Tonight American Idol performances were country. Martina McBride was the mentor for the American Idol contestants. She's one of my favorite country music stars. I recall a few years ago when she came to the Stadium of Fire in Provo -- one of my favorite celebrations (this year Brooks & Dunn will be headlining).
I loved Martina's advice about connecting with the music and the lyrics. That's so important when it comes to great performances.
Here are my notes from tonight:
Phil Stacey -- I would have liked to see what he would have looked like with a cowboy hat tonight. It would have matched his outfit and the country style. He really has a great voice. Needs to work a bit on his performing and showmanship, with a bit more energy. But I do like his voice and thought he sang well tonight. I think the country style fits his voice -- and the judges agreed!
Jordin Sparks -- I loved her hair -- it looked beautiful. Didn't really dig the dress though. But she is beautiful and has a nice voice. I thought we lost a lot of her spark and spunk -- because of the song choice. She sang it well and I'm certain she'll get a recording contract. She's also a contender for the title of American Idol -- and Simon's comment that based on her performance tonight he could see her winning. I'm not sure. I think she's still a little young but I know she's very well liked.
Sanjaya Malakar -- Oh my heck -- what is going on with his hair? He is a good sport, but please, please send him home this week! It felt like karaoke. He needs so much polishing and I wish the people who are trying to ruin American Idol would quit it and just let us enjoy the show. Randy said it was karaoke too and Simon "utterly horrendous". To hear Simon and Ryan argue is quite entertaining. I have to say that I really think Simon is right most of the time -- I don't want to be criticizing the contestants because it takes a ton of courage to get up and perform and then listen to critiques. But this is really a singing competition, we have to be realistic and just say Sanjaya is not the best and shouldn't continue on to the next round.
LaKisha Jones -- I was pleased to see that she was much more modest this week than previously. It was nice to just enjoy her singing and not be distracted by the outfit. She has an amazing voice, but I have to say this was not my favorite performance. Of course, she'll get a recording contract whether she wins or not, and at this point I think she'll come in 3rd or 4th. Her personality has not been as strong as some of the others.
Chris Richardson -- I just think he is so likeable. The tone of his voice is a bit less "smooth" than some of the other guys, and I'm not sure I'd buy an album from him, unless he was in a group with some harmony. Just personal taste. I really really like his personality but I just didn't like the performance this week. I hate to see his reactions when the judges criticize him -- he just looks so sad. His emotions show on his face so much. I hope he doesn't go home, but might.
Melinda Doolittle -- If American Idol was just about picking the best singer -- Melinda would win hands down. I'm liking her hair with the extensions. I think V-neck shirts would look nice on her and elongate her neck, but the shirt today was I think the best she's worn on the show. I'd like to see her have the confidence when she talks like she has when she's performing. She's got amazing talent. I liked that Simon told her to "lose the surprise" when he complemented her. She did and it worked for her -- I liked her humility but now she really shouldn't be surprised. I heard Leah Remini on Ellen talking about how that "act" of being surprised came across as not sincere. I didn't really agree, until tonight -- when her response of not being surprised -- it came across much better!
Blake Lewis -- I know he's a favorite, but I get a bit distracted by his lack of expression on his face when he sings. Initially I liked him a lot, but I think he's lost some of that -- kind of staying the same each week and not really shining. I didn't really like the performance this week, but it seemed like the audience liked it.
I think Phil, Chris and LaKisha will be in the bottom three this week. Although Sanjaya should be there rather than LaKisha. I think Phil will go home this week but he did a really good job, and I probably would buy an album from him if it was country. My dream would be that Phil stays and Sanjaya goes home -- then things would be more on track.
