get to rock out to Bon Jovi’s greatest hits. Ryan proves he’s ready to rock out when he comes out sans tie. Ooh, Ryan, you are so edgy!!
Jon Bon Jovi is the mentor, and he brings along his keyboardist. I wonder if Jon’s Philly Soul T-shirt is a shout out to my Pennsylvania friend Marie. Well, I bet she thinks it is.
Phil (Blaze of Glory)-If you would have told me a few weeks ago I’d really enjoy a Phil performance, I would have called you nuts. Well, I really liked this performance. I’m not a fan of his lower register, but his belting is top notch, and served this power anthem perfectly. Also, Phil is no longer lifeless on-stage and seems to be getting more comfortable. This was an excellent way to start the show. And except for Mr. Grumpy Pants Simon, the other judges liked it too. But once again we get a snippet of Randy Jackson’s Curriculum Vitae. He recorded “Blaze of Glory.” Yes, we get it Randy. First Journey, now Jon Bon Jovi. You, alone, are the architect of rock and roll.
Jordin (Livin’ on a Prayer)-Jordin, you may not want to mention to Jon Bon Jovi that your mom loves Bon Jovi. Yep, he’s old enough to be your father, but there is no way any rapidly aging rocker wants to admit it. Okay, Jordin’s performance. Well, I thought it was a bit meh. Instead of livin’ on a prayer, it was like nappin’ on a prayer. Rock should be a bit dangerous, but Jordin was at dangerous as a shopping trip at Limited, Too. I thought Jordin might really be able to deliver because her rendition of Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker” from a few weeks ago was such a great performance. But this performance wasn’t anything to brag about. And it was too shrieky in some parts.
LaKisha (This Ain’t a Love Song)-I’m not that familiar with this song so I couldn’t compare it to the original. But I do think this was the perfect song choice for our KiKi, very soulful. Miss Chuch Girl gave it a gospel vibe. I still find her very limited in showing any diversity; she’s really in a box. But I guess this box suits her even though it can be a bit boring. However, her vocals were excellent, not a bum note that I can recall. It looks like KiKi is back. But she macked on Simon. I don't know if I'm jealous or repulsed by that.
Blake (You Give Love a Bad Name)-Hey, Blake “Miss Clairol” Lewis is sporting a new hair color! After weeks of not beat boxing, Blake has to give this song his patented beat box treatment. Maybe he was going through withdrawal symptoms. I wasn’t too crazy about the beat boxing. I thought it took away from the song. Then again, Bon Jovi is hardly sacred ground. They’re basic arena rock. So I’m going to give Blake some credit for taking a risk. It will help him stand out from the rest of the top six. And was that really Simon’s mum in the audience rocking out? You mean Simon actually has a mother? He wasn’t just spawned in some ooze some where beneath the surface of the earth?
Chris (Wanted: Dead or Alive)-Chris tells himself before he goes on stage to have fun. I wish he’d tell himself not to sing out of his nose. I thought this was a ho-hum performance. I’m trying to recall DAUGHTRY’S performance of this song last year. I can’t quite remember if it was good or bad, though no doubt he gave it the Nickelback treatment. No matter what, I’m sure it was vastly superior to Chris Justin Timberfakin’ his way through one of Bon Jovi’s most notable songs. And his voice sounded thin, and yes, nasally.
Melinda (Have a Nice Day)-My girl Mindy Do takes it to church and showcases another side of her, the rocker chick. Like Randy and Simon, I thought Melinda had a very strong Tina Turner vibe, and really got into the energy of this song. She had good chemistry with the guitarist as if they’ve been playing gigs for ages. And I liked how her vocals had a sassy attitude. I don’t think this was her best performance, but she is still miles above a lot of other contestants who compete on this show.
Bon Jovi night wasn’t a trainwreck of epic proportions like I thought it might be. There were a few surprises like Jordin stumbling and Phil soaring. And KiKi seems to be back in fine form, and on rock night of all nights. Blake brought beat boxing to rock and roll. Chris brought nothing but nasal. And Melinda proved she can sing anything including rock music. It looks like Gina wished she was up on stage rockin’ out, but it was kind of her to loan her ruby red Manic Panic to Jordin for the night. And speaking of rock and roll, nothing screams rock cred like President and Laura Bush.